FRENCH PYRENEES &
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WALKING & HIKING
FRENCH PYRENEES & SPAIN’S RIOJA REGION PREMIERE INNS
On a map you’ll see the line. One side France. The other, Spain. There it is—definitive, exact. But set foot here and you’ll see it’s a place all its own. An independent spirit shines through as you gaze out over the sparkling Bay of Biscay and walk the high plains and valleys of the often overlooked Pyrenees. As you wonder how many pilgrims throughout the centuries have walked this very same stretch of the Camino de Santiago. As you explore proud villages with their very own culture and identity, marvel at the sunset in the heart of beautiful Basque Country. And raise a toast to the uniquely vibrant color and light—and excellent wines—of La Rioja. 15WBIIR1A (8/21/14)
NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality—and we're fully responsible for your great experience.
TWO SUPPORT VANS The genius of Backroads is the combination of personal challenge and adventure with unsurpassed service and luxury that is ideal for those of us who want to be both active and spoiled on vacation. Edith Schonberg - New York, NY
Click HERE to read more guest reviews
We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take.
THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference.
THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds.
MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace.
WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.
Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2–4 See below for details TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or 510-527-1555 Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time
Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 10:30 a.m. at the Biarritz train station (Gare de Biarritz), located in Allée du Moura in Biarritz, France. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s hike. Walking & Hiking Options: Saint Jean de Luz Downtown Route: 6 Miles* (1,100’ elevation gain) Hotel Parc Victoria Route: 8 Miles (1,100’)
Day 2
Shuttle to Ainhoa 40 Minutes
*with shuttle
Walking & Hiking Options: Col de Veaux Route: 5 Miles* (1,100’ elevation gain) Forest Trail Route: 8 Miles* (1,500’) Penas de Itsusi Route: 10 Miles (1,900’)
Bienvenue au Pays Basque! We meet in the lavish seaside town of Biarritz, known as the “queen of beaches and the beach of kings” ever since Empress Eugenie de Montijo and her husband Emperor Napoleon III made Biarritz the favorite resort of the European aristocracy. After meeting we shuttle a short distance to the quintessential Basque village of Bidart to begin our hike.
*with shuttle
Our route today dances along the border of France and Spain on the Grande Randonnée 10, a hiking trail that runs the length of the Pyrenees Mountains. We start in a remote village whose baserri (white houses with red or green timber) are characteristic of the Basque countryside.
In Bidart take the short climb up to the SainteMadeleine Chapel for the first of many dramatic panoramic views over the Atlantic. Our route today follows “le sentier du littoral,” a coastal trail that stretches all the way to San Sebastián along the Basque Country coast, following quiet trails, shoreline paths and crossing through small towns. As you hike along the rugged coast, look out for unique geological formations like flysch, alternating hard and soft rock stratums that make the rock faces look like tiered cakes.
Take in views of the rolling green hills on your climb to the Col de Veaux, a pass that sits right on the border. As you hike, look for red kite soaring above; these elegant birds of prey have long wings with black tips and red triangular tails, and annually migrate through the Basque region. At the pass we stop for a well-deserved meal with a view. From lunch, shuttle straight to our next hotel or continue along the ridge, enjoying the sights and sounds of babbling mountain creeks before descending into the French town of Bidarray. Our luxurious hotel, Auberge Ostapé, is a spectacular 17th-century estate with whitewashed, red-shuttered suites nestled in a sea of green hills. Each of the luxurious suites has its own golf cart, so hop in to explore the grounds. You can also opt for a dip in the pool before we gather for cocktails on the terrace.
We break for a lunch of Basque Country specialties before continuing on to the north jetty of the bay of StJean-de-Luz. Here you can admire the views before hopping in the shuttle for the ride into Saint Jean. Or, if you’re itching for more miles, continue hiking to reach our home for the night, the Art Deco-style Hotel Parc Victoria. Take some time to settle into your room and enjoy a dip in the pool. Tonight we meet on the terrace for a welcome toast, followed by a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Lodging: Hotel Parc Victoria
Tonight’s dinner at the hotel is a meal of classical flavors reimagined with modern techniques. Lodging: Auberge Ostapé
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Day 3
PREMIERE INNS
Shuttle to La Bastide 30 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Col d’Harrieta Route: 7 Miles* (1,900’ elevation gain) Pic d’Iparla & Bidarray Loop: 8 Miles (2,600’) *with shuttle
After a delicious Pyrenean breakfast, hop in the shuttle for the scenic ride to the start of today’s alpine hike. We set out northward along the French/Spanish border, following the ridge toward the Col d’Harrieta, a spectacular mountain pass. At the top, hike with one foot in France and the other in Spain as you soak in the views of the French Pyrenees to the east and the stunning Valle del Baztan to the west. Find a spot along the trail to enjoy your lunch.
HOTEL PARC VICTORIA 1 NIGHT Enjoy lush gardens and lovely art deco style at this elegant 19th-century hotel. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
From our stunning ridge route, you can either continue north toward Bidarray by foot or opt for a shorter descent back into France. Don’t be surprised to count goats, sheep and Breton horses as your hiking companions as you make your way back to the shuttle.
St-Jean-de-Luz, France +33-(0)5-59-26-78-78 www.parcvictoria.com AUBERGE OSTAPE 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE) A beautifully restored caserío (traditional Basque farm building) from the 17th century, offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Arriving at the hotel enjoy a session in the sauna, a dip in the pool or an indulgent trip to the spa. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.) Thoroughly relaxed, we shuttle to a nearby town for a dinner of fresh trout, salmon or pipérade, a regional dish prepared with onions and tomatoes sautéed with Espelette pepper, a treasured Basque Country chile known for its slightly smoky flavor. Lodging: Auberge Ostapé
Bidarray, France +33 (0)5-59-37-91-91 www.ostape.com HOTEL MARQUES DE RISCAL 2 NIGHTS Created by Frank O. Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece is a destination unto itself. Michelin-starred cuisine, a heavenly Caudalie spa and the impressive “City of Wine” ensure an unforgettable stay. (pool, spa) Elciego, Spain +34-(0)94-518-0880 www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Day 4
Shuttle to Santiago de Compostela Trailhead 40 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Col de Roncevaux Route: 5.3 Miles* (900’ elevation gain) Arres Route: 6.1 Miles* (1,600’) Shuttle to Elciego 2 Hours *with shuttle
The second part of our adventure begins today as we journey deeper into Spain! A shuttle whisks us to the start of today’s hike, which passes over Col de Roncevaux (Roncesvalles, in Spanish). If the Pyrenees mist cooperates, you’ll enjoy views of vast beech forests and broad patchwork hills.
mountaineers will tell you that on stormy nights, the ghostly call of a horn can be heard echoing across the hills. Roncesvalles is also where millions of pilgrims first touch Spanish soil on their long journey to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia—and you’re walking in their footsteps today.
This area is known for its incredible natural beauty as well as its cultural significance as the birthplace of the legend of Roland. According to the medieval French epic poem La Chanson de Roland, Roland, Duke of the Marches in Brittany and nephew of Charlemagne, was ambushed by Spanish Muslims while heading over this pass with a small band of men in 778. He died a hero’s death while blowing his horn to summon aid from Charlemagne. Roland’s demise is memorialized all over the Pyrenees with tales, songs and statues, and Basque
After lunch climb in the shuttle for the ride into the Rioja region, renowned for its wine production. We make our way to the town of Elciego, home to our remarkable hotel and winery, the Marqués de Riscal. Designed by Frank Gehry, the hotel’s unique architecture features a multicolored, ribbon-like titanium façade, meant to reflect the pink hues of Rioja wine, the distinctive gold mesh which adorns all Marqués de Riscal bottles and the silver foil shielding the cork.
ROUTE RATING INFORMATION
Tonight you’re on your own for dinner in the nearby walled village of Laguardia. Walk the medieval streets to discover a restaurant of your choosing; your leaders are also happy to provide recommendations. Lodging: Hotel Marqués de Riscal
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2–4.
LEVEL 2 4–7 miles Up to 4 hours
LEVEL 3 5–9 miles Up to 5 hours
LEVEL 4 6–11 miles Up to 6 hours
KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders.
Review the “Route Rating” section on the web for more details on daily route options.
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Day 5
Walking & Hiking Options: Elciego Route: 4.8 Miles* (1,000’ elevation gain) Sierra de Cantabria Route: 9 Miles* (1,500’) Villabuena de Álava Loop: 11 Miles (2,000’) *with shuttle
The famous wine region of Rioja is divided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa. Our routes today traverse the vineyards of the latter, a region which produces full-bodied wines with high acidity. Experience the full spectrum of the colors of Rioja vineyards as you begin today’s hike, walking quiet paths amid the rolling hills and admiring the reds, yellows, greens and oranges of the grapevines that shimmer in the early morning light. Make your way to a local winery for a picnic lunch, perfectly complemented with Rioja varietals.
Riscal family to visit the winery, enjoy a tasting and learn more about the family’s history of winemaking. There’s no better way to celebrate our incredible journey than dinner tonight on the terrace of the hotel’s Bistró 1860 restaurant. Enjoy seasonal, fresh market cuisine with views of Elciego village and the Cantabria mountain range in the distance; with a sommelierrecommended Rioja in hand, raise a glass to an unforgettable Basque Country adventure. Lodging: Hotel Marqués de Riscal
From lunch you can continue hiking through the patchwork landscape of vineyards and farmlands, passing through picturesque Rioja towns and quaint villages. Or shuttle back to the hotel to enjoy the pool or a treatment at the hotel’s spa. Before our farewell dinner, we meet with a member of the Marqués de
Day 6 Farewell Walking Route 3 Miles
Sleep in and enjoy the hotel’s amenities this morning, or take a final amble around the surrounding property. Admire the hotel’s surreal flourishes, reflecting the colors of the sky and the surrounding vineyards. Wander over wooden platforms and along quiet paths to the small Chapel of San Vicente on your way back to the hotel. Enjoy a light tapas lunch on the terrace before a shuttle takes you to Bilbao, where our trip ends. Please see “Arriving & Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location. Depending on train schedules, you may need to spend the night before your trip in our meeting town or wait at the train station between your arrival and the start of your Backroads trip. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in France and Spain is the euro. At the time of printing, 0.74 EUR = 1 USD.
CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides transportation to Bilbao, Spain, arriving at the Plaza Don Frederico Moyúa at approximately 2 p.m. If you’re flying out of Bilbao today, please schedule your departing flight for after 4 p.m.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE BIARRITZ AIRPORT TO OUR MEETING LOCATION The local bus service, Chronoplus (www.chronoplus.eu), provides transportation between the Biarritz airport and the Biarritz train station. The trip on Chronoplus Line C takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately $1.50.
We highly recommend extending your stay in San Sebastián. Please see “Extending Your Vacation” in “Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip” for more information.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to the train station. The trip takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately $25.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip starts in Biarritz, France, and ends in Bilbao, Spain. We recommend flying into the Biarritz Airport (airport code: BIQ; en.biarritz.aeroport.fr) and flying out of the Bilbao Airport (BIO; www.aena-aeropuertos.es).
TRAIN TRAVEL FROM PARIS TO BIARRITZ If you choose to take the train from Paris to Biarritz, depending on train schedules, you may need to arrive in Biarritz the day before the trip starts. Please see “Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip” for hotel recommendations.
You can also fly into Paris and take the train to Biarritz before your trip. At the end of your trip, you can either fly from Bilbao back to Paris or take the train from Bilbao to Madrid and fly out of Madrid.
French Rail TGVs (trains à grande vitesse or high-speed trains) run regularly between central Paris’ Montparnasse station and Biarritz station. The trip takes around 5½ hours and tickets start at about $120. Reservations are required on all TGV trains.
For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders’ knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GOACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
TRAIN TRAVEL FROM BILBAO TO MADRID Trains run twice daily between Bilbao’s Abando station and Madrid’s Chamartin station. The trip takes around 5 hours and tickets start at about $100.
BUYING TRAIN TICKETS Like airline tickets, the prices of train tickets vary depending on the purchase date, travel date, type of train and upgraded seating or services. Travel agent: If you need assistance booking your rail tickets, please contact your travel agent or the
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Climate
Backroads Travel Desk at 800-462-2848, available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
Basque Country has a wonderfully moderate climate. You can expect warm days in the summer and mild temperatures in spring and fall. Rain is likely yearround, so it is essential that you bring waterproof, breathable rain gear. On most days you’ll be comfortable walking in a short-sleeved shirt. (When you head out in the morning, you might want to wear a lightweight jacket or vest.) Please see the “Suggested Packing List” in your Travel Planner for more recommended clothing and gear.
TGV (French Rail): The Voyages-SNCF website (en.voyages-sncf.com/en) is the most reliable source for purchasing TGV tickets. We recommend purchasing etickets through the Voyages-SNCF website and printing them at home. When purchasing your e-tickets, make sure to select USA as your “ticket collection country.” The site will tell you that you are being redirected to their local website, but you do not want to be redirected. You must select “Continue on www.voyages-sncf.com” to purchase your tickets.
Biarritz, France
To purchase e-tickets:
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Visit http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-ticket
High °F
55
56
60
62
69
73
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Enter your train and traveler details
Low °F
40
41
45
47
53
58
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Select USA as your Ticket Collection Country
Precip. inches
4.2
3.3
3.3
4.6
3.7
3.1
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A pop-up window will appear. Select Continue on www.voyages-sncf.com
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
76
78
74
69
60
55
Low °F
62
63
57
53
45
41
Precip. inches
2.7
3.5
4.8
5.7
6
5.3
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
High °F
57
59
63
64
71
75
Low °F
42
42
44
46
52
57
Precip. Inches
3.4
2.6
3.1
4.3
2.6
2.2
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
79
80
77
71
62
57
Low °F
60
61
57
53
47
43
Precip. Inches
2
2.3
2.5
4.4
5.3
4.2
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Choose your train and confirm your order
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Select E-ticket service and enter your payment details
Renfe (Spanish state railway): Visit www.renfe.com for the most up-to-date train schedules and to purchase tickets.
Bilbao, Spain
Rail Europe: You can also purchase tickets and make reservations through Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com; 800-622-8600). Be aware that they charge service fees, making this a typically more expensive option.
Temperatures in Europe are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion when you’re traveling in Europe, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. this elegant hotel—once the Marquise de Moratalla’s stables—is less than a mile from the Grande Plage. (pool) | 10 Avenue de Tamamès | www.lebeaumanoir.com | +33-(0)5-59-24-89-29 | 8 rooms & suites | Rates:
Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details. Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season!
Hôtel Windsor Once a private residence, this charming three-star hotel is ideally situated facing the ocean, with direct access to the beach. It’s a short walk to the city center, casino and Palais de Congress. | 11 Avenue Edouard VII, Grande Plage | www.hotelwindsorbiarritz.com | +33-(0)5-5924-08-52 | 48 rooms | Rates:
Maison Garnier On a quiet street in the heart of Biarritz, Maison Garnier was built as a family home at the turn of the 20th century and is now a unique three-star hotel that welcomes guests with bright and airy guest rooms, a fireplace lounge and original parquet flooring. | 29 Rue Gambetta | www.hotel-biarritz.com | +33-(0)5-59-0160-70 | 7 rooms | Rates:
Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms may be smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a room overlooking the hotel’s garden or courtyard.
BIARRITZ
Hôtel du Palais Built in the mid-1800s, this “absolutely grandiose oceanfront villa,” once the summer home of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia, has been beautifully restored, earning it a membership in The Leading Hotels of the World. Be sure to try Michelin-starred La Villa Eugenie, whose dishes highlight local seafood and regional produce. (pool, spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014 | 1 Avenue de l’Imperatrice | www.hotel-dupalais.com | +33-(0)5-59-41-64-00 | 158 rooms & suites | Rates:
BILBAO
Hotel Carlton (Near our drop-off location on Day 6) This elegant landmark hotel is listed as an architectural, historical and cultural monument by the Basque Government, with a prime location in the Plaza de Federico Moyúa (just a 10-minute walk to the Guggenheim). | Federico Moyúa Square, 2 | www.hotelcarlton.es | +34-(0)94-416-2200 | 142 rooms & suites | Rates:
Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Hôtel Beaumanoir
Recommended by Andrew Harper, this contemporary hotel features a dining terrace that overlooks the Guggenheim, as well as a fitness center and quiet reading corner. (spa) | Alameda de Mazarredo 61 |
From the moment you’re picked up from the airport in the hotel’s Rolls Royce (complimentary!), you know you’re in for a treat at the Beaumanoir. Set in the center of town amid a vast stretch of grass and linden trees,
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
www.hoteles-silken.com | +34-(0)94-425-3300 | 145 rooms & suites | Rates:
PARIS
Barcelo Bilbao Nervion
Housed in five separate Haussmann-era buildings, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme stands as a monument to modern-day luxury. The superb location, not far from the Champs Elysées and Place de la Concorde, gives the Park Hyatt an edge over many comparable five-star hotels in the city. (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | 5 Rue de la Paix, 2nd Arrondissement | paris.vendome.hyatt.com | +33(0)1-58-71-12-34 | 162 rooms & suites | Rates:
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Freshly renovated and situated near Old Town on the river’s edge, this hotel combines comfort with sustainability. | Paseo del Campo de Volantin 11 | www.barcelo.com | 800-227-2356 or +34-(0)94-4454700 | 350 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Miro This chic hotel is conveniently located in Bilbao’s Garden Mile, making it a good jumping-off point for the Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum and other local attractions, which guests can read up on in the hotel’s cozy library. | Alameda Mazarredo 77 | www.mirohotelbilbao.com | +34-(0)94-661-1880 | 50 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Splendid Etoile Its enviable address near the iconic Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe is just one of the reasons guests love Hôtel Splendid Etoile. This is a luxurious little corner of Paris not to be overlooked. | 1 Avenue Carnot, 8th Arrondissement | www.paris-hotel-splendid.com | +33(0)1- 45-72-72-00 | 57 rooms | Rates:
Melia Bilbao Centrally located and with easy access to transit lines, Melia Bilbao’s design was inspired by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Each room faces outward and has a view of the city, the river, or the mountains. (pool) | Lehendakari Leizaola 29 | www.melia.com | 888-9563542 or +34-(0)94-428-0000 | 211 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Victoria Palace Set between St-Germain and Montparnasse, the Victoria Palace has been a Left Bank landmark since 1913, hosting such luminaries as writer James Joyce and painter Giorgio de Chirico. | 6 Rue Blaise Desgoffe, 6th Arrondissement | www.victoriapalace.com | +33-(0)145-49-70-00 | 62 rooms & suites | Rates:
Sercotel Coliseo
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
Comfortable and modern, Sercotel Coliseo is located in the center of town and features a beautiful outdoor terrace, the perfect spot for an alfresco drink on a warm evening. | Alameda De Urquijo 33 | www.hotelcoliseobilbao.com | +34-(0)90-214-1515 | 97 rooms & suites | Rates:
This charming hotel’s eponym, Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, the 18th-century playwright best known for The Marriage of Figaro, lived just up the road at one time. While not particularly spacious, guest rooms are well appointed with modern conveniences. You’ll enjoy the location in the heart of historic Le Marais. | 12 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th Arrondissement | www.carondebeaumarchais.com | +33-(0)1-42-72-3412 | 19 rooms | Rates:
Hôtel du Panthéon Set in the heart of Paris opposite the Pantheon, the hotel allows easy access to sightseeing, shopping, and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Choose a superior room for breathtaking views of the Pantheon, the city’s rooftops and Sacré-Coeur. | 19 Place du Panthéon, 5th Arrondissement | www.hoteldupantheon.com | +33-(0)1-43-5432-95 | 36 rooms | Rates:
Hôtel du Petit Moulin This stylish boutique hotel, housed in a completely renovated 17th-century building, is conveniently French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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situated near the Picasso Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, the Place des Vosges and the Hôtel de Ville. | 29/31 Rue du Poitou, 3rd Arrondissement | www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com | +33-(0)1-42-74-1010 | 17 rooms | Rates:
Grand Hôtel Français Occupying a beautiful 18th-century building, the Grand Hôtel Français sits on the bustling Place de la Nation square, one of Paris’ major crossroads. The city’s key sights are just a 5- to 10-minute ride away by bus or metro line. | 223 Boulevard Voltaire | www.grand-hotel-francais.fr | +33-(0)1-43-71-27-57 | 36 rooms | Rates:
MADRID
Hôtel du Collège de France
Hotel Ritz
Sitting pretty next to the renowned Sorbonne, this small cozy hotel offers comfort and a bit of old-world Paris in the heart of the Latin Quarter. | 7 Rue Thénard | www.hotel-collegedefrance.com | +33-(0)1-43-26-78-36 | 29 rooms | Rates:
Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII, this Leading Hotels of the World member has long been considered one of the finest hotels in Madrid. After you spend a day exploring the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza (both adjacent to the property), splurge on a meal at the Hotel Ritz restaurant, one of Madrid’s best dining experiences. | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Plaza de la Lealtad, 5 | www.ritz.com | 800-237-1236 (from the US) or +34-(0)91-701-6767 | 167 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Thérèse Enjoy the warm relaxed atmosphere at Hôtel Thérèse, located within walking distance of the Louvre, Palais Royal, Rue St-Honoré and the Opéra. Guest rooms are small, but the hotel has great character and excellent service. | 5/7 Rue Thérèse, 1st Arrondissement | www.hoteltherese.com | +33-(0)1-42-96-10-01 | 43 rooms | Rates:
AC Santo Mauro The former residence of the Marquis of Santo Mauro, this sophisticated Neoclassical townhouse is located in the aristocratic Chamberi neighborhood. Be sure to spend time in the serene gardens and courtyard, and take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. (pool) | Calle Zurbano, 36 | www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com | +34-(0)91-319-6900 | 51 rooms | Rates:
New Orient Hotel The New Orient’s location near the Villiers Métro station in the “Europe” district makes getting anywhere in Paris quick and easy. The Champs Elysées and Montmartre are just a leisurely 20-minute stroll away, and you’re only 5 minutes from Rue de Levis (the openair market). | 16 Rue de Constantinople, 8th Arrondissement | www.hotel-paris-orient.com | +33-(0)1-45-2221-64 | 30 rooms | Rates:
Casa de Madrid Set across from the Royal Opera House, the landmark 18th-century building has several balconies with views of the Plaza Oriente and Royal Palace. Opulent furnishings and excellent service render Casa de Madrid a luxurious spot from which to explore the city. | Calle Arrieta, 2 | www.casademadrid.com | +34-(0)66-0342427 | 7 rooms & suites | Rates:
SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS
Hotel Orfila
Backroads has negotiated special rates for our guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit www.backroads.com/hotelsavings.
This Relais & Châteaux member is a small 19th-century palace that is situated just outside the city center in an exclusive residential neighborhood, the Orfila is still within walking distance of the Puerta del Sol, Prado Museum and other Madrid must-sees. | Calle de Orfila,
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Hotel Hesperia
6 | www.hotelorfila.com | +34-(0)91-702-7770 | 32 rooms & suites | Rates:
This contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid’s business and shopping districts blends old-world elegance with state-of-the-art technology. | Paseo de la Castellana, 57 | www.hesperia.com | +34-(0)91-2108800 | 171 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Urban Behind a façade of metal and glass, this avant-garde building in the Austrias Madrid neighborhood is a standout in innovative design. (pool) | Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34 | www.derbyhotels.com | +34-(0)91-7877770 | 102rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Preciados Hotel Preciados earns recommendations from past guests for good value. Rooms are comfortable and if you don’t mind a little street noise, request one with a balcony. A 5-minute stroll takes you to Plaza Mayor and many other major attractions. | Calle Preciados, 37 | us.preciadoshotel.com | +34-(0)91-454-4400 | 74 rooms & suites | Rates:
ME Madrid Reina Victoria The trendy “ME” by Meliá collection adopted the former Grand Hotel Reina Victoria and gave it a contemporary facelift. For top-notch personalized service, spring for a suite, which includes your very own “experience manager,” who operates under the brand mantra, “everything is possible.” (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014 | Plaza de Santa Ana, 14 | www.memadrid.com | 888-956-3542 (from the US) or +34-(0)91-701-6000 | 192 rooms & suites | Rates:
Vincci SoMa
Situated at the center of the fashionable Barrio Salamanca, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s convenient location with easy access to the airport and metro system. | Calle Goya, 79 | www.vinccihoteles.com | +34-(0)91435-7545 | 170 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Atlántico Built in 1920, the stately four-star Hotel Atlántico is an architectural landmark situated in the heart of the city. The hotel is crowned by a French-style cupola tower and rooftop terrace, perfect for savoring a glass of wine and tapas while taking in panoramic views of Madrid. | Gran Vía 38 | www.hotelatlantico.es | +38-91-5226480 | 109 rooms | Rates:
EXTENDING YOUR VACATION San Sebastián
We highly recommend extending your stay in the seaside town of San Sebastián, whose shimmering bay and white-sand beaches will sweep you off your feet. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and cosmopolitan, with historic old town to explore during the day and slick restaurants beckoning you in at night. San Sebastián is also a mecca for innovative cuisine, with one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. A bus ride from Bilbao to San Sebastián takes around 1½ hours and tickets start at approximately $9. The main bus companies are ALSA (www.alsa.es) and PESA (www.pesa.net).
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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WALKING & HIKING
FRENCH PYRENEES & SPAIN’S RIOJA REGION PREMIERE INNS
On a map you’ll see the line. One side France. The other, Spain. There it is—definitive, exact. But set foot here and you’ll see it’s a place all its own. An independent spirit shines through as you gaze out over the sparkling Bay of Biscay and walk the high plains and valleys of the often overlooked Pyrenees. As you wonder how many pilgrims throughout the centuries have walked this very same stretch of the Camino de Santiago. As you explore proud villages with their very own culture and identity, marvel at the sunset in the heart of beautiful Basque Country. And raise a toast to the uniquely vibrant color and light—and excellent wines—of La Rioja. 15WBIIR1A (8/21/14)
NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality—and we're fully responsible for your great experience.
TWO SUPPORT VANS The genius of Backroads is the combination of personal challenge and adventure with unsurpassed service and luxury that is ideal for those of us who want to be both active and spoiled on vacation. Edith Schonberg - New York, NY
Click HERE to read more guest reviews
We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take.
THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference.
THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds.
MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace.
WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.
Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2–4 See below for details TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or 510-527-1555 Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time
Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 10:30 a.m. at the Biarritz train station (Gare de Biarritz), located in Allée du Moura in Biarritz, France. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s hike. Walking & Hiking Options: Saint Jean de Luz Downtown Route: 6 Miles* (1,100’ elevation gain) Hotel Parc Victoria Route: 8 Miles (1,100’)
Day 2
Shuttle to Ainhoa 40 Minutes
*with shuttle
Walking & Hiking Options: Col de Veaux Route: 5 Miles* (1,100’ elevation gain) Forest Trail Route: 8 Miles* (1,500’) Penas de Itsusi Route: 10 Miles (1,900’)
Bienvenue au Pays Basque! We meet in the lavish seaside town of Biarritz, known as the “queen of beaches and the beach of kings” ever since Empress Eugenie de Montijo and her husband Emperor Napoleon III made Biarritz the favorite resort of the European aristocracy. After meeting we shuttle a short distance to the quintessential Basque village of Bidart to begin our hike.
*with shuttle
Our route today dances along the border of France and Spain on the Grande Randonnée 10, a hiking trail that runs the length of the Pyrenees Mountains. We start in a remote village whose baserri (white houses with red or green timber) are characteristic of the Basque countryside.
In Bidart take the short climb up to the SainteMadeleine Chapel for the first of many dramatic panoramic views over the Atlantic. Our route today follows “le sentier du littoral,” a coastal trail that stretches all the way to San Sebastián along the Basque Country coast, following quiet trails, shoreline paths and crossing through small towns. As you hike along the rugged coast, look out for unique geological formations like flysch, alternating hard and soft rock stratums that make the rock faces look like tiered cakes.
Take in views of the rolling green hills on your climb to the Col de Veaux, a pass that sits right on the border. As you hike, look for red kite soaring above; these elegant birds of prey have long wings with black tips and red triangular tails, and annually migrate through the Basque region. At the pass we stop for a well-deserved meal with a view. From lunch, shuttle straight to our next hotel or continue along the ridge, enjoying the sights and sounds of babbling mountain creeks before descending into the French town of Bidarray. Our luxurious hotel, Auberge Ostapé, is a spectacular 17th-century estate with whitewashed, red-shuttered suites nestled in a sea of green hills. Each of the luxurious suites has its own golf cart, so hop in to explore the grounds. You can also opt for a dip in the pool before we gather for cocktails on the terrace.
We break for a lunch of Basque Country specialties before continuing on to the north jetty of the bay of StJean-de-Luz. Here you can admire the views before hopping in the shuttle for the ride into Saint Jean. Or, if you’re itching for more miles, continue hiking to reach our home for the night, the Art Deco-style Hotel Parc Victoria. Take some time to settle into your room and enjoy a dip in the pool. Tonight we meet on the terrace for a welcome toast, followed by a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Lodging: Hotel Parc Victoria
Tonight’s dinner at the hotel is a meal of classical flavors reimagined with modern techniques. Lodging: Auberge Ostapé
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Day 3
PREMIERE INNS
Shuttle to La Bastide 30 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Col d’Harrieta Route: 7 Miles* (1,900’ elevation gain) Pic d’Iparla & Bidarray Loop: 8 Miles (2,600’) *with shuttle
After a delicious Pyrenean breakfast, hop in the shuttle for the scenic ride to the start of today’s alpine hike. We set out northward along the French/Spanish border, following the ridge toward the Col d’Harrieta, a spectacular mountain pass. At the top, hike with one foot in France and the other in Spain as you soak in the views of the French Pyrenees to the east and the stunning Valle del Baztan to the west. Find a spot along the trail to enjoy your lunch.
HOTEL PARC VICTORIA 1 NIGHT Enjoy lush gardens and lovely art deco style at this elegant 19th-century hotel. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
From our stunning ridge route, you can either continue north toward Bidarray by foot or opt for a shorter descent back into France. Don’t be surprised to count goats, sheep and Breton horses as your hiking companions as you make your way back to the shuttle.
St-Jean-de-Luz, France +33-(0)5-59-26-78-78 www.parcvictoria.com AUBERGE OSTAPE 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE) A beautifully restored caserío (traditional Basque farm building) from the 17th century, offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Arriving at the hotel enjoy a session in the sauna, a dip in the pool or an indulgent trip to the spa. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.) Thoroughly relaxed, we shuttle to a nearby town for a dinner of fresh trout, salmon or pipérade, a regional dish prepared with onions and tomatoes sautéed with Espelette pepper, a treasured Basque Country chile known for its slightly smoky flavor. Lodging: Auberge Ostapé
Bidarray, France +33 (0)5-59-37-91-91 www.ostape.com HOTEL MARQUES DE RISCAL 2 NIGHTS Created by Frank O. Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece is a destination unto itself. Michelin-starred cuisine, a heavenly Caudalie spa and the impressive “City of Wine” ensure an unforgettable stay. (pool, spa) Elciego, Spain +34-(0)94-518-0880 www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Day 4
Shuttle to Santiago de Compostela Trailhead 40 Minutes Walking & Hiking Options: Col de Roncevaux Route: 5.3 Miles* (900’ elevation gain) Arres Route: 6.1 Miles* (1,600’) Shuttle to Elciego 2 Hours *with shuttle
The second part of our adventure begins today as we journey deeper into Spain! A shuttle whisks us to the start of today’s hike, which passes over Col de Roncevaux (Roncesvalles, in Spanish). If the Pyrenees mist cooperates, you’ll enjoy views of vast beech forests and broad patchwork hills.
mountaineers will tell you that on stormy nights, the ghostly call of a horn can be heard echoing across the hills. Roncesvalles is also where millions of pilgrims first touch Spanish soil on their long journey to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia—and you’re walking in their footsteps today.
This area is known for its incredible natural beauty as well as its cultural significance as the birthplace of the legend of Roland. According to the medieval French epic poem La Chanson de Roland, Roland, Duke of the Marches in Brittany and nephew of Charlemagne, was ambushed by Spanish Muslims while heading over this pass with a small band of men in 778. He died a hero’s death while blowing his horn to summon aid from Charlemagne. Roland’s demise is memorialized all over the Pyrenees with tales, songs and statues, and Basque
After lunch climb in the shuttle for the ride into the Rioja region, renowned for its wine production. We make our way to the town of Elciego, home to our remarkable hotel and winery, the Marqués de Riscal. Designed by Frank Gehry, the hotel’s unique architecture features a multicolored, ribbon-like titanium façade, meant to reflect the pink hues of Rioja wine, the distinctive gold mesh which adorns all Marqués de Riscal bottles and the silver foil shielding the cork.
ROUTE RATING INFORMATION
Tonight you’re on your own for dinner in the nearby walled village of Laguardia. Walk the medieval streets to discover a restaurant of your choosing; your leaders are also happy to provide recommendations. Lodging: Hotel Marqués de Riscal
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2–4.
LEVEL 2 4–7 miles Up to 4 hours
LEVEL 3 5–9 miles Up to 5 hours
LEVEL 4 6–11 miles Up to 6 hours
KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders.
Review the “Route Rating” section on the web for more details on daily route options.
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Day 5
Walking & Hiking Options: Elciego Route: 4.8 Miles* (1,000’ elevation gain) Sierra de Cantabria Route: 9 Miles* (1,500’) Villabuena de Álava Loop: 11 Miles (2,000’) *with shuttle
The famous wine region of Rioja is divided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa. Our routes today traverse the vineyards of the latter, a region which produces full-bodied wines with high acidity. Experience the full spectrum of the colors of Rioja vineyards as you begin today’s hike, walking quiet paths amid the rolling hills and admiring the reds, yellows, greens and oranges of the grapevines that shimmer in the early morning light. Make your way to a local winery for a picnic lunch, perfectly complemented with Rioja varietals.
Riscal family to visit the winery, enjoy a tasting and learn more about the family’s history of winemaking. There’s no better way to celebrate our incredible journey than dinner tonight on the terrace of the hotel’s Bistró 1860 restaurant. Enjoy seasonal, fresh market cuisine with views of Elciego village and the Cantabria mountain range in the distance; with a sommelierrecommended Rioja in hand, raise a glass to an unforgettable Basque Country adventure. Lodging: Hotel Marqués de Riscal
From lunch you can continue hiking through the patchwork landscape of vineyards and farmlands, passing through picturesque Rioja towns and quaint villages. Or shuttle back to the hotel to enjoy the pool or a treatment at the hotel’s spa. Before our farewell dinner, we meet with a member of the Marqués de
Day 6 Farewell Walking Route 3 Miles
Sleep in and enjoy the hotel’s amenities this morning, or take a final amble around the surrounding property. Admire the hotel’s surreal flourishes, reflecting the colors of the sky and the surrounding vineyards. Wander over wooden platforms and along quiet paths to the small Chapel of San Vicente on your way back to the hotel. Enjoy a light tapas lunch on the terrace before a shuttle takes you to Bilbao, where our trip ends. Please see “Arriving & Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location. Depending on train schedules, you may need to spend the night before your trip in our meeting town or wait at the train station between your arrival and the start of your Backroads trip. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in France and Spain is the euro. At the time of printing, 0.74 EUR = 1 USD.
CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides transportation to Bilbao, Spain, arriving at the Plaza Don Frederico Moyúa at approximately 2 p.m. If you’re flying out of Bilbao today, please schedule your departing flight for after 4 p.m.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE BIARRITZ AIRPORT TO OUR MEETING LOCATION The local bus service, Chronoplus (www.chronoplus.eu), provides transportation between the Biarritz airport and the Biarritz train station. The trip on Chronoplus Line C takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately $1.50.
We highly recommend extending your stay in San Sebastián. Please see “Extending Your Vacation” in “Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip” for more information.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to the train station. The trip takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately $25.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip starts in Biarritz, France, and ends in Bilbao, Spain. We recommend flying into the Biarritz Airport (airport code: BIQ; en.biarritz.aeroport.fr) and flying out of the Bilbao Airport (BIO; www.aena-aeropuertos.es).
TRAIN TRAVEL FROM PARIS TO BIARRITZ If you choose to take the train from Paris to Biarritz, depending on train schedules, you may need to arrive in Biarritz the day before the trip starts. Please see “Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip” for hotel recommendations.
You can also fly into Paris and take the train to Biarritz before your trip. At the end of your trip, you can either fly from Bilbao back to Paris or take the train from Bilbao to Madrid and fly out of Madrid.
French Rail TGVs (trains à grande vitesse or high-speed trains) run regularly between central Paris’ Montparnasse station and Biarritz station. The trip takes around 5½ hours and tickets start at about $120. Reservations are required on all TGV trains.
For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders’ knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GOACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
TRAIN TRAVEL FROM BILBAO TO MADRID Trains run twice daily between Bilbao’s Abando station and Madrid’s Chamartin station. The trip takes around 5 hours and tickets start at about $100.
BUYING TRAIN TICKETS Like airline tickets, the prices of train tickets vary depending on the purchase date, travel date, type of train and upgraded seating or services. Travel agent: If you need assistance booking your rail tickets, please contact your travel agent or the
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Climate
Backroads Travel Desk at 800-462-2848, available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.
Basque Country has a wonderfully moderate climate. You can expect warm days in the summer and mild temperatures in spring and fall. Rain is likely yearround, so it is essential that you bring waterproof, breathable rain gear. On most days you’ll be comfortable walking in a short-sleeved shirt. (When you head out in the morning, you might want to wear a lightweight jacket or vest.) Please see the “Suggested Packing List” in your Travel Planner for more recommended clothing and gear.
TGV (French Rail): The Voyages-SNCF website (en.voyages-sncf.com/en) is the most reliable source for purchasing TGV tickets. We recommend purchasing etickets through the Voyages-SNCF website and printing them at home. When purchasing your e-tickets, make sure to select USA as your “ticket collection country.” The site will tell you that you are being redirected to their local website, but you do not want to be redirected. You must select “Continue on www.voyages-sncf.com” to purchase your tickets.
Biarritz, France
To purchase e-tickets:
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
•
Visit http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-ticket
High °F
55
56
60
62
69
73
•
Enter your train and traveler details
Low °F
40
41
45
47
53
58
•
Select USA as your Ticket Collection Country
Precip. inches
4.2
3.3
3.3
4.6
3.7
3.1
•
A pop-up window will appear. Select Continue on www.voyages-sncf.com
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
76
78
74
69
60
55
Low °F
62
63
57
53
45
41
Precip. inches
2.7
3.5
4.8
5.7
6
5.3
Average:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
High °F
57
59
63
64
71
75
Low °F
42
42
44
46
52
57
Precip. Inches
3.4
2.6
3.1
4.3
2.6
2.2
Average:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High °F
79
80
77
71
62
57
Low °F
60
61
57
53
47
43
Precip. Inches
2
2.3
2.5
4.4
5.3
4.2
•
Choose your train and confirm your order
•
Select E-ticket service and enter your payment details
Renfe (Spanish state railway): Visit www.renfe.com for the most up-to-date train schedules and to purchase tickets.
Bilbao, Spain
Rail Europe: You can also purchase tickets and make reservations through Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com; 800-622-8600). Be aware that they charge service fees, making this a typically more expensive option.
Temperatures in Europe are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion when you’re traveling in Europe, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. this elegant hotel—once the Marquise de Moratalla’s stables—is less than a mile from the Grande Plage. (pool) | 10 Avenue de Tamamès | www.lebeaumanoir.com | +33-(0)5-59-24-89-29 | 8 rooms & suites | Rates:
Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details. Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season!
Hôtel Windsor Once a private residence, this charming three-star hotel is ideally situated facing the ocean, with direct access to the beach. It’s a short walk to the city center, casino and Palais de Congress. | 11 Avenue Edouard VII, Grande Plage | www.hotelwindsorbiarritz.com | +33-(0)5-5924-08-52 | 48 rooms | Rates:
Maison Garnier On a quiet street in the heart of Biarritz, Maison Garnier was built as a family home at the turn of the 20th century and is now a unique three-star hotel that welcomes guests with bright and airy guest rooms, a fireplace lounge and original parquet flooring. | 29 Rue Gambetta | www.hotel-biarritz.com | +33-(0)5-59-0160-70 | 7 rooms | Rates:
Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms may be smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a room overlooking the hotel’s garden or courtyard.
BIARRITZ
Hôtel du Palais Built in the mid-1800s, this “absolutely grandiose oceanfront villa,” once the summer home of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia, has been beautifully restored, earning it a membership in The Leading Hotels of the World. Be sure to try Michelin-starred La Villa Eugenie, whose dishes highlight local seafood and regional produce. (pool, spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014 | 1 Avenue de l’Imperatrice | www.hotel-dupalais.com | +33-(0)5-59-41-64-00 | 158 rooms & suites | Rates:
BILBAO
Hotel Carlton (Near our drop-off location on Day 6) This elegant landmark hotel is listed as an architectural, historical and cultural monument by the Basque Government, with a prime location in the Plaza de Federico Moyúa (just a 10-minute walk to the Guggenheim). | Federico Moyúa Square, 2 | www.hotelcarlton.es | +34-(0)94-416-2200 | 142 rooms & suites | Rates:
Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Hôtel Beaumanoir
Recommended by Andrew Harper, this contemporary hotel features a dining terrace that overlooks the Guggenheim, as well as a fitness center and quiet reading corner. (spa) | Alameda de Mazarredo 61 |
From the moment you’re picked up from the airport in the hotel’s Rolls Royce (complimentary!), you know you’re in for a treat at the Beaumanoir. Set in the center of town amid a vast stretch of grass and linden trees,
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
www.hoteles-silken.com | +34-(0)94-425-3300 | 145 rooms & suites | Rates:
PARIS
Barcelo Bilbao Nervion
Housed in five separate Haussmann-era buildings, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme stands as a monument to modern-day luxury. The superb location, not far from the Champs Elysées and Place de la Concorde, gives the Park Hyatt an edge over many comparable five-star hotels in the city. (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | 5 Rue de la Paix, 2nd Arrondissement | paris.vendome.hyatt.com | +33(0)1-58-71-12-34 | 162 rooms & suites | Rates:
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Freshly renovated and situated near Old Town on the river’s edge, this hotel combines comfort with sustainability. | Paseo del Campo de Volantin 11 | www.barcelo.com | 800-227-2356 or +34-(0)94-4454700 | 350 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Miro This chic hotel is conveniently located in Bilbao’s Garden Mile, making it a good jumping-off point for the Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum and other local attractions, which guests can read up on in the hotel’s cozy library. | Alameda Mazarredo 77 | www.mirohotelbilbao.com | +34-(0)94-661-1880 | 50 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Splendid Etoile Its enviable address near the iconic Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe is just one of the reasons guests love Hôtel Splendid Etoile. This is a luxurious little corner of Paris not to be overlooked. | 1 Avenue Carnot, 8th Arrondissement | www.paris-hotel-splendid.com | +33(0)1- 45-72-72-00 | 57 rooms | Rates:
Melia Bilbao Centrally located and with easy access to transit lines, Melia Bilbao’s design was inspired by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Each room faces outward and has a view of the city, the river, or the mountains. (pool) | Lehendakari Leizaola 29 | www.melia.com | 888-9563542 or +34-(0)94-428-0000 | 211 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Victoria Palace Set between St-Germain and Montparnasse, the Victoria Palace has been a Left Bank landmark since 1913, hosting such luminaries as writer James Joyce and painter Giorgio de Chirico. | 6 Rue Blaise Desgoffe, 6th Arrondissement | www.victoriapalace.com | +33-(0)145-49-70-00 | 62 rooms & suites | Rates:
Sercotel Coliseo
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
Comfortable and modern, Sercotel Coliseo is located in the center of town and features a beautiful outdoor terrace, the perfect spot for an alfresco drink on a warm evening. | Alameda De Urquijo 33 | www.hotelcoliseobilbao.com | +34-(0)90-214-1515 | 97 rooms & suites | Rates:
This charming hotel’s eponym, Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, the 18th-century playwright best known for The Marriage of Figaro, lived just up the road at one time. While not particularly spacious, guest rooms are well appointed with modern conveniences. You’ll enjoy the location in the heart of historic Le Marais. | 12 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th Arrondissement | www.carondebeaumarchais.com | +33-(0)1-42-72-3412 | 19 rooms | Rates:
Hôtel du Panthéon Set in the heart of Paris opposite the Pantheon, the hotel allows easy access to sightseeing, shopping, and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Choose a superior room for breathtaking views of the Pantheon, the city’s rooftops and Sacré-Coeur. | 19 Place du Panthéon, 5th Arrondissement | www.hoteldupantheon.com | +33-(0)1-43-5432-95 | 36 rooms | Rates:
Hôtel du Petit Moulin This stylish boutique hotel, housed in a completely renovated 17th-century building, is conveniently French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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situated near the Picasso Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, the Place des Vosges and the Hôtel de Ville. | 29/31 Rue du Poitou, 3rd Arrondissement | www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com | +33-(0)1-42-74-1010 | 17 rooms | Rates:
Grand Hôtel Français Occupying a beautiful 18th-century building, the Grand Hôtel Français sits on the bustling Place de la Nation square, one of Paris’ major crossroads. The city’s key sights are just a 5- to 10-minute ride away by bus or metro line. | 223 Boulevard Voltaire | www.grand-hotel-francais.fr | +33-(0)1-43-71-27-57 | 36 rooms | Rates:
MADRID
Hôtel du Collège de France
Hotel Ritz
Sitting pretty next to the renowned Sorbonne, this small cozy hotel offers comfort and a bit of old-world Paris in the heart of the Latin Quarter. | 7 Rue Thénard | www.hotel-collegedefrance.com | +33-(0)1-43-26-78-36 | 29 rooms | Rates:
Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII, this Leading Hotels of the World member has long been considered one of the finest hotels in Madrid. After you spend a day exploring the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza (both adjacent to the property), splurge on a meal at the Hotel Ritz restaurant, one of Madrid’s best dining experiences. | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Plaza de la Lealtad, 5 | www.ritz.com | 800-237-1236 (from the US) or +34-(0)91-701-6767 | 167 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hôtel Thérèse Enjoy the warm relaxed atmosphere at Hôtel Thérèse, located within walking distance of the Louvre, Palais Royal, Rue St-Honoré and the Opéra. Guest rooms are small, but the hotel has great character and excellent service. | 5/7 Rue Thérèse, 1st Arrondissement | www.hoteltherese.com | +33-(0)1-42-96-10-01 | 43 rooms | Rates:
AC Santo Mauro The former residence of the Marquis of Santo Mauro, this sophisticated Neoclassical townhouse is located in the aristocratic Chamberi neighborhood. Be sure to spend time in the serene gardens and courtyard, and take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. (pool) | Calle Zurbano, 36 | www.autograph-hotels.marriott.com | +34-(0)91-319-6900 | 51 rooms | Rates:
New Orient Hotel The New Orient’s location near the Villiers Métro station in the “Europe” district makes getting anywhere in Paris quick and easy. The Champs Elysées and Montmartre are just a leisurely 20-minute stroll away, and you’re only 5 minutes from Rue de Levis (the openair market). | 16 Rue de Constantinople, 8th Arrondissement | www.hotel-paris-orient.com | +33-(0)1-45-2221-64 | 30 rooms | Rates:
Casa de Madrid Set across from the Royal Opera House, the landmark 18th-century building has several balconies with views of the Plaza Oriente and Royal Palace. Opulent furnishings and excellent service render Casa de Madrid a luxurious spot from which to explore the city. | Calle Arrieta, 2 | www.casademadrid.com | +34-(0)66-0342427 | 7 rooms & suites | Rates:
SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS
Hotel Orfila
Backroads has negotiated special rates for our guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit www.backroads.com/hotelsavings.
This Relais & Châteaux member is a small 19th-century palace that is situated just outside the city center in an exclusive residential neighborhood, the Orfila is still within walking distance of the Puerta del Sol, Prado Museum and other Madrid must-sees. | Calle de Orfila,
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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848
Hotel Hesperia
6 | www.hotelorfila.com | +34-(0)91-702-7770 | 32 rooms & suites | Rates:
This contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid’s business and shopping districts blends old-world elegance with state-of-the-art technology. | Paseo de la Castellana, 57 | www.hesperia.com | +34-(0)91-2108800 | 171 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Urban Behind a façade of metal and glass, this avant-garde building in the Austrias Madrid neighborhood is a standout in innovative design. (pool) | Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34 | www.derbyhotels.com | +34-(0)91-7877770 | 102rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Preciados Hotel Preciados earns recommendations from past guests for good value. Rooms are comfortable and if you don’t mind a little street noise, request one with a balcony. A 5-minute stroll takes you to Plaza Mayor and many other major attractions. | Calle Preciados, 37 | us.preciadoshotel.com | +34-(0)91-454-4400 | 74 rooms & suites | Rates:
ME Madrid Reina Victoria The trendy “ME” by Meliá collection adopted the former Grand Hotel Reina Victoria and gave it a contemporary facelift. For top-notch personalized service, spring for a suite, which includes your very own “experience manager,” who operates under the brand mantra, “everything is possible.” (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014 | Plaza de Santa Ana, 14 | www.memadrid.com | 888-956-3542 (from the US) or +34-(0)91-701-6000 | 192 rooms & suites | Rates:
Vincci SoMa
Situated at the center of the fashionable Barrio Salamanca, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s convenient location with easy access to the airport and metro system. | Calle Goya, 79 | www.vinccihoteles.com | +34-(0)91435-7545 | 170 rooms & suites | Rates:
Hotel Atlántico Built in 1920, the stately four-star Hotel Atlántico is an architectural landmark situated in the heart of the city. The hotel is crowned by a French-style cupola tower and rooftop terrace, perfect for savoring a glass of wine and tapas while taking in panoramic views of Madrid. | Gran Vía 38 | www.hotelatlantico.es | +38-91-5226480 | 109 rooms | Rates:
EXTENDING YOUR VACATION San Sebastián
We highly recommend extending your stay in the seaside town of San Sebastián, whose shimmering bay and white-sand beaches will sweep you off your feet. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and cosmopolitan, with historic old town to explore during the day and slick restaurants beckoning you in at night. San Sebastián is also a mecca for innovative cuisine, with one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. A bus ride from Bilbao to San Sebastián takes around 1½ hours and tickets start at approximately $9. The main bus companies are ALSA (www.alsa.es) and PESA (www.pesa.net).
French Pyrenees & Spain’s Rioja Region
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