Religious Tourism

Availability

April to November

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Religious Tourism & Gastronomy

Join us on a spiritual journey through Spain, France or Portugal

For those interested in religious tourism, as well as history and architecture lovers, we can prepare itineraries to explore the religious history of the Basque region. From the Route of the Three Temples, to the Camino Santiago, explore important religious monuments, churches, chapels and monasteries that shape the history of the region. Additional routes to Lourdes, France and Fatima, Portugal can be arranged to complement this route. All our routes are prepared with private ground transportation starting from Bilbao.

Eat, Pray, Walk

Gastronomy

Enjoy simple yet delicious local meals, pintxos in the old town, farm-to-table produce and the hospitality of a Basque caserio as you explore the region.

Basque Religious Monuments – The Three Temples Route

Our adventure commences in Oñati, which has more monuments than any other town in the province of Guipúzcoa and is home to the first University of the Basque Country and a splendid gothic cathedral. Walk along its medieval quarter and gain a sense of history.

From Oñati travel to the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, a shrine where it is said that the Virgin appeared about five hundred years ago in Aizkorri, an astonishingly beautiful mountain enclave. Let yourself be captivated by the spirituality of the area and the beauty of its basilica built on the edge of the mountain.

Continue towards the Sanctuary of Loyola, the birthplace of San Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus religious order. We will visit his home, which is located within the compounds of the 17th century basilica, surrounded by beautiful gardens that invite you to take a walk.

Camino Santiago

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of the apostle St. James located in north-west Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Frances which stretches 780 km. (nearly 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago. Passing through the Basque Country we can compliment your religious tour to include short walks along the Camino Santiago for reflection and prayer.

Other Destinations

Compliment this trip with additional visits to important religious sights in Spain (Sagrada Familia, Burgos Cathedral, Leon Cathedral, Toledo), Portugal (Fatima) and France (Lourdes).

Sample Itinerary

Religious Pilgrimage

Day 1 – Arrival in Bilbao

Transfer from Bilbao airport to accomodation

Private Transport to Bilbao
Check in and trip briefing with guide/driver

Day 2 – Bilbao Day Tour + Guggenheim + Basilica de Begoña + Cathedral Santiago

Walking visit of Bilbao, visit the Guggenheim museum at your pace, and enjoy dinner in a member’s only local txoko where you will meet local chefs and learn how traditional dishes are made.

Day 3 – Bilbao Coastal Tour + Chapel of San Juan Gaztelguaxe

Get to know the province of Vizcaya, including the chapel of San Juan where Game of Thrones was filmed, fishing town of Bermeo, and the historic town or Gernika, the inspiration for Pablo Picasso’s famous mural.

Day 4 – Bilbao – Oñati – San Sebastian

Visit St Ignatius of Loyola Basilica & Aranzazu Sanctuary – The Basilica of Loyola is located next to the family home of St Ignatius founder of the Jesuits. Aranzazu Sanctuary is a special place for locals home of cathedral and entry to Aizkorri natural park, beautiful hiking and views.

Day 5 – San Sebastian Coastline – French Basque

Full day guided tour of the San Sebastian coastline from the fishing town of Pasaia to the historic town of Hondarribia and Biarritz (France). Scenic drive along the coast to visit fishing village and seaside towns in the Spanish & French Basque Country.

Day 6 – San Sebastian – La Rioja

Visit small towns in La Rioja Elciego, Laguardia, enjoy traditional roasted lamb lunch & winery visit, stay in a historic parador that was once the former San Francisco Convent and is located along the Camino Santiago.