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16th October - Welcome Reception
Pick up from Biarritz, cava reception, dinner and introduction to life in the Baztan and
Malerreka Valleys, Northern Spain.
17th October - Landscapes of the Pyrenees
Today we drive up high along the crests of Ameztia to gain a 360 degree panoramic view of
the Baztan and Malerreka valleys. Here we take a gentle walk to gain an insight into this majestic
Pyrenean landscape and the features and idiosyncrasies that we will be exploring during the week ahead.
As the light changes, our focus is drawn from the rugged mountain ridges and peaks to the soft green valley
floors, dissected by fast flowing mountain streams and dotted by white-washed hamlets and mediaeval farms.
In the mountains every hour is different and, as the sun moves from east to west, the shadows creep around
the valley floor and one village after another takes centre stage.
Three-course lunch at Bentas de Donamaria, a family-run restaurant, mentioned in the
Michelin Guide and host to a local TV programme on Basque Cuisine.
In the afternoon we have a technical seminar at the farmhouse with Andrew, before we watch
the sun set, silhouetting the mountain range of Ekaitza and Mendaur (famous for its witches covens) to the
west.
Dinner at the house.
18th October - Water Colours
This morning we head east along the banks of the Baztan river, following its journey through
the valley and exploring the watermills and roman bridges that lie along its path. Our journey takes
us to the picturesque mountain hamlet of Gorostapolo, where we continue on foot through oak and chestnut
woods, high above the Inabergiko stream, and follow its course towards the spectacular waterfall of
Xorroxin. On the way back we stop off in Elizondo, the capital of the Baztan Valley, and enjoy a
drink in the riverside bar of Txokoto before making our way back to Ameztia for a farmhouse lunch.
Afternoon seminar with Andrew and - if time allows - a trip to the mountain reservoir
of Leurtza, set high up above the village of Urroz in a forest of beech trees.
Dinner at the house.
19th October - Pyrenean Wildlife
This morning we head further afield to the French border and the rugged mountain crags of
Itxusi, the French coastline spreading out before us en route. We leave the van here and take a
dramatic walk along the cliff tops to visit the breeding grounds of the Griffon Vulture - the most
northern 'natural' breeding grounds in Europe. During this walk we have ample time to photograph
the vultures in flight, taking off from the rocks around us and landing on the ledges where they make
their nests and have their young. Ponies, Potxoka horses and herds of sheep graze on these high
mountain slopes as vulture upon vulture soars over our heads. After a drink in a mountain bar we
head back to the house for lunch.
Afternoon seminar with Andrew.
Dinner at the house.
20th October - Free day
Today people are left to explore the area on their own. In the morning and afternoon
buses leave Santesteban for San Sebastian (one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Spain famous for its
aristocratic past, tapas bars and wide open sandy bay, La Concha) and Pamplona (a Roman city, made
famous by Hemmingway for the bull run in its world-renown fiestas of San Fermin).
Those people who prefer to stay at the farmhouse can happily borrow maps and will
find stocks of food.
21st October - Mountain Architecture
Today we investigate the striking architecture of the Baztan valley (an area hailed
throughout Spain for the purity of its architectural style). We head east visiting a range of
villages and hamlets and examine their various characteristics; mediaeval defence towers, churches,
immense palacios with their distinctive coats of arms, stone farmhouses with balconies of Geraniums,
isolated homesteads and crumbling mountain crofts; their heavy slate roofs defying the ravages of
time. For lunch we make towards the picturesque village of Amaiur, whose architectural
features testify to its important role on the famous Camino de Santiago (St James's Way). After
a traditional Basque lunch at the village water mill of corn talos, txistora, cider and Patxarran
we make our way back to the house.
Afternoon seminar with Andrew.
Dinner at the house.
22nd October - People of the Pyrenees
Depending on the local events programme we dedicate our day to the study of people
and visit any fiestas, exhibitions or dances in the area. There may be a chance to visit a Pelota
match, a local parade and, naturally, the odd bar or two! We then return to Ameztia to visit
my neighbours farms (sample their home-made sheep's cheese) and watch them shepherding the sheep and
working on the land. We then have an aperitif and light lunch on my terrace before we head back
to Lesko Borda.
Afternoon seminar with Andrew.
Farewell dinner (or barbeque) at the house.
23rd October - Return
Morning - return to Biarritz for return flights/trains etc.
To make the best of weather conditions, local fiestas and our guests'
individual preferences, these itineraries are flexible.
Items to bring with you:
* Walking boots with good ankle support
* Waterproofs
* Small rucksack
* Camera(s)
* Lenses - wide angle and telephoto, and for close-ups, a macro lens.
* Filters, such as graduated and/or polariser
* Tripod or monopod
* Bespoke waterproof camera cover or simple waterproof bag. It is green Spain.
* A laptop is useful for downloading and sorting but not essential.
* Indoor shoes or slippers for the house
* Last but not least: yourself, a good sense of humour and a positive attitude.
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