|
 Situated in the crook of the Iberian Peninsula between Spain and France on the Bay of Biscay, the Basque Country stretches from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the wine country of Rioja to the fishing villages of the Cantabrian coast. Its urban hubs in Spain are Bilbao and San Sebastián, and in France, the resort city of Biarritz.
It could be argued that Europe’s oldest people are actually very modern - progressive in social attitudes, gastronomy, and urban planning. Euskadi (the Basque name for this region) doesn’t feel very Spanishand has a high degree of autonomy from the rest of Spain. The Basque people have preserved their culture for more than two millennia and their own language, too–Euskara. And it’s quite a strange-looking language with its preponderance of x's and z's that would burst Scrabble scores. Unrelated to any other known languageits origins have long eluded linguists.
The food is top-notch. San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city, barring Kyoto, and Bilbao is certainly no slouch in that department either (witness the restaurant in our Bilbao hotel).
The Basque people are devoted to their unusual sports: pelota (also known as jai alai), wood-chopping, stone-lifting, tug-of-war, log-sawing, and caber tossing. And betting on outcomes is very much a part of it all.
Decades ago, terrorism in the name of Basque separatism roiled the region. Today, thankfully, that has passed.
Join us in this unique corner of Spain (and a little nook of France)!
Day 1 - May 12, 2025
 Kaixo! (That’s Basque for Hola!)
In the early evening we’ll meet at our beautiful and centrally located hotel in Bilbao for a welcome drink and to get acquainted. Afterwards we’ll head out for our first of several memorable meals on this trip!
Please Note: If you’d like to arrive a day before our tour begins to help with the adjustment to any jetlag we can set you up with an extra night at our group hotel.
Meals: Welcome Drink, Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Tayko Bilbao Hotel, Bilbao, 4*
Day 2 - May 13, 2025
 Today we have a full day to explore the Basque region’s largest city. Our moving about
will be on foot and public transportation, taking advantage of the excellent tram that runs
along the river and links the old town with the Guggenheim Museum.
Urban regeneration . . . Bilbao has
recently witnessed a remarkable
transformation as depressed areas
from a difficult past have been
given new life through innovation,
with the stunning Guggenheim
Museum at the head of the pack.
Think industrial past meets
exciting future of a buzzy cultural
capital. Other recent notable
projects have included a flashy
Metro system designed by
Englishman Sir Norman Foster
and a new airport terminal by
renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The city has a bustling bar scene, old and
new architecture, superb eating, and a sense of pride in its industrial roots
 We’ll begin with a walking tour in the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s old town, lined with tight
lanes, shops, pintxos bars (pintxos are similar to tapas), and a great market. This quarter
evokes a cramped medieval past and it’s long been the city’s social focus. Dominating the
old town is the 14th-century Gothic Santiago Cathedral and the 64 graceful neoclassical
arches that enclose the Plaza Nueva completed in 1849, the favorite meeting point of
locals and stuffed with pintxos bars. The entire barrio has been declared a national
landmark with its attractive architecture.
Bilbao’s late 20th-century “renaissance” is
rooted in Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim
Museum along the Nervión River. The
concept was daring – and controversial –
but it’s undeniable the impact it’s had on
local confidence, the economy, and
further projects. “Architecture as art”
seems to apply here. Gehry used
shimmering titanium, making the building
appear to capture motion. Also distinctive
is Jeff Koons’ giant floral sculpture,
Puppy, at the museum’s entrance.
We’ll have a guided tour of the museum,
which counts among its permanent pieces the interactive, Snake, by Richard Serra. But
most pieces are temporary visitors, some taken from the permanent collection of the
Guggenheim Foundation.
We’ll have some free time in the afternoon for shopping and exploring further according
to your own interests, and dinner is open this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Tayko Bilbao Hotel, Bilbao, 4*
Day 3 - May 14, 2025
 Today we’ll venture up into stunning landscapes and one of the world’s renowned wine
zones – the Rioja – skirted by the striking Sierra de Cantabria. Many of the finest Rioja
wines come from the Álava province, which is part of the Basque region (although it
tends to feel more Spanish here than Basque). From small traditional cantinas to striking
modern wineries and boutique oeno-resorts, there’s a lot here.
The small walled hilltop town of
Laguardia is one of the most
atmospheric places in the Basque
region at an elevation of 2,000
feet, commanding the plain below
like a sentinel, and its narrow
streets a lovely place to wander, its
old town oozing charm.
Underneath its medieval streets
are hundreds of catacomb-like
bodegas – cellars used for the
making and storing of wine.
Visitors from across the globe
come here to sample its precious vintages. Leave it to us to select a nice one for a lovely
tour and wine tasting experience. We’ll have lunch up here as well before returning back
down to Bilbao for some free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Tayko Bilbao Hotel, Bilbao, 4*
Day 4 - May 15, 2025
 Leaving Bilbao this morning en
route to San Sebastián our first
stop will be in Gernika, a name
that weighs heavily, as it was
bombed by the Nazis as an
“experiment” during the Spanish
Civil War in 1937, resulting in
hundreds or possibly thousands of
deaths. Gernika was for many
centuries the sight of Basque
assemblies that met under an oak
tree, and so the town had become (and still is) the spiritual heart of Basque pride and
nationalism. One of the most famous results of the bombing was Picasso’s painting
named after the town and widely considered one of the greatest antiwar works of art.
Although it resides in the Reina Sofia gallery in Madrid we’ll see a ceramic copy of it in
the town. Gernika remains the center of Basque patriotism; their figurehead leader is still
chosen under the oak tree; and a visit here is a moving experience.
We move on to the fishing village
of Getaria on the Vizcayan
coastline. It’s a picturesque town
with cobbled streets winding their
way to the harbor, and it’s the
acknowledged Basque center of
the anchovy. The town is
renowned for its production of
txakoli, the young white wine.
This was the hometown of Juan
Sebastián Elkano who set sail in
1519 on an expedition captained
by Magellan. When Magellan was
murdered in the Philippines
Elkano took command and thus became the first sailor to circumnavigate the world.
 But another local hero – of more modern times – is the gay fashion designer Cristóbal
Balenciaga Eizaguirre who founded the Balenciaga fashion house. Christian Dior called
him “the master of us all,” and Coco Chanel said he was “the only couturier in the truest
sense of the word.” Our program will include a visit to the Museo Balenciaga here in his
hometown of Getaria, which opened in 2011 and has a collection of more than 1,200
pieces designed by him. His most famous clients included Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner,
Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy.
Finally we reach San Sebastián. After checking in at our delightfully located seaside hotel
we’ll enjoy a group dinner together in a city known for its culinary excellence.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Lasala Plaza Hotel, San Sebastian, 4*
Day 5 - May 16, 2025
 Situated on La Concha Bay and surrounded by lush green hills this is one of the Iberian
Peninsula’s most beautiful cities. Beyond its superb natural setting elegant and
prosperous San Sebastián (called Donostia in the Basque language) enjoys top
restaurants, a delightful beachfront promenade, a regular influx of international stardom
during its film festival in late September, a couple of excellent museums, and a piece of
world-class modern architecture. San Sebastián even sometimes pops up on lists of the
world’s best cities. And with a soaring statue of Christ high up on one of the hills the city
can draw a parallel to Rio de Janeiro (a visual one anyway).
After one of Spain’s queens came here in the mid 19th century for a medical treatment the
country’s aristocracy was intrigued, and the city soon became a seaside resort. By the turn
of the 20th century San Sebastián was a testament to the grandeur of the Belle Epoque era.
 Today we’ll explore the lively
Parte Vieja (Old Town) on foot
with its mostly Neoclassical
architecture, with a sprinkling of
Baroque and Gothic here and there.
One of the highlights here is the
array of buzzing tapas bars. Widely
considered as the gourmet capital of
Spain, San Sebastián dishes up
some of the best pintxos. Included
on our walk is the handsome Plaza
de la Constitución. For superb
views we go up Monte Igueldo
where a lovely panorama takes in
the city, the Cantabrian coastline, and the distant green mountains.
We’ll also enjoy a typically Basque experience — a tour, tasting, and lunch at a Basque
cider house! This is hard cider, and we get to taste it directly from the barrels before
enjoying a hearty lunch.
The beautiful open-air Chillida Leku Museum is another highlight of this busy day.
Eduardo Txillida Juantegi was a Spanish Basque sculptor notable for his monumental
abstract works. Some of his monumental iron and steel sculptures are displayed across
the globe. At the museum nature and art naturally come together in the space. The
sculptures are integrated into the landscape as though they had always been part of it. In
the garden, beech, oak and magnolia trees live alongside the monumental steel and
granite sculptures, situated in a perfect dialogue with their surroundings.
Dinner this evening is open, and San Sebastián has a great deal to choose from – from a
myriad of pintxos bars to several Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re a foodie you can
really go to town!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Lasala Plaza Hotel, San Sebastian, 4*
Day 6 - May 17, 2025
 Today we’ll cross the border into the Pays Basque, the French side of the Basque region
and begin our explorations in glittering Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay. A former imperial beach domain (and now Europe’s
surfing capital), Biarritz was once
known as “the resort of kings and
the king of resorts.” It was
Empress Eugénie (a Spaniard and
the wife of Napoléon III), who
gave Biarritz its coming-out party,
transforming it into a favorite of
European royalty and the most
prominent of France’s Atlantic
coastal resorts.
Although it doesn’t have quite the same glitz as the French Riviera, its elegant Belle
Epoque-period villas are remarkable, and one does see affluent holiday-makers in
designer duds alongside surfers in flip-flops. Like the tides, Biarritz’ popularity has been
in and out, but it’s been on the rise in recent years, now with hip boutiques (lots of
espadrilles), a good dining scene, and as always classic French pastries. We’ll stroll the
narrow streets around the Port Vieux (old port); pass through the festive Place Ste-
Eugénie, still considered the social center of town; and walk the promenade along the
Grande Plage – the city’s popular sandy beach with views of foaming breakers
approaching the historic Art Deco casino – following in the footsteps of the fashionable
set of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
 Nearby, the camera-ready village of
St-Jean-de-Luz shows off quirky,
colorful, and asymmetric Basque
architecture. It was here in 1660 that
King Louis XIV married his
Spanish bride, and ever since
travelers have journeyed here to
enjoy its charms. It’s got a colorful
harbor, narrow streets, brightly
painted shutters, a curious church
with three-tiered oak galleries, and
an elegant beach. The town’s seafaring history can boast whalers who sailed as far as
America in their three-masted ships.
Later we make our way back to San Sebastián, and this evening we’ll have our final meal
of the tour in this culinary capital of the Basque Country.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Lasala Plaza Hotel, San Sebastian, 4*
Day 7 - May 18, 2025
After breakfast you’re free to depart from San Sebastián according to your travel
arrangements.
Please Note: San Sebastián is just a lovely spot to spend more time. If you’d like to extend your
stay here we can set you up with an extra night or two at our group hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
|
|
• San Sebastián — the gourmet capital of Spain, situated beautifully on a pretty bay, with a preserved Belle Epoque elegance
• A day-trip to the French Basque Country towns of St-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz
• Witness exemplary urban regeneration in Bilbao as well as its buzzing Casco Viejo — the city’s old town.
• Sample the extensive variety of delicious Pintxos – the Basque version of tapas – available at bars throughout the region.
• A day-trip to Spain’s top wine region – the world-famous La Rioja and a stroll through pretty Laguardia, an attractive walled town
• The quaint fishing center of Getaria that is also home to a museum celebrating Balenciaga, an icon of haute couture
• Gernika — a place steeped in tragedy from the Spanish Civil War — propelling one of Picasso’s most famous paintings — and at the vey core of “Basqueness”
• 6 nights Accommodations in beautiful 4-star properties
- 3 nights at Tayko Bilbao Hotel in Bilbao;
- 3 nights at Lasala Plaza Hotel in San Sebastian;
• Breakfasts every morning at our accommodations
• Five lunches and three dinners
• Limited wine included with group meals as well as other beverage options
• Welcome drink
• Wine tasting
• Cider tasting
• A Basque professional tour guide accompanying the group each day
• Gay group tour manager
• Entrance fees at sights mentioned in the itinerary
• Private tour bus(es) throughout
• Airfare
• Gratuities
• Three dinners
• Any extra hotel nights that may be needed or desired pre- or post-tour
• Entrance fees to sights not specified in the day-to-day itinerary
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, room service, minibar charges, etc.
• Travel Insurance
Please note: We reserve the right to alter some of these accommodations if circumstances dictate. Any changes would be to a similar standard of hotel.
Tayko Bilbao Hotel , Bilbao
 Our selected 4-star hotel has 54 rooms and just opened in 2019 to excellent reviews. It’s in a building that dates from the 1920s, next to the Arriaga Theater and on the Nervión River. After the renovation some of the unique elements of the original building, such as the concrete structure, the wooden staircase, and the stained-glass windows, have been maintained. Rooms are decorated in blacks and grays and come with wooden floors, extra wide beds, smart TVs, tea and coffee service, L’Occitane amenities, free wifi, and complimentary mineral water. There’s an in-house gastronomic restaurant helmed by a legendary Basque chef offering both a tasting menu and à la carte choices. He holds 10 Michelin stars in total, more than any other Spanish chef. There’s also a casual gastrobar.
Lasala Plaza Hotel, San Sebastian
 Situated at one of the city’s best locations - next to the port with views of La Concha Bay - our selected 4-star hotel opened in 2018, but the building dates back to 1917 - completely renovated yet preserving its original architectural characteristics. There’s easy access to both the beach and the city center. The 58 rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Nespresso coffee machines, vintage black-and-white photos, stylish marble and wood furniture, and gorgeous bathrooms. San Sebastián’s inevitable relationship with the sea is reflected in many of the details inside the hotel, and the rooftop boasts a small pool, solarium, and staffed bar with great views of the port, bay, and the city. An excellent restaurant, beloved by locals and headed by a highly regarded local chef, features Basque cuisine with a contemporary touch. There’s also a more casual, lighter-fare space. Professional service rounds out the attractive features of this lovely hotel.
There are many flight options for
reaching Bilbao at the start of the
tour. If you’ll be coming directly
from the U.S. you’ll need to
connect somewhere in Europe. At
the time of publishing this
itinerary there are flights from
Madrid, Barcelona, London
Gatwick, Dublin, Paris,
Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich,
Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto,
Brussels, Zurich, Athens, Istanbul, and other smaller cities.
Departing out of San Sebastián at the end of the tour there aren’t many options if you’re
wishing to get back to the U.S. the same day. Basically, there are flights to Madrid and
Barcelona, from which you would connect.
As there are many more flight choices for Bilbao another option is to fly both
into and out of Bilbao. If you were to do this the driving time from San Sebastián to the
Bilbao airport at the end of the tour is around 75 minutes, which you could do by taxi or
private car.
The climate of the Basque region of Spain is cooler and wetter than the rest of the country as it’s on the north coast—meaning the Atlantic coast. It’s not Mediterranean. For the time period of these tours the average daytime high temperature is about 65F and the average overnight low is around 55F.
Rainfall during this time of the year is around 4 inches over the course of the month.
WALKING: he towns and
cities we visit cannot be driven
through on a bus as the city
centers are many hundreds of
years old. We have to explore the
towns (and other sights) on foot.
This could pose a challenge to
those who have any walking
issues. Please check with us if
you have any concerns in this
area. In general you should be
able to walk up to 3 miles a day in
total (but not all at once), occasionally on hilly terrain. Being able to do steps is also very
important.
TIMING: We aim to begin each day’s program at 9:00am, though on one or two days we may have to start a bit earlier. Breakfasts in the hotels typically begin at 7:00 or 7:30.
DRIVING: We have structured the days in this program in the most logically flowing way in order to keep driving times to a minimum and to avoid repetition of roads. However, some days will see more driving than others. None of the driving is done at long, uninterrupted intervals. We stop throughout the day for our visits, thus breaking up the day’s activities. Our transportation will be in a comfortable tour bus (although not the large 40 or 50-seater variety), and at no time will it feel like an endless road trip. The Basque region is fairly compact. The day trip from Bilbao up into the Rioja wine country is about an hour and a half each way. The day trip into the French Basque country involves about two hours of driving all together.
In an effort to make it as simple and seamless for our guests as possible, on some trips, such as this one, we think it’s better to collect some tip funds from you at the beginning of the tour on Day 1 so that you don’t have to fuss with that every day as we go along. These tip funds will be distributed by the tour manager as the trip unfolds to the wait staff in restaurants, driver(s), and hotel porters. We prefer that you tip the local tour guide directly at the end of the tour.
|
|
