6 days / 5 nights
Casual
Fully Guided
Semi Guided
Self Guided
Kingdom of Navarra
The Basque Country
Discover the most emblematic places of the Basque Country and venture into its gastronomy, traditions and culture. This is a sophisticated culinary adventure along the gorgeous Cantabrian Coast. From the farthest point of Biscaya through the Basque region to the border of Southern France, this route is studded with cultural gems and stunning seascapes. As we meander from one stellar location to another, we enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque fishing towns, while sampling the amazing cuisine for which this area is famous.
May through September
This enchanting territory and our immersive tours are well worth the discovery, and we can make your vacations unique and memorable, so come and join us on one when it’s optimal for you.
May through November
We customize to fit with fabulous experiences, the comfort of great accommodation, out-of-this-world gastronomy and a chance to discover this spectacular region.
We pick you up in downtown Bilbao and set off to watch fishermen auction off their morning catch to local restaurants in Bermeo. Take a boat to the beautiful islet hermitage San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, dedicated to John the Baptist that connects to the mainland by a sprinkle of stone steps. This dramatic islet of Gaztelugatxe was used as the location for Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestral home of Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones. After a lunch with spectacular ocean views we travel through dense forest to Guernika, a city famed for its role in the Spanish Civil War for a cultural wak about. Our hotel is a magnificent castle, the Castillo de Arteaga.
Food: Lunch and dinner
Travel: Bilbao / Bermeo / San Juan de Gaztelugatxe / Gernika
Sleep: Four Star Hotel Castle ****
Urdaibai – Getaria – San Sebastián
We visit the Urdaibai Bird Center located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve In this reserve, where scientists study bird migrations and habitats, we can observe wild birds in the marshlands. We lunch in the fishing village of Getaria and toast with a fine txakoli, the local sweet sparkly wine to match a fresh fish dish. Gourmet discovery remains high on the agenda as we arrive in San Sebastián – the haute-cuisine heart of Basque Country. You’ll stay in the elegant beachside hotel. In the evening we dine on traditional Basque pintxos in the town’s historic center.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Arteaga / Getaria / San Sebastián
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
A full day of coastal paradise and a day to enjoy on your own accord with a seaside treat that evokes nostalgia for the city’s aristocratic glory days. Join our San Sebastian local hero and chef for a market to meal cooking class. Afternoon highlights include a wellness massage, spa and beach session on the Playa de la Concha. We can assist you in reserving at a Michelin star restaurant in San Sebastian or give you recommendations on other highly recommendable restaurant options.
Food: Breakfast
Travel: San Sebastián
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
We make our way from majestic San Sebastian to the beautiful fishing port where we sail away in style on an antique schooner, while sipping cava. If sailing is not your style, join us on a leisurely morning hike along the coastal Saint James Way to Pasajes fishing port. We feast on an exquisite seafood meal, where Victor Hugo once lived in this delightful port village Pasajes. We transfer to the colorful town of Hondarribia, where your hotel is an exquisitely converted 10th-century castle. In the historic quarter we dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant on what we believe to be the best seafood in town.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: San Sebastián / Pasajes / Hondarribia
Sleep: Four Star Hotel Parador ****
We follow the Cantabrian Coast past the Spanish border into the French Basque lands to get a different perspective of the French culture. We visit karstic caves of Zugarramurdi, where we will talk about traditional lore and witchcraft in the region. The highlights of the afternoon are to relax and enjoy a five star mountain retreat in the heart of the Baztan Valley in Navarra. Feel free to enjoy the exclusive installations including a spa, electric bikes, or horseback riding.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Hondarribia / Saint Jean de Luz / Sare / Ignasi
Sleep: Five Star Hotel *****
We’ll assist in arranging your transportation to the San Sebastian airport or train station for your onward travels.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Igansi
* NST itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
The Hotel de Londres is a pretty boutique hotel in San Sebastián with a La Belle Epoque feel. It has views to the Concha Bay and the city center. Luxury, modern facilities and a high level service make this historic building one of the best hotels in San Sebastián.
Designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, this 5-star hotel is truly an adventure of a lifetime. Prepare to savor a one-of-a-kind experience including a Vinothérapie spa session and Michelin-starred meal overseen by Chef Francis Paniego. The hotel has exceptional designer touches and enviable views of the countryside, medieval town of Elciego or the striking architecture.
With views to the Bay of Biscay coast, this hotel is a 10th century castle fortress. Also known as the Castle of Charles V, you will feel as if you are in an authentic medieval fortress. The imposing entrance and its thick damages stone walls by cannon fire set the tone. The inner patio crowned by adorned arches, wrought iron and coffered ceilings make this hotel unique.
This 13th century unique jewel to Euskadi, the Castillo de Arteaga was remodeled by Empress Maria Eugenia de Montijo in 1856. Today it is a four star Relais & Chateaux hotel that preserves its 13th century presence, maintaining its ornamental and decorative style throughout the castle retaining the essence and atmosphere of forgotten times. The landscape surrounding the castle is none other than that of the Urdaibai Biosphere Nature Reserve, declared by UNESCO. This natural jewel in the heart of Bizkaia has an extraordinary landscape and ecological diversity, and is a haven for birdwatchers.
Hotel Miró is located in the center of Bilbao about 170 meters from the Museum of Fine Arts and 900 meters from the Zubizuri Bridge. The historic quarter, where you will find the Arriaga Theater and the Plaza Nueva among other points of interest, is in walking distance.
Stephanie, the dynamo of our organization, is a Canadian who has fallen in love with this region of Spain. She is enterprising, innovative and has an endless amount of energy to design unique outstanding travel plans, making her passion her profession. She has the firm conviction that until the product standards are exceptional, they should not be offered.
“Our goals are two: one is to dazzle our visitors and another is to share with them what we find so extremely enchanting about this region of Spain”.
Oliver is our greatest ambassador of Pamplona. Oliver has it all: charm, conversation and deep knowledge of his Basque culture. You will feel like you’ve made a new friend during one of his energetic tours. Oliver is always on the beat searching for the perfect pintxo and exciting, outside-the-box experiences. He is dedicated to designing the most exclusive events for our guests, such as the Hemingway to the Basque Coast tour, or a walking tour of the Running of the Bulls course with an international bull runner. He knows the all the best destinations and activities on the off-the-beaten cultural track.
“This is our essential hallmark that sets us apart from any other events agency”.
