Experience inland Gipuzkoa on an Oñati and Arantzazu Sanctuary Tour from San Sebastian, blending heritage, contemporary art, and spirituality amid green valleys and limestone peaks. Start in Oñati, a monumental town where the University of Sancti Spiritus, the Church of San Miguel, Plaza de los Fueros, and noble palaces reveal centuries of history. Your guide shares anecdotes and local life in this charming town. Continue to the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, an icon of devotion and avant-garde art, where legend says the Virgin appeared on a thornbush. Explore its architecture, sculpture, and spectacular mountain views, with time for reflection and a light lunch (not included). With private transport, a bilingual guide, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers a deep portrait of the Basque interior, complementing coastal visits with culture, history, and nature.

We head to the roof of Gipuzkoa to find a building covered in ‘thorns’, a walk more than 1,000 meters high among meadows and forests, and a breed of Rastafarian sheep from whose milk the most famous cheese in the region is made.

This tour is focused on the path of St. Ignatius from his birth to the founding of the Society of Jesus. We will visit the spectacular Basilica of Loiola (built in the 18th century) and Saint Ignatius' family house and birthplace (in Loiola, Azpeitia), the hermitage of La Antigua in Zumarraga (where Saint Ignatius made a stop during his pilgrimage) and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu (located in a spectacular spot in a gorge, rebuilt in the 1950's and a showcase of modern religious art at its finest, awarded with several international prizes). A day full of spirituality that will leave the faithful tourist as well as the not religious one awed by the sheer beauty of the sights. **Note: Between November 1 and April 16 La Antigua hermitage will only open during weekends. If booked in a weekday during that period, the tour will go to San Telmo hermitage in Zumaia instead.**

"This tour is focused on the path of St. Ignatius from his birth to the founding of the Society of Jesus. We will visit the spectacular Basilica of Loiola (built in the 18th century) and Saint Ignatius' family house and birthplace (in Loiola, Azpeitia), the hermitage of La Antigua in Zumarraga (where Saint Ignatius made a stop during his pilgrimage) and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu (located in a spectacular spot in a gorge, rebuilt in the 1950's and a showcase of modern religious art at its finest, awarded with several international prizes). A day full of spirituality that will leave the faithful tourist as well as the not religious one awed by the sheer beauty of the sights. **Note: Until April 5 2020 La Antigua hermitage will only open during weekends. If booked in a weekday during that period, the tour will go to San Telmo hermitage in Zumaia instead. Same applies for Mondays from April 5 to November 2, 2020 **"

The Sanctuary of Loiola (Azpeitia): An impressive Baroque complex, 45 km southwest of San Sebastián. It was built in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, around his birthplace (the Holy House), which is preserved as a relic inside. Its basilica with a circular dome stands out. The Hermitage of La Antigua (Zumarraga): Known as "the cathedral of the hermitages" and the ultimate representation of Basque Romanesque architecture. It stands out for the beauty of its interior, which combines stone with a wooden structure that evokes the hull of a ship. It is reached by following the Urola river from Loiola. The Sanctuary of Arantzazu (Oñati): Located in a stunning natural environment after climbing the Arantzazu mountain pass. It is the most illustrative example of contemporary Basque art, featuring works by artists such as Jorge Oteiza (including the controversial sculpture of the 14 apostles), Eduardo Chillida, and Néstor Basterretxea.