The Basque Country is the gourmet epicentre of Spain, with many Michelin 3-
star restaurants such as Arzak, Akelare and Berasategui, along with
"Gastronomic Societies" and some of the best tapas bars in Spain.
From the cutting edge wonder of Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to the Belle
Epoque charm of San Sebastian, the Basque Country offers a wide variety of
sights and activities. Along the way, we also visit several fishing villages on the
picturesque Basque coast.
This tour is designed for the food and wine lover in mind. Highlights include a
cooking class, an unforgettable tapas or "pintxos” tour of San Sebastian and a
memorable dinner in a Michelin 3-star restaurant.
Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Bilbao. Afterwards, visit the
internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum with a private guide. Frank
Gehry's titanium masterpiece has brought new life to the industrial city of
Bilbao, along with Sir Norman Foster's unique metro system.
Continue with your guide for a walking tour along the Nervion River, passing
the new Santiago Calatrava Bridge, and crossing into the old town. Bilbao has
a colourful medieval quarter (the Casco Viejo), and we explore the original
seven streets where Bilbao was founded some 700 years ago. Enjoy a
wonderful dinner in the Old Quarter. Dishes include crab croquettes, spicy
green peppers, smoked Idiazabal cheese and an assortment of seafood dishes.
With a private driver-guide, head for the Bay of Biscay, where you’ll visit the tiny
island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Ascend the 231 steps that lead
to the tiny chapel (dating back to the 10th century) and enjoy stunning views
of the Bay of Biscay.
Continue to the small fishing village of Elantxobe, built on a very steep hillside
and nestled between a cliff and the sea. The village has a long sea-faring
tradition. Even today, both Elantxobe and Bermeo (the village situated on the
other side of the river estuary) celebrate festivities in remembrance of centurieslong
disputes over the island of Izaro, which is situated halfway between them.
After a delicious lunch including the fresh catch of the day, take a walk in the
Oma Valley to visit the curious Painted Forest. Basque modernist artist Agustin
Ibarrola has used a thousand trees as a canvas to paint images of eyes, people
and abstract shapes that line up and take different forms as you walk through
the forest.
Time permitting; you’ll stop in Gernika, the cultural capital of the Basque
people and seat of their centuries-old independence and democratic ideals.
Return to Bilbao. Dinner on your own to try the local specialties.
We farewell Bilbao and return to the Basque coast. Our first stop is Getaria, a
bustling seaside town and birthplace of both Magellan's navigator Elcano and
the designer Balenciaga. In the surrounding hills we visit a family-run winery,
where we are invited to taste the crisp slightly sparkling white wine called
Txacoli. Lunch of freshly caught fish grilled over an open fire is served dockside.
After lunch, we travel to the picturesque 13th century fortified village of
Hondarribia. Located on the banks of the Bidasoa River, the quaint border
town is situated on a little promontory facing Hendaye (France). It’s
magnificently preserved medieval quarter contains cobbled plazas and historic
palatial homes boasting regal coats of arms. Adjacent to the Old Quarter is La
Marina; the Maritime Quarter, with its tall brightly-coloured fisherman’s houses.
Dinner tonight includes exquisite specialities of this beautiful region.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hondarribia.
Private transfer to San Sebastian and check into your beachfront hotel. Located
on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea, with its
shell-shaped bay, wide tree-lined boulevards and protected fishing harbour. It
also happens to have more Michelin restaurants per capita than any other city
outside of Paris.
The afternoon is free for lunch and shopping or perhaps a swim in the bay.
There is also a nearby spa where massages and other treatments can be
scheduled.
In the evening meet your trip leader to explore San Sebastian's old quarter. We
dine as the locals do, on the delicious miniature cuisine known as pintxos. This
is a culinary experience like no other. Pintxos range from traditional grilled wild
mushrooms, spicy stuffed peppers and Bellota ham to elaborate creations by
young chefs who have trained with the greats.
Today, we explore Basque cuisine in a venue usually closed to outsiders. Our
private cooking class takes place at one of San Sebastian's unique "Gastronomic
Societies". Traditionally, Basques gather in these cooking clubs to cook, eat,
drink, sing and socialize.
Our private class might commence with a visit to the local market to choose the
freshest ingredients for our recipies. In this cosy and fun atmosphere, a
boisterous lunch accompanied by txakoli or cider will follow your cooking class.
Typical Basque dishes include Lubina a la pimienta verde (sea bass with green
pepper) and Marmitako (typical soupy dish made of bonito tuna, potatoes,
onions, peppers, and tomato).
After lunch, enjoy a well-earned siesta at the hotel or enjoy a walk along the
beautiful waterfront. You’ll want to work up an appetite for our celebratory
farewell dinner in one of the Michelin 3 star restaurants in San Sebastian.
After breakfast, transfer to Bilbao with private driver. Depending on your
onward travel plans, you will be dropped off at the airport or at your hotel in
Bilbao.
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