Basque Country

10 Nights in Basque Country – Exclusive Journey

NIS

North Incoming Service

Culinary Excellence & Cultural Discovery

Basque Country
in 10 Nights

Discover the essence of Euskadi (Basque Country & Northern Spain) through an immersive journey where world-renowned gastronomy meets rich culture and breathtaking landscapes

A Journey Like No Other

Welcome to an extraordinary 10-night exploration of the Basque Country and northern Spain— home to more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on Earth. This carefully curated itinerary takes you through centuries of history, world-renowned gastronomy, and stunning natural landscapes.

From private showcooking sessions with master chefs to artisan workshops revealing centuries-old techniques, from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional cider houses and family-run bodegas— every culinary experience has been thoughtfully selected. Journey from the architectural marvels of Bilbao to the coastal charm of San Sebastián, from ancient salt valleys to prestigious wineries, discovering new flavors and traditions at every turn.

«This is not just a tour—it’s an intimate gastronomic and cultural journey through Euskadi (Basque Country & Northern Spain), where every meal tells a story and every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories.»

Your Journey

Day 1

Bilbao

Discover Bilbao

Begin your journey in Bilbao, a city where modernity meets tradition. Walk through the historic Seven Streets of the Old Quarter, visit the magnificent Santiago Cathedral, and ascend to Artxanda viewpoint for panoramic city views. Experience Basque culinary artistry with a show cooking demonstration featuring traditional techniques and local ingredients, followed by a guided tour of the iconic Guggenheim Museum.

Show Cooking Experience Watch expert chefs prepare traditional Basque dishes using local ingredients and centuries-old techniques.

Guggenheim Museum Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece. A landmark of 21st-century design housing world-class contemporary art collections.

Old Quarter Tour Explore the «Siete Calles» – Bilbao’s medieval heart with Renaissance, Baroque, and Modernist architecture along narrow pedestrian streets.

Cathedral Visit Santiago Cathedral, dedicated to St. James the Apostle. Gothic architecture from the 15th century with stunning neo-Gothic tower and façade.

Day 2

Urdaibai Biosphere

UNESCO Natural Reserve

Explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit a traditional Txakoli winery in the hills overlooking the estuary, then discover the charming fishing village of Bermeo. Experience the region’s fishing heritage with a visit to a white tuna factory, learning the traditional methods of preserving bonito del norte— the prized Cantabrian albacore—followed by tastings of this local delicacy. Continue to witness the dramatic beauty of Gaztelugatxe island—famous as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

Txakoli Winery Bodega familiar en un caserío de 1852 en Bakio. Elaboran vino artesanal con pasión, trabajando variedades autóctonas Hondarrabi Zuri y Beltza en viñedos junto al Cantábrico.

Bermeo Village Authentic Basque fishing village with distinctive sea town atmosphere. Beautiful streets, old port, and rich maritime heritage.

White Tuna Factory & Tasting Tour a traditional conservera to see how prized white tuna (bonito del norte) is hand-selected, prepared, and preserved using time-honored techniques.

Gaztelugatxe Island Dramatic island connected by 241 stone steps, crowned by a hermitage. Famous worldwide as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

Day 3

Vitoria-Gasteiz & Salt Valley

Medieval Capital & Salt Valley

Journey to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque capital, with its exceptional medieval quarter. Tour the stunning Cathedral of Santa María with its «Open for Works» restoration project. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant featuring Alavese cuisine—think hearty stews, local vegetables, and regional wines. Continue to the spectacular Salt Valley of Salinas de Añana, one of Europe’s best-preserved cultural landscapes, where salt has been harvested for over 6,500 years. Conclude with a guided salt tasting, discovering the unique mineral characteristics of different artisanal salts.

Santa María Cathedral Unique «Open for Works» experience – visit an active restoration project while the cathedral remains a functioning church. UNESCO World Heritage candidate.

Medieval Quarter Vitoria-Gasteiz’s historic center with Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and centuries of Basque history preserved in its streets and buildings.

Salt Valley Experience One of Europe’s most spectacular cultural landscapes. Walk among 5,000+ evaporation platforms where salt has been harvested for 6,500 years.

Artisan Salt Tasting Guided tasting of various artisan salts. Learn to distinguish mineral profiles and best culinary applications.

Day 4

La Rioja Alavesa

Wine Country Excellence

Immerse yourself in Europe’s oldest wine region. Explore the medieval walled town of Laguardia, visit its remarkable polychrome church portico, and experience both traditional century-old cellars and cutting-edge architectural wineries. Taste exceptional Rioja wines from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes, learning about barrel aging and terroir. Enjoy a wine-paired gastronomic lunch featuring regional specialties amidst the vineyards— where Rioja’s celebrated cuisine meets its world-class wines.

Medieval Laguardia Walled medieval town in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. Walk through ancient gateways, ramparts, and cobblestone streets with panoramic vineyard views.

2 Premium Winery Visits Visit a traditional bodega with underground cellars and a modern architectural masterpiece. Learn about Rioja’s aging classifications.

Rioja Wine Tasting Curated tasting showcasing different styles and ages of Rioja wines with characteristic notes of red fruits, vanilla, and spice.

Wine-Paired Lunch Multi-course lunch featuring Riojan specialties like lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings, expertly paired with local wines.

Day 5

Cantabria

Cantabrian Delicacies

Venture into Cantabria’s stunning Pasiegos Valleys, famous for traditional livestock farming and artisanal dairy products. Visit a local cheese producer to taste exceptional Pasiego cheeses— fresh, creamy varieties unique to these mountain pastures, paired with local sobaos and quesadas pastries. Continue to Santoña to discover the art of premium anchovy-making: witness the entire artisanal process from fishing to hand-filleting, salting, and deboning that transforms humble fish into a true Spanish delicacy. Lunch at a local restaurant celebrating Cantabrian coastal cuisine.

Pasiegos Valleys Stunning mountainous landscapes with traditional cabins (cabañas pasiegas). A region famous for transhumant livestock and artisanal dairy products.

Artisan Cheese Tasting Visit an artisan quesería to discover Pasiego cheeses made from milk of cows grazing on mountain pastures. Paired with sobaos and quesadas.

Santoña Anchovy Factory Tour a traditional factory in Santoña. Watch expert artisans demonstrate hand-filleting and salting techniques for premium anchovies.

Cantabrian Cuisine Lunch at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood, mountain cheeses, and traditional Cantabrian dishes highlighting land and sea.

Day 6

Getaria & Basque Coast

Coastal Elegance & Gastronomy

Visit the picturesque fishing port of Getaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elkano and fashion legend Cristóbal Balenciaga. Tour the stunning Balenciaga Museum, then discover the art of Txakoli wine-making at a traditional cellar with guided tastings. Savor the town’s specialty: grilled fish fresh from the Bay of Biscay, expertly prepared and paired with crisp local Txakoli—a true celebration of coastal Basque cuisine.

Balenciaga Museum Dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga, the master couturier. Discover original haute couture pieces and the legacy of fashion’s most influential designer.

Txakoli Cellar & Tasting Doniene Gorrondona works their vineyards since 1996, producing txakoli with unique personality thanks to proximity to the sea.

Grilled Fish Experience Getaria’s specialty: turbot (rodaballo) and fresh fish grilled over hot coals, served with local olive oil and paired with Txakoli wine.

Coastal Views Breathtaking Bay of Biscay vistas. Getaria’s dramatic coastline, fishing port, and the nearby Monte San Antón (el Ratón de Getaria).

Day 7

San Sebastián

San Sebastián Culinary Masterclass

Experience the pinnacle of Basque gastronomy in San Sebastián, home to more Michelin stars per capita than any city in the world. Enjoy an exclusive private showcooking session with professional chefs who will prepare exquisite dishes before your eyes, revealing the techniques that have made Basque cuisine legendary. Begin with a guided visit to the vibrant local market, selecting the freshest ingredients, then savor a multi-course lunch paired with exceptional local wines. After this culinary journey, visit Chillida Leku museum to discover the masterworks of Eduardo Chillida.

Private Showcooking (3hrs) 3-hour private experience with professional chefs. Market visit, cooking demonstration, and exclusive lunch with wine pairings.

La Bretxa Market San Sebastián’s premier market. Select the freshest seasonal produce, local fish, artisan cheeses, and Basque specialties with your chef guide.

Wine-Paired Tasting Menu Multi-course menu with seasonal ingredients, traditional Basque recipes and contemporary techniques. Paired with Txakoli, Rioja and regional wines.

Chillida Leku Museum Outdoor museum showcasing Eduardo Chillida’s monumental sculptures in a 16th-century farmhouse setting. A contemplative journey through contemporary Basque art.

Day 8

Pamplona

Running of the Bulls City

Discover Pamplona, founded by Pompey in 75 BC. Walk through its historic quarter, medieval walls, and visit the famous Plaza de Toros. Enjoy free time for lunch at the renowned Café Iruña, a Belle Époque landmark.

Historic Quarter Pamplona’s medieval center with Plaza del Castillo, ancient walls, and buildings that have witnessed centuries of history along the Camino de Santiago.

Medieval Walls Walk along Pamplona’s impressive fortifications – some of the best-preserved military architecture in Spain, offering city views and historical insight.

Plaza de Toros Visit the famous bullring where the Running of the Bulls concludes each July during San Fermín festival. Learn about this iconic Pamplona tradition.

Café Iruña Historic Belle Époque café (1888) frequented by Hemingway. Elegant atmosphere, traditional pintxos, and authentic Navarrese cuisine in a stunning setting.

Day 9

French Basque Country

French Basque Culinary Journey

Cross into France to explore Bayonne’s military heritage and discover its renowned Bayonne ham at a traditional workshop, learning centuries-old preservation techniques. Experience haute cuisine at La Table Sébastien Gravé, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the banks of the Nive River, where Chef Sébastien creates innovative dishes celebrating southwestern French gastronomy—featuring hake from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, seared mackerel, and Ibaïma pork. Continue to Espelette for an immersive experience at a pepper farm, discovering the cultivation and drying of this iconic AOP ingredient, followed by tastings and a hands-on culinary workshop.

Bayonne Tour Explore Bayonne’s rich military heritage, ramparts, fortifications, and charming riverside setting where the Nive meets the Adour.

Bayonne Ham Workshop Learn the art of curing Bayonne ham (IGP). Discover salting, drying, and aging techniques, followed by tastings.

Michelin Star Lunch ⭐ One Michelin star restaurant. Chef Sébastien Gravé showcases Atlantic hake, Ibaïma pork, and seasonal produce in dishes honoring Basque traditions.

Espelette Pepper Farm & Workshop Tour a pepper farm to see how Piment d’Espelette (AOP) is cultivated and dried. Tasting session and culinary workshop included.

Day 10

Hondarribia & Pasaia

Maritime Heritage & Cider House

Explore medieval Hondarribia with its carved wooden balconies and fishermen’s quarter. Experience an authentic Basque cider house (sidrería) where you’ll enjoy the traditional «txotx» ritual—catching cider directly from massive oak barrels—accompanied by a hearty multi-course menu featuring cod omelet, grilled txuleta steak, local cheeses, and walnuts with quince paste. Visit Albaola Museum to witness the reconstruction of a 16th-century Basque whaling ship—the San Juan—reflecting the region’s rich maritime legacy.

Medieval Hondarribia Perfectly preserved medieval walled town with colorful balconies, carved eaves, and cobblestone streets. Upper town showcases noble architecture.

Traditional Cider House Feast Authentic sidrería experience with ‘txotx’ ritual. Traditional feast: cod omelet, grilled txuleta steak, cheeses, and walnuts with unlimited cider.

Albaola Maritime Museum Living museum where traditional shipbuilding techniques are preserved. Witness the reconstruction of historical Basque vessels using 16th-century methods.

San Juan Whaling Ship Full-scale replica of a 16th-century Basque whaling galleon that sank in Canada in 1565. Demonstrates Basque maritime prowess and transoceanic navigation.

What Makes This Journey Special

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World-Class Gastronomy

The Basque Country holds more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on Earth. Experience this culinary excellence firsthand: from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional cider houses, private showcooking sessions with master chefs, artisan workshops revealing centuries-old techniques, and wine tastings at family-run bodegas. Every meal is a celebration of terroir, tradition, and innovation.

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