Bespoke Journeys in Northern Spain
A Journey Along the Basque Coast and Into the Vineyards of La Rioja
This is a journey shaped by the meeting of land and sea.
Where vineyard-covered hills fall toward the Atlantic, where fishing villages preserve centuries of maritime tradition, and where every path leads to stories written in stone, salt and soil.
From the sculptural coastline of the Basque Country to the timeless wine estates of La Rioja, this journey moves through Northern Spain’s most striking landscapes. You’ll walk along dramatic cliffs, share meals shaped by the sea and the land, and meet the people whose lives remain deeply connected to both.
Unhurried, immersive, and thoughtfully guided, this is Northern Spain experienced with depth and perspective.
When
April, May, August, September
Price
From €7,200pp excl. flights (based on 2 ppl sharing)
How long
6 nights
Gipuzkoa
Art, Ocean & First Encounters
Your journey begins in Bilbao, a city where contemporary architecture and Basque identity coexist effortlessly. A private visit to the Guggenheim Museum offers insight into both the art and the cultural transformation of the region itself.
From here, the road follows the rugged Basque coastline to Gaztelugatxe, a small hermitage perched on a rocky islet above the Atlantic. Reached by a winding stone path and surrounded by crashing waves, this is a place shaped by solitude, legend and elemental beauty.
A private picnic overlooking the sea introduces you to the flavours of the region — Iberian ham, local cheeses and wine — simple, generous and deeply rooted in place.
Later, you continue to the fishing village of Getaria, where your boutique hotel overlooks vineyards and ocean alike. Here, life moves gently, shaped by tides, seasons and tradition.
A cultural visit to nearby Gernika provides deeper context — a town that holds profound historical significance, alongside contemporary sculpture set quietly within its surrounding parkland.
Overnight in Getaria, boutique hotel Iturregi.
The Basque Coast | Cliffs, Geology & Atlantic Life
Walking directly from your hotel, today’s journey follows coastal paths above the Atlantic, where the landscape reveals its ancient origins. At Zumaia, dramatic flysch rock formations — layered cliffs shaped over millions of years — tell the geological story of the earth itself.
Accompanied by a specialist geologist, you’ll explore these remarkable formations and walk along the shoreline, where time is visible in every stratum.
Lunch is enjoyed along the Zumaia estuary, where Basque grilling traditions highlight the purity of local ingredients.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the coast at your own pace — perhaps the wide sandy beach of Zarautz, or the quiet elegance of Getaria as evening returns.
San Sebastián | Culture, Elegance & Basque Identity
Following the coastline westward, you arrive in San Sebastián, long considered one of Europe’s great coastal cities.
Ascending Monte Igueldo offers sweeping views across La Concha Bay, revealing the city’s perfect balance between natural beauty and refined urban life. A private visit to the Basque Culture and Traditions Museum provides deeper insight into the identity and resilience of this unique region.
The evening unfolds in the old town, where narrow streets and lively bars invite exploration. Here, pintxos are more than food — they are part of a shared social ritual that defines Basque life.
Overnight in San Sebastián, Hotel Londres.
Gipuzkoa
La Rioja
La Rioja
Basque Coast | Fishing Villages, Maritime History & Timeless Traditions
Today’s journey follows one of the most beautiful stretches of the Basque coastline on foot, where green hills meet the Cantabrian Sea.
In the historic port of Pasaia, you’ll discover the maritime heritage that once carried Basque sailors across the Atlantic centuries ago. Crossing the harbour by traditional boat, you arrive in a quiet fishing village where daily life remains closely tied to the sea.
Lunch highlights the exceptional seafood of the region, before continuing to Hondarribia, a perfectly preserved coastal town of colourful facades, stone streets and enduring traditions.
Returning to San Sebastián, the evening remains yours to enjoy — perhaps revisiting favourite places or discovering new ones.
La Rioja | Wine, Landscape & Living Heritage
Leaving the coast behind, the landscape gradually opens into vineyard-covered valleys as you enter La Rioja, one of Europe’s most revered wine regions.
Private visits to prestigious wineries such as Remírez de Ganuza offer rare insight into both tradition and innovation. Tastings unfold as conversations — each wine revealing something of the land, the climate and the people behind it.
Lunch is served in a Michelin-recommended historic winery, where you’ll also gain access to private cellars and open an aged wine from decades past — a rare and deeply meaningful experience.
In the evening, Logroño’s lively historic centre offers a more informal perspective on Rioja’s wine culture, where locals gather to share small plates and exceptional wines.
La Rioja | Walking the Vineyards, Tasting History
Your final full day begins in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, walking through vineyards that stretch across rolling hills beneath open skies.
Descending into Haro, Rioja’s historic wine capital, you visit legendary estates whose names have shaped the global reputation of Spanish wine. Each visit deepens your understanding of the relationship between land, tradition and time.
Lunch takes place in a renowned family-run restaurant, where regional cuisine and carefully selected wines reflect generations of culinary knowledge.
This final day brings together everything experienced throughout the journey — landscape, culture, and the quiet depth that defines Northern Spain.
Farewell
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.
As you leave, what remains is not simply a memory of places visited, but a deeper connection to Northern Spain — its coastline, its vineyards, and the people who continue to shape its enduring character.
Gipuzkoa
La Rioja
Make It Yours
Every Northern Spain Travel journey is designed individually.
From private winery access to additional nights along the coast or deeper exploration into wine country, each experience can be refined to reflect your interests and your pace.
Travel with depth. Travel with meaning. Travel Northern Spain.
Extend Your Vineyards & Cliffs Journey
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