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It's an exhilarating trail, with
lot of thrilling sceneries over wild valleys framed
by rugged peaks as eagles and vultures soar
overhead. It is also very interesting to discover
the culture of the Pays Basque people and the reason
why they want to live apart from France.
From St Jean-Pied-de-Port, former capital of Basse
Navarre, and Unesco World Heritage Site, to Sare,
listed as one of the most beautiful villages of
France, we will follow both the path of St Jacques
de Compostelle and the different mountain passes in
the tracks of the smugglers through the Quint
region, discovering the Gulf of Gascogne in the
background.
St Jean Pied de Port…Urepel…Les
Aduldes…Bidarray… an indescribable feeling of
being at the end of the world: here, the countryside
that is green as Ireland and more harmonious than
Tuscany can only astound you. Primeval virgin
forest, spruce villages and hamlets, fresh, pleasant
hidden valleys with thousands of sheep and wild
ponies, that put the finishing touches to the
countryside, leaving us to believe we could live to
be one hundred years old.
Unquestionably one of the most magical places in
the world and an unforgettable trek
IT-FRAN07
Rates include breakfast and
dinner (lunch on the trail in local places) except
on day one, all lodging in
country inns and gites mostly with private shower
(except 2 nights), 6 riding
days
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,475
Single +$170
-- based on € 1,035 / 120
2008 Dates:
05/11-05/18 06/01-06/08
06/15-06/22
09/14-09/21
Meeting: train station at
Saint-Jean-Pied de Port
Airport: Biarritz airport
Transfer:
$150 (Euro 100)
Level:
Intermediate +. Long hours in the
saddle. Good physical condition – A smile and good
humour – Each person is to take care of his or her
horse during the trip.
Pace: Moderate, with few canters and gallops
Tack:
English Trekking
Horses:
Anglo
Arabian
Min/Max riders: 4 to 10
... with 3 riders only
: add $275, or we switch to the Cote d'Argent Ride
Min Age: 13 yrs
Note:
This trek is really
exciting and requires real fit intermediate rider
confident at all paces and able to ride 6 to 7 hours
each day over varied and sometimes challenging
terrain.
All the opportunity to trot or to canter
offered by the landscape are taken. The trail is
occasionally difficult and we will ask the rider
to walk next to his horse. Good physical condition
– A smile and good humour – are essential. Each
person will take care of his or her horse during the
trip.
- Private
Shower/Bath available during 4 nights and share
during 2 nights
Luggage is transported to
your accommodations of the fourth and last day. In
between you carry your belongings on your horses.
Pack light !
Itinerary
Day1: Arrival in
Biarritz/Bayonne and transfer to the hotel in Saint
Jean Pied de Port, Capital of Basse-Navarre. This
was once an important town, cross-roads of the route
to Saint Jacques de Compostelle, at the foot of the
mountain pass, the Col de Ronceveaux. Dinner is not
included tonight.
Day 2:
With our horses we ascent to the Monhoa summit. We
cross over the Urdanzia Pass and enjoy spectacular
view of Aduldes valley. We overnight at the Cosy
Gite of Espila in the middle of nowhere.
Day 3:
We ride from Banca along watersheds and view of
the Spanish side of our riding country. Then we
cross the Lindus Pass and enter into the Quint
region and the Aldudes valley. Overnight is in the
village of Urepel - the Gite d‘Urepel ou Hotel
Laxague
Day 4:
We ride through of the village of Aldudes and ride
up the Mount Harguibel. Here we explore the Spanish
virgin forest. We are now riding „in the middle of
nowhere“ and far from the civilization. We spend the
night in “ the cayolar ” a typical hunter’s cabin.
The sleeping arrangements are dormitory style, but
this inconvenience is compensated by far when we
experience this wonderful atmosphere, the beautiful
surrounding of the place and the quality of the
dinner. There is a bath and hot shower for everyone
to share. The next two nights will be a lot of more
comfortable, staying nice 2 star hôtels “Logis de
France “
Day 5:
Today we cross the Elhorrieta Pass and enjoy the
panoramic view of Ispéguy Pass. We then reach the
village St Etienne de Baïgorry , where we taste some
local wines produced by the vineyard of Mignaberry.
Overnight at the Hôtel Manechenea à St Etienne de
Baïgorry.
Day 6:
Today we descend towards the famous village of
Bidarrai, situated at the base of the Crètes of
Iparla. We follow the Col des Veaux watersheds,
the Col des trois croix until we reach the village
d'Espelette with its unique house facades covered
with hot peppers. We overnight at the Hôtel Bergara
à Souraïde.
Day 7: Our ride
continues and pass by the most beautiful village of
France – Sare. We climb up to Rhune and enjoy a
panoramic view over the Gulf of Gascogne. Our ride
has ended. We arrive at our last overnight in the
very late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a hotel
near the train station.
Day 8: Departure
after breakfast.. |
