Infos

1 Arrival - Overnight in the Bilbao area

2 Bilbao with Guggenheim Museum - Overnight in the Bilbao area
Bilbao emerges as a vibrant city where traditional Basque culture meets modern innovation. Wandering through the historic Old Town reveals winding streets, lively markets, and centuries of heritage that continue to shape the city’s identity. In striking contrast, the Guggenheim Museum rises along the riverfront as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Its bold, flowing forms have become a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation, and with admission included, the group enjoys a visit inside to explore world-class exhibitions that both captivate and inspire.

The guided experience also extends to Bilbao’s celebrated gastronomy. Amid the city’s cafés and culinary traditions, the region’s renowned tarta de queso takes center stage. Known for its creamy texture and delicately caramelized top, this Basque-style cheesecake is enjoyed during a tasting that reveals the richness and creativity of local flavors. Together, art, history, and cuisine create a journey through Bilbao that engages every sense and leaves lasting impressions.

Gusto of the day: Tarta de queso 

3 Guernica and Getaria - Overnight in the San Sebastián area

Nestled in the Oka Valley and close to the UNESCO-listed Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Guernica is remembered above all for its tragic role in the Spanish Civil War. The town was razed to the ground in 1937, an event that inspired Picasso to create one of the most powerful and unsettling works of that time. In the decades that followed, Guernica came to be recognized worldwide as a “symbol of peace.”

On a guided tour, the group explores these landscapes before continuing to the charming fishing village of Getaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano. Its bustling harbor, still the heart of local life, reflects the long seafaring tradition of the Basque coast. The surrounding hills are equally renowned, covered with vineyards that produce the region’s distinctive txakoli wine. During a tasting, the group discovers its fresh, slightly sparkling character and experiences the flavors that have become an emblem of Basque gastronomy.

Gusto of the day: Txakoli wine

4 San Sebastián with Pintxos Tasting - Overnight in the San Sebastián area
San Sebastián, often described as a jewel of the Basque Country, enchants with its elegant Art Nouveau architecture, historic quarters, and the sweeping curve of La Concha Bay. On a guided walking tour, the group discovers the city’s most emblematic landmarks, from the graceful Basilica of Santa María del Coro to the lively Mercado de la Bretxa, where the stalls brim with fresh produce and the aromas of daily life. The route winds through the charming old town, its narrow streets lined with traditional cafés, boutiques, and bustling taverns that reflect the city’s vibrant spirit.

As the walk continues, glimpses of the bay and the elegant promenade highlight why San Sebastián has long been a favorite seaside destination. The experience concludes in one of the city’s atmospheric bars, where the group enjoys a tasting of pintxos, the celebrated Basque bites of meat, fish, and vegetables, each prepared with creativity and flair. This tasting not only showcases the region’s culinary artistry but also captures the convivial atmosphere that defines San Sebastián.

Gusto of the day: Pintxos

5 Pamplona with Plaza de Toros  - Overnight in the Vitoria-Gasteiz area 

Pamplona is renowned worldwide for the San Fermín festival, when bulls dash through the streets of the historic Old Town in a thrilling tradition that dates back centuries. At the heart of this cultural heritage stands the Plaza de Toros, a 20th-century bullring that has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While famous for its bullfights, the arena also hosts concerts, performances, and other events throughout the year, reflecting the city’s dynamic blend of tradition and contemporary life. Visiting the Plaza de Toros offers a unique window into Pamplona’s history, its customs, and the vibrant spirit that continues to define this remarkable city.

6 Vitoria-Gasteiz - Overnight in the Vitoria-Gasteiz area

Today, the group explores the Basque capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, a city where history and charm intertwine seamlessly. The medieval city center is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, with elegant Renaissance palaces, picturesque squares, and centuries-old buildings lining its winding streets. Romantic gardens and tree-lined avenues provide quiet moments of reflection, contrasting with the lively energy of the bustling plazas.

The experience culminates in a traditional Basque lunch, where the group savors Chuletón Ibérico, a thick, succulent Iberian rib steak, perfectly grilled to bring out its rich, marbled flavor. Accompanying the steak are Pimientos del Padrón, the small green peppers for which the region is famous — mostly mild, but with the occasional pepper offering a surprising kick. This meal not only highlights the region’s renowned culinary traditions but also provides a sensory journey that complements the day’s cultural exploration, leaving a lasting impression of Basque heritage on every palate.

Gusto of the day: Traditional lunch featuring Chuletón Ibérico y Pimientos del Padron

7 Logroño and La Rioja - Overnight in the Vitoria-Gasteiz area

The day leads to northern Spain, to the charming town of Logroño. Known not only as a stop along the Camino de Santiago but also for its excellent wines, Logroño has developed into an important economic and cultural center since ancient times, thanks to its strategic location. On a guided visit, the group wanders through its narrow streets, discovering hidden corners and admiring the town’s many historic churches.

The journey continues to Haro, located in the heart of La Rioja, Spain’s renowned wine region. Here, the group experiences the region’s famed viticulture firsthand, visiting a local winery to taste some of the finest Rioja wines and to admire the expansive vineyards that have made this area world-famous. The visit provides a perfect blend of culture, landscape, and gastronomy, celebrating the heritage and flavors of La Rioja.

Gusto of the day: Rioja wine

8 Departure

2 x nights in the greater Bilbao area 
2 x nights in the San Sebastián area 
3 x nights in the Vitoria-Gasteiz area