SShprints

My father is turning 50 July 18th, and we're taking him on a trip to Basque Country. What's a great way to celebrate? Some sort of activity maybe? Rent a bot for a day? Some amazing restaurant with a view to die for? I have lots of info on hotels and beaches, but not really the "HOW TO CELEBRATE." Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Sergey

Robert2533

Where in the Basque Country are you planning on being and how long will you be there? The Donostia-San Sebastian Jazz Festival, Jazzaldia, begins on the 19th or 20th of July (the schedule hasn't been released as yet), and lasts for a week.

There are dozens of great restaurants in the Basque Country to choose from, but I recommend that you read Maribel's Guide to the País Vasco (http://maribelsguides.com) for a better idea of what to see, do and where to dine.

SShprints

I arrive in Biarritz on July 18th..which is when his Birthday is. Not sure what the plan is, but probably catch a bus to SanSeb, and station ourselves there until the 23rd.

Robert2533

You should make a hotel reservation at least two months prior to the 18th if you want to reserve something like Arzak or Akelarre in San Sebastian. These are two of the most expensive restaurants in the area and popular with a certain type of person. There are many other choices available including Casa Nicolasa, more traditional Basque cuisine in a more formal setting.

Ibai is a classic restaurant on Guearia. There is also Itxas-Alde, Kokotxa, Kukuarri and Martín Berasategui's Kursaal on Avenida Zurriola. Urola on Fermin Calbetón would be another good choice, as would Urepel on Paseo de Salamanca.

The one restaurant with a great view is Akelarre.

Robert2533

That should be a restaurant reservation.

SShprints

thanks for the info Robert..I am taking note of all this. The Jazz Festival starts on the 21st, so we'll be there for 2 days.
Are there any shows in the area?
Can you rent a boat/yacht for a day?
Also..what about Biarritz? Are you as familiar with Pays Vasco?
Thanks,
Sergey

Robert2533

Most of the jazz venues take place in the old city and at Kursaal Center, on the beach side. You can buy your tickets as soon as you arrive, or on-line when the schedule is released. Don’t wait until the day you want to go because the tickets sell out quickly.

I'm fairly familiar with the Pays Basque, both the coastal region and the interior. We usually spend two to three weeks in the area during the summer, splitting our time between Bilbao, Hondarribia and Biarritz.

You can use the bus to get back and forth to St. Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz and Bayonne, but it's best to have a car to explore the interior, Espelette, Itxássou, Ainhoa, Sare, Bidarray, St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, and the area around Cambo and Hasparren. There are several great restaurants in the interior, including one in Urt that is worth a taxi ride from Biarritz or Bayonne, Auberge de la Galupe

Remember to read Maribel's Guides to both sides of the Basque country. You'll find them very helpful in planning your stay.