Itinerary - Basque Country: A Culinary Journey

Welcome to the Basque Country! Upon arrival in Bilbao, you'll check into your accommodation and if you arrive earlier, we'll have time to settle in before heading out to explore this vibrant and culturally rich city. Known for its striking blend of traditional and modern architecture—including the iconic Guggenheim Museum—Bilbao offers a unique urban atmosphere nestled among green hills and rivers.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group Basque dinner. Enjoy a meal featuring regional specialties, from freshly prepared pintxos to locally sourced seafood and meats. It’s the perfect introduction to the flavors and spirit of the Basque Country, setting the tone for the unforgettable journey ahead.

This morning, we pick up our car and begin a scenic drive along the Basque coast. Our first stop is Zumaia, where we’ll explore the dramatic Flysch cliffs, a stunning geological formation shaped by millions of years of history.

Next, we continue to the fishing town of Getaria for a seafood lunch, enjoying freshly grilled fish and local specialties in a village known for its maritime charm.

On the way to San Sebastián, we make a quick stop in Zarautz to admire the expansive beach views before arriving in the city.

In the evening, dive into local life with Pintxo Pote in San Sebastián’s Gros neighborhood (if day 2 falls on a Thursday)—a lively tradition where you can sample delicious pintxos and drinks at small neighborhood bars, the perfect start to your stay.

We start the day with an optional surf lesson at Zurriola Beach, or enjoy a relaxing morning by the sea, soaking up the vibrant coastal energy.

Later we have our guided walking tour through San Sebastián, where we'll uncover the rich history of the Basque Country. Along the way, we dive into the world of pintxos, hopping between top local bars to sample these iconic small bites while learning about their origins and cultural significance.

In the afternoon, we can unwind on La Concha Beach or visit the iconic Peine del Viento, a striking sculpture blending art and nature, set against the dramatic backdrop of the sea. From there, we take the funicular up to Monte Igueldo, where breathtaking panoramic views of San Sebastián await..

As night falls, we'll step into San Sebastián’s buzzing nightlife, exploring cozy wine bars and lively taverns for a true taste of Basque evening culture.

We start day with a morning walk up Mount Ulia, a peaceful coastal trail offering panoramic views and a refreshing escape into nature—an ideal way to take in San Sebastián’s natural beauty.

Afterwards, we can enjoy a light snack in Gros, like a perfectly cooked tortilla de patata, a local favorite.

For lunch, we head just outside the city to a traditional Basque cider house, where we'll experience the region’s cider culture firsthand. Feast on grilled txuleta (steak), cod omelette, and local cheese while sipping cider straight from the barrel—a lively and authentic Basque tradition.

In the evening, we have the option to deepen our culinary connection with an optional Basque cooking class, guided by local experts. With dinner starting late in San Sebastián, we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy every bite at our own pace.

Sadly it's time to check-out and we are free to leave whenever ready! If we have a late flight there's time to grab some souvenirs or even squeeze in a few more pintxos at lunch before heading home.
There are direct buses to Bilbao airport from San Sebastián bus terminal.