Embark on a luxurious, tailor-made journey through Spain’s stunning Basque region, where you can choose your own departure date and customize your itinerary to suit your interests. With expert local guides at your side, you’ll discover a fascinating contrast of soaring mountain peaks and vibrant cities, set amidst lush green landscapes and rolling foothills of the Pyrenees.
Experience the region’s rich history and culture, from ancient churches and stylish museums to quaint bodegas, traditional tapas bars, and charming cobblestone streets. Indulge in beloved wine and culinary traditions, marvel at ultramodern architectural marvels, and discover the proud medieval identity that pervades this remarkable region.
Highlights:
- Explore the historic churches and museums of the Basque region
- Immerse yourself in the rich culinary and wine traditions
- Marvel at the ultramodern architecture and proud medieval heritage
- Discover the beautiful countryside and stunning mountain peaks
- Customizable itinerary to suit your interests
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you.
- Top VIP Treatment.
- Explore the unique architecture, cuisine, wine, and culture that distinguish the Basque region from other destinations
- Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry
- Indulge in the finest local pintxos (tapas) with a resident foodie as your guide
- Browse exhibits featuring the classic fashion designs of Cristobal Balenciaga in the charming fishing village of Getaria
- Experience the striking beauty of The Comb of the Wind, a sculptural art installation nestled in San Sebastián’s rugged coastal cliffs
- Enjoy full-day excursions to the French Basque or Rioja wine regions.
This Tailor Made Spain tour offers the chance to discover the Basque region’s rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. In addition to exploring Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, you’ll also get the chance to indulge in the local pintxos scene and browse exhibits showcasing the designs of legendary fashion designer, Cristobal Balenciaga. The trip also features a visit to the breathtaking Comb of the Wind sculpture, as well as the opportunity to take full-day excursions to nearby wine regions. With a resident foodie leading the way and the chance to customize your itinerary, this tour is an excellent way to experience the best that the Basque region has to offer.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BILBAO, SPAIN
Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport, you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on a tour of the city. You will visit the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning work of architecture designed by Frank Gehry, with its gleaming titanium structure. Besides the permanent collection, the museum offers an array of intriguing temporary exhibits. Afterward, you will visit the historic Siete Calles district, beautifully restored after catastrophic floods. You will have time to wander through its boutiques, small bars, and restaurants before checking in to your hotel in San Sebastian.
Hotel Maria Cristina View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: SAN SEBASTIAN | CULINARY EPICENTER
This morning, your expert guide will take you on a tour of San Sebastian, where you will explore the fascinating Old Town, the iconic Comb of the Wind sculpture on the horseshoe bay of La Concha, and the promontory of Monte Igeldo. Next, you will visit the nearby fishing village of Getaria to visit the Balenciaga Museum, which is dedicated to dress designer Cristobal Balenciaga, who was born in the village. On the hills overlooking the sea are several of the most important vineyards producing small-batch txacolí. You will take a tour and enjoy a tasting before returning to San Sebastian. This evening, you will experience the real soul of Basque cuisine in its small bars and restaurants that throng the narrow streets of the Parte Vieja, the oldest district in town, accompanied by your local guide. Along the way, you may sample a wide variety of pintxos (local tapas), for which the region is known.
Hotel Maria Cristina View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRYSIDE | IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE PYRENEES
Today, you will explore the Pays Basque Français, an enchanting area of small villages, lush green landscapes, and the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees. First, you will visit the charming fishing port of Saint Jean de Luz with its unspoiled center of narrow streets, quayside, and old churches, a short distance over the frontier. From there, you will continue inland to explore villages like Ainhoa, filled with quaint stone houses and delightful parish churches. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the capital of Bayonne, where the beautifully restored half-timbered houses are a superb example of how to bring an old town back to life. You may prefer to visit the coast again and explore the once-exclusive coastal town of Biarritz. Return to your hotel in San Sebastian.
Hotel Maria Cristina View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: LAGUARDIA | WINE TASTING IN LA RIOJA
Today, you will depart San Sebastian and drive to the medieval walled hilltop town of Laguardia, which has remained little changed for hundreds of years. Here you can visit a bodega where the grapes are still trodden in a great tank and then left to ferment by the age-old carbonic maceration technique. You will have free time for lunch in Laguardia before continuing to one of La Rioja’s most historic wineries, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting, savoring the contrast from the local, homegrown vintage you sampled earlier. Return to San Sebastian with your driver and guide.
Hotel Maria Cristina View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: DEPART BILBAO
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.
Inclusions:
- Private transfers to and from the airport
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Guided tours and activities as described in the itinerary
- Wine and pintxos tastings as described in the itinerary
Exclusions:
- Flights to and from Bilbao
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and tips
- Travel insurance
Pricing Information:
Prices $8800 per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
ARRIVE BILBAO, SPAIN: Hotel Maria Cristina
Tips and advice for travelers:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours.
- Be prepared for changeable weather in the Basque Country.
- Try the local pintxos and cider, they are must-tries!
- Learn a few words in Basque, the local language, to impress the locals.
Trip notes:
- This tour can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.
- Optional activities, such as hiking, surfing, or spa treatments, can be arranged.
- Single supplements are available upon request.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Spain? A: Visitors from many countries, including the United States and the European Union, do not need a visa to enter Spain for stays up to 90 days.
Q: Can I change the pickup time for my tour? A: Yes, we offer customizations to suit the needs of our travelers, including changing the pickup time.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Basque Country? A: The Basque Country can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny.