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France & Spain Itinerary: Basque Country in Depth

  • Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz, Bayonne
  • 8 Days/7 Nights, pricing available upon request

Straddling northern Spain and southwestern France, the Basque Country is a region defined by fierce identity, dramatic coastlines, and one of Europe’s most celebrated culinary cultures. This private journey offers an in-depth exploration of Basque history, gastronomy, and landscapes — from avant-garde cities and fishing villages to vineyards, mountains, and Atlantic shores.

Traveling between Bilbao, San Sebastián, and the French Basque coast, this itinerary blends culture, food and wine, coastal beauty, and local traditions. Designed for discerning travellers, each experience is privately guided and thoughtfully paced, with seamless transitions between regions.

Top Highlights

  • Private exploration of Bilbao’s Old Town and the iconic Guggenheim Museum
  • Txakoli wine tastings and cider-house dining experiences
  • Coastal villages including Getaria, Hondarribia, and Pasaia
  • Culinary immersion in San Sebastián, one of Europe’s great food capitals
  • Cultural heritage in Guernica and medieval Basque towns
  • Cross-border journey into the French Basque Country
  • Markets, mountain villages, and terroir tastings in Espelette and Irouléguy

What’s Included

We design unforgettable and luxurious journeys just for you. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Double room accomodations
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours & experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer & on the ground team

Itinerary

Arrival

Bilbao Region

Your journey begins in Bilbao, exploring the vibrant Old Town where historic streets, local boutiques, and pintxos bars showcase the city’s character. The day continues with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural icon that transformed Bilbao into a global cultural hub. In the afternoon, head to the elegant seaside town of Getxo, strolling its promenade and marinas. The day concludes with views of the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of industrial engineering. 

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe & Bakio

Travel along the rugged Basque coastline to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic islet crowned by a chapel and reached by a winding stone stairway. After time to admire the views over the Atlantic, continue to Bakio for lunch in the old town.

The afternoon is dedicated to Basque wine culture with a visit to the Txakoli Wine Museum, followed by an intimate tasting at a local bodega, discovering the crisp, lightly sparkling wines that define the region’s coastal terroir.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao

Guernica & Durango to San Sebastián

Depart Bilbao for Guernica, a town synonymous with Basque identity and resilience. Visit key landmarks including the Casa de Juntas and the legendary Tree of Guernica, long a symbol of freedom and self-governance. Continue to Durango, where medieval streets and historic architecture tell stories of both prosperity and hardship. By late afternoon, arrive in San Sebastián, set between mountains and sea and renowned for its culinary excellence.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Maria Cristina

San Sebastián & Basque Cider Culture

Venture beyond the city to explore Basque cider traditions at Sagardoetxea, where interactive exhibits introduce the region’s centuries-old cider heritage. A traditional sidreria visit follows, offering a classic Basque lunch served with cider poured directly from the barrel.

Return to San Sebastián to wander the Old Town, where cobblestone streets, historic façades, and lively pintxos bars create one of Europe’s most celebrated food scenes.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Maria Cristina

Getaria

Travel along the coast to Getaria, birthplace of legendary couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga. Visit the Balenciaga Museum before strolling the fishing village’s narrow streets and harbour. The afternoon focuses on the heart of the txakoli wine region, with a visit to a coastal winery and tasting overlooking the Cantabrian Sea — a defining Basque experience blending landscape, wine, and tradition.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Maria Cristina

 

Pasaia, Hondarribia & the French Border

Begin in Pasaia, a historic port village with deep maritime roots. Cross the bay by boat and choose between visiting a traditional tuna fishing vessel or an historic shipyard. Continue along the scenic Jaizkibel Road to Hondarribia, known for its colourful harbour and preserved medieval quarter. From here, cross into France, arriving in Biarritz or Bayonne.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

Bayonne, Biarritz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Explore Bayonne, set at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers and famed for its historic quarters and chocolate-making tradition. Continue to Biarritz, once a retreat for European royalty and now a vibrant seaside town. Lunch and exploration follow in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque fishing village rich in maritime history and Basque charm.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

Mountains & Basque Terroir

Journey inland to the foothills of the Pyrenees, beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, an important stop on the Camino de Santiago. Explore local markets before continuing to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, at the heart of the Irouléguy vineyard.

The day continues through Ainhoa, one of the region’s most beautiful villages, and ends in Espelette, renowned for its iconic red peppers.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

Deparure

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.

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