Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Daily Baggage Transfers
May to October
This Basque hillwalking route is a 7-night self-guided exploration of the mountains, villages and culture of the Navarre region of Spain. Strictly speaking, this is not Basque Spain, but it is authentically Basque in all but name! Our route weaves through the foothills of the Pyrenees amidst varied scenery and terrain, passing through numerous ancient villages, each with its own unique history.
Take in the 360’ views from the summits as you traverse the border of France and Spain, sometimes with a foot in each country, before descending to a nearby village for the night to discover for yourself the strength of the region’s identity through the cuisine, stories and language. If you wish, you can also spend a day or two visiting the vibrant Basque city of San Sebastián before or after your walking adventure in Navarre.
On a Collett’s ‘Village to Village’ holiday, we do all the hard work, so you don’t have to.
Once you have booked your holiday, relax and look forward to it, safe in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of. Using our comprehensive route notes, you will enjoy a succession of breath-taking walks, safe in the knowledge that your luggage will be waiting for you at the end of each day. You will also spend each evening in accommodation handpicked by us – whether that be a beautifully located guest-house or a small hotel in one of the pretty villages that characterises the picturesque valleys of the area.
In the meantime, take a glance at details of our self-guided version of the holiday:
April to October
Easter, 1 July to 30 September – £1,250
All other dates – £1,150
7 Nights
Moderate to Moderate / Long
5 to 8 hours per day (although some days can be shortened)
excluding time taken for rests or lunch.
275m to 950m each day
450m to 950m each day
Welcome Briefing
7 nights B&B accommodation
in comfortable, handpicked hotels and rural guest houses
4 three course evening meals
on Days 1, 2, 5, and 6
Packed lunch
each walking day
Luggage transfers
each day from hotel to hotel
Transfers to/from San Sebastian
at the start and end of your holiday
Detailed route cards
including maps and route descriptions
24/7 Telephone support
throughout your holiday
Flights & Insurance
Dinners (on the three non inclusive nights)
Drinks & all extras
Any taxis to shorten stages
Getting to San Sebastian
is easy and inexpensive. See ‘Travel & Other Info‘ tab above
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
After arriving at either Bilbao or Biarritz airport, you will take a bus to San Sebastián (not included) where you will be met by Javier and transferred to your hotel in Bera, 35 minutes away. Alternatively, you can transfer directly from Biarritz or Bilbao airports to your hotel in Bera (for a supplement) – see the Travel & Other Info Tab above for more details. Once at your hotel you will enjoy a Welcome Briefing given by Javier.
Overnight in Bera
17km, 6 ½ hours walking time, 950m ascent/descent
Quickly leaving behind the village of Bera, your path takes you up into the mountains and away from the bustle of the valley. Surrounded by expansive views of the Pyrenean foothills, you descend to the medieval village centre of Lesaka before continuing over the next ridge line on the beginnings of the GR11 to the lively village of Etxalar.
Overnight in Etxalar
13km (+ optional 2km), 6 hours (+ optional 1 ½hrs) walking time, 790m ascent (+ optional 200m)
This is a beautiful stage that runs along the top of the mountains that separate France and Spain. Walking with one foot in one country and the other foot in the other with vultures likely soaring overhead, traverse the border on one of the many old smugglers’ routes. The views are exceptional on both sides, especially from the summit of Arxuria (758m) that can be optionally climbed before descending through the meadows below to the next cosy country house where you will spend the night, in Zugarramurdi, in a beautiful natural setting.
Overnight in Urdax
11km, 16km or 20km 4-7 hours walking time, 350-695m ascent
Today you can choose between three different circuits of varying length – depending on how you’re feeling – which meander between many interesting places. Perhaps you will allow yourself to be enchanted by the Witches Cave in Zugarramurdi and it’s accompanying museum, astounded by the natural rock formations at the Urdax caves, or relax with a croissant in the picturesque village of Ainhoa, voted one of the prettiest villages in France.
Overnight in Urdax
22km, 7½ hours walking time, 685m ascent – with option to shorten the day
Don’t be put off by the statistics of today’s walk – you can choose to shorten it considerably by traveling by taxi (together with your luggage) some of the way! The well-graded forest path ascends the northern slopes of Alkarruntz from the peaceful village of Urdax, affording views of Arxuria to the north. From the Otsondo pass you can choose to extend your walk to include the summit of Alkurruntz at 934m (additional 1hr, 5km, 360m ascent/descent), from where on a good day you will have expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Descend through the meadows and past numerous megalithic remains to the valley below, passing through the historic villages of Amaiur with the remains of its historic castle, and Bozate to reach Arizkun.
Overnight in Arizkun (Dinner not included).
13km, 4 ½ hours walking time, 600m ascent
Another short, but very pleasant stage. The day begins by winding through agricultural land and meadows, passing through the colourful hamlet of Gorostapolo before descending to the river. Take a worthwhile diversion to the Xorroxin waterfalls where, if the temperature of the water permits, you can take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool before continuing on your way. Follow the ancient cobbled path used by local peasants traveling between valleys in bygone times before ascending easily to the Basagar pass where there are many megalithic remains. A short walk will then take you to Beartzun (straddling the border with France) and a cosy rural house where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Beartzun
20.5km, 7 ¼ hours walking time, 575m ascent
The final day is a perfect way to say goodbye to the beautiful Baztan Valley. An easy walk to the scenic summit of Soalar, affords you a great summary of the terrain you have passed through in the past few days. Descend on wide tracks to the pretty village of Arizkun where you can finish your day early and arrange for a taxi to take you back to San Sebastián. Alternatively, continue all the way to exquisite Elizondo through the remaining hillside hamlets and their stunning views of the valley, where a taxi will take you to San Sebastián.
Overnight in San Sebastián (Dinner not included, but there are plenty of local restaurants in the city to suit all budgets and tastes).
Independent onward travel or the possibility to extend your stay. Your hotel is a ten minute taxi ride (€9 approx.) from the bus station in San Sebastián, where you can catch a bus to Bilbao or Biarritz.
Download Factsheet
Basque Country Hill Walking Factsheet 2022
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Terrain – Much of the walking on this route is along clear footpaths, tracks and some road walking where necessary. The path is often waymarked but also makes use of farm tracks so attention to the map and route cards is necessary. Ascents and descents are generally well-graded and will pose no difficulty to a moderately fit walker. Some days appear long but there are plenty of opportunities to shorten days with the taxi that carries your luggage.
Accommodation – this itinerary is based on a mix of comfortable handpicked hotels and traditional rural guesthouses.
Lunches – packed lunches are included each walking day.
Party size – please note that the minimum party size is 2. The Single supplement where a groups requires a single room is £175.
This holiday is designed so that you can fly into either Bilbao (Spain) or Biarritz (France) airport.
Bilbao Arrivals
Bilbao Airport is well served by regular buses to San Sebastián. Buses leave the airport every 45 minutes and take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (€17pp). From San Sebastian, a free transfer (35 mins) will take you directly to your first nights accommodation in Bera. Alternatively we can organise a private transfer from Bilbao airport direct to your hotel in Bera at a supplement of €205 for 2-4 people.
Biarritz Arrivals
Biarritz airport is closer to San Sebastián so the journey is shorter at 35 minutes, but there are fewer buses per day. Please contact us for more information. Alternatively, we can organise a private transfer from Biarritz airport direct to your hotel in Bera at a supplement of €135 for 2-4 people.
Extend your stay? – if you would like to add extra days in San Sebastian, Bilbao or Biarritz before or after your walking holiday, simply let us know and we can help you arrange this.
Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – We recommend you buy a good insurance package at the time of booking (or certainly prior to purchasing flights or booking ferries etc.), so that you are covered in the unlikely event of you having to cancel for an ‘insurable’ reason. For more information on Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – Click here
At Your Own Risk – please read important notes below entitled – At Your Own Risk
General Information –
For general information on healthcare whilst travelling, visit www.bit.ly/HealthcareAbroad
For pre-travel information visit www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Or use the ABTA information line on 020 3117 0599 or visit www.abta.com
You participate in all our self guided village to village walks at your own risk and responsible for your own safety.
All self-guided ‘village to village’ holidays are enjoyed entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided village to village itineraries have been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a series of beautiful walks in wonderful walking areas, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that hill and mountain walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your village to village holiday organised by Collett’s Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us or on our behalf to help you get the most from the area.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
All aspects of the guided version of our Basque hill-walking holiday are identical to the self-guided version, save for the addition of one very important person – Javier Arrue – an International Mountain Leader and a member of the Spanish Guide Association. Javier was born and still lives in San Sebastian and knows these particular foothills of the Pyrenees like the back of his hand.
He will guide you every step of the way and enthusiastically share with you his extensive local knowledge. His presence will naturally enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the landscapes you will survey on this holiday. Small groups are guaranteed – Javier will only lead a maximum of 8 guests per group.
£1,395
Single Supplement £175
24th June – 1 July 2022
23 – 30 September 2022
14 – 21 October 2022
Each trip will be confirmed as soon as 4 guests have booked.
7 nights
Moderate to Moderate / Long
5 to 8 hours per day (although some days can be shortened)
excluding time taken for rests or lunch.
275m to 950m each day
450m to 950m each day
Welcome Briefing
on arrival
The services and good company of Javier (International Mountain Leader)
who will accompany you every step of the way
7 nights B&B Accommodation
in comfortable, handpicked hotels and rural guest houses
4 Three-course evening meals
on Days 1, 2, 3, and 6
Packed lunch
each walking day
Luggage transfers
daily from hotel to hotel
Transfers to/from San Sebastian
at the start and end of your holiday
Flights & Insurance
Dinners (on the three non inclusive nights)
Drinks & all extras
Getting to San Sebastian
is easy and inexpensive. See ‘Travel & Other Info‘ tab above
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
Fly-driving is popular and most of our guests choose this option. Having a car in the mountains gives you complete flexibility during your stay and also on your days of arrival and departure.
Collett’s have teamed up with AutoEurope so that you can search the web for car hire quotes from all the big name brands (as well as some of the lesser known local suppliers), at some of the most competitive prices available anywhere on the internet.
We have also teamed up with Worldwide Insure who can offer you Excess Reimbursement Insurance from only £2.50 per day, click here to find out more.
You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in any EU and EEA country, or Switzerland, for stays of up to 12 months. For more information see www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
Here is a list of all our Village to Village routes. Simply contact us with your chosen route and dates, and we’ll do the rest . Once confirmed, you can then book your travel, relax and look forward to your holiday. Remember, the earlier you book, the better availability generally is and the quicker we can confirm.
Camino de Santiago – A Northern Route – Moderate/Long – From from £995
A delightful mix of coastal hiking on the magnificent Costa Verde and inland hill walking in Basque beauty.
Kitzbuhel to Cortina – A Grand Alpine Traverse – Moderate/Long – From £995
Weave your way from the foothills of Austria to the high drama of the Italian Dolomites.
Corsica Mountains to the Med – Moderate/Hard – From £1045
Explore the mountains, coast and culture of stunningly beautiful Corsica.
Basque Country Walking – Enchanted Villages – Moderate – From £985
Explore this quiet corner of the Spanish Basque Country with its captivating views and unspoilt nature. A bit quieter and off the beaten track.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
We had a tremendous walking week in Tuscany. The team, the accommodation the food, all were exquisite.
We will be back.
This was our belated summer holiday. We enjoyed a lovely week with Mick, Helen and Millie, and our group of 26 clients. The walks were excellent, though shorter than at some other venues - that gave us plenty of down time for some to enjoy the pool and hot tub at the villa, before making our way to gorge ourselves on delicious dinners from 'fry eggs Gustavo's' magic kitchen.
Being with the same group all week offered the advantage of getting to know everyone, and despite the paucity of flora due to the time of year, we enjoyed a cracking break.
Thank you.
I came with the H&G walking group but want to add my personal thanks to your leaders. I love walking but am a bit slow on hills of which there are plenty in Andalusia. I found the going quite challenging but if I showed any sign of lagging one of your leaders was always there to walk with me and I was absolutely delighted to complete the walks without holding up the main group.
What a stunning location for walking & relaxing in the sun in October. Mick has the local knowledge and coordinates the week with precision. We stayed in the Villa with the beautiful views down the valley and made good use of the swimming pool & terrace. Gustavo the hotel proprietor of the hotel where we ate had character and served up delicious evening meals which we ate in the square outside . This was my first walking holiday with Collett's and this holiday was 10/10.
Wonderful week walking in Tuscany. First the accommodation. Having been to Andalucia last May, this was heaven! Unbelievably thoughtful hosts in a delightful simple, quiet house, with exceptional food, not flashy or haute cuisine, but local and always interesting.
Walking was gentle but always interesting, and the other walkers were delightful company. The Italian towns were utterly charming - I love the idea of walking to lunch. OK the scenery was not Corvara or Ehrwald, but it had a gentle,subtle appeal.
And of course yet again the Colletts team! Gosh, how do you do it? They were delightful company, wonderful hosts, first rate guides (..not qualified, of course ... (though one of them was)). It was lovely to see Ben again and watch him lead us without ever being bossy, and Charlie and Caroline and Clare made the perfect team. Special, very very special thanks to Clare. We managed to ruin both her rest days by falling and having to be collected. My wife suffered a particularly bad fracture of her wrist (absolutely no reflection whatsoever on the team - just a simple mishap) and Clare picked her up in the van, brought her to hospital and stayed with her, and saw her through all the painful waiting, whilst messaging me about what was happening. No words can express our gratitude to Clare, her simple humanity and professionalism, and her ability to handle the Italian medical system and ensure that we were able to fly home the next day. [Let's hope, as a special reward for all she did for us, that she manages to bump into that anaesthetist again...]
So many thanks to you all for looking after us, and yes, we would go back. Tuscany is magic!