Treasures of the Spanish Basque Country - Unique Small Group

Let’s travel to Bilbao to start our holiday in the Spanish Basque country. At the airport let’s meet our friendly local representative, before travelling onwards to our hotel in the city centre of Bilbao. Along the way, we will stop at a beautiful viewpoint so you can see the area where you will be staying at for the next few days and prepare you for what you will see tomorrow.

This evening let’s get together with our fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Let’s start the day by diving back into the past as our guide takes us on a journey through the Ensanche quarter, where the city expanded at the end of the 19th century, as well as the cobbled streets, charming squares and corners the old part of Bilbao: the city walls, the Gothic cathedral of Santiago, the Plaza Nueva square, the San Anton church, the ancient ruins on which the city is based, and of course the bustling Ribera Market. (3,5 – 4km)

Today, for lunch, we will experience a pintxos menu: “Pintxos” are authentic culinary miniature works of art made by combining traditional products of Basque cuisine with a modern touch - a definite must to really experience Basque gastronomy. We will enjoy a seated lunch with a set-up menu of a variety of pintxos (several snacks).

You can spend the afternoon at your own, enjoying the comfort of your hotel to relax, or you can explore more the city with the Bizkaia Bridge, for example, a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most thrilling aspects of visiting the Bizkaia Bridge is taking a ride on its hanging gondola, a type of suspended carriage which functions like a vertical ferry. You can also go up to the platform (50 m) for breathtaking panoramic views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Today, we will discover more with a guided tour of the Guggenheim. Our guide will pick us up at the hotel and walk us (1 km) to this world-famous building that has come to be one of THE landmarks of Bilbao. We will not only be visiting a world-renowned art museum that houses some of the most vanguard art exhibitions, but also an important part of the recent city history.

You have free time this afternoon, to keep discovering Bilbao’s treasures, between, culture, architecture and gastronomy, and of course, go for some shopping.

Let’s unveil more, starting the day with a visit of San Sebastian from an incredible viewpoint, then going down into the city for a walking tour. Nestled along the picturesque Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) stands as an elegant coastal gem, with two distinct beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Zurriola. With our guide, we will wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where centuries-old buildings house a labyrinth of pintxos bars, traditional shops, and vibrant plaza.

Let’s experience more with a stop in the town of Haro, the cradle of Rioja wine making. Then we head to the Eguren Ugarte winery, where we will learn about the Rioja wine-making process from the experts of one of the top wineries in the area, ending with a wine tasting, and enjoy a traditional Rioja lunch. La Rioja is renowned for its lush vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions, and the visit is a sensory journey into the rich culture, and picturesque landscapes with the rolling hills and verdant vineyards, before entering the historic cellars, some of which date back centuries. These underground caverns, with their earthy aroma and rustic charm, house countless barrels and bottles aging to perfection. There we will witness the meticulous sorting of grapes, the gentle pressing, and the careful fermentation, all contributing to the distinctive flavours that characterize La Rioja wines.

After the winery let’s explore more with a visit of the charming village of Laguardia for a glimpse into the region’s wine making past. This walled town located on a hill overlooking the vineyards with the Cantabrian Mountains in the background is considered to be the most attractive towns of the region. It is also home to the church Santa María de los Reyes, built at the end of the 12th century in Romanesque style but finished in the 15th century with Gothic and Renaissance elements. The most outstanding piece of the temple is its polychromatic portico.

Embark on a fascinating half day trip from Bilbao to Gernika, a town steeped in history and cultural significance. As you stroll through its peaceful streets, you’ll discover its vibrant town centre, the emotional Gernika Tree, which symbolizes Basque autonomy and democracy, and the Casa de Juntas (House of Assembly), an iconic building that has served as the seat of the Basque Parliament for centuries. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enter the building and learn about the Basque Country's political history and its long-standing tradition of self-governance.  

After immersing yourself in Gernika's rich history, your next stop will be at a Txakoli winery—an essential part of the Basque culinary tradition. Txakoli is a crisp, slightly effervescent white wine that pairs beautifully with local foods. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery (vineyard, distillery and winery), where you'll learn about the unique methods of producing Txakoli, followed by a wine tasting session with a light snack of local products. The tasting will include two txakolis accompanied by two local products (cheese, anchovies…). It's a delightful way to experience the flavours of the Basque Country, and to unwind before heading back to Bilbao. 

Today is yours, your can enjoy Bilbao on your own: its museums, shopping streets, pintxo bars, parks, or maybe even go up the Artxanda cable car for some of the best views of the city. Our guide will be more than happy to recommend you some local attractions.

Farewell dinner in a Michelin star restaurant included

As the sun sets over the charming city of Bilbao, your farewell dinner unfolds at one of the city's prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, an emblem of culinary mastery and innovation.

Short excursion to the Bilbao Bay Area to visit the unique structure of the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Hanging Bridge with your guide. From the centre of Bilbao, you will take our modern metro for about 20 minutes. You will get to go up on the bridge’s platform for great views of the Bilbao Bay Area and/or cross over the river on the hanging platform. Return with your guide or stay longer on your own to stroll along the marina. 

*This excursion is optional and at additional cost.

Time has come to say good-bye to the green Spanish Basque Country and set off for our green home as we travel with guide assistance to the airport.