Best of Spain's Basque Country - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Private Tour

Welcome to Bilbao! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver, who will transfer you to your accommodation. This buzzy port city is known for its gastronomy and impressive architecture, and it shares both a border and rich Basque culture and heritage with southwestern France. The city's beating heart is its historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), home to its classic landmarks and many excellent bars, restaurants, and boutiques. 

No visit to Bilbao is complete without a trip to the Guggenheim Museum—a contemporary architectural masterpiece by the legendary Frank Gehry. This afternoon, discover the museum's most important masterpieces with a two-hour private tour. See works from the mid-twentieth century to the present from artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, Anish Kapoor, Fujiko Nakaya, and Eduardo Chillida.

Day 2: Self-Guided Walking Tour, Lunch at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Spend the morning exploring Bilbao's Casco Viejo. Located right on the waterfront, stroll along Las Siete Calles, the original "seven streets," which date back to the 1400s. Look out for significant sights, including the 18th-century Baroque Church of San Nicolás with its two imposing cupolas and the 16th-century Church of San Antón, dedicated to Anthony the Great, the father of monasticism. Take in the colorful architecture, cafés, markets, and boutiques as you wander the cobbled streets, stopping for a café cortado or two along the way.

Bilbao and the surrounding Basque region have a reputation for sensational fine dining, with people traveling worldwide to come here and eat. Rich in local produce, the area is now as well known for its Michelin-starred gastronomy as its delicious pintxos (Basque tapas). Today you will lunch at one of the city's exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants, where you'll sit down to an elaborate gourmet tasting menu with wine pairings.

Day 3: Transfer to Laguardia, Vineyard Cycling Tour & Wine Tasting

This morning, you'll take a private transfer to Laguardia. Located 51 miles (82 km) from Bilbao, this small medieval town, founded in the 10th century, lies in the heart of La Rioja, northern Spain's notable wine region. Just south of the Basque Country and below the imposing Cantabrian Mountains, Laguardia is surrounded by vineyards on the green rolling hills that make up the Ebro Valley.

Enjoy a relaxed few hours on today's excursion as you cycle along rural paths and gaze at the spectacular views along the way. Take your time to stop at the small villages that dot the landscape and try a glass or two of the local Rioja paired with delicious pintxos. In the afternoon, visit a local winery and discover Spanish viticulture in more detail with a private tasting. Head back to Laguardia and stroll the romantic narrow, winding streets as you decide which of the many fabulous restaurants you'll dine at this evening.

Day 4: Transfer to San Sebastián, Sailing Trip Around the Coast

It's time to bid Laguardia farewell and enjoy a chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with doughnuts) before a private transfer to San Sebastián. Surrounded by lush hillsides and lying on the Bay of Biscay, this sophisticated coastal town is known for its exquisite dining scene, sweeping gold sandy beaches, and grand architecture. Meander through the charming parks and plazas, across ornate bridges, and through cobbled streets, as you discover the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), known for its maze of churches, pintxos bars, and buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

 

San Sebastián's location gives ample opportunity to explore this evocative Basque coastal stretch by boat. Depart the marina at Donostia and set sail to the port of Hondarribia, a picturesque fishing village founded in the 13th century, adorned with elegant plazas and cobbled streets. Take in the views of Mount Jaizkibel with its steep slopes and imposing cliffs. Enjoy lunch and a dip straight off the boat before entering the beautiful bay of Txingudi as you approach Hondarribia. Take time to explore before returning to San Sebastián, to spend the evening as you wish.

Day 5: Private Cooking Class, Visit Chillida Leku Sculpture Park

Food continues to hold center stage today as you participate in an exclusive private cooking class focused on traditional Basque Country cuisine. Visit the local market in San Sebastián to learn about and stock up on some of the freshest seasonal produce available. Discover how locals use these ingredients, and create your own authentic dishes under the expert tutelage of your chef.

 

One of the leading sculptors of the twentieth century, the work of San Sebastián-born sculptor Eduardo Chillida is celebrated at Chillida Leku Sculpture Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of this 29-acre (12 ha) open-air museum at Zabalaga Farmhouse and discover over 40 sculptures that draw on a deep connection to Chillida's native Basque region. Inside the restored farmhouse, explore the smaller pieces created during 50 years of work. Head back to San Sebastián and watch the sun go down as you set about exploring the town's nightlife one last time. 

Day 6: Depart San Sebastián

It's time to say agur (Basque for hello/goodbye) as your memorable trip to Spain's Basque Country draws to a close today. Your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll board your flight home. Safe travels!

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