Cliff175:
First, the Vasco is very Basque and the language is different than Spanish. I speak minimal Spanish and had no problem communicating on the this route. There are numerous decent size cities and the people very friendly. It is a solitary route from a Pilgrim standpoint. That said, up until Besain, the route is somewhat pedestrian. Then the route becomes more rural with the exception of Vittoria-Gaitz a very large city. This walk finishes in the wine country of Brinas and Haro before connecting with the Frances at Santa Domingo de la Calzada. I think this route has a nice mix with a gentle start, steep climb after Zegema and rolling hills down to Haro.
There is the option to connect in Burgos but I would not miss Granon, shortly after Santa Domingo de la Calzada, imo, the best communal Albergue on the Frances.
An enjoyable walk with good sideria, Txakoli (sp?) and good reds in Brinas/Haro.
Ultreya,
Joe