During this trip we will visit some of the most famous spots of the Basque Country, like Nervión waterfall and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, as well as visit the three main cities of the region – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and San Sebastián.
| August 25 | Transfer Valencia – Victoria-Gasteiz (6 hours) |
| Hike Salto del Nervión (easy, 11km, 180m+) | |
| Check in the hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz | |
| August 26 | Drive to Arantzazu (1 hour) |
| Hike Camino de Urbia (medium, 11km, 560m+) | |
| Night in Vitoria-Gasteiz | |
| August 27 | Drive to Pagomakurre (1 hour) |
| Hike Gorbeia peak (medium, 12km, 620m+) | |
| Check in the hotel in Bilbao | |
| August 28 | Drive to Gaztelugatxe (40 minutes) |
| Visit the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe | |
| Relaxing evening and night in Bilbao | |
| August 29 | Drive to Markina (45 minutes) |
| Hike to Santa Eufemia hermitage (medium, 12km, 700m+) | |
| Check in the hotel in San Sebastian | |
| August 30 | Public bus to Pasaia |
| Hike from Pasaia to San Sebastián along the coast (easy, 13km, 200m+) | |
| Trip finale dinner in San Sebastián | |
| August 31 | Return back to Valencia (6 hours) |
The Nervión Waterfall
On the borders of the provinces of Burgos and Álava awaits one of the great natural spectacles of the country. Flashing, the Salto del Nervión falls from more than 220 metres into the void. The karstic environment of the spot where it is located, Monte Santiago, guides several streams to converge at this point. Several viewpoints and routes allow you to see this landmark! Several streams in Álava run through this source, but it is from the waterfall that the river is known as the Nervión. From there it enters the Basque Country until it flows into the famous estuary that divides Bilbao into two banks. There is little to do with the final, industrial landscape that you see at its source. Very deep, the Delika canyon is the gorge that runs the first metres of the well-known course.
Salto del Nervión, the tallest waterfall in Spain | Fascinating Spain
Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park
The Aizkorri-Aratz nature park, straddling the provinces of Álava and Gipuzkoa, stands out for its limestone mountains and its endless beech woods. It boasts the highest peak in the Basque Country, Aitxuri (1,551 m) and legend has it that the mythological goddess Mari can still be found among its peaks.
Come and see the biggest Griffon vulture colony in Gipuzkoa! Or why not visit Arrikrutz cave? What about a walk through the impressive Iturrigorri beech forest? Or how about going to see some Latxa sheep in their natural habitat? All this and more awaits you in Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park. This park, with mountains that rise up like a rock wall between the provinces of Gipuzkoa and Alava, is a firm favourite with Basque mountaineers. As well as having highest mountain range in Euskadi, the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park is home to some of the region’s richest cultural heritage such as dolmens, ancient caves and Roman roads.
Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park | Tourism Euskadi
Gorbeia Natural Park
Gorbeia Natural Park is well-known to Basque mountaineers. The Gorbeia cross sits aloft Mount Gorbeia (1,482 m) whose summit straddles the border between Bizkaia and Alava. The park covers an area of karst land with a total of nearly 500 catalogued sinkholes. The scenery in Gorbeia is very varied, ranging from bare rock face to gentle, rolling pastures and beech and oak forests.
For the Basques, the quality of the park scenery and its cultural significance have made it a popular destination for many outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, mountain-biking, horse riding, potholing, etc.
Gorbeia Natural Park | Basque Country Natural Areas
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
In the middle of the Basque coast, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is catalogued as protected biotope and far from any urban nucleus. This idyllic place is located between the coastal towns of Bakio and Bermeo joined to the coast by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase.
The church we see today unfortunately is not the original one. Over the centuries there have been fires and battles and the church has had to be rebuilt on multiple occasions. It is believed that the first hermitage was erected in the 9th century. In the 12th century, it became a convent. However, two centuries later the friars left the place taking all the valuables with them.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe | Basque Country Cultural Heritage
Monte Ulía – San Sebastián
Gipuzkoa is a fabulous location for those looking for a pure experience of nature. This is a unique and quite spectacular corner in the north of Spain, particularly suited to fans of hiking, bike touring and other outdoor pursuits. Located between the Gros and Ulía districts, this green area with almost 320,000 m2 of hills and trails stretches all the way to neighbouring Pasajes.
Ulía was used as a recreation area for local high society from the early 20th century. The first electric tram in Spain was opened on Ulía in 1902, providing transport between Monte Ulía and San Sebastián. The cable car that began operating several years later was a roaring success. Monte Ulía rises 235 metres above San Sebastián. The picnic area in this natural space was once a meeting place for hunters and fishermen from Basollua. Used for shooting practice in days gone by, it has since been turned into the ideal spot for a family lunch in the outdoors.
Monte Ulía – A natural oasis in the heart of San Sebastián
Accommodation
Hotel Arts – Vitoria-Gasteiz
Hotel Arts – Gasteiz Centro is located in the historic city centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is 50 m from the Artium Museum and 150 m from Santa María Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and Villa-Suso Palace . Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The rooms are spacious and have a private bathroom. There is also a TV and telephone provided.
Hotel Bilbi – Bilbao
This hotel occupies a privileged spot next to Bilbao’s old city, close to La Ribera market, the Miribilla Quarter and the Bilbao Arena Sports Centre. It has been lovingly refurbished with modern interiors and free WiFi. Rooms come with Canal + satellite channels and air conditioning. Private bathrooms have a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Enjoy excellent exterior views of the city from your bedroom in the Bilbi. You are footsteps from the Nervión River and can easily access the majority of Bilbao’s sights and attractions on foot. There are also many restaurants nearby where you sample typical Pintxos.
Hotel Monte Ulia – San Sebastián
Hotel Monte Ulia is located just outside San Sebastián, 20 minutes’ walk from Zurriola Beach. It offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. All rooms at the Monte Ulia Hotel have both air conditioning and heating. They have a private bathroom and LCD TV, and most have a private balcony.
Sign Up
The price of the trip is 765 Euros per person (1425 Euros for a couple). 150 euros paid in advance to reserve the spot; balance due by 4th of August (free cancellation till 6th of August). The price includes transportation, six nights of accommodation, insurance and a professional guide.
Members get a 15-euro discount.
The price is for a person sharing a twin room. You can reserve a single room for additional 175 euros.
It is possible to sign up till 4th of August. Payment by bank transfer.
You can use the button below to reserve your spot / get more info about the trip or contact us by e-mail to info@valenciamountainenthusiasts.com