The Basque Country is like no other as it crosses two countries with its own unique history. The region hugs the coastline of northwest Spain and southwest France, overlooked by the majestic Pyrenees Mountain range. Dotted with fishing villages, sheep farms, wineries, beach resorts, and walkable cities, the Basque country is a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach.
Join our small group of travelers for a week-long tour of the best of the Basque Country. Based in vibrant San Sebastián, we’ll explore the city’s pintxos bars, cider houses, and Michelin Star restaurants. We’ll also roll up our sleeves and learn to cook Basque specialties. Our day trip to France will include the luxurious beaches and shops of Biarritz, a colorful fishing village, and a medieval walled city. We’ll also have free time for museums, shopping, and more wine tasting! Luxury accommodations, gratuities, and most meals are included. See below for tour details and pricing.
San Sebastián, Spain Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1 – Arrivals Saturday, September 3. Welcome dinner reception, depending on timing of arrivals.
Day 2 – Morning tour of all the city highlights, then we’ll head to Old Town to learn about the Gastronomic Clubs and local food culture. Lunch will be at one of the iconic Cider Houses. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 3 – Today we make our way to a working sheep farm in the Basque hills, to taste and learn about Idiazabal cheese. Then onward to a winery producing the white wine grape Txakoli, for a tasting along with pintxos. We’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant near the winery and then we’ll have time to stroll through the picturesque fishing town of Getaria. Free evening.
Day 4 – We’ll walk to the local outdoor market to meet our chef and gather the fresh ingredients for our cooking class. We’ll create our own lunch, and enjoy it with local wines, of course. Free evening.
Day 5 – Your choice today to join a group visit to Museo San Telmo, a Basque culture and history museum, or head out on your own for shopping or sightseeing. We’ll gather for an early evening dinner of a walking and tasting tour exploring Old Town. Our guide will take us to local pintxos bars where we’ll taste everything from mussels and steak to cider and wines, learning about the culinary history of San Sebastián.
Day 6 – Crossing to the French Basque Country is a must when in San Sebastián. Today we’ll explore Biarritz & Saint Jean de Luz on the French side and the charming medieval town of Hondarribia in Spain.
Day 7 – Free Day. Explore on your own or sign up for the optional full-day Rioja Wine excursion visiting and tasting at multiple wineries plus lunch. (Price dependent on number of participants.) We’ll all gather for a group farewell dinner at one of San Sebastián’s memorable restaurants.
Day 8 – Departures, Saturday, September 10. Head home or onto your next adventures!