Walking and Wine along the Basque Coast of Northern Spain – JULY 21 Double Occupancy

Bilbao is famous for its museum Guggenheim, modern architecture and has won many international awards for its transformation last century from industrial river-port city to a thriving art, architecture and cultural centre. We will transfer from the airport to the hotel, then regroup mid afternoon for a meet and greet cocktail at the hotel.

Food: Meet and greet cocktail
Travel: Bilbao
Sleep: Hotel Bilbao****

We will transfer from Bilbao to the now iconic 10th century hermitage Gaztelugutxe, backdrop to the Game of Thrones series. This is an entertaining walk to the islet. We will ring the chapel bell, with the Atlantic crashing around you. We will enjoy a stellar lunch with views of the Basque coast, followed by a visit to a nearby Basque fishing village. Then, we will transfer to San Sebastian. We will regroup in the early evening for a get your bearings tour of San Sebastián, while at the same time enjoying a pintxos tour in San Sebastian’s historic quarter.

Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinnner
Travel: Bilbao / Gaxtelugatxe / San Sebastian
Sleep: Hotel San Sebastian ****

We will hike the Basque coast along the Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian to Pasajes. Upon arrival, we will visit the Basque Whaling Museum. Find out how Basque fishermen first sailed across the ocean to North America. We have a mid-morning snack in a local fisherman’s tavern paired with a refreshing glass of cider, then we take a traditional ‘txalupa’ across the tidal river and visit the other side of this fascinating port town, where our Michelin Star recommended restaurant awaits us. Afternoon pleasures include a historic walking tour of Hondarribia, a coastal town bordering France. The atmosphere in this historic quarter is fabulous and the locals are very social and enjoy top gastronomy. We will transfer to San Sebastian. The evening is yours to enjoy in town on your own. We would be happy to make dinner reservations for you.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: San Sebastian / Basque village / Hondarribia
Sleep: Hotel San Sebastian****

Enjoy the city on your own. Today is perfect for shopping, sun bathing, enjoying a beachfront spa session, or taking a stroll along the gorgeous Concha Bay or. We would be happy to make lunch or dinner reservations for you.

Food: Breakfast
Travel: San Sebastian
Sleep: Hotel San Sebastian****

We will hike a portion of the Basque coast along the Camino de Santiago to Getaria and visit a stellar winery that produces the local txakoli white wine, then continue to the coastal port town, Getaria – home of both the historic captain, Elcano and Balenciaga, the world renowned fashion designer. We will stroll the historic quarter and enjoy two foodie experiences, those being a visit to an anchovy factory, and the other an fisherman’s experience, where you will meet one of the last octopus fishermen families on the Basque Coast, learn how to cook octopus & enjoy their catch of Cantabrian octopus paired with regional Getaria white wine at the fisherman’s workplace. We will transfer to your hotel in Getaria. The afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. We would be happy to make dinner reservations for you.

Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Travel: San Sebastian / Getaria
Sleep: Hotel Getaria****

We will walk a portion of the Saint James Way to Zumaia, then along the Basque Coast enjoying the fresh breeze and gorgeous coastal views. You will learn about the geological formations, the Flysch, by the hand of a local geologist. We will enjoy lunch in a spectacular Basque farmhouse transformed into a stylish restaurant, then transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon on your own. We would be happy to make dinner reservations for you.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Getaria / Zumaia
Sleep: Hotel Getaria****

We transfer to Bilbao and enjoy a morning walking tour of Bilbao including the ‘seven streets’, Santiago Cathedral and La Ribera Market, followed by a private tour of Guggenheim. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the museum on your own thereafter. Lunch will be at the Guggenheim Bistrot cafe. We will regroup for a farewell dinner celebration with a sit down meal in the historic quarter of Bilbao.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Getaria / Bilbao
Sleep: Hotel Bilbao****

We will transfer you from the hotel to the Bilbao Airport.

Food: Breakfast