Day 1. Bilbao

Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Bilbao. Afterwards, visit the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum with a private guide.  Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece has brought new life to the industrial city of Bilbao, along with Sir Norman Foster's unique metro system.

Continue with your guide for a walking tour along the Nervion River, passing the new Santiago Calatrava Bridge, and crossing into the old town. Bilbao has a colourful medieval quarter (the Casco Viejo), and we explore the original seven streets where Bilbao was founded some 700 years ago. Enjoy a wonderful dinner in the Old Quarter. Dishes include crab croquettes, spicy green peppers, smoked Idiazabal cheese and an assortment of seafood dishes.

Hotel:
Miró Hotel
Hotel Carlton 5

Day 2. Bilbao

With a private driver-guide, head for the Bay of Biscay, where you’ll visit the tiny island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Ascend the 231 steps that lead to the tiny chapel (dating back to the 10th century) and enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.

Continue to the small fishing village of Elantxobe, built on a very steep hillside and nestled between a cliff and the sea. The village has a long sea-faring tradition. Even today, both Elantxobe and Bermeo (the village situated on the other side of the river estuary) celebrate festivities in remembrance of centuries-long disputes over the island of Izaro, which is situated halfway between them. 

After a delicious lunch including the fresh catch of the day, take a walk in the Oma Valley to visit the curious Painted Forest. Basque modernist artist Agustin Ibarrola has used a thousand trees as a canvas to paint images of eyes, people and abstract shapes that line up and take different forms as you walk through the forest.
Time permitting; you’ll stop in Gernika, the cultural capital of the Basque people and seat of their centuries-old independence and democratic ideals.

Overnight in Bilbao at same hotel.

Day 3. Hondarribia

We farewell Bilbao and return to the Basque coast. Our first stop is Getaria, a bustling seaside town and birthplace of both Magellan's navigator Elcano and the designer Balenciaga. In the surrounding hills we visit a family-run winery, where we are invited to taste the crisp slightly sparkling white wine called Txacoli. Lunch of freshly caught fish grilled over an open fire is served dockside.

After lunch, we travel to the picturesque 13th century fortified village of Hondarribia.  Located on the banks of the Bidasoa River, the quaint border town is situated on a little promontory facing Hendaye (France). It’s magnificently preserved medieval quarter contains cobbled plazas and historic palatial homes boasting regal coats of arms. Adjacent to the Old Quarter is La Marina; the Maritime Quarter, with its tall brightly-coloured fisherman’s houses.

Dinner tonight includes exquisite specialities of this beautiful region.

Hotel:
Hotel Pampinot
Parador de Hondarribia

Day 4. San Sebastián

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hondarribia.
Private transfer to San Sebastian and check into your beachfront hotel. Located on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea, with its shell-shaped bay, wide tree-lined boulevards and protected fishing harbour. It also happens to have more Michelin restaurants per capita than any other city outside of Paris.

The afternoon is free for lunch and shopping or perhaps a swim in the bay. There is also a nearby spa where massages and other treatments can be scheduled.

In the evening meet your trip leader to explore San Sebastian's old quarter. We dine as the locals do, on the delicious miniature cuisine known as pintxos. This is a culinary experience like no other. Pintxos range from traditional grilled wild mushrooms, spicy stuffed peppers and Bellota ham to elaborate creations by young chefs who have trained with the greats.

Hotel:
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel Maria Cristina

Day 5. San Sebastian

Today, we explore Basque cuisine in a venue usually closed to outsiders. Our private cooking class takes place at one of San Sebastian's unique "Gastronomic Societies". Traditionally, Basques gather in these cooking clubs to cook, eat, drink, sing and socialize.

Our private class might commence with a visit to the local market to choose the freshest ingredients for our recipies. In this cosy and fun atmosphere, a boisterous lunch accompanied by txakoli or cider will follow your cooking class. Typical Basque dishes include Lubina a la pimienta verde (sea bass with green pepper) and Marmitako (typical soupy dish made of bonito tuna, potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomato).

After lunch, enjoy a well-earned siesta at the hotel or enjoy a walk along the beautiful waterfront.  You’ll want to work up an appetite for our celebratory farewell dinner in one of the Michelin 3 star restaurants in San Sebastian

Overnight in San Sebastian at same hotel.

Day 6. Bilbao

After breakfast, transfer to Bilbao with private driver. Depending on your onward travel plans, you will be dropped off at the airport or at your hotel in Bilbao

TOUR PRICE

AVERAGE LAND COST PER PERSON
based on this
SAMPLE PROGRAM
Offer can be adjusted depending on time and wishes.
Please contact us for a tailor made tour suggestion.

Prices are net and in Euros (VAT included). Prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are valid for the year 2008 only.

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Included Features

• 5 nights accommodation (double occupancy with private bathroom) in properties as indicated in itinerary.

• 5 buffet breakfasts 

• 3 lunches with wine (1 of these lunches take place after the morning cooking classes when participants get to enjoy their creations.)

• 4 dinners with wine ( 1 Michelin 3-star restaurant, 1 pintxos tasting-tour, 2 other restaurants known for regional specialities)

• Private airport-hotel transfers on Days 1 & 6.

• Private half-day walking tour (Day 1) with English-speaking guide in Bilbao including interior visit to Guggenheim museum. Entrances included. 
  

• Private full-day tour of Basque coast (Day 2) with English-speaking guide including visits to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe/ Elantxobe/ Oma Forest/ Gernika. Entrances included.
  

• Private full-day tour of Basque coast (Day 3) with English-speaking guide including visits to txakoli winery/ Getaria/ Hondarribia. Entrances included. 
  

• Private transfer from Hondarribia to San Sebastian (Day 4)
  

• Private night-time pintxos & walking tour of San Sebastian’s Old Quarter with English-speaking guide (Day 4)
  

• Private cooking class in San Sebastian with English-speaking guide including morning visit of market & class with master Chef in Gastronomic Society (Day 5)
  

• Private return transfer to Michelin 3-star restaurant in San Sebastian (Day 5)

5 days hotel stay:

• 5 days hotel stay:

• Bilboa

• Hondarribia

• San Sebatián