Molly's Basque Region Vacation
Bayonne | Pamplona | San Sebastian | Bilbao
01 a little about me
Greetings fellow globe-trotters! Welcome to my 2023 travel scrapbook. My name is Molly Levy and I'm from the great Pacific Northwest. In early 2023 I started to think about taking a trip in 2024 to commemorate turning the big 5-0 (yes, really!). But then I thought, "Why am I waiting, I could use a break right now!" It had been far too long since I had a proper vacation, so it turned into a slightly early birthday trip. I had been pining away for a trip to Spain for a number of years and thought a good deal about visiting Andalusia. I found Rick Steves trip to the Basque Region however, calling my name. This would be my second tour with Rick Steves; my first was to Italy in 2012. I contemplated a few tours with other companies, but I was hard pressed to go with anyone else. So, I in September of 2023, I went! I travelled solo but was not afraid to do so since I knew I'd be joining an awesome group. I love learning about art, history and new cultures that travel provides, so many of the pictures you will see here will reflect that passion. That and the "Art-itecture!" You will notice something a tad unusual here. Rick's Basque Region itinerary has overnight stays in Bayonne,
France then ventures southwards to stay in Pamplona, and back up north to San Sebastian and Bilbao, Spain. Due to an unexpected hiccup, I missed part of the itinerary. But I made the best of it and still had a wonderful time! I got to spend some extra time in Pamplona, then made a bee-line for Bilbao.
02 photo gallery overview
Visit the Cities Visited link up top for more!
03 What is included on a Rick Steves Tour?
Practically everything! That's what it feels like to me, anyway. So much is included in every itinerary, that you really get more bang for your buck with a Rick Steves tour... and a lot less stress! Many of the sightseeing activities, admission fees, in-country transportation, tips for your drivers, lodging and a good deal of your meals (hey, I can rhyme!) are included. You get to book your own flights, which can give you much flexibility depending on where else you might want to venture to! The hotels on this particular itinerary were wonderful, sumptuous even, and
in my opinion -- down right swanky! What else can you expect? Wonderful food, pastries to die for, and... plenty of walking, so come prepared with good shoes for any of his tours -- they will save your feet! What better way to experience the wonders of Europe than by foot. What I love even more than swanky hotels is the camaraderie you will find amongst your fellow travelers. The shared experience of seeing, doing, or eating something new perhaps for the first time together, makes for a truly enriching endeavor. I've now taken two trips through Rick Steves, and I have seen first-hand how strangers can turn into friends, even if for a short time.
Rick Steves Basque Region Tour
Click on the map to learn more!
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04 basic Basque words and phrases
Hello! | Kaixo
Good Morning | Egun on
Goodbye | Agur
Thank you | Eskerrik Asko
How much is this? | Zenbat balio du horrek?
Where is the bathroom located? | Non Bainua?