Would you like to visit History & Culture: Urola Valley?
We quote a taylor-made travel for you
Take the opportunity to learn more about the history behind Loyola, Zumaia, Azpeitia and Getaria
Day 1 - LOYOLA
Arrive in Loyola.
Note: depending on the arrival hour, a guided tour of Azkoitia could be possible.
Day 2 - AZPEITIA
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning a walking tour in Azpeitia, a town that despite its historical industrial character, has preserved the old town rich in history. The cobblestone streets, the Plaza Mayor, the kiosk and the townhouses are the best representatives of its cultural heritage. We will stop at the most important places in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. On the other hand, showing its industrial character the Basque Railway Museum can still show us the best railway collections in Europe.
Self-Transfer to a cheese factory in the foothills of the Cordillera Izarraitz where we can learn from the good job and the work of farming.
Lunch in a cider house and free time to enjoy the afternoon.
Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 3 - ROUTE OF THE THREE TEMPLES
St Ignatius of Loyola was born in one of them. Another is said to be built thanks to the help of pagan giants. The other one evokes an appearance of the Virgin. Here is a travel through the magic and monumental Gipuzkoa. Three temples, three symbols, each with its own style, personality and legend.
The route starts in Loyola Sanctuary, a place of great historical value in which happened revolutionary change in the life of the founder of the Society of Jesus. The visit is made individually to enjoy all the time necessary in each case. The tower-house where Iñigo de Loyola was born in 1491 is located here and, later on, a baroque sanctuary with a huge dome was built here, following a design by Carlo Fontana, one of Bernini’s disciples.
Few kilometres from this place, in a natural terrace of Mount Beloki, we find the Romanesque hermitage of La Antigua, offering us views over the industrial landscape of Urretxu and Zumarraga. Considered the Cathedral of Basque hermitages.
Last stop of the route. The legend of the Sanctuary of Arantzazu goes back to the 15th century, when the Virgin, suspended on a hawthorn, appeared to a shepherd. In the middle of the 20th century, this place became an art laboratory in which emerged the avant-garde, controversial and singular site we now know.
Accommodation in the hotel.
Day 4 - ZUMAIA AND GETARIA
Breakfast in the hotel.
Zumaia a fishing village of quaint streets and churches of Basque Gothic style, situated in a privileged coastal location. In its natural area, we can find one of the most precious secrets of the Basque coast, a great geological heritage, a place where we can discover the history of our planet.
Do you dare to discover dinosaurs in Zumaia?
Boat transfer to Getaria, where we will taste a great menu in a Txakolindegi or txakoli (Basque especial white wine) winery. Free time to enjoy the afternoon.
Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 5 - LOYOLA
Breakfast in the hotel.
Optional: Relaxing morning in a Thalasso or guided visit to Azkoitia.
With a private tour guide, the schedule, duration and activities can be adjusted to meet your needs. Please, provide any special requests you have.
Please note that this tour is a culture and food tour. But, you will get a pair of local snacks as well as a walk through the old quarter of San Sebastian in order to learn about the Basque culture and gastronomy. Please note that you will not receive a full meal.
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