Basque Itinerary
Oct 27th, 2010, 09:36 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Basque Itinerary
We plan to fly into Bilboa in the evening. this is what I have roughed out so far.
Day 1 visit the Guggenheim and town.so 2 nights in Bilboa
Day 2 . The next day we will drive to San Sebastian via Guernika.(overnite San Sebastian)
Day 3 free day (overnite San Sebastian
Day 4 Thinking of driving to Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz (overnite here
Day5 free day in St Jean de Luz area
Day 6 Early drive to Figures and try to do Dali museum (this may not work, may need to do it the next day)
So , I only have the one day 2 nights in Bilboa, is that enough? Only one free day in San Sebastian and one leisure travel day with stop in Guernika. One leisure day in St Jean. The reason I changed hotel instead of doing Bayonne and St. Jean as a day trip is because I would be heading toward Figueres next and didn't want to back track. Is this enough time. What would you do with the free days? Also, we would be there the second week in May will we need hotel reservations or can I just make them for Bilboa and San Sebastian and leave the other nights open to give me flexibility? Thank you.
Day 1 visit the Guggenheim and town.so 2 nights in Bilboa
Day 2 . The next day we will drive to San Sebastian via Guernika.(overnite San Sebastian)
Day 3 free day (overnite San Sebastian
Day 4 Thinking of driving to Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz (overnite here
Day5 free day in St Jean de Luz area
Day 6 Early drive to Figures and try to do Dali museum (this may not work, may need to do it the next day)
So , I only have the one day 2 nights in Bilboa, is that enough? Only one free day in San Sebastian and one leisure travel day with stop in Guernika. One leisure day in St Jean. The reason I changed hotel instead of doing Bayonne and St. Jean as a day trip is because I would be heading toward Figueres next and didn't want to back track. Is this enough time. What would you do with the free days? Also, we would be there the second week in May will we need hotel reservations or can I just make them for Bilboa and San Sebastian and leave the other nights open to give me flexibility? Thank you.
Oct 28th, 2010, 12:15 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi tidy, i had a most enjoyable time there last month..Yes u need to book hotels in advance if only for s.seb and bilbao, not bilboa.. in s.sebastian i went to a nice boutique hotel, niza hotel but i hsd to email them first my dates.also suggest hotel orly san sebastian..i will check my notes for the best dining experience owned by a friend, hacier,right across the sta.maria novella church, very dramatic in the evening..it is a very beautiful city..yes one day in bilbao is ok- guggenheim plus the old town of bilbao..suggest u check the market days of the french towns, makes them more interesting and dates of the fiesta celebrations in all these places..
Oct 28th, 2010, 02:12 AM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wrote a post on how common is to misspell Bilbao, lots of English speaking people spell Bilboa...don´t know the reason yet!!
For some local info on the area, you may find my blog useful, www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism.
For some local info on the area, you may find my blog useful, www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism.
Oct 28th, 2010, 03:08 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You write elsewhere that you are staying five weeks. Then, in my humble opinion, it would be close to insanity staying just one night in San Sebastián.
Arguably the most beautiful city in Spain, the food capital of Europe, fabulous city beaches and a culture that people take great pride in. May would be an ideal time of year to go, spring is there and the Spanish tourist invation is a couple of months away. Lots of charming villages along the coast towards vibrant Bilbao.
At least, you should have a look at these two articles before deciding to almost just pass through San Sebastián:
1) "A different kind of Spain":
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
"There is dining that features more Michelin starred restaurants per mile than Paris, New York, or Vienna. There is a culture that brought Woody Allen to the city’s Film Festival last year, brings Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan to this summer’s Jazz Fest, and embraces Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum just down the coast in Bilbao. There is the zest for life that drew Ernest Hemingway to nearby Pamplona and was immortalized in The Sun Also Rises.
San Sebastian’s setting on the coast is a panorama reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro - a horseshoe bay of blue water whose entrance is guarded by Mount Igueldo, a wide sandy beach circling the bay, green mountains extending all the way to the water, and a statue of Christ on Mount Orgull overlooking it all. At the back of the bay lies the city, clad largely in white, perched on the beach and the slopes heading up into the mountains".
and:
2) "Is San Sebastián the best place to eat in Europe", where the world's most famous chef, Ferran Adrià (El Bulli), suggests that San Sebastián is not only the the best place to eat in Europe, but in the world "in terms of the average quality of the food, in terms of what you can get at any place you happen to walk into".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandsty...rink.shopping2
Arguably the most beautiful city in Spain, the food capital of Europe, fabulous city beaches and a culture that people take great pride in. May would be an ideal time of year to go, spring is there and the Spanish tourist invation is a couple of months away. Lots of charming villages along the coast towards vibrant Bilbao.
At least, you should have a look at these two articles before deciding to almost just pass through San Sebastián:
1) "A different kind of Spain":
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
"There is dining that features more Michelin starred restaurants per mile than Paris, New York, or Vienna. There is a culture that brought Woody Allen to the city’s Film Festival last year, brings Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan to this summer’s Jazz Fest, and embraces Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum just down the coast in Bilbao. There is the zest for life that drew Ernest Hemingway to nearby Pamplona and was immortalized in The Sun Also Rises.
San Sebastian’s setting on the coast is a panorama reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro - a horseshoe bay of blue water whose entrance is guarded by Mount Igueldo, a wide sandy beach circling the bay, green mountains extending all the way to the water, and a statue of Christ on Mount Orgull overlooking it all. At the back of the bay lies the city, clad largely in white, perched on the beach and the slopes heading up into the mountains".
and:
2) "Is San Sebastián the best place to eat in Europe", where the world's most famous chef, Ferran Adrià (El Bulli), suggests that San Sebastián is not only the the best place to eat in Europe, but in the world "in terms of the average quality of the food, in terms of what you can get at any place you happen to walk into".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandsty...rink.shopping2
Oct 28th, 2010, 03:39 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In San Sebastián we've been very happy staying in quiet and charming Hotel Chomín, 50 metres from the Ondarreta beach and a 20 mins walk along the beautiful La Concha beach promenade to the city center and the bustling Parte vieja/Old town.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...chomin.en.html
Hostal Alemana is a great value option close to the center, the old town and the La Concha beach: http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html
Hotel Maria Cristina and Hotel Londres are old world luxcury:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...westin.en.html
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...aterra.en.html
If you are looking for something quite special, Villa Soro might be an idea: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...lasoro.en.html
Villa Soro would also be quite close to one of the world's greatest restaurants through the past twenty years, three Michelin stars Arzak. I normally don't care two much for these gourmet palaces, and I love eating at all the fabulous "normal" places in San Sebastián, but the two nights I've had in Arzak I would never forget. Book early!
http://www.arzak.info/ing/home.asp
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...chomin.en.html
Hostal Alemana is a great value option close to the center, the old town and the La Concha beach: http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html
Hotel Maria Cristina and Hotel Londres are old world luxcury:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...westin.en.html
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...aterra.en.html
If you are looking for something quite special, Villa Soro might be an idea: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/san-...lasoro.en.html
Villa Soro would also be quite close to one of the world's greatest restaurants through the past twenty years, three Michelin stars Arzak. I normally don't care two much for these gourmet palaces, and I love eating at all the fabulous "normal" places in San Sebastián, but the two nights I've had in Arzak I would never forget. Book early!
http://www.arzak.info/ing/home.asp
Oct 28th, 2010, 02:37 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kimehe, this post says that we are in San Sebastian 2 nights. Yes, Figueres would be about a 6-7 hour drive but it is enroute to Barcelona and we want to do the Dali Museum and HOuse. What about the St Jean de Luz area for 2 nights. I thought we could explore Bayonne and French villages from there.
Oct 28th, 2010, 02:43 PM
#11
I highly recommend that you vist the French Basque villages, very pretty. We traveled from the Basque region across to the Mediterranean side driving along the north side of the Pyrennes on the French side.Great mountian views.
Oct 28th, 2010, 03:57 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why are you driving across country to Figures? Are you headed to SW France from there or back to BCN to fly home? We loved Pamplona and Vittoria-Gastiez (although we only stayed there one night each) and spent a couple of nights in a smaller coastal town after a day trip to San Sebastian, before we went on to Bilbao. I think I would drop St Jean de Luz and stay in San Sebastian longer. Driving around Basque country is a real kick. It is truly beautiful.
Do pull up Maribel's guide on the area. It is very worthwhile.
Frankly, I think the Guggenheim in Bilbao is best for it's architecture -- the art -- meh! But the city around it is really wonderful. As I mentioned, our order was totally different than yours, but we based ourselves in Lekeitio, which is between San Sebastian and Bilbao on the coast. We stayed at a gorgeous place called Hotel Zubieta. www.hotelzubieta.com We had 2 fantastic meals in this little coastal town, just following suggestions of the concierge.
I think San Sebastian could be a good place to stay too. It is a bigger city than I expected, but really looked like a lot of fun. We were only there for a half day & lunch, and it was rainy. I'd go back there for a couple of nights. But we had previously been inland at Vittoria, and then the night before at Pamplona, so we were looking for a smaller town and Lekeitio was lovely.
Seafood is astounding in these locations. And in May, you'll find wonderful local rose wines to drink. Starters were often a seafood soup, and differs all over the place because the chef's seem to like to personalise their versions.
Do pull up Maribel's guide on the area. It is very worthwhile.
Frankly, I think the Guggenheim in Bilbao is best for it's architecture -- the art -- meh! But the city around it is really wonderful. As I mentioned, our order was totally different than yours, but we based ourselves in Lekeitio, which is between San Sebastian and Bilbao on the coast. We stayed at a gorgeous place called Hotel Zubieta. www.hotelzubieta.com We had 2 fantastic meals in this little coastal town, just following suggestions of the concierge.
I think San Sebastian could be a good place to stay too. It is a bigger city than I expected, but really looked like a lot of fun. We were only there for a half day & lunch, and it was rainy. I'd go back there for a couple of nights. But we had previously been inland at Vittoria, and then the night before at Pamplona, so we were looking for a smaller town and Lekeitio was lovely.
Seafood is astounding in these locations. And in May, you'll find wonderful local rose wines to drink. Starters were often a seafood soup, and differs all over the place because the chef's seem to like to personalise their versions.
Oct 28th, 2010, 06:21 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are heading to Figueres to see the Dali Museum and house and then into Baarcelona. We will not have been to Barcelona yet, we will have only see Madrid when we reach Basque Country. The food sounds fabulous. Do you think I need to make hotel reservations ahead of time in May???
Oct 28th, 2010, 09:25 PM
#15
We had not trouble getting hotels as we traveled in may this past year. We had reservations in Bilbao and San Seb and then went into the French Basque country and got reservations as we traveled.
The Dali house is in Cadaques, not Figueres. U need to make reservations for the Dali house. We called and could get them for the next day.
The Dali house is in Cadaques, not Figueres. U need to make reservations for the Dali house. We called and could get them for the next day.
Oct 29th, 2010, 12:00 AM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tidy,
I cant quite see how these ideas are fitting into your overall programme to HIT Spain in one visit.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
You now want to add France to this rushed itinerary.
Really you should slow down and see the places you visit not pass by like you are doing at the momnet.
1 night in one location means you see nothing.
2 nights means you have one day to rush around and see virtually nothing
3 nights is the best solution.
I cant quite see how these ideas are fitting into your overall programme to HIT Spain in one visit.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
You now want to add France to this rushed itinerary.
Really you should slow down and see the places you visit not pass by like you are doing at the momnet.
1 night in one location means you see nothing.
2 nights means you have one day to rush around and see virtually nothing
3 nights is the best solution.
Oct 29th, 2010, 01:34 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We traveled through the area with no reservations -- it was a September/October time frame. Driving is very easy there, and we didn't feel "rushed" at all, even though we did several one-night-stands...but when we found someplace that felt special we would extend our stay to two nights. It wasn't as if these were long drives between stops! We really felt we saw and experienced a lot of Basque country.
I would NOT recommend leaving reservations to chance in Barcelona, however. We lucked out and got a small apartment for 5 nights near Placa Catalunya, but our first night was spent in a really dreary hotel reserved via the Tourist Office. Barcelona is packed with things to to and see. You don't want to drive into the city if you can help it! We found the best place to park our rental car (our trip was 35 days long) was at the airport. There is a super bus you can get a RT ticket for, that was perfect to get into town.
The Dali Museum in Figueres is well worth a visit. There is a smaller Dali Museum in Barcelona, but it is not nearly as over-the-top as the one in Figueres.
I would NOT recommend leaving reservations to chance in Barcelona, however. We lucked out and got a small apartment for 5 nights near Placa Catalunya, but our first night was spent in a really dreary hotel reserved via the Tourist Office. Barcelona is packed with things to to and see. You don't want to drive into the city if you can help it! We found the best place to park our rental car (our trip was 35 days long) was at the airport. There is a super bus you can get a RT ticket for, that was perfect to get into town.
The Dali Museum in Figueres is well worth a visit. There is a smaller Dali Museum in Barcelona, but it is not nearly as over-the-top as the one in Figueres.
