The drive from Barcelona to the Basque Country is absolutely stunning.  We head into the state of Aragon and wide open landscapes, passing stone villages that rise abruptly out of the rocks, past monasteries and ruined castles and over lofty pyrenean mountain passes. Switch gears from all things Spanish as you enter the world of Europe's oldest and still thriving cultures, still articulated through a mysterious language and rituals performed regularly in the open as they were thousands of years ago. We work closely with Basque locals to ensure our days here are authentic, our time well spent, and our interactions give back in some way to the community. As an introduction to this culture, we will spend time with a Basque Anthropologist that guides us through parts of San Sebastian and its unique neighbouring town of Hondarribia. Both of these towns have amazing old quarters situated right next to the beach where powerful atlantic swells march through and create perfect waves to a surfers delight. Are you a surfer or want to learn? We are also surfers and know the best spots and are excited to help you learn in this incredible setting if you have the will! San Sebastian's old town is filled with lively eating establishments that line their tables with a buffet of basque style tapas known as pintxos. Pintxos are usually eaten as a snack or appetizer with friends and family, making it a social experience and an important activity that constitutes Basque identity. Our local knowledge will guide you to the best pintxo establishments where we can explain the foods origin and its significance to the people here. Basque cuisine is unique and interwoven into their identity. We plan to trace the foods origins to the farms and savor the learning process with our taste senses; to food markets in nearby towns such as Tolosa, to rural areas and farms to learn about the important sheep herding culture/cheese making, and to some of the best dining locations in the world. Cooking classes are also a fun option for groups. Classes are usually held in cofradias (brotherhoods), private members only eating associations where women are not allowed to cook!

 Perhaps one of the more Catholic cultures of Spain, a journey deep into the hilly interior along the route of the three temples teaches us about some of the great mystics that come from this region: The Monastery of St. Ignatius of Loyola where the still vibrant Jesuit movement was born, the shrine of Santa María La Antigua, and to the sanctuary of Arantzazu which is surrounded by great hiking circuits. An overnight here in the charming village of Oñati allows time to visit a Txakoli bodega, a traditional basque winery and/or to caves where cheeses are produced. Farther along the coast lies the village of Zumia famed for its unique coastline made up of the longest continuous rock strata in the world known as the Flysch. The Flysch is best viewed by taking a boat ride along the coast. Time permitting we recommend heading over to France as another beautiful change of culture lies only 20 minutes away and makes a great day trip to select spots such as Biarritz and Bayonne for the best crepe in the world! Nature lovers will not be disappointed with the many outdoor activities at our disposal. Besides the unreal surfing on tap, there is great mountain biking, a challenging hike up a mountain steeped in local mythology or a beautiful costal walk along an official stretch of the Camino de Santiago. As an avid surfer, I make many trips to the Basque country on my own and regard this area as a must see in Spain. With so much to do here, its best we get to know you and your group better to make suggestions and plan the perfect itinerary for you here.