Basque Country Surf Trip

Highlights

In the North of the Iberian Peninsula, between the Atlantic and the Pyrenees, has lived for thousands of years a special kind of people who still maintain their unique identity, their ancient language (Euskara), traditions, passion for freedom, art and its unmatched natural beauty. The Basque. In recent years their beautiful country has been dynamically placed on the European tourist map attracting both city lovers, offering architectural ornaments, unique museums and unforgettable gastronomic experiences and nature lovers with its thrilling mountains and ocean.

San Sebastian, the city where we’ll spend most of our trip, is built in a striking natural setting and is the epitome of elegance and wild beauty. A rich coastline, with waves competing for some of the world's best surf spots and endless golden sandy beaches with hidden treasures and rare beauties combined with the city's deep culture, compose a wonderful landscape one must explore.

Surfing (Level: Beginner / intermediate)

Surfing has been booming in recent years as it is an excellent form of sport and at the same time an ideal occasion for traveling around the world. Easy and fun in its first steps yet at the same time inexhaustible and with a tremendous room for improvement and specialization, it fascinates those who try it, from the very first time. For your introduction to the world of surf we chose one of the most dreamy destinations, the Basque coastline. There, with the help of our experienced guidance, you will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of this wonderful activity and practice its techniques.

Itinerary

On the day of our arrival, we’ll start our accommodation in the city of San Sebastian. Starting that same day until our departure, the daily program will include 1:30 hours of surfing lessons, excursions to the city of Bilbao and Biarritz, sailing trips, long walks at the city and plenty of beach relaxation. n addition to classes, participants will have personal time to plan excursions and sightseeing tours in the area separately from the rest of the group.

Local Information

Sightseeing and places to visit in Basque country

Visit to the Art Museum, Guggenheim in Bilbao: The Guggenheim, built on the banks of the Nervión River, is an emblematic museum, made to the standards of the corresponding museum in New York. The museum hosts a permanent collection of contemporary artworks and organizes a number of periodical exhibitions. Outdoors feature works by major visual artists, such as the enormous metal spider by the French-American Louise Bourgeois or the Puppy and the tulips by the American Jeff Koons, making Guggenheim the most important reason to visit the Basque country for many.

Αγώνας Basque Pelota: If you want to get into the sanctuary of the Basque world and share high adrenaline moments with them, then watch out for their traditional Basque Pelota sport. This sport is played either with one hand or with a racket, and the player throws the ball against the wall with full force or, in its most traditional form, two teams, separated by a net, throw the ball against each other.

Sailing along the Basque coastline: ΈA day trip on a wooden boat with good company, wine and tapas, along playful dolphins jumping in front of the golden sun will make you fall in love with this special place.

Climate: During our trip the temperature in San Sebastian is expected to range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. The chance of rain as well as a light heat wave is high.

Travel Documents: Greek nationals will not need a visa to travel to San Sebastian. They can travel with a passport or a new identity in English alphabet.

Currency: The currency in Spain is the euro.

Local Time: San Sebastian is 1 hour behind Athens local time during the summer.

Transportation: We will arrive at the city of Bilbao through a connecting flight from Berlin. Bilbao is just 100 km away from San Sebastian. There will be a private car waiting for us and in about one hour we will reach our final destination.

Health Precautions: No vaccines or other preventive treatment is required. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against Tetanus - Diphtheria (Td), MMR, Hepatitis B, typhoid fever, rabies. The Azores are part of the European Union, so the rules for tap water that apply in other countries are valid here as well, but drinking bottled water is preferred.

Cuisine: Food in San Sebastian is a whole chapter all on its own. Suffice it to note that its restaurants garner the most Michelin stars in Europe. If you love good food and appetizers then surely a 'poteo' (as the locals call their bar hopping routine) in the picturesque bars of the city and alternating flavors between pintxos fish, txacoli and delicious Jamon will amaze you.

General

Participation cost includes:

• Airplane round trip fees to Athens – Bilbao – Athens
• Accommodation for 7 nights at a San Sebastian pension in single, double and triple rooms (breakfast included)
• 5 day Surfing classes
• 7 day surf equipment
• 2 day car rental
• Sailing day trip (food and drinks included)
• Transportation to and from the hotel upon arrival and departure
• WayOut Adventures guides
• During surf classes a wetsuit and a surfboard will be provided

Fees DO NOT include:

• Equipment transportation on the plane (about 70-80€)
• Meals
• Optional excursions
• Sightseeing guides
• Travel insurance (additional charges)
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the above paragraph