Hi morningstar,
While the Iriarte Jauregia is a really lovely property, as you know, it does lie inland, deep in the Basque countryside. So it doesn't make quite as convenient a location for exploring the coast as would Iturregi in Getaria or the Urgoiti in Derio.

The area where the Iriarte Jaurgia located, between Azkoitia and Tolosa is a combination of beautiful, pastoral mountain scenery interspersed with ugly, heavy industry, just so you'll know...

And it's not on the direct route from Elciego to Donostia although on the A8, when you reach industrial Elgoibar (not a pretty place). you can cross over to it on the Gi 2634 through the manufacturing towns of Azkoitia and Azpeitia.

We took a drive down there 2 weeks ago to attend the Sat. Tolosa market, to have a chuletón feast with Gipuzkoa's "master of the steak grill" at Casa Julián, then drove on into the very scenic Goierri and some of its villages (Zegama, Zerain, Idiazabal, Segura). But we did this on a full day trip from Donostia.

morningstar,
I meant to add that the interior decor of the Iriate Jaurguia looks very similar to that of Getaria's Iturregi. Gorgeous rooms, for sure. It just opened officially on June 26-the first 4 star hotel to be built in this part of the Basque country side. It appears to be pitched to wedding and corporate retreat business. Quiet it will be on non-wedding weekends. It's a member of Relais du Silence.

mornnigstar - this has got the makings of a fabulous trip. thank you for helping amsdon and Maribel remind us how lovely this area is.

when we went [20+ years ago, amazingly] Santillana was already very touristy - I don't imagine anything has improved. the rioja was pretty deserted, and avilla was mainly memorable for the bits of saint teresa preserved for all to see.

I'm sure you'll have a great trip.

regards, ann

Hey Morningstar,

I would greatly suggest Granada, because of the Alhambra. It is a must-see! I have been to Granada, Madrid, Cordoba and Barcelona. Granada was my favorite. We were in Barcelona for 2 nights and we were able to see a lot of its main attractions. Maybe three nights at tops would be sufficient for Barcelona. I would suggest including Toledo and Granada to your list.

enjoy this wonderful country!!!

Maribel, I just reviewed your Madrid guide and while I have been there so many times, I still pick up tips from you (I will be there for couple weeks later this month.... it is mostly a family reunion trip although we will have 3-4 days for travel in the Madrid region). Hope all's well with you. And with amsdon. Regards to you both.

Hi ComfyShoes,
I'm really happy that you'll be there for a couple of weeks in Aug. but also sorry we didn't get to meet you this time. Perhaps we'll coincide on a future trip....

Don't worry about not meeting. Sometimes it is better not to (I might look quite weird or ominous ;) ).

One problem with Spain travel is I have such a hard time getting used to the U.S. for couple weeks after I get back as I miss the food etc (and I am not a Spaniard by a long shot.... my wife is). Actually, this time I am supposed to meet with couple people purely for business expansion reasons. This I have never done before in Spain. Should be an interesting experience in its own right.

Anyway, hope you are well.

Hi Comfy!

It's been way too long! For those of you that do not know Comfy he is our very own Fodors renaissaince man and has written a very informative & entertaining report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm


So nice to "see" you again!

Amsdon, You are most kind. Remind me again when are you guys heading to Spain? I think October or November, no? Hope you enjoy it.

oct 6!

Cool. You will love it, I know. (BTW, I picked tickets throwaway prices on flycheapabroad dot com with just two weeks advance notice! Delta... What's up with cross-Atlantic fares lately?).

Yes I had a decent price with AA too, but I missed those really great prices that you seem to have gotten. Good for you!

amsdon, Have you ever seen "Made in Spain" by Jose Andres? Visit http://www.josemadeinspain.com/home.htm or http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/spain/292165. The other day I saw him discussing pepper of Padron, tettila, albarino grapes, and Finisterre/Galicia (basically, a little of produce, some cuisine, and some locale discussion). Quite a delightful show.

Jose Andres just opened up a new restaurant in LA - I'm dying to go. It's received rate reviews.

amsdon - maybe we could meet up here some day :)

http://www.thebazaar.com/

Yes Comfy I love his shows and NO! Cathym I did NOT know. Great! Yes let's meet there. I will tell DH right now.
I hope it makes it, you know L.A. has never really supported a spanish restaurant for some sad reason.

Ok now wait...it's coming back to me...I read the review on this somewhere (most likley a Drs office. I'm surprised I didn't "borrow" the magazine..In any case love to go let's connect about it soon.