2d

We are leaving soon for three weeks in Spain. We will be in San Sebastian for 8 nights. We plan to day trip from San Sebastian to the following places:

Laguardia/Haro/Logrono
taking in some of the new architecture
in the area
Vitoria
Hondarribia
Bilbao
with side-trips to little fishing villages
Pamplona to Tudela

At least one full day in San Sebastian of course.

We will be using routes suggested by Maribel in her guide to the Basque region. Your feedback on our plans would be much appreciated.

bobthenavigator

St. Jean de Luz in France---lovely.

St. Jean Pied du Port in the Basque hills---not to be missed.

You can make a loop and include both. Maribel does not include them since they are in France.

thereyet

I found Maribels guide to Pays Basque region and she covers those areas of France quite well. thereyet

thereyet

Oh, here is the link.
http://maribelsguides.com/

thereyet

Marija

There's so much to eat in San Sebastian that the only day trip we managed in 7 nights was Bilbao. Lunches at the Michelin starred restaurants are a good deal...

weber6560

Don't drive yourself crazy.

San Sebastian is a jewel. Relax and enjoy. Don't get caught up totally in "old" SS with all the other tourists [and many locals]. There is a wonderful, tasty, and perhaps more graceful life the other side of Boulevard.

Day trips? Bilbao by bus. It is a better town than its current rep. Hondaribbias? Take a city bus and walk the shore. My impression is that it's rep exceeds the reality but there is some good food. Coastal villages? My pick is Lekeitio but it is best on a Friday or Saturday when the people are out and about. A bit far for a day trip. Stay at the Hotel Zubieta the largest part of which was a barn from the 1700's. Pamplona? An easy hour by bus and then back. Take a run up to France.

Again, my counsel would be to enjoy SS. The food, the cleanliness, the economic activity, the pride, the x's and k's, the tradition.

It suits me better than any place I have yet found in Europe.

[However, that will not stop me from continuing to look for something better!]

OReilly

As Bob said, St. Jean Pied du Port in France is a "must see". Drive from San Sabastian is lovely. If you can manage it, continue from St Jean to Ainhoa (beautiful village) and then on to St Jean de Luz.

2d

Well, thank you all so much. DH & I are especially interested in architecture, old & new. Would you suggest replacing any of the trips I've listed with something else considering our interest (e.g., up the coast to France rather than ?).

Thanks, 2d

ekscrunchy

Just make sure to drive through the Pays Basque; along with St. Jean and Ainhoa, Sare and Espelette (buy some pepper!) are achingly picturesque. You certainly will eat well on this trip!

For architecture you could always hook Barcelona on to the end if you have time!

2d

The last five days of our trip will be spent in Barcelona--can't go to Spain and not see Gaudy!

BTW, we will be doing all day trips by car to allow for flexibility (e.g., little side trips off the beaten path).

Jen

Love, love, love San Sebastian! My only comment would be to spend a night or two in Pamplona-- one of my favorite places in Spain.

OReilly

Hi 2d. Here are some photos from my trip through the (French) Basque region. It was beautful:


Ainhoa
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...6vkt6&Ux=0

Drive from Ainhoa to St. Jean Pied de la Porte
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...vrgmn&Ux=0

French Basque towns:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...dkfn2&Ux=0

Regards Ger

Wm

OK! I'm convinced. A day trip to the Pays Basque region. Ger, you pictures are lovely. Thanks so much for sharing. We've found it very difficult to restrain ourselves on this first trip to Spain--way to much to see. It takes a lot of effort not to overdo.