Cultural travel routes highlight Basque history and the Vía Francígena

Alternative cultural travel routes are being highlighted for the month of September, focusing on historical and literary significance to avoid mass tourism.

In the Basque Country, a route through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offers connections to notable figures. Starting from the village of Arratzu, the path traverses lands associated with the late international war correspondent Manu Leguineche, the ancestors of writer Julio Cortázar, and the travels of Ernest Hemingway, with Gernika serving as a historical center.

In Italy, the Vía Francígena provides a walking or cycling path from Canterbury, England, to Rome. Recognized as part of the Council of Europe's Cultural Routes, this ancient pilgrimage path crosses the Alps through the Aosta Valley. The route, which saw a revival in the 1980s, is now well-equipped for travelers seeking to experience Italy's heritage away from crowded tourist hubs.