1. ARANZAZU + LOIOLA + EKAIN Donostia/San Sebastián Aranzazu Sanctuary = 80 mins The sanctuary of Aranzazu was built over 500 years ago in honor of the Virgin Mary that supposedly appeared there to a local shepherd in the 14th century. The new church was built in the 1950s on the edge of the cliff by different artists : entrance gates by Eduardo Chillida, sculptures of apostles by Jorge Oteiza, altarpiece by Lucio Muñoz. Aranzazu Sanctuary Loloya Sanctuary = 45 mins Construction of Loyola s sanctuary began in the 17th century and lasted until the early 20th century. The basilica is the central part of the building designed by the Italian architect Carlo Maria Fontana. The whole structure was made of large blocks of limestone quarried from Mount Izarraitz.
Loyola Sanctuary Ekain = 15 mins The Ekain caves were found around 14.500-10.000 years ago. The replica allows all the visitors to enjoy the legacy of the art of the inhabitants of this valley during the Paleolithic. The original Ekain cave has been declared a World Heritage site.
Donostia/San Sebastián Zarautz = 20 mins 2. ZARAUTZ + GETARIA + ZUMAIA (FLYSH) Less than a half an hour away from Donostia/San Sebastián, Zarautz is home to the longest beach in the Basque Country and also to famous waves that attract surfers from all over the world. Zarautz Getaria = 15 mins Getaria is located on the Bay of Biscay, about 25 km of Donostia/San Sebastián. It is a little fishing village famous for its fresh-caught fish and the local white wine txakoli. Getaria Zumaia = 20 mins The Flysch deposits of Zumaia is a rock layers formation of 13 km of cliffs, which show us over 60 million years of the history of the Earth. During the visit, you will be able to see the thin black layer that indicates the impact of a giant asteroid and the wholesale extinction of the dinosaurs about 65 Ma ago.
Donostia St. Jean de Luz = 45 mins 3. SAN JUAN DE LUZ + BIARRITZ + HONDARRIBIA Less than an hour away from Donostia/San Sebastián we find Saint Jean de Luz. Its main highlight is its beautiful beach and the promenade along it. Another highlight of the city is its most important street called Rue Gambetta, where pedestrians can walk around little boutiques of chocolate and local products. St. Jean de Luz Biarritz = 20 mins Located on the south coast of France, Biarritz has 6 km of beaches and is therefore a popular summer holiday destination. It most important constructions are the spectacular casino build in 1929 by architect Alfred Laulhé and the Hôtel du Palais. Another must-see of the city is the Rock of the Virgen that can only be reached through the bridge known as Eiffel bridge.
Biarritz Hondarribia = 50 mins Hondarriba has become famous in the last decade thanks to its gastronomy, but it also boasts a well-preserved old town that is surrounded by a fortified wall. Besides the impressive Old Town, Sant Maria s church is another must-see of the village.
Donostia/San Sebastián Bilbao = 1h 10 mins 4. BILBAO + GUGGENHEIM Bilbao is the largest city of the Basque Country as well as the most cosmopolitan of the cities of the region and famous for its gastronomy and pintxos. Bilbao now boasts having the Guggenheim Museum designed by architect Frank Gehry, the metro system designed by Sir Norman Foster or a community center designed by Philippe Starck. The main attraction of the city, the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997. The titanium panels of the structure were designed to capture the light, and it is said that it resembles a ship sailing the river. The museum designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry holds modern art expositions through the year.
Donostia/San Sebastián Elciego = 2h 5. RIOJA ALAVESA The little village of Elciego has become famous in recent years due to the Marqués de Riscal Winery and the hotel that was designed by the Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The colors of the structure are based on the wine and the bottles from Marqués: pink for the wine, gold for the metal net that covers the bottle, and silver for the foil around the cork. Elciego might be one of the most interesting villages of the region thanks to its old town, it characteristic houses and its impressive church. Elciego Laguardia = 10 mins Situated at the top of a hill, Laguardia was originally built as a walled town and was used primarily as a military fort. Famous for its old military tunnels that are now used as the perfect storage place for wine.
Lunch will take place at Viña Real winery, and outdoor picnic surrounded by a huge vineyard area and views to the great fields of Rioja Alavesa. Fees 1. ARANZAZU + LOIOLA + EKAIN 70 (minimum 25pax) 2. ZARAUTZ + GETARIA + ZUMAIA (FLYSH) 85 (minimum 25pax) 3. SAN JUAN DE LUZ + BIARRITZ + HONDARRIBIA 70 (minimum 20pax) 4. BILBAO + GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM 85 (minimum 25pax) 5. RIOJA ALAVESA 100 (minimum 30pax)