The Basque Country: Spain's foodie paradise

Bilbao Airport - San Juan De Gaztelugatxe - San Sebastian

Day 1: Journey to San Sebastian via the Basque coast

Welcome to Bilbao! Upon your arrival, a driver will transfer you to San Sebastian, your home for the next few days! The city preserves an elegant atmosphere, and has beaches and peaks within easy reach. Along the drive, you'll pass by charming villages and nature spots on the Basque coast, where you can gaze in awe at how the mountains meet the sea.

You'll first visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an island located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay, followed by Zumaia village, which offers amazing coastal views and unique rocky formations. You'll then tour Getaria, a little village that was home to Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to sail around the world. It is probably one of the most treasured medieval centers which best reflects the passing of time. You'll have a moment for lunch in a local restaurant on the coast - why not order a plate of grilled turbot?

San Sebastian

Day 2: At leisure in San Sebastian

Spend the day at leisure in San Sebastian! Relax by the beach, walk along the seafront promenade, and take the 1912 funicular railway to the top of Igueldo Mountain, from where you can enjoy impressive views of the city and its bay. Or, take a walk around the romantic and elegant Belle Epoque area, designed and built in the 19th century - it's home to lovely shops as well as the City Hall, Buen Pastor Cathedral, Maria Cristina Bridge, and more. For insight into Basque culture, visit the San Telmo Museum located in a magnificent 16th-century building in the old town.

In the late afternoon, your guide will pick you up for a private guided tour of the culinary scene in the old part of the city. This is a unique excursion which combines history and gastronomy! Taste popular pintxos and soak up the local way of life - don't miss your chance to try gildas, txistorra sausages, and La Viña cheesecake...

San Sebastian - Mount Hernio - Getaria

Day 3: The roots & flavors of the Basque countryside

Together with your driver-guide, make your way to a real sheep farm in the rolling Basque hills, to taste and learn about one of the culinary icons of the area, Idiazabal cheese. The owner will lead you through their farm, giving you intimate insight into the production process. Using the fresh milk you've collected, you will participate in a cheese-making session followed by a tasting of four different cheeses paired with wine or cider.

Next, you will visit a Basque farmhouse run by the same family since the 16th century. There you'll learn about how Basque pigs are reared, as well as the role of these self-sufficient traditional farms. Sit down for a very special home-made meal in the family’s dining room, featuring charcuteries, wild mushrooms and more, accompanied by plenty of Rioja wine or cider!

San Sebastian

Day 4: A cooking masterclass awaits!

This morning, a chef will pick you up and together, you'll walk to one of the central markets of San Sebastian to meet local farmers and producers. Purchase some of the ingredients for your cooking class directly from them, then throw on your apron and roll up your sleeves to enjoy a real masterclass experience in the kitchen! Your chef will show you the secrets of Basque cuisine to help you whip up a traditional meal - lobster rice, kokotxas in green sauce, hake fish in pil pil sauce, or other local specialties, complete with wine and dessert.

San Sebastian - Biarritz - Saint-jean-de-luz

Day 5: Day trip to the French Basque coast

Your driver-guide will pick you up today for a unique adventure, taking you across the border to explore the southern coastal part of France.

You will first head to Biarritz, a chic beach resort that's popular amongst tourists and surfers alike. Next up is Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a small fishing town that earned its wealth in the 16th century due to fishing and whaling. Finally, journey along the scenic Corniche coastal road to arrive back into Spain, where you'll stop in Hondarribia - one of the most beautiful towns of the Basque country, steeped in history and filled with charm.

San Sebastian - Camino De Santiago - San Sebastian

Day 6: Hike the iconic Camino de Santiago

Today, a guide will pick you up for a private coastal walk of the Camino de Santiago (around 6km long with some ascents and descents; the hike isn't too arduous, but be sure to wear suitable footwear). This coastal trail is now as popular for its views as it is for its history, offering incomparable vistas of San Sebastian and the Basque coast. Journeying down rocky paths, you will make plenty of stops to soak up the panoramic scenery.

Arrive into the fishing port of Pasajes San Pedro, and board a sightseeing boat to cross the waters to Pasajes San Juan. There, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a waterfront restaurant, before taking a taxi back to your hotel in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian - Rioja

Day 7: Into the heart of the Rioja wine region

Today, you'll be picked up for a full-day private guided tour of the Rioja wine region. Start with a visit to a boutique winery in the famous Train Station District of the town of Haro. You'll continue on to explore two other wineries, where you'll taste two to four unique wines.

For lunch you'll be served a traditional Riojan-style hot-and-cold tapas meal, paired with red wine. Lunch could be served overlooking vineyards on an outdoor terrace, in a unique private cellar carved out of bedrock, or in an authentic local restaurant.

Finally, you'll visit the medieval village of Laguardia. Situated on a hill and surrounded by a 13th-century wall, it is home to many subterranean wine cellars - several of which you'll get to explore before transferring back to San Sebastian in the late afternoon.

San Sebastian - Bilbao Airport

Day 8: Farewell, Spain

Today, if time allows, you may be able to enjoy a private guided tour or some time at leisure in Bilbao, perhaps exploring its iconic Guggenheim Museum. At the appointed time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.