Life

Paddy Woodworth, author of two acclaimed books on the Basques, and gastronomy guru Jon Warren, founder of leading food and wine travel company San Sebastián food, will team up to offer a unique holiday adventure to small groups of tourists willing to visit the Basque Country.

Tours will offer a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper insight into one of Europe''s most fascinating cultures; enjoy delicious food, accompanied by expert guides in this ancient and mysterious, vibrant and contemporary part of the world.

The next four-day tour, between 5th - 8th July 2010, will celebrate the fiesta of San Fermin in the Navarre village of Lesaka. "Unlike its famous counterpart in Pamplona, this is an intimate festival, mostly attended by residents of Lesaka and neighbouring villages. The fiesta''s enchanting rituals, dances and costumes are unique to this atmospheric and historic place," co-host and Basque cultural specialist Paddy Woodworth explains.

The involvement of Paddy Woodworth is one of the tour''s unique ingredients. His latest book, The Basque Country (Oxford 2008) is a series of essays on the region, ranging from folk rituals to political violence. It was described by David Gardner in the Financial Times as: "shrewd and affectionate...full of gems…a splendid portrait of a bewitching land."

Dedicated food guide and tour director Jon Warren says "as at all Basque fiestas, good food and wine are essential components. Other highlights on the tour will include a special Basque cookery class. Guests will have the opportunity to cook alongside local chefs learning first hand the region''s speciality dishes."

In keeping with the bespoke nature of the 15-person tour, the setting is the enchanting family-run 16th century Arraya hotel in Sare. One of the most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country, nestled between the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees, the hotel is a former rest point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, or St James'' Way.