Details on your private tour of Basque Country Spain
Explore the Basque Country and immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of the Spanish way of life.
All the research and planning has been done.
We've chosen the best local hotels, excursions, guides, restaurants and chefs.
Experience the Basque Country of northern Spain like a local.
Additional details of tour activities
Descriptions and photos to give you a better idea of the scheduled activities
HONDARRIBIA - Hondarribia, nestled on the northeastern coast of Spain, near the French border, is a picturesque town that effortlessly blends history, charm, and coastal beauty. Steeped in a rich tapestry of Basque culture, this waterfront gem boasts a well-preserved medieval old town characterized by cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and a formidable fortress that stands as a testament to its storied past.
TRADITIONAL BASQUE SHEEP FARM AND CHEESE FACTORY - Learn all about the making of Idiazabal cheese, the famous Basque D.O. sheeps milk cheese. Tour the farm and get a hands-on lesson on how the cheese is produced. During the tour you may see the farm's border collie/sheep dog herd the sheep and witness, in action, the dog's fidelity and incredible instinct to work with sheep along side the shepherd. After the tour, sample the products of these hardworking farmers. You will also have an opportunity to purchase their cheese to take back home.
GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
25 years after its opening, the building continues to be an unquestionable attraction and the city’s most famous icon. The boldness of Bilbao in becoming the first city in Spain to have a museum sponsored by the Guggenheim Foundation, and the audacity of dreaming of a project by Frank O. Gehry, speak volumes of the strength and courage of the Basque people and their ability to transform the future of Bilbao.
25 years after its opening, the building continues to be an unquestionable attraction and the city’s most famous icon. The boldness of Bilbao in becoming the first city in Spain to have a museum sponsored by the Guggenheim Foundation, and the audacity of dreaming of a project by Frank O. Gehry, speak volumes of the strength and courage of the Basque people and their ability to transform the future of Bilbao.
BASQUE CIDER HOUSE A visit to a Basque cider house, known as a "sagardotegia" in Basque, is a unique and immersive experience that revolves around the production and consumption of traditional Basque cider, or "sagardoa." The highlight of the Basque cider experience is the "Txotx" ritual where the cider maker opens a tap on the barrels, allowing the cider to flow freely. Visitors catch the cider in their glasses directly from the barrels, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.
Mimo Cooking Class
Mimo was honored as one of the top ten cooking schools according to National Geographic Travel. Mimo's cooking classes include active, hands-on participation. The classes are led by our friends Eneko and Patricio, both experienced chefs who guide participants through the steps of creating authentic and delicious local cuisine with an emphasis on using high-quality, local, fresh, seasonal produce, seafood, and other staples that are integral to Basque culinary traditions.
Mimo was honored as one of the top ten cooking schools according to National Geographic Travel. Mimo's cooking classes include active, hands-on participation. The classes are led by our friends Eneko and Patricio, both experienced chefs who guide participants through the steps of creating authentic and delicious local cuisine with an emphasis on using high-quality, local, fresh, seasonal produce, seafood, and other staples that are integral to Basque culinary traditions.
SAN TELMO MUSEUM in San Sebastián is the largest museum dedicated to the evolution of Basque society from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is housed in a 16th-century Dominican monastery and a new pavilion has been added – under Mount Urgull – which houses temporary exhibitions and others.
*Optional activity
*Optional activity
Watercolor by guest Cindy C.
TXAKOLI and HIRUZTA BODEGA - Txakoli has become a symbol of the Basque Country's vibrant culinary and cultural identity, and its popularity continues to grow both locally and globally. When visiting the Basque Country, trying a glass of Txakoli is a must to fully appreciate the flavors of the region. We will visit Hiruzta Bodega for a guided tour through the vineyard and cellar followed by a tasting of txakoli wines and curated pintxos.
ALAMEDA RESTAURANT - has held its Michelin star rating for over 20 years. The Txapartegi family have transformed this restaurant into a must for food-lovers and where they closely follow the wise words of their grandmother: the shorter the distance between the earth and the stove, the better. The menu highlights deep-rooted Basque cooking from a more contemporary standpoint, creating what they call “Bidasoa cooking”, which is indelibly linked to the Bidasoa-Txingudi area and its locally produced ingredients.
Pintxos
The Basque Country has its own unique food culture that revolves around the bar. Pintxos (bite-sized appetizers, similar to tapas) can be found in nearly every bar. Often the bar counter will be filled with plates of all different varieties. They range from being rather traditional to very experimental in nature. It is typical to find the locals out enjoying a drink while sampling different pintxos and then going on to the next bar to do the same thing all over. This is sometimes done before a meal as a kind of aperitif or it can take the place of a normal meal.
The Basque Country has its own unique food culture that revolves around the bar. Pintxos (bite-sized appetizers, similar to tapas) can be found in nearly every bar. Often the bar counter will be filled with plates of all different varieties. They range from being rather traditional to very experimental in nature. It is typical to find the locals out enjoying a drink while sampling different pintxos and then going on to the next bar to do the same thing all over. This is sometimes done before a meal as a kind of aperitif or it can take the place of a normal meal.
San Sebastian and Bilbao are open-air contemporary museums - Walk along the beach promenade or the river, down a narrow Old Town alley, or past a city park and you will encounter stunning public art in open spaces.
