First and foremost Thank You Countrybred, for putting together such a unique and magical trip to Basque country. We started our journey in Bilbao, a fabulous city chalk full of art, fabulous food and ravishing architecture. Our stay at the Miro Hotel was great and its location to key sites like the Guggenheim Museum, the Casco Viejo and the Finicular de Artxanda was fantastic!
Unfortunately, the "Puppy" at the Guggenheim was being worked on so, didn't get to see him in his full flowered glory. Oh well, maybe next time, but the experience of seeing the work being done to bring him to full light was a sincere treat.
The Old Town of Casco Viejo (700 years or more) was just a leisurely walk down the River Nervion. I really enjoyed its small quaint streets filled with interesting bars, shops and cafes. The 14th century market La Ribera, was fascinating with its Art Deco architecture and stained-glass windows.
The Funicular de Artxanda was right down the street from the hotel. We rode the Funicular up into the hills which allowed for a breathtaking view of the city and its grand River Nervion. All and all, I would return in a heartbeat...so much more to eat and experience!
San Sebastian was absolutely intriguing since it is about 10 miles for the French border, but still authentic Spanish. It's location on the Cantabrian coast and all it has to offer is mindboggling.
Our stay began at the Hotel de Londres located on the magnificent (dog friendly) La Concha beach, just west of the Urumea River. The promenade along the beach is a fascinating place to sit and savor the beauty of the bay and the everyday goings on of the locals. It's also a strategic location which allows for walking to many wonderful sights. The Parte Vieja (Old Town), still lived in by the locals, is close by where pedestrian only streets are full of pintxos bars (your palate will thank you) , good shopping and the Baroque Iglesia di Santa Maria Del Coro is located. The Iglesia (church) has a museum with gorgeous religious art in a large chapel connected to it (a must see). I was delighted to see that we were also close to the posh (pedestrian only) shopping district, chalk full of unique boutique stores, cafes, and the Park Plaza Gipuzkoa, a green space in the heart of the city with its ducks, flowers and beautiful white swans. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd was also a stone's throw away from the hotel.
Our trip ended with short jaunts to lovely Biarritz and San Jean de Luz in France, Guernica and ending in exciting, historically rich Pamplona. What can I say but Thank You to Countrybred and to their phenomenal staff of guides, chauffeurs and rich portfolio of hotels and Michelin star restaurants.
A masterfully planned trip...I will return! read more
