Basque Country/Navarre

[EnLinea Media]

Part of northern Spain's green zone and with an impenetrable language and traditional culture unrelated to anything else in Europe, the Basque lands have compelling cities -- such as big, gritty Bilbao, gracious, Belle-Epoque San Sebastián, and medieval Pamplona, famous for its running of the bulls -- but also plenty of verdant countryside and charming small towns. The cuisine is considered among Spain's best. More info in English: www.BasqueCountry-Tourism.com. Basque language/phrases: www.NABasque.org/Pages/Euskara_dialects.htm, www.Omniglot.com/Language/Phrases/Basque.php