A tasteful journey to the Basque Country
Join us on a journey through the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain that entices with flavorful tapas, renowned wine areas, and charming towns. Here, coastal landscapes and green vineyards are combined with a cuisine considered among the finest in Europe. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the Basque Country by car and experience both the city pulse and small-town life with a focus on food and drink.
Bilbao – design, history, and pintxos
The journey begins in Bilbao, a city that has undergone a clear transformation in recent decades. Nowadays, it is a place where modern art meets Basque culinary culture. Here, it's easy to get a first taste of the region's pintxos – small dishes often served directly on the bar counter. The old quarters in Casco Viejo offer narrow alleys, small squares, and many charming bars.
A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is also popular, but many choose to combine art experiences with a walk along the river and a late dinner at a local restaurant.
It is a city that is well-suited for a first night, just enough to settle in and get a first glimpse of what the Basque Country has to offer. It's also here that you pick up the rental car that will be your companion on the road through northern Spain.
A scenic stop in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The next day begins with a short morning walk along the Nervión River before you leave the city and head east towards San Sebastián.
On the way, you stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an island with a small church at the top, accessible via a long stone staircase. Perhaps you recognize it from the series Game of Thrones? The view over the Bay of Biscay is worth the hike, and the place is perfect for a short break with something small to eat.
San Sebastián – the heart of basque cuisine and bathing
By afternoon, you roll into San Sebastián and check in for three nights. San Sebastián is perhaps the most famous destination in the Basque Country when it comes to food. Here, you can find both simple street food and some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. With three nights of accommodation, you have plenty of time to explore the different parts of the city, from the lively old town to the quieter beaches.
Going from bar to bar and trying pintxos is a must. Each place has its specialty, and often you can stand at the counter and watch the dishes being prepared in front of you. There is also the opportunity to book food tours, visit markets, or participate in a cooking class if you want to delve deeper.
Food is at the center in San Sebastián, but it is also a place where you can easily unwind. There are plenty of parks, promenades along the sea, and cafés where you can sit for a long time with a glass of wine or coffee.
Rioja and Laguardia – vineyards and village life
After days by the coast, you continue south towards Rioja, an area known for its wines and open landscapes. Here, you stay two nights in Laguardia, a small village where many of the streets are still cobbled. The village is car-free, contributing to a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Don't worry about the car, you can easily park outside the city wall and then walk in.
In the Rioja region, you will find some of the world's most appreciated wines, and there are plenty of opportunities to partake in the local wine heritage. Underground, there are tunnels and wine cellars, and many of the village's bodegas offer tastings of both classic Riojas and smaller productions with a more local touch.
Additionally, there are several restaurants serving dishes that perfectly complement the local wines. Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely dinner in the village square or a simpler tapas experience at one of the cozy bars, food and wine will be at the center of your stay here.
Back to Bilbao with a stop in Vitoria-Gasteiz
After enjoying good wine and open landscapes, you drive back towards Bilbao, with a stop in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the administrative heart of the city with a very special charm.
The old town, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful buildings, gives a sense of serene elegance. It's easy to get lost among picturesque squares, small cafés, and lush parks. Don't miss the impressive Catedral de Santa María, which is well worth a visit.
When you are back in Bilbao for your last night, you get one last chance to take in everything the Basque Country has to offer. A walk along the Nervión River gives you a beautiful view of the city's modern silhouette, and the journey ends with a glass of wine at one of the cozy riverside restaurants.
A journey to the Basque Country filled with flavors and environments
This tour of the Basque Country is perfect for those who want to experience the region beyond the tourist trails. By traveling by car, you have access to both the coast and inland, from the pulse of San Sebastián to the tranquility of Laguardia. Whether you travel with someone or on your own, a journey filled with food, wine, and memorable places awaits.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
