euskalkultura.eus

Arrecifes, Argentina.  A delegation of 22 Argentineans will begin a two-week trip today to the Basque Country.  The itinerary is intense and allowed the travelers not only to submerge themselves in the beautiful landscapes, “but also to enjoy the day to day in the Basque Country in its identity.” This will be the first time, for the majority of travelers, to set foot in the motherland and for others; it will be an opportunity to return to places of their dreams. In either case, it will be a unique experience with friends that will strengthen mutual ties with Euskal Herria.

The plan for these two weeks was created taking into account the interests of Basque club members.  If the Basque club is dedicated to the care and dissemination of the Basque culture and people participate I them to better know and understand their roots, this trip will serve as a “return to their origins,” that so many descendants of immigrants seek in Basque clubs. This aspect was very important to the organizers, Mariana Dominé, known for her participation in the Euskaldunak Denak Bat in Arrecifes, and her sister Estefania, tourism specialist.

Seven territories in 14 days

-Saturday, June 1, Arrival in Bilbao. Welcome dinner in the hotel.

 -Sunday, June 2, Bilbao (Artxanda mendia, Calatrava bridge, City Hall, Cathedral of Santiago & Church Begoña, Basque Museum, Guggenheim), Getxo, Portugalete bridge.

 -Monday, June 3, Gernika, tasting in a cellar in the Urdaibai biosphere reserve, Bakio, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Bilbao.

 -Tuesday, June 4, Free day in Bilbao.

 -Wednesday, June 5, Santimamiñe caves, Gipuzkoan coast, Getaria, visit with wine tasting in a txakolin wine cellar of Zarautz, Donostia (Kontxa beach, Wind Comb, Kursaal, old town).

 -Thursday June 6, Igartubeiti Baserria, Idiazabal cheese region, Ordizia, Tolosa, Pasai Donibane, Donostia.

 -Friday June 7, University of Oñati, Sanctuary of Arantzazu, Loyola Basilica and the Saint’s house, Donostia.

 -Saturday, June 8, Bayonne, Biarritz, Donibane Lohizune, Donostia.

 -Sunday, June 9, Free day in Donostia

-Monday, June 10, Iruña-Pamplona (Citadel, Zezenplaza), Olite, Royal Palace of Olite, Leyre Monastery, Castle of Javier, Iruña-Pamplona.

 -Tuesday, June 11, Elizondo, "Caves of witches" in Zugarramurdi, stroll in Donibane Garazi, Orreaga-Roncesvalles, Auritz, Iruña-Pamplona.

 -Wednesday, June 12, Sanctuary of Aralar, Zalduondo, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Cathedral Santa Maria).

 -Thursday, June 13, Poblado de la Hoya (TBC), stop at the Marqués de Riscal Winery; Visit the thematic Center of the wine 'Villa Lucia', with wine tasting; Stop at the bodega Ysios, Laguardia, visit a Bodega in Haro wine tasting.

 -Friday June 14, Bilbao, farewell dinner at the hotel