Highlights of San Sebastian and the Basque Country

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the picturesque modern architecture and lively medieval town of Bilbao
Visit the breathtaking countryside of La Rioja, savouring flavours of local wines and overlooking the picturesque landscapes
Enjoy exploring the picturesque area of ‘flysch’, situated on the coast and famous filming location for ‘Game of Thrones’
Indulge in the famous Basque Pintxos, a savoury delight of San Sebastian with the help of a local chef and a traditional cooking class

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Private Transfers
International Flights

9 nights from £9,825 per person

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

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This nine-night itinerary takes you on a journey through Spain's Basque Country, with stops in the food and wine havens of Bilbao, Rioja and San Sebastian. Spend you days tasting gourmet delights, pottering around medieval villages and admiring sun-soaked landscapes on this expertly curated tailor-made escape.

Bilbao is a city of contrasts, where a modern city, clad with architectural structures formed by some of the world’s renowned architects, sits side-by-side with medieval-style towns. Explore both sides of the coin with private tours of Bilbao, where you'll have the chance to taste traditional flavours and visit fascinating museums along the way. During your tour of Bilbao, you’ll be staying at The Artist Grand Hotel, which offers excellent views of the striking Guggenheim Museum.

Next on your journey is La Rioja, the expansive countryside renowned for its delectable wines and breathtaking vineyards and rolling hills. In a region dense in history and friendly locals, you’ll get a feel for the Spanish rural life and relax with a two-night stay: Hotel Palacio de Samaniego offers a wonderful boutique stay in opulent luxury amongst the vineyards of the Rothschild Family estate.

San Sebastian is next on your tour, where you’ll discover the natural beauty of La Concha Bay and an authentic Spanish welcome amongst the locals. This pretty Spanish hamlet is famed for its Basque gastronomy and a vibrant Michelin-star restaurant scene. Stay in the stylish Maria Cristina, overlooking the ocean, for a relaxing finale of your trip.

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Itinerary

Day 1 | 4 June – Arrive in Bilbao

Arrive in Bilbao and take a private transfer to The Artist Grand Hotel. Your first day will be spent exploring the flagship city of the Basque Country, Bilbao.

Day 2 | 5 June – Bilbao

Bilbao

Enjoy a walking tour of Bilbao that focuses on the unique architecture of the city. Your expert guide will weave you through the buildings created by renowned architects, including Norman Foster, Frank O. Gehry and Santiago Calatrava. Discover the newly built cosmopolitan city that is built among the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding mountains. Plus, you’ll visit the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum to delve deeper into the history and meaning behind the regenerative project of the city.

Day 3 | 6 June – Bilbao

Discover the lively heart of Bilbao with a tour of the old town. Meet locals and visitors alike, and revel in the medieval atmosphere, contrast to the modern city you explored the day before. Stroll through the secret places and pedestrian alleys of Casco Viejo before uncovering the ‘pintxos’, a delicious range of gourmet bites. With enough to go round, this tour is both a tasting experience and a full lunch or dinner.

Day 4 | June 7 - La Rioja

Taste the flavours of La Rioja wine region paired with stunning views of the countryside, secluded from crowds, and clad in scenic vineyards. While you’re enjoying the peaceful setting, you can learn all about the dense history of the Basque Country, with stories of the phylloxera plague. Spend a dreamy night in the Hotel Palacio de Samaniego, revelling in the unique designed and homely atmosphere.

Day 5 | June 8 – La Rioja

Venture further from the vineyards to the southern limits of the Basque Country. Explore the regions medieval villages that are home to quaint, cozy wine cellars and the breathtaking natural surroundings. On this tour, you’ll enjoy a visit to the classic, old-style Rioja winery, before heading into a new world of modern, high-tech wineries to try more premium wines. Spend the afternoon in the Laguardia village before heading back to your hotel.

Day 6 | June 9 – San Sebastian

Highly regarded as one of the ‘best cities to live in Spain’, San Sebastian is next on your tour. This classic town is home to many iconic attractions for you to explore, from La Concha bay to the International Film Festival and more. Spend the day getting to know its royal history, tasting the dishes of the Michelin-star restaurants and the picturesque Old Quarter. Spend the night at Hotel Maria Cristina and soaking in the relaxing atmosphere.

Day 7 | June 10 – Getaria

Getaria

Meet with your private tour guide and depart from your hotel for your day in Getaria, widely known for its wine and fishing culture. Enjoy a private tour of the local ‘txakoli’ winery before heading to the famed Balenciaga Museum. Plus, you’ll be able to visit the breathtaking ‘flysch’ landscape, the film location for the famous ‘Game of Thrones’.

Day 8 | June 11 – San Sebastian

San Sebastian

Start today’s excursion with a visit to Biarritz, a town of ‘aristocratic character’, home to sophisticated villas, picturesque mansions, and the breathtaking palace. On this tour, you’ll stroll along the scenic harbour, see the lighthouse promenade, and do some spending at the vibrant shopping street. Then, you’ll head to Saint Jean de Luz to explore its charming fishing culture and lively streets. For lunch, you’ll dine in Hondarribia, where you can choose between an array of quality restaurants.

Day 9 | June 12 – San Sebastian

Savour the delicious flavours of the Basque cuisine with a day of exploring the food markets and an exciting cooking course in San Sebastian. Meet a local chef and get to know his recommended delicatessen shops before taking part in a hands-on cooking course. You’ll learn all about the traditional preparations of Basque and Spanish delicacies, an experience that will end in a lunch prepared with the help of the chef.