Espelette, Ainhoa & Zugarramurdi Caves Day Trip
Description
Discover two stunning villages in the French Basque Country on this full-day journey through Espelette and Ainhoa, culminating in a visit to the renowned Zugarramurdi caves in Navarre. This excursion promises an unforgettable experience!
Day Trip Overview
Are you ready to uncover the charm of two distinctive and picturesque villages within the French Basque Pyrenees? Our day begins at the scheduled time as we embark on an excursion to Espelette and Ainhoa, with a special stop at the famed Zugarramurdi caves. Let's set off!
Our adventure commences in Espelette, well-known for its vibrant red peppers. Upon arriving, we’ll embark on a guided exploration of this enchanting village, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the French Basque region. Marvel at the whitewashed buildings adorned with hanging strings of peppers.
As we take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Espelette, we’ll dive into its rich history and lively ambiance, visiting key sites such as the Church of Saint-Étienne and the Castle of the Barons of Espelette. There’s much more to discover beyond the peppers!
After spending approximately an hour in Espelette, we will reconvene at our minibus for a short 15-minute drive to Ainhoa. This village, perched at the France-Spain border, showcases traditional timber-framed houses and stands as another jewel of the French Basque Country. Our 45-minute visit will include main highlights like the Church of the Assumption, the old washhouse, and the Town Hall.
After appreciating the unique blend of cultures in these locales, we will continue our trip into Navarre to explore the Zugarramurdi caves.
Set within the picturesque Baztán Valley, these impressive karst formations invite curiosity about Navarrese mythology. During the 1 hour and 15 minutes exploration, we will admire the stunning galleries shaped by water while uncovering tales of covens and witchcraft from the region's lore — a captivating conclusion to our day.
Our journey will bring us back to the starting location, where we will conclude our adventure after a delightful 5 hours.
Meeting Points
When reserving your spot, select your preferred starting point for the day:
- Tour from Bayonne: At 9:15 am at the Bayonne Tourist Office, situated at 25 Pl. des Basques, 64100 Bayonne, France
- Tour from Biarritz: At 9:30 am at the Biarritz Tourist Office, located at Sq. d'Ixelles, 64200 Biarritz, France
What's included
- Transportation by minibus
- English–speaking guide
- Admission to the Zugarramurdi caves
What's not included
- Food and drinks
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 72 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
Depending on the option selected during the booking process, we’ll meet at one of the following meeting points:
- Tour from Bayonne: at 9:15 am at the Bayonne Tourist Office, located at 25 Pl. des Basques, 64100 Bayonne, France. You can check the exact meeting point at the following Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o5ymcjUbjmLe4aCM7.
- Tour from Biarritz: at 9:30 am at the Biarritz Tourist Office, located at Sq. d'Ixelles, 64200 Biarritz, France. You can check the exact meeting point at the following Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U7HLEVabN9sXCuby6.
In both cases, we recommend being ready at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
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