Basque Country Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
Basque Country Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: May-Aug
Bilbao to San Sebastián & Biarritz
Picture it: basking on a Basque beach. Sampling savory pintxos. Biking along the coastline from peaks to ports to pastures. Bring it to life on this family adventure by the sea and in the mountains of France and Spain.
Highlights
- Hike, bike and kayak the rugged Basque coastline and explore ancient border watchtowers along the Jaizkibel coastal mountain range
- Immerse yourself in rich and colorful Basque culture, with its own language, customs and gastronomy
- Surf with the pros in a fun-filled beginner's lesson at Pukas Surf Skola, one of the oldest surfing schools in Spain
- Discover the glamorous beaches of dazzling Biarritz, once a vacation destination of the European aristocracy
- Fall in love with the Atlantic Pyrenees on a hike on the Camino del Norte with views out to the sea
StartBilbao, Spain
EndBiarritz, France
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Follow hiking routes through the vast Basque Coast Geopark • Discover the spectacular flysch cliffs, more than 60 million years old, towering above the sea • Walk along the beach to an enchanting fishing village • As you hike, meet pilgrims following the St. James Trail to Santiago de Compostela • Spend time exploring San Sebastián, hanging out on its beaches or kayaking to a little island for great views of the bay and mountains • Taste delicious pintxos, the popular local snacks • Unwind at our palatial retreat.
Nights 1-2
Set in the city center, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Urumea River, this elegant century-old hotel is just a short walk from sandy beaches.
Day 3
Catch a wave! You're in one of Europe's top surfing spots • Ride a leisurely route into France and seaside St-Jean-de-Luz • Hike France's beautiful Basque landscape • Bike past sheep-dotted hills and quaint farmhouses • Linger over an aperitif with your family and take in views of the sea from our hotel's inviting terrace • Explore St-Jean-de-Luz's narrow streets and dine along the town's picturesque waterfront.
Night 3
Built in 1901, this hotel has retained the charm of the belle epoque while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury. (spa)
Days 4-6
Discover the countless charms of French Basque Country • Ride along the coast and through vibrant fishing communities • Wander around the lavish seaside town of Biarritz, dubbed the "queen of beaches and the beach of kings" ever since Empress Eugénie de Montijo and her husband, Emperor Napoleon III, made it the favorite resort of the European aristocracy • Gather with locals to eat, drink and shoot the breeze in the old port and covered marketplace, Les Halles de Biarritz • Our chic cliff-top hideaway provides an idyllic setting to celebrate a wonderful family vacation.
Nights 4-5
Rich in history and charm, this 19th-century oceanfront hotel has a grand design, spectacular views and an exceptional restaurant. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Amid Basque country and the Pyrenees foothills, you can look forward to some great climbs and steep descents on our hike and bike rides. If you want a boost, e-bikes are available and we can flatten some of the more challenging portions of the routes with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable handling hilly terrain or hopping in the van for a lift.
While we always aim to get off the beaten path, this region is a popular coastal vacation spot for European tourists. You'll be among locals and fellow travelers when we visit towns, and there can be moderate car traffic on some of the country roads we bike on (cars in this area are very respectful of bikers).
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Set in the city center, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Urumea River, this elegant century-old hotel is just a short walk from sandy beaches.
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
Built in 1901, this hotel has retained the charm of the belle epoque while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury. (spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Rich in history and charm, this 19th-century oceanfront hotel has a grand design, spectacular views and an exceptional restaurant. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.