Gourmet Basque Country
Known for its fantastic culinary scene, the Basque Country offers the perfect escape for food lovers. Taste your way around the region, enjoying mouth-watering pintxos and Michelin-starred meals in San Sebastian, followed by delicious wines in La Rioja.
Journey highlights
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Discover the flavours of Spain in this region celebrated for its cuisine
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Sample some of Spain's best wines in La Rioja
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Explore the quaint fishing villages dotted along the Basque Country's beautiful coastline
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Visit Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum and admire Frank Gehry's incredible architecture
- Culinary itinerary:A gastronomic delight, our Culinary Journeys take you on a cultural voyage, sampling everything from traditional bites to fine dining delicacies
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The Basque Country is lovely in the summer sun, however July and August can be quite busy. It can be colder in the winter months, although the city streets will be less crowded and there's plenty to see and do in town all year round.
Itinerary
Fly to Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain
Begin your journey around the Basque Country in Bilbao, the region's epicentre for art and culture. Once an industrial city, Bilbao has been transformed in recent years to showcase a fantastic array of contemporary architecture. A highlight of the city, and playing a huge role in its revitalisation, is the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the spellbinding design of the museum dominates Bilbao's river front, while inside the museum boasts a huge collection of modern artwork.
Accommodation: The Artist Grand Hotel of Art ( 1 night )
San Sebastian, Spain
Spend a night at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao before continuing east to San Sebastian, the more elegant of the Basque cities, full of old-world charm and glamour. A real haven for foodies, this is where traditional pintxo bars sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, tucked away behind the sophisticated Belle Époque façades of the San Sebastian's Old Quarter. Stay for three nights at Hotel Maria Cristina, a true San Sebastian landmark and the city's most iconic hotel.
Using this historic hotel as your base, discover the very best that San Sebastian has to offer. Spend evenings meeting the locals in the city's favourite pintxo bars, or you could even get an invitation to lunch at one of San Sebastian's mysterious members-only Gastronomic Societies. For a hands-on experience of the city's renowned culinary scene, try a masterclass at Hotel Maria Cristina's cooking school, where you could learn the techniques behind Michelin-worthy dishes, or how to cook like a true local.
Venturing out of the city, the Basque Country is home to picturesque fishing villages and hilltop towns. Spend a day exploring the cobbled streets of charming Getaria and tasting local ciders in a traditional, authentic cider house.
Accommodation: Hotel Maria Cristina ( 3 nights )
Elciego, Spain
After exploring the coast, it's time to head inland to the vineyards of La Rioja. One of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, here medieval villages are tucked away beneath towering mountains and hidden among lush forests, and there is a new winery to be found around every corner. Spend two nights at the dramatic Hotel Marques de Riscal, Frank Gehry's contemporary Rioja masterpiece. The fascinating colour-changing exterior pays homage to the surrounding vineyards, and while the architecture is a modernist sensation, Marques de Riscal also boasts the title of La Rioja's oldest winery. The perfect setting to learn about the winemaking process, guests can spend days exploring the hotel's cellar or venturing out to other wineries in the region.
Accommodation: Hotel Marques de Riscal ( 2 nights )
Fly home from Bilbao
Call us on 020 3993 5842 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £5,900 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £5,900 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £6,200 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £6,200 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £6,500 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £6,500 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £6,500 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £6,200 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £5,900 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,900
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,900
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,200
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,200
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,200
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,900
Deposit from*GBP £900
- plan your trip