Day 1. Vitoria-Gasteiz
Welcome to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Euskadi (Basque country), one of the cities with more green space in Europe and with a unique architectural heritage. After lunch, we will discover with our host, the most representative buildings of the city, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Casa del Cordón, headquarters of Pope Adriano VI, or the Renaissance palace of Bendaña, current Fournier Playing Cards Museum, the palace of Montehermoso, among others. You will have free time in the afternoon and we suggest you to spend it visiting the Parque de Salburua, the most significant natural area within the so-called "Green Ring". For dinner, we will go to a traditional restaurant and taste the best of local cuisine.
Day 2. First part: Vitoria-Gasteiz - Maestu (27km).
We will start our route through the Greenway of the Ferrocaril Vasco-Navarro, aiming to reach Maestu. Along the path, we will enjoy the agricultural landscape of the Llanada Alavesa, the great forests of beech and oak of the Sierra de Elgea and the reservoirs around it. Together with our local host we will visit the Sanctuary of Estíbaliz, the jewel of the Romanesque art of the Basque Country. Upon our arrival in Maestu, after settling in our hotel and a good meal, we will have free time to enjoy the area. We recommend you visit the Izqui Natural Park.
Day 3. Second part: Maestu - Acedo (24km).
After breakfast, we will continue our route. At the beginning of the path we will find the Ermita de la Soledad, dating from Romanesque times, and the town of Atauri. We will continue crossing the tunnel of Fuenfría, until Antoñana to visit the Interpretation Center of the greenway, three old train wagons, that will teach us about the history of "El Trenico". Before continuing our journey, we will have time to enjoy the surroundings of the medieval town of Antoñana.
Passing km 40, we will arrive at the Zúñiga station and the Arquijas Viaduct and at km 49, we will find one of the most representative points of the route, the Acedo tunnel, with a length of 1,415m of straight road. The tunnel is illuminated, but it is advisable to carry some other type of lighting. At the end of the tunnel we will be arriving in Acedo, to have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, you will have time to rest and explore the area at your leisure.
Day 4. Third part: Acedo - Estella-Lizarra (21km).
We will take back the route through the greenway arriving to Ancín and its picturesque 12m high Water Tower, where up to 2,000 liters of water were stored in its time of use. We will stop to discover one of the tastiest products of the local cuisine in the Museum of Truffle. After the stop, we will continue towards Estella-Lizarra, leaving behind the mythical Mount Montejurra. The Jacobean atmosphere is felt upon arriving in Estella. After eating and resting, our host will take us to see its Romanesque buildings, the main attractions of the French Way to Santiago de Compostela (UNESCO heritage).
Day 5. Estella-Lizarra - Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Near Estella-Lizarra, we will find the majestic Irache Monastery, one of the most representative monuments of Navarre. Being on the Camino de Santiago, it is almost an obligatory stop for pilgrims. After visiting it, we will go to a family wine cellar in the area. Our host will take us into the world of wine and we will taste some of its best grape varieties. I there, we can get close to the famous "Fuente del Vino". After lunch, we will get back to Vitoria-Gasteiz to enjoy the free afternoon walking through the streets of the city at our leisure.
Day 6. Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Depending on our return schedule, we will have free time to buy some souvenirs, or organize an itinerary extension to the traditional city of Pamplona or Bilbao and the taverns of the old town. Either of the two destina-tions will be filled with unforgettable experiences.
