Nestled along the picturesque Basque coast, Biarritz serves as the perfect launchpad for an immersive exploration of the region’s inland wonders. This full-day excursion promises to whisk travelers away from the seaside resort, unveiling a tapestry of charming villages, historic sites, and stunning natural landscapes. From the iconic chili peppers of Espelette to the serene beauty of the Pas de Roland gorge, this journey offers a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse cultural and geographic riches that define the Basque Country. With transportation, bottled water, and optional food and wine experiences, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion explores the inland Basque Country, visiting the renowned village of Espelette and the charming village of Ainhoa.
- The tour includes a guided visit to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and a scenic drive through the Pas de Roland mountain gorge.
- Participants can enjoy a food tasting tour, a wine tasting experience in Irouléguy, or a combination of both.
- The tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, and includes transportation in a top-of-the-range air-conditioned minivan.
- Prices start at $1,472.06 per group of up to 7 people, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Highlights
The tour highlights visitors’ exploration of the Basque Country’s inland, featuring a visit to the renowned village of Espelette, known for its distinctive chili peppers.
Travelers will then discover the charming village of Ainhoa, one of France’s most beautiful.
The journey continues to the scenic Pas de Roland mountain gorge, followed by a guided tour of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a key stop on the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The tour also includes a visit to Irouléguy, renowned for its vineyards and estates, as well as the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry in Lower Navarre.
Throughout the day, guests will enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and enjoy the unique Basque culture and heritage.
Inclusions
What does this full-day trip into the Basque Country’s inland include?
The tour offers a 9-hour excursion with guided city tours, transportation in a top-of-the-range air-conditioned minivan, parking and tolls, and fresh water on board. Plus, it provides a smartphone charger for travelers’ convenience.
The guided city tours allow visitors to explore the highlights of the region, including the famous chili pepper village of Espelette, the beautiful village of Ainhoa, the scenic mountain gorge of Pas de Roland, and the key pilgrimage stop of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The tour also includes visits to the wine region of Irouléguy and the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry in Lower Navarre.
Additional Options
Along With the core tour, travelers can opt for a food tasting tour or a wine tasting experience in Iroulŭeguey for an additional fee.
The food tasting tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the local Basque culinary delights, from the famous Espelette chili peppers to other regional specialties.
The wine tasting in Iroulŭeguey, known for its exceptional vineyards and estates, allows visitors to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of the local wines.
The additional options include:
- Food tasting tour
- Wine tasting in Iroulŭeguey
- Both food and wine tasting experiences
Booking and Cancellation
Booking the full-day trip into the Basque Country’s inland starts at $1,472.06 per group of up to 7 people.
Customers can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This allows for flexibility in planning the excursion.
The convenient pickup and drop-off locations include major cities like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Anglet, Biarritz, Bayonne, Cambo-les-Bains, and Bidart, catering to a wide range of travelers.
The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests.
However, the activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, food, and drinks aren’t permitted in the vehicle.
General Information
The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off locations across major cities like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Anglet, Biarritz, Bayonne, Cambo-les-Bains, and Bidart, accommodating a wide range of travelers. The activity is available in English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, food, and drinks are prohibited in the vehicle.
The tour’s highlights include:
- Exploring the charming village of Ainhoa, one of France’s most beautiful.
- Discovering the scenic mountain gorge of Pas de Roland.
- Visiting the vineyards and estates of Irouléguy, known for its exceptional wines.
Espelette: Chili Pepper Paradise
Nestled within the picturesque Basque countryside, the quaint village of Espelette is renowned for its iconic chili peppers, which have become synonymous with the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Exploring Espelette’s artisanal shops, visitors will discover a vast array of pepper-infused products, from spicy sauces and rubs to chocolate and even cosmetics.
A highlight of the day’s tour, visitors will stroll through the charming streets, admiring the traditional red-and-white half-timbered houses adorned with strings of drying peppers.
The lively market square provides a vibrant backdrop, where locals and producers proudly showcase their prized piment d’Espelette. This immersive experience offers a tantalizing glimpse into the gastronomic soul of the Basque Country.
Ainhoa: One of France’s Finest
From the quaint streets of Espelette, the tour continues onward to Ainhoa, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. This picturesque Basque settlement, with its iconic red-and-white half-timbered houses and charming central square, captivates visitors with its timeless allure and well-preserved architectural heritage.
Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, Ainhoa offers a truly enchanting experience:
Wander through the narrow cobblestone lanes, admiring the intricate woodwork and vibrant flower boxes adorning the historic buildings.
Marvel at the 16th-century Church of Saint-John-the-Baptist, with its striking stone façade and ornate interior.
Savor local delicacies and Basque specialties at the village’s cozy cafes and restaurants, soaking in the warm, friendly atmosphere.
Irouléguy: Vineyards and Estates
Next, the tour ventures into the renowned wine region of Irouléguy, where visitors can explore the area’s acclaimed vineyards and prestigious estates.
Irouléguy is renowned for producing exceptional red, white, and rosé wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Basque Country.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour these family-owned wineries, learning about the traditional winemaking methods and tasting the rich, full-bodied flavors that have made Irouléguy a favorite among oenophiles.
Whether strolling through the lush vineyards or sampling the latest vintages in the estate’s tasting rooms, this stop provides a delightful immersion into the heart of Basque winemaking culture.
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Recap
This immersive day trip into the Basque Country’s charming inland villages and scenic landscapes is a must for those seeking an authentic cultural experience.
From the iconic chili peppers of Espelette to the picturesque charm of Ainhoa and the rolling vineyards of Irouléguy, this excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
