Ecapade 5 days / 4 nights
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
The Ulle Gorri Birding project is a unique and sustainable initiative. It seeks to offer a different tourism experience to travelers interested in bird watching, while promoting biodiversity conservation and generating a positive impact on the local economy and community.
- The creation of the edible bird forest, initiated in 2024, is a complex agroforestry system that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest. It will allow not only to offer a unique experience to travelers interested in bird watching, but also to enhance biodiversity and regenerate soils, with all the benefits that this entails.
- Staying at the Ulle Gorri Baserria Country House is an active commitment to contribute to the conservation of nature. We have obtained the Ecolabel Certification of the European Union in 2019, which proves to our guests and travelers that our accommodation meets strict ecological criteria. The farmhouse has electric chargers powered by solar panels installed in the farmhouse and renewable energies from biomass and aerothermal.
- The bird sanctuary forest to be created represents a great opportunity as a carbon dioxide sink and an important tool for adapting to and combating climate change. It allows us to offset the carbon footprint that travelers and guests leave when they visit us and to carry out ecotourism activities with us.
- Ulle Gorri Travel Agency was conceived to complete our commitment to conservation and sustainability. We use a long Mercedes Evito Tourer electric van, with capacity for 9 people, for our travels in the area. All our itineraries are based on a commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Ecological and local meals are prepared and served by the hosts and guides in a familiar environment and on the glassed-in porch. The purchase of local products generates a positive impact on nearby businesses and producers.
Open map Urkabustaiz (Araba/Alava), España
Birdwatching and Connecting with Nature
A 5-day itinerary through the Basque Country via two protected nature reserves, from the Gorbeia mountains to the Urdaibai coast, combining nature, culture and unique landscapes.
Prices
- Adult (+ 16 years old): Price per person in double room: 990€.
- Supplement for ornithologist guide in English: +18€.
The price includes
- 4 nights accommodation at Casa Rural Ulle Gorri, sustainable accommodation in Gorbeia, and Gametxo Spa Boutique Hotel located in Ibarrangelu (Bizkaia), in one of the most spectacular enclaves of the Basque coast of the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai.
- 1 route of interpretation of the culture and rural world: 2 h.
- 2 bird watching routes in Gorbeialdea and Urdaibai: 4 h.
- 1 route of interpretation of the nature and cultural heritage of the Gorbea Natural Park: 4 hours.
- 1 Optional forest bath (2h). It will take place in the Ulle Gorri forest that is being created and that will finish its plantation in June 2025, or in the nearby forests, if the Ulle Gorri forest is not yet suitable for that purpose.
- 1 Guided visit to the Ortube Boat in Bermeo.
- 1 Guided visit to Gernika and Bermeo.
- 1 Visit and tasting of 4 wines and 3 pintxos and Idiazabal cheese at the Itsasmendi Txakoli Winery.
- Specialist guide in Ornithology.
- Specialist guide in nature and cultural heritage interpretation.
- Forest Bathing Guide certified by the Forest Therapy Hub.
- Local guide for the visit to the Ortube boat.
- Meals:
- 4 Breakfasts.
- 2 mountain lunches (hamaiketako).
- 1 wine tasting meal at the winery with 3 KM0 pintxos + Idiazabal cheese and Txakoli at Itsasmendi Winery.
- 2 dinners at the farmhouse or Txoko (drinks not included).
- 2 dinners at the Gametxo Spa Hotel (drinks not included).
- Dinners at the Ulle Gorri farmhouse take place in a family atmosphere with the hosts and guides and are served on the glassed-in porch. They are prepared with local and organic products and with the support of nearby restaurants.
- Vegan and vegetarian diet option with prior notice.
- Dinner in the Txoko of Untza (if the Txoko has availability): You can enjoy a traditional dinner in the Txoko, a Basque social space where friends gather to share table and conversation. The dinner is prepared jointly among the travelers, sharing the cost of drinks.
- Barbecue: Depending on the type of food of the group and the weather forecast, a barbecue with local products can be organized.
- Inland transportation with electric van Mercedes Evito Tourer for 9 persons.
- Basic Schengen travel insurance.
Timetable
- All year round, except July and August, long weekends, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter and Easter Week.
- Check availability. Reservations on request.
Activity details
- Where does it take place? Gorbeia Natural Park and Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
- Approximate duration of the getaway: 5 days / 4 nights
- Minimum number of people per group: 8
- Maximum number of people per group: 8
- Languages available: Spanish, English
- Activity not accessible
- Suitable for families with children
Day 1 program
- Arrival and discovery of the village of Untza.
- Afternoon: Reception at Ulle Gorri and presentation of the permaculture project and edible forest for birds. Learn how this initiative reduces the carbon footprint of travelers (expected completion: June 2025).
- Talk with our ornithologist to learn about the next day's birding plan.
- Guided tour around Ullegorri and the village of Untza. Discover the local traditions, the bowling alley (Alava's bowling game) and the "txoko" (Basque gastronomic-social space).
- Approximate duration: 2 hours.
- Dinner and overnight at Ulle Gorri Baserria.
Day 2 program
- Bird watching in the foothills of Gorbea:
- Breakfast at Ulle Gorri Baserria.
- Departure with our local ornithologist to one of the richest areas in the foothills of the Gorbea Natural Park.
- Approximate duration: 4 hours.
- The Sierra de Gibijo, a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), will surprise you with its mountainous landscapes, the incredible canyon carved by the river NThe canyon carved by the Nervion River (where the highest waterfall of the Iberian Peninsula is located) and its great variety of birds.
- After the heavy rains and during the thaw, you can see the Nervion waterfall with water, but, although during the rest of the year there is no water, the views are equally spectacular.
- On this route we can observe rock birds such as griffon vultures, peregrine falcons, Egyptian vultures, red-billed choughs and Alpine swifts.
- We can also see forest birds in the surroundings of the Ulle Gorri farmhouse such as the red kite, the kestrel and the busard.
- On the edges of the forest and in the mountain meadows you can find small birds such as the thrush, the nuthatch, woodpeckers and bighorn woodpeckers.
- During the hike you will take a hamaiketako (mountaineer's lunch) to eat on the route.
- Return to Ulle Gorri Baserria.
- Optional: Forest bath to connect with nature (Approximate time: 2 h).
- Free time to enjoy the nearest rural environment, rest in the farmhouse and enjoy an afternoon in the hide (glazed porch) to watch the birds that may approach the forest in our environment.
- Dinner and overnight at Ulle Gorri Baserria.
Day 3 program
- Nature interpretation in the Gorbea Natural Park:
- Breakfast at Ulle Gorri Baserria and check-out.
- Guided interpretation route through the Gorbea Natural Park, the largest in the Basque Country. Discover a treasure of nature and culture through a network of trails that will allow you to admire beautiful landscapes, observe the flora of the park and learn about the traditions and culture of the people who inhabited and still inhabit this territory (Approximate time: 4 hours).
- You will take a hamaiketako (mountaineer's lunch) to eat on the route.
- Transfer to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, located on the coast of Biscay, where the second part of the adventure of our program is located, on the most spectacular Basque coast of all.
- After checking in at the Hotel-Spa Gametxo, you will enjoy spectacular views of the coast.
- To enjoy the experience, you can access the hotel spa (not included in the price) or, if there are still daylight hours left, take a self-guided tour to Laga beach, one of our favorite beaches in the Basque Country for its beauty and magnificent state of preservation.
- Dinner and overnight at Hotel-Spa Gametxo.
Day 4: The marshes and their birds, gastronomic experience and historical and cultural visit to Gernika.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Immerse yourself in nature with a guided bird watching tour in the Urdaibai marshes, home to 250 species. On this route we can observe different species of birds depending on the season, for example, typical birds of the coast and wetlands such as shag, great redstart, grey plover, sandpiper, curlew, redshank, redshank, stonechat. We can also observe peregrine falcon, black-winged warbler, blackcap, red-backed shrike and bullfinch (Duration: 4 hours).
- After the route, you will enter the world of oenology with a visit to the Itsasmendi Winery, where you will discover the secrets of Txakoli, the Basque wine par excellence. You will enjoy an enogastronomic experience, visiting the vineyards and with a paired tasting of txakoli and pintxos that you will fall in love with.
- In the afternoon, you will take a private guided tour to Gernika, birthplace of one of the oldest parliaments in Europe, symbol of peace and historical rights.
- Dinner and overnight at Hotel-Spa Gametxo.
Day 5: Seafaring stories and food and wine experiences.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Start your day with a self-guided route from the hotel, through the Cantabrian oak forest, to Akorda from where you will be able to contemplate impressive views of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (2 hours and 15 minutes). https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/gametxo-san-pedro-de-atxarre-akorda-38764516
- After check-out, we transfer to Bermeo, a charming fishing village, where you will enjoy free time to taste the pintxos from the local bars. We will recommend you the best places to savor these exquisite gastronomic miniatures (the cost of the pintxos is not included in the package).
- You will continue to enjoy with a private guided tour aboard the Ortube boat, the last wooden boat built in Bermeo in 1978. Discover the history and present of Bermeo's sailors through the narrations of the local guide.
- After exploring the picturesque town of Bermeo with a guided tour, with its rich maritime history that will captivate you, we will transfer to Bilbao to finish the trip, arriving in the city around 7:00 pm.
Relevance
Ecapade 5 days / 4 nights
More information
- Check availability. Reservation under previous request.
- Sale for closed groups of family or friends.
- Possibility of sale square to square to comment.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for each season of the year.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and rich birdlife of the area.
- Bird watching depends on the weather conditions and the time of the year.
- Casa Rural Ulle Gorri is a traditional farmhouse consisting of a main accommodation Etxea with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and two rural studios. In the itineraries of 8 people, 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms will be used.
- Ask about the possibility of a single room in one of the studios with an extra supplement.