Exclusive Basque Country Food & Wine Tour
The Basque Country, true culinary pride
Expand your horizons and visit the Basque Country at least once. You’ll leave with a spirit of fun and celebration that lasts a lifetime.
What is unique about Basque food? Food serves as a cultural catalyst of sorts that ties Basque Country to its neighboring regions, providing a social nexus where the multiculturalism inherent to travelers is welcomed. The Basque people are a sharing people, providing guests with not only the comfort of hearty rustic food but the benevolent spirit of company.
Basques like to cook, and they know how to eat well. Pintxos is in its own a unique and separate entity. Instead of an ir de tapas, you enjoy a night of pintxos y txikiteo, a Basque version of a tapas crawl.
Introduce your appetite to the bounty of the daily fish catch, partake in the mounds of fresh sole, cod fish, merluza, and the river-borne angulas, immature eels commonly prepared with garlic, hot chili and rich locally pressed olive oil. Dishes such as gâteau Basque, marmitako, txangurro and txuleta are ubiquitous throughout the region, as does the use of rarified ingredients, or offal, such as cerebro de ternera, riñones and hígado. Rustic fare defines the majority of Basque cuisine — until you reach the stars.
Because the Basque Country – including the French region – is home to nearly 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, with San Sebastián bearing three of the most sought-after eateries in the world: the three-Michelin-starred Arzak, Akelarre and Martin Berasategui.
Another personally crafted culinary adventure by Paladar y Tomar to explore first-hand the real northern Spain gastronomy, living some of the most desirable lifetime experiences.
Day 1
San Sebastian
Day 2
SAN SEBASTIAN
Day 3
SAN SEBASTIAN – SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ - HONDARRIBIA – SAN SEBASTIAN
Day 4
SAN SEBASTIAN – FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY – SAN SEBASTIAN
Day 5
SAN SEBASTIAN – GETARIA - BILBAO
Day 6
BILBAO – RIOJA - BILBAO
Day 7
BILBAO
Day 8
BILBAO, END OF JOURNEY
Inspiring itinerary
IDEAL LENGTH: 7 NIGHTS ✧ WHEN TO GO: ALL YEAR ROUND
Day 1
SAN SEBASTIAN, ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. San Sebastián, this small but gorgeous seaside city boasts Belle Époque architecture, a profound cultural heritage and arguably the best cuisine in the Basque Region. It has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, but even the quality of the everyday food is sublime.
PINTXOS TOUR
An evening walking pintxos tour reveals the best of the local gastronomic essence. We will recommend the best pintxo at each place and the best wine to pair among our preferred bars. Enjoy a fun gourmet food tour!
Dinner
Luxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 2
SAN SEBASTIAN, BELLE EPOQUE
Enjoy a lovely promenade across this fascinating small city. Shaped by the river Urumea and later up by the hills, the city expanded when the walls were demolished 1863. The first expansion of the old town stretched out to the river's mouth, on the old quarter called Zurriola, which now shows a dynamic commercial activity, recently boosted by the presence of the Kursaal Congress Centre by the beach. The arcades of the Buen Pastor Square were fashioned after the ones of the Rue de Rivoli, with the Maria Cristina Bridge being inspired by the Pont Alexandre III that spans the Seine.
You will stroll across some of the most centrally located highlights and we’ll explore some of the historical food and wine shops.
MICHELIN STARRED LUNCH
It might be a good occasion for a Michelin restaurant taste.
Free afternoon to enjoy San Sebastian on your own.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 3
SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
Let’s cross the border to discover the flavors of the neighboring French Basque Country. In the morning depart towards the French coast. From Hendaia take the winding coast road -the Corniche- to the small town of San Juan de Luz, where we’ll visit its bustling and colorful market.
Stop by one of the best cheese makers, who serves Michelin star restaurants in the area and have a a chance to taste a wide variety of his exceptional products with a glass of wine. You won't miss the first producer of the famous “French Macarron”, the cookie that became famous all over the world.
HONDARRIBIA
As stated by The New York Times in July 2010, “with its abundant variety of local produce, a daily influx of fresh seafood, and what has become a critical mass of new talent, the tiny town of Hondarribia has emerged as one of the best places to experience the region’s ambitious cuisine, and without the parading crowds of San Sebastian, just 13 miles away". The castle is Hondarribia's most notable monument. Built in the 10th century by the kings of Navarre, it provided strategic fortification against periodic incursions by the French.
After strolling around, our stomachs will feel hungry and it is time to get ready for a unique lunch in a sociedad gastronómica.
SOCIEDAD GASTRONOMICA
Access to one of the most persuasive experiences a gourmet could ever dream of: enjoying a meal at a Sociedad Gastronómica. These members-only clubs play an important role and serve as meeting places where people of all social classes, known as cuadrillas, go to cook, eat and socialize.
After lunch, way back to San Sebastian and free time.
Breakfast, lunchLuxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 4
BIARRITZ
Today you’ll cross the border again, France je t’aime! Head to the beautiful Biarritz, 20 kilometers from the Spanish border, it is ideal for a cultural and gastronomic break. From its medieval past as a small fishing village, Biarritz, southwest of France, preserves in its coat of arms an image of its original inhabitants, the reckless whale hunters. The lovely market is a must stop.
ESPELETTE
Then continue the serpentine roads towards Espelette, a little town swinging around small chili peppers for a short stop to finally reach Ainhoa.
STARRED MEAL IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
Ainhoa, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is a tiny town dotted with red and white houses hosts one of our beloved restaurants, awarded a Michelin star for their heroic work and consistency in such a remote corner.
Back in San Sebastian, enjoy your last evening in San Sebastian. We will assist you on all your restaurants bookings during your trip.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 5
GETARIA AND TXAKOLI WINES
Home town of the prestigious couturier Balenciaga, Getaria is the land of Txakolina, the bracing, refreshing, often fizzy white wine that is enjoyed throughout Basque Country. In restaurants and pintxos bars, on terraces overlooking the Cantabrian Sea or in dark, rustic wood-and-stone cellars, you can’t help but notice Txakolina everywhere. Wine production was a way of life for centuries in Basque country through the end of the 19th century but phylloxera wiped out the vines around the turn of the 20th century, and the industry was slow to recover. Now, with the food revolution in Basque Country, txakoli is living a survival process and quality prevails. Let's visit a winery and enjoy it in full while overlooking the sea. After the wine tasting, you will head down to the town for lunch.
THE ART OF FISH GRILLING
Down, the legendary fishing town of Getaria is home of one of the best seafood cuisines. And undoubtedly the main attraction is the whole chargrilled fish - specially the turbot - which is grilled in special crafted metal fish baskets.
GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
After lunch, meet your driver and transfer to Bilbao. Check-in and meet your private Bilbao guide for a private guided tour of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Free evening, we will assist you in your dinner reservation.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel, Bilbao
Day 6
RIOJA WINES
La Rioja turns out what most people have in mind when they think of Spanish wines. Enjoy a great day among vineyards around two of the best wineries in an exclusive private-guided tour. The region produces wine since ancient Roman times. Visit two wineries, taste terrific wines and discover small charming villages from Middle Ages. It’s no accident that when phylloxera hit Bordeaux in the late 19th century, French winemakers chose Rioja as a location to make wines for the French market.
Not only will you have a chance to access one of the most remarkable wineries in exclusivity, but also you will try astonishing new style wines that express a sense of place. Winemakers are making wines that reveal the terroir of the region, village, estate, and, increasingly, the vineyard. A pairing lunch is foreseen at one of the bodegas.
LAGUARDIA
This astonishing Medieval city...
Back to Bilbao, free evening.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel, Bilbao
Day 7
BILBAO
Your guide will meet you after breakfast to take you on a stroll around the heart of Bilbao to admire its architecture. The city was put on the American radar in 1997 by the opening of the Guggenheim, the scaly titanium-clad museum that made its architect, Frank Gehry, a household name. Long the Nervión River, admire the Guggenheim, and keep walking to the edge of the compact medieval Casco Viejo, or old quarter. Walk across “the seven streets” and don’t forget to visit the Ribera Food Market; it is extensive and sits in its Art Deco glory on the banks of the Nervión River, which leads to the sea. The interior is filled with light, stained glass and beautiful sights, like freshly filleted anchovies and views onto the Casco Viejo.
STARRED LUNCH
After a stunning discovery day, the ice on the cake is a relaxing Michelin lunch, with no rush, enjoy Bilbao’s best cuisine.
*Ribera Market (Sundays closed, Monday half of stalls closed).
After lunch, free time to keep exploring, do some shopping or visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, time is yours and we will assist you in making the most of it.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel, Bilbao
Day 8
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Bilbao airport, or to your next destination in case you decide to extend your trip.
BreakfastThis is an itinerary for your inspiration; the final route will be unique and tailor-made to your schedule, party details, objectives and travel personality. All private arrangements are quoted individually.
TELL US what you're looking for and we’ll make it happen!.
Price & Booking Terms
DATES:
- Every journey is tailor-made to your trip dates.
INCLUDED:
- 7-Night accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- Meals as stated
- Private-guided pintxos tour in San Sebastian
- Exclusive cheeses degustation
- 2 Exclusive winery visits (DOCa Rioja and DO Txakoli de Getaria)
- Private city tours of San Sebastian, Bilbao and Laguardia
- Exclusive access to a sociedad gastronomica private club
- Private Mercedes chauffeured transport throughout
- Restaurants bookings
- Airport private transfers
- All taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
HOTELS:
We make every stay unique, where every detail counts. Therefore, we treat every request individually and we will present a curated selection of the properties that better suit your personality.
PRICE:
Every trip is quoted individually.
*Prices are in Euros
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
- At the time of reservation: 40% of journey cost per person
- 45 days before departure: Balance due
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard)
