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Day 1 - Arrivals and Introduction
Airport pick-up from Biarritz airport (15.05). Welcome dinner at Casa Latxaberria, Zuaztoi
and introduction to life in the Basque Pyrenees.
Day 2 - The Basque Farmer and Mountain Village Life
Today we gain an insight into daily life in the Baztan Valley and take a walk into the hills past the numerous
homesteads and mountain crofts that dot this agricultural landscape. We drop down into the historic village of Amaiur
for lunch (which lies on the path of the Camino de Santiago (Saint James's Way) and examine the characteristics of
the village, its layout and architecture. We visit the local (working) water mill to understand the central role
that the mill (and the miller) played in village life. We sample the traditional Basque peasant fare of
freshly-ground corn talos together with other local produce: txistora, cheese, cider and Patxarran.
Day 3 - The Prehistoric Basque
Today we take a higher level walk to the mountain passes of the Baztan Valley to investigate some of the
numerous megalithic monuments (dolmens, stone circles etc.) that line the mountain cols and ancient shepherding routes and
testify to the existence of the Basques early ancestors. We discuss the origin of these early Basque tribes and the unique
features of this Pyrenean landscape that have helped safeguard their language and culture for so long?
Evening: Basque Ballads
Edorta comes to sing to us Basque (and Spanish) Ballads on the guitar. What do their songs
and ballads tell us of the Basque psyche!
Day 4 - The Basque Witch
The tiny border village of Zurgarramurdi becomes the focus of today’s walk. Zurgarramurdi was made
famous for its witchcraft and heavily persecuted during the Inquisition of the early 1600’s when many women were taken
away to be burnt at the stake. From the village we take a higher level walk over the hills to absorb the mysterious
atmosphere of these borderland villages with views of both the French and Spanish Basque Country. Why were the Basques
so associated with Witchcraft? What is its legacy?
Day 5 - Day free to explore the area
Public transport connections to Pamplona and San Sebastian (Other options can be discussed and we are open
to ideas).
Day 6 - The Basque Smuggler
Today we follow the labyrinth of donkey tracks and smuggler routes through steep-sided valleys and over
mountain borders into France. We discuss the vital role that smuggling has played in the culture of the Baztan people over
the past century. What was smuggled? Why and who? And what are the consequences on daily life to this day?
Day 7 - The Carnival Basque. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY!
Today we drive to Ituren, and witness first hand the private parade of the Joaldunak (Zanpantzar)
carnival personalities in full pagan dress as they pay private homage to their ancestors in my mountain hamlet. The
carnivals have been recognised and safeguarded by UNESCO however this is a very moving, personal ceremony only known
to the local villagers. Here you will also have the chance to try the local sheeps' cheese and talk to the mountain
farmers and Joaldunak personalities.
Evening: Basque Gastronomy
Farewell Basque Dinner with local wine at Donamaria Benta, the owners of whom run a local TV programme
on Basque cooking. Why is Basque gastronomy so renowned? What are its secrets? Then we put it to the
test!
Day 8 - Return to Biarritz (11.30 am)
This programme is flexible and may make the most of other cultural events that may be organised
in the villages - at final notice.
Weather conditions and interests may also affect the choice of routes and visits
taken.
Walks may extend from 4 - 6 hours, taken at a relaxed pace but ideal for people
with walking experience. On some walks we will take a picnic but there will always be a farmhouse cooked meal and wine
on our return
It is not necessary to speak Spanish for this holiday; however, if you are interested in
practising your spoken Spanish, our native Spanish guides and professional teachers are also there to give lots of conversation
practice and informal language tuition.
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