Explore Basque heritage and traditions found in sophisticated resorts and artistic enclaves on the Bay of Biscay and in charming villages nestled amid the Pyrenees. Settle in at the Parador de Hondarribia, a historic 10th century castle carefully renovated into a modern hotel with magnificent interiors and spacious outdoor terraces to take in the sea views, which adds to the special ethos of this program.
France and Spain’s Basque Region: A One-Week Stay at the Parador de Hondarribia
9 days from $4,790
Explore Basque heritage and traditions found in sophisticated resorts and artistic enclaves on the Bay of Biscay and in charming villages nestled amid the Pyrenees. Settle in at the Parador de Hondarribia, a historic 10th century castle carefully renovated into a modern hotel with magnificent interiors and spacious outdoor terraces to take in the sea views, which adds to the special ethos of this program.
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Parador de Hondarribia
Hondarribia, Spain
Located in the medieval center of Hondarribia and at the highest point in the town, this unique parador is also known as the Castle of Charles V which dates from the 10th century. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the coast including the Bidasoa estuary and the Bay of Biscay from the hotel terrace. The 36 guest rooms are all uniquely decorated and arranged and are spacious and comfortable with an array of hotel amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Stone walls, floors and archways and public spaces decorated with breath-taking tapestries and fine antiques remind guests of the parador’s storied past.
Number of nights: 7
Activity Level 2: Moderate
Expectations: Week-long Cultural Stay featuring one city and region—and one hotel. Full-day excursions outside the city but well-paced. Walking tours of museums and outdoor sites, including archaeological sites, which can be over uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, the absence of elevators); some longer walks to get to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Hotel centrally located for easy access to shops and restaurants, which is ideal for time at leisure.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with long days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
FlexAir is designed to provide you with the flexibility and choice you need to personalize your air travel experience. Explore a wide range of flight options in consultation with our experienced travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit your needs. Our partner tour operator has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers that allow them to hold flight reservations and then issue your ticket close to departure without additional fees. This protects you from the need to purchase published-fare tickets, which must be ticketed within 24 hours of purchase. FlexAir reservations provide the flexibility to adjust reservations without penalty and to accommodate extensions and upgrades right up until ticketing time, usually around 60 days before departure. We look forward to providing you with more choice and the best possible itinerary for your air travel plans.
Program Includes:
- Guaranteed transfers between the airport and your overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (in most cases). We will provide you with all of the details you need to guarantee your transfer.
- Air schedule change and delay assistance. Book FlexAir to ensure assistance should schedule changes or delays impact your air travel plans.
- Flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms, is automatically included.
- Confirmed airline seat assignments at the time of booking (in most cases).
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For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.
Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.