A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

A Journey to the Origin

Discover the Basque Country through LOCAL EYES , knowing its essence and its deep-rooted ancient customs: enjoying, feeling and tasting everything that the roots of this land could offer us.

Inmersión weekend program 3 days/ 2 nights

Unique, private and exclusive trip for groups of 6 to 8 people

Experience video Basque Rural Sports video A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Unique and exclusive journey through the origins of the Basque Country

One of the best gastronomy in the world, an ancient culture and unknown origin language, monuments, traditions and incredible landscapes make the Basque Country (locally named Euskadi) a very interesting region to discover. However, the real exclusivity of Euskadi lies in its essence, in the beginning.

Private experience for small groups of friends or family who enjoy sharing travel experiences and discovering new cultures.

TRAVEL WITH US TO DISCOVER THE ROOTS THAT HAVE MARKED EUSKADI!

During this immersive experience, of 3 days and 2 nights, through the past, present and future of the Basque Country, we want to show you how this region has been forged from elements such as stone and wood, local breeds of cattle in expansive mountain pastures , the Basque Rural Sports (Herri Kirolak) and the raw materials of unparalleled quality.

• A weekend culture immersion program through the history, culture and traditions of Gorbeialdea Mountain area and the Basque Country as well . • Accompanied by a guide and local hosts throughout your stay to travel with “Local Eyes”. • Enjoy a unique four-wheel drive through inaccessible areas, incredible landscapes, such as the Karst labyrinth of Itxina, • Discover the traditions of the area, such as the horn that was played in the beacons mountains, such as the Gorbea, to announce the celebration of the ancient General Meetings of Bizkaia. • Private exhibition of Basque Rural Sports, Herri Kirolak, with professional athletes, in the hamlet, an incomparable and safe setting. • Beautiful guided nature interpretation routes, bird watching and knowledge of the rural world. • Accommodation in Ulle Gorri Baserria, charm traditional farmhouse sustainable and for exclusive use for your group. • Enjoy the fantastic local gastronomy, with breakfasts with km0 product, mountain lunches and private ecological gastronomic experiences, exclusively for the group. • Small groups of maximum 8 travelers • Travel safe with the Vacacional Covid Travel Insurance that covers also the cancellation fees. A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Day 1 - Sea of Meadows of Gorbeia

- Transfer to Ulle Gorri Farmhouse from the agreed place (Bilbao and Vitoria Gasteiz Airport or city centre) Check the supplements for transfers from San Sebastián - Donostia and other places

- Check in Ulle Gorri Baserria. (additional information in final annex)

- Guided route through the Sea of Meadows of Gorbeia Mountain

At your arrival , we´ll take you through a beautiful and easy guided route of interpretation of nature and the rural world. We will also visit the beautiful town of Untza, the magnificent views from the profile of the mountains and you will learn about the peculiarities of this rural area of Euskadi, the historical context and the fantastic natural environment.

A privileged environment, surrounded by three natural areas of the Natura 2000 Network: including Mount Gorbea and Salto del Nervión, Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA).

A fantastic place for bird watching, especially raptors with their 165 pairs of griffon vultures, a large population of permanent and winter Royal Kites, kestrels, Egyptian vultures as well as many other birds that visit us often.

The Sea of Meadows of Mount Gorbeia, is a labyrinth of green meadows throughout the year, located on the edge of the mountains, which run through corridors of stone walls and along paths with magnificent views of the mythical Mount Gorbeia, the Sierra Salvada and the Valley of Arrastaria. The quiet path that we travel through the sea of meadows, crosses gallery forest on the edge of the profile of the Sierra, through flat landscapes of great beauty. The remains of the recently escaped trenches are silent witnesses of the bloody fighting that took place there.

- Private dining experience

Private dinner, prepared in Ulle Gorri's kitchen, with organic meals prepared by a local chef exclusively for the group. Basque traditional cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian option Drinks not included. In the farmhouse you can find a small selection of Rioja Alavesa Wines, red of the year, crianza, singular, reserve and white, Txakoli Alavés from a nearby winery and “Baias” craft beers that are only 3 km away from the farmhouse - Accommodation in Ulle Gorri Baserria (additional information in final annex) A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Day 2 - The Journey to the Origin

- Breakfast in the farmhouse with local products - Transfer to the beginning of the experience - Experience a Journey to the Origin. In this unique experience, you will visit places that difficult to access in a 4x4 vehicle so that you can admire the best views of the mythic Gorbeia Mountain. We’ve got the necessary permits to reach restricted access places.

You´ll have the opportunity to experience an ancient feeling when blowing the horn in Gorbea, one of the beacons mountains from which the celebration of the General Meetings of Bizkaia was announced in ancient times.

You´ll enjoy a walk with large herds of cattle, horses and sheep, all of which are Basque Country’s native breeds. With the company of our ranchers, we´ll be able to access to the expansive pastures that Gorbeia offers us and we will know their importance. They´ll explain the balance, coexistence and mutual convenience between the fauna and flora of the environment, as our ancestors saw it, identifying Gorbeia as a place of prosperity and future. We´ll take you by j4x4 vehicle to the Menhir of Kurtzegan, Orozko (Gorbeia), to witness this fact, enjoying a prehistoric legacy that endures until our days.

- HAMAIKETAKO Mountaineering Lunch

After the 4x4 ride, a traditional mountaineers lunch called locally , HAMAIKETAKO will be set . You´ll taste meats, cold cuts, cheeses, wines, bread and sweets selected by our trusted local supplier: Autoktona

All products come from local producers and have the BASQUE QUALITY LABEL and DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN. Some of them have been awarded for their quality nationally and internationally but all of them are part of the premium selection of Autoktona.

A chef will prepare this lunch live, explaining the peculiarities of each of the products you will taste. You will eat and drink products that are not found in ordinary commercial routes, but if there is something that you like in particular, you will have the option of getting your favorite products.

This lunch will be exclusively for your group and it will be under the shade of an oak tree or under the portico of a 16th century hermitage. It will depend on the weather, but we will take care of everything, you just have to enjoy the moment. A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Day 2 - The Journey to the Origin

- Stone and Wood: lifestyle origins

You´ll walk along a path near Itxina, the largest karst massif on the Iberian Peninsula and the second largest on the European continent. Stepping on, seeing and feeling this great limestone massif, you will understand the importance of this material for the construction of the first hamlets, constructions that have lasted after 500 years. This ancient quarry work led to what we now know as the sport of stone lifting (harrijasotzea).

After walking on Itxina we will go to see the marvelous beech forests of Gorbeialdea, origin of another ancient trade that charcoal burners performed. The trade of the charcoal burner was essential for prosperity and from there have arose the sport of log cutting (aizkolaritza).

- Return to the Ulle Gorri farmhouse

- Herri kirolak, the essence

Through the Basque rural sports, herri kirolak, millenary traditions and a rural way of life are reflected building what is now known as “Euskadi”. Current sports that arose from old rural trades and that, with the passage of time, derived from the competitiveness of the cultural idiosyncrasy and they have become a symbol of identity.

We want to let you know the emergence of these sports and for that reason, we will not settle for a mere explanation. This experience contains a live show with high-level athletes and exclusively for your group.

We will show you two of the best known Herri Kirolak modalities: stone lifting, harrijasotzea, and log cutting, aizkolaritza.

YOU CAN EVEN TRY IT!

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- Private dinner for the group and accommodation in Ulle Gorri Baserria A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Day 3 - Wolves´ path and Nervion Fall

- Private breakfast at Ulle Gorri Baserria.

- Wolves´s path and Nervion Fall

With the boots on from the farmhouse, we will take a guided route of interpretation of nature and the rural world, to discover the source of the Nervion River. It´s an off the beaten path, outside the busiest routes, that extends to the edge of the mountains through spectacular landscapes. The unknown Gibijo antique Wolf tramps could be visited, which shows the difficult relationship of the wolf with the inhabitants of this area.

Following the course of the canyon, we will finally arrive at the impressive Nervion Fall. After heavy rains or during thawing, the waterfall, which plunges into the Delika Canyon from more than 220 meters, the highest in Spain, is very impressive. And although it does not carry water for several months, the route and the landscapes are just as spectacular. Watch video

You will be impressed by the flight of griffon vultures that glide below your heads or at eye level.

- Hamaiketako.

Traditional lunch in the mountains with chorizo, Idiazabal cheese, bread, Basque Cake, all of them km0 products. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives available.

- Return to Ulle Gorri farmhouse

- Lunch time at Ulle Gorri

- Check out

- Transfer to the airport or to another place agreed A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

Price per person:

• Groups of 8 people: 990€ • Groups of 7 people: 1095€ • Groups of 6 people: 1230€ • Groups of 5 people: 1430€

Dates: All year long from Friday to Sunday during the year 2021 , except special dates. Check with us the available dates. The program could be customized

¿Whats included in he price?

• 2 nights accommodation at the Farmhouse Ulle Gorri

• 2 private breakfasts with local products served at Ulle Gorri Kitchen

• 2 mountain lunches (hamaiketako)

• 2 private organic lunches in Ulle Gorri

• 2 private organic dinners in Ulle Gorri

• 3 days with guide to interpret nature and rural life

• 1 4x4 ride through restricted areas in the Monte Gorbea Natural Park.

• 2 private exhibitions in the hamlet, of Basque rural sports (Herri Kirolak): stones´ lifting (harrijasotzea) and logs´ cutting (aizkolaritza)

• All transfers included by minivan.

• Transfer service from / to Bilbao / Vitoria airport, - Gasteiz train station or hotel in Bilbao / Vitoria - Gasteiz to the rural accommodation. Check transfer fees from other locations.

• Special Covid19 vacation travel insurance including cancellation fees.

Not included

• Drinks at the farmhouse lunches and dinners

• Other meals and drinks not specified in the program A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

SUSTAINABLE RURAL ACCOMMODATION Ulle Gorri Baserria "We have always enjoyed hosting friends in our house and now we share our farmhouse with our travelers. Ulle Gorri is prepared for the exclusive use of the group and we take great care in preparing the activities without invading your privacy during your stay with us."

Ulle Gorri has been restored recovering original old materials, to give the farmhouse a unique personality that seduces those who visit us. It is a sustainable accommodation, with European Ecolabel certification, with a Rural House Category and a SICTED Tourist Quality Commitment Certificate. A certified Covid contingency plan has been established for the safety of our guests.

It has a spacious living room with a fireplace, a beautiful kitchen and 5 double bedrooms with 4 bathrooms on two floors. On the ground floor there is a bedroom with a double bed and a private bathroom. On the upper floor, a suite with a double bed and a private bathroom, a bedroom with two single beds and a private bathroom, and two double rooms with two single beds each.

Both the interior of the house and the exterior, with a beautiful field with fruit trees and a garden with flowers, are equipped to allow your mind and body to rest and enjoy your stay without stress: listen to music with a selection of CDs, read books or magazines and take a look at maps and tourist information in the area. TV and free WiFi. Outdoor parking

Ulle Gorri is a special place for Fine Arts: we have some very beautiful pieces from MH Art Gallery and impressionist photographs on the walls.

We, your hosts, Ana and Iñaki, live in the same house but in a different area, with independent access and separate garden.

Additional information about Ulle Gorri Baserria

Rural accommodation Video A Journey to the Origin 2021 Inmersión weekend program 3D/2N

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Payment terms: Booking Deposit 30 %. Final balance payment 30 days before the trip. Cancellation policy: 0% cancellation fee before 30 days, 30% cancellation fee between 15 to 30 days, 50% between 7 and 15 days and 100% if canceled with less than 7 days. Accommodation: Ulle Gorri Baserria is a rustic home, an old Basque Farmhouse. Etxea is the ancient rural accommodation with 5 rooms and 4 bathrooms, bog kitchen, big living room with fire, for exclusive use of the group. Sasibil is a boutique rural studio adapted for person with reduced mobility for 2-3 persons Txoko: Basque traditional social club where friends prepare meals together and enjoy the company. If Untza´s Txoko were available, the dinner experience could be prepared as the traditional way. Organic and km0 Gastronomy Experiences. Private and exclusive organic meals will be prepared for the group at Ulle Gorri´s Kitchen. They can be prepared and served either by a local chef, catering homemade dinners and breakfasts prepared and served by the hosts.

Drinks: Drinks are not included in the meals served at Ulle Gorri. Craft Beer, Rioja Red Wine, Txakoli white wine could be bought at Ulle Gorri Baserria

Minivan for 8 travelers plus the guide-driver Hiking /Nordic Walking Routes. The routes are suitable for all personas with a standard physical condition, with or without Nordic Walking techniques experience. For those who want to experience their first Nordic Walking route, a basic guidelines will be provided to perform the exercise effectively. The aim is that all the group enjoys the trail, so there will be stops to regroup and to give explanations. Nordic Walking Poles rented included. Hiking recommended equipment: Mountain boots, basic hiking equipment (back pack to carry the water and some food), proper clothes for walking, change of clothes, and depending on the season, warm clothing, raincoat, etc Travel program. This is a different, exclusive, relaxing travel experience in the Basque Country, based on an off-the- beaten-path philosophy but also focused on not to missed places The travel program may have some variations due to climatological issues, unexpected events, improvements of the travel program always up to the guide criteria and the group condition. Very important: the hiking activity will depend on the mountain and climatological conditions, in case the weather is not suitable to do the activity, an alternative experience will be scheduled. Remember that this is not a touristic package, but experience based trip to enjoy and discover the nature, gastronomy and culture of The land of the Basques. Insurances. Liability and hiking activity insurances included. We include a special Covid 19 Vacation travel insurance for greater security that includes Coid19 cancellation fees. Certifications: Ulle Gorri Travel is a receptive travel agency licensed in the Basque Country. Ulle Gorri Baserria is a Rural House, which meets the safety requirements in accordance with local and national laws. Both the rural accommodation and the travel agency have obtained the SICTED Tourism Quality Commitment granted by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism to companies and services highly committed to improving our Tourist Destination. Certificate of the Code of Ethics. We have obtained the European Ecolabel certification in 2019 for sustainable accommodation. , Safe Tourism Certificate, Contingency Plan to prevent the spread of Covid19. for the Travel Agency and Responsible Tourism Certificate in the accommodation This program has been designed in collaboration with Basquesports, specialists in promoting Herri Kirolak and natural experiences.

Ulle Gorri Travel- The Land of the Basques Experience Tel-WhatsApp: + 34 647712806 [email protected] www.thelandofthebasques.com c/ Apregindana Lekua 2, 01449 Untza-Apregindana. Araba/Álava, Registered Travel Agency : CEI:2437 Registered Rural house XVI00132 European Ecolabel for sustainable accommodations ES-EU/051/00031

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