Itinerary
- Day 1
Hendaye
When you arrive in Hendaye, timing is everything for making the most of your first day. If your flight gets in early enough, head to Domaine d'Abbadia to walk through the natural site with its moors, prairies, and heather-covered valleys leading up to high cliffs. The neo-gothic chateau on the property is worth seeing too if you have time. Otherwise, use this day to settle in and get oriented before starting your hike tomorrow.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walk in the area of Domaine d'Abbadia (65 hectares natural site with moors, prairies, purple heather valleys and high cliffs)
- Visit the neo-gothic chateau, Domaine d'Abbadie
Landmarks Domaine d'Abbadia Domaine d'Abbadie - Day 2
Hendaye
Start from Hendaye Plage and head out on your self-guided walk. The trail climbs quickly above the Atlantic Ocean, and you'll get great views of the coast right away. The first stage takes you through small villages, and as the day goes on, the high Pyrenean peaks start appearing in the distance. This is really your warm-up day before things get more challenging.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Self-guided walk from Hendaye Plage along coastal route with Atlantic Ocean views
Landmarks Hendaye Plage - Day 3
Hendaye to Sare
Those distant mountains you saw yesterday come into focus today. The main event is climbing Rhune summit at 980m/3,215 ft, which marks the beginning of the Pyrenean chain. After reaching the top, the route brings you down to Sare village where you can rest and recover from your first major summit push.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Climb to summit of Rhune (980m) - first peak of the Pyrenean chain
- Hike to Sare village
Landmarks Rhune Summit Sare - Day 4
Sare to Ainhoa
After breakfast in Sare, you'll do an easier walk heading toward Ainhoa through rolling hills with fresh mountain air. Ainhoa is one of those villages you'll want to spend time exploring, with its 17th-century houses that have dates and family marks carved into them. It's a nice contrast to the harder hiking day you just finished.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Easy walk from Sare to Ainhoa through hills
- Explore Ainhoa village with 17th-century historic houses
Landmarks Ainhoa - Day 5
Ainhoa to Itxassou
Today you get to choose your route based on how you're feeling. The original GR10 goes over Mondarrain peak with views of the Basque mountains and coastline, or you can take the easier GR8 valley route that passes through villages like Espelette, which is known for its chilli peppers. Both routes end in Itxassou, so it's just about what kind of day you want to have.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Choice of hiking route: GR10 via Mondarrain peak (mountain route with panoramic Basque mountain and coast views) or GR8 (lower valley route through hamlets and villages including Espelette)
Landmarks Mondarrain Peak Espelette Itxassou - Day 6
Itxassou to Bidarray
You'll be following the GR10 today, moving between high summits and mountain villages that have real Basque character. Watch the sky for griffon vultures soaring overhead. The route takes you through the Pas de Roland gorges, then up Artzamendi at 924m/3,031 ft across a green plateau, and later to Gakoeta summit at 579m/1,900 ft with panoramic views. The day finishes in Bidarray village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike along GR10 through Pyrenean summits and Basque mountain villages
- Pass through Pas de Roland gorges
- Climb Artzamendi (924m) via green plateau
- Summit Gakoeta (579m) with panoramic views
- Descend to Bidarray village
Optional Activities
- Wildlife viewing - observe griffon vultures in flight
Landmarks Pas de Roland Artzamendi Gakoeta Bidarray - Day 7
Bidarray to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry
After breakfast, you'll get a 30-minute transfer to Oylarandoy massif near St Etienne de Baigorry for your final GR10 hike. This one's special because it ends in the old Basque capital, a fortified town and well-known stop on the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Munhoa summit sits above the town, creating really nice mountain scenery as you wrap up your hiking journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- People transfer to Oylarandoy massif (approximately 30 minutes)
- Final self-guided hike along GR10 stage to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry
- Explore fortified town of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry (old Basque capital and El Camino de Santiago stopover)
Optional Activities
- Add the difficult stage between Bidarray and Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry (normally avoided by transfer - must be added at booking)
Landmarks Oylarandoy Massif Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry Munhoa Summit - Day 8
Departure
It's time to head out today. If you're interested in continuing, you have the option to book another tour that follows the Camino de Santiago trail. Otherwise, you can arrange your departure back home.
Optional Activities
- Extend tour with another itinerary along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
