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Northern Spain's Basque Traditions

11 Days from $7,790 USD / person

Heritage & Culture

Wine & Food

Northern Spain’s Basque Traditions
Enchanting Travels Spain Tours old streets of labastida town, located at la rioja. Spain
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Vineyard and San Vicente de la Sonsierra as background, La Rioja (Spain)
Itinerary Summary
Itinerary Details
Price & Inclusions
Guest Reviews

Ideal For

Heritage & Culture

Wine & Food

Itinerary Summary

Day
Place
Hotel Opts
1 – 4
Madrid
Highlights: Royal Palace, Prado & Sofia Reina Museum, El Retiro Park, Gran Via
URSO Hotel & Spa
Hospes Puerta de Alcala
4 – 6
La Rioja Region
Highlights: Wine, Vineyards, Nature and Hiking
Hotel Echaurren Relais & Chateaux
Hotel Marques de Riscal
6 – 9
San Sebastian
Highlights: Beaches, San Telmo Museum, Pintxo Bars
Villa Soro
Hotel Maria Cristina
9 – 11
Bilbao
Highlights: Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, La Ribera Market, Gastronomy
Hotel Miro Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
11 – 11
Madrid
Highlights: Royal Palace, Prado & Sofia Reina Museum, El Retiro Park, Gran Via
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

Your English-speaking chauffeur will meet you at the Madrid airport and accompany you to your hotel in a private vehicle

3 Nights

Madrid

The beautiful city of Madrid serves the global traveler an amalgamation of Spain’s glorious history and modern culture on a platter. From the medieval heights of the Spanish monarchy to its modern monarchs in the football clubs of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, this Spanish capital has seen it all! Madrid is an art lover’s paradise, with museums and galleries lined with old masters and contemporary talent. Begin with the famous trio of Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza for a taste of Goya and Velázquez, as well as works of Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The landscaped gardens and boulevards lined with baroque mansions are a fitting frame for the lively tapas bars, trendy restaurants and taverns overflowing with good food and wine. All set to the pulsating beats of flamencos and Madrid’s reggaeton: Buena Vida!

Included activities

Personalized Tour: Historic Madrid on Foot

Discover old Madrid on this historic walk through the city’s 17th century Austrian Quarter, in the company of your local English speaking guide. Stroll down popular old streets like the Bailen and Mayor Streets, lingering around the many plazas surrounded by public buildings, monasteries and magnificent palaces. Walk past Plaza de la Villa, marked by the old Town Hall, and Plaza de Oriente by which the Royal Palace stands. Other town squares are Plaza del Conde de Miranda and Plaza Mayor. Walk into the 18th century Royal Palace, which once housed royal receptions, hosted foreign dignitaries and saw the signing of historic treaties. Before returning to your hotel, stop for a delicious round of chocolate and churros. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Taxi Transfer; Drink & Snack tasting included; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Discover the Valley of the Fallen, Escorial & Ávila

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of El Escorial and Ávila, as well as a Spanish Civil War monument on this excursion from Madrid. begin your tour with a drive to the Valley of the Fallen with your private English speaking guide. The famous monument of the Valley of the Fallen, overlooked by the Guadarrama Mountain range, is a striking memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the Spanish Civil War. Visit the World Heritage site of El Escorial, the medieval epicenter of King Philip II’s massive Spanish Empire. Stroll around ‘The Pantheon of the Kings’, walking around the basilica-church and monastery, beneath which lie the remains of monarchs and queen mothers. Enjoy a delicious lunch break at Ávila, which is dotted with innumerable eateries and an equal number of Romanesque and Gothic churches. Visit the massive Cathedral and the medieval town walls, before driving back to Madrid. (Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Valley of the Fallen closed on Mondays; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Hotel options

URSO Hotel & Spa – Opt 1
Room Urso Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Hospes Puerta de Alcala – Opt 2
Room Dreamer Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Day 4 – 6

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from Madrid to La Rioja Region in a private vehicle (Duration: 3.5 hrs)

2 Nights

La Rioja Region

La Rioja Region is marked by idyllic vineyards watered by the Ebro River, the lovely Cantabrian Mountains with the river valley below, and vast open blue skies. This northern Spanish region is best known for its full-bodied Spanish red wines, produced in wineries ranging from large commercial setups to small, local wine cellars. The most prominent town in the region is Haro and in summer, you can catch the Haro Wine Festival, which features the iconic Batalla del Vino or battle of the wines! The hoary monasteries of Suso and Yuso in the old town of San Millán de la Cogolla are worth a visit, as is the imposing Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Sign up for wine tasting sessions at the local bodegas (wineries) and explore the region’s UNESCO World Heritage monasteries and cathedrals to savor its diverse charms.

Included activities

A Discovery of La Rioja Wine Region

Begin your day at the 13th century walled town of La Guardia perched on a hilltop overlooking picturesque vineyards framed by the Cantabrian mountains. Strolling on cobbled streets, learn about the many family cellars located under the townhouses, and the region’s winemaking history. First stop, visit the modern Bodegas Biagorri where a large glass box viewing area affords fantastic vistas of the surroundings. Enjoy a tour of this state-of-the-art facility that features gravity-flow architecture boasting vertical wine production spread across six underground floors. Sit down for a tasting of their distinct wines complemented by homemade tapas. Savor a wine-paired seasonal menu of local Riojan specialties for lunch while unwinding with views of the vineyards. Finally, head to the Marqués de Riscal winery and explore the lush estate highlighted by a contemporary Frank Gehry hotel. Sip on their fine vintages before returning to your accommodations. (Duration: 8 hrs; Shared Activity & Private Transfer; Lunch and wines included; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel options

Hotel Echaurren Relais & Chateaux – Opt 1
Room Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Hotel Marques de Riscal – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Gehry Guest Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 6 – 9

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from La Rioja Region to San Sebastian in a private vehicle (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

3 Nights

San Sebastian

San Sebastian, a stylish seaside town, enjoys a vibrant cultural scene throughout the year and is arguably the best destination for food connoisseurs! Come here to catch the many music festivals and Basque folk fests as well as the International Film Festival overflowing with cinema celebrities from across the world. The best seafood and fresh produce from the Spanish mainland are to be found here, often converted into bite-sized art forms at pintxos bars around the Old Town. In fact, San Sebastian is dotted with more Michelin star restaurants than any other city in the world! The waterfront promenades circling the Bay of Biscay perfectly frame the sandy beaches and North Atlantic surf kissing the shores of this resort town. The city’s landscaped parks, ornate buildings, the old town and lovely plazas form a beautiful backdrop to the energetic vibes from its beachfront revelry.

Included activities

Explore San Sebastian by Foot

Discover the breathtaking beauty of San Sebastian, or Donostia as it is also called, on this walking tour. Located between the Urgull and Igueldo hills on the Cantabrian coast, San Sebastian is a combination of picturesque fishermen’s houses and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Walk through the warren of cobblestone streets in its famous Old Town, dotted with historic buildings, cafes, boutiques with the intoxicating smell of pintxos in the air! Visit the Virgen del Coro with its magnificent architecture that features an amalgamation of various styles. Head to its beautiful waterfront with its two crescent-shaped beaches. Take a ride on the cable car to Mount Igueldo and soak up panoramic views of the city from the top. (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 4 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Taxi for Monte Igueldo and cable car rides included.)

Personalized Pintxos Tasting in San Sebastian

Experience the delightful cuisine of San Sebastian on this walking tour of its famous pintxos bars! Get an insider’s perspective into the cuisine as you visit both well-known as well as hidden treasures that dot its globally renowned culinary landscape. Pintxos are small snacks, popular in bars in northern Spain, with the main ingredients being sliced bread and toppings held together with a toothpick! From olives and anchovies to txuleta, a type of grilled beef steak, foie gras and a plethora of seafood, the list of pintxos is endless! Savor this flavorful local cuisine at traditional Pintxos (Tapas of the Basque region) bars and restaurants washed down with wine as your guide shares his unique insights into this culinary delight! (Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hours; Fitness Level: Easy; Lunch/Dinner included.)

Group Tour: Secrets of a Star Kitchen

Make the most of this opportunity to learn the secrets of Basque haute cuisine from a master chef while in San Sebastian. The city is easily the Michelin starred restaurant capital of the country, with world-class chefs constantly creating avant-garde cuisine from fresh, local produce. Arrive at the designated kitchen venue and spend valuable time with the master chef, learning cutting edge plating and cooking techniques melded with traditional Basque flavors and ingredients. Pick up kitchen tricks and cooking secrets, before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Enjoy a delicious Basque lunch, paired with good wine, good company and some great conversation. Return to your hotel after class. (Duration: 5 hrs; Shared Activity; Lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Classes only on Tuesdays; Please inform ahead of food allergies, if any).

Hotel options

Villa Soro – Opt 1
Room Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Hotel Maria Cristina – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 9 – 11

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from San Sebastian to Bilbao in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

2 Nights

Bilbao

Bilbao is a sunny port city celebrated for its urban architecture of soaring skyscrapers, cultural centers and museums such as Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, offset by a coastal landscape and towering cathedrals. Perhaps the best way to explore this northern Basque city is to go bar hopping as the locals do, nibbling on pintxos and downing glasses of txakoli, the sparkling white wine of the region. Despite its modern avatar, Bilbao offers a surprising level of natural beauty with the Nervión River meandering through town, the waterside promenades, parks and tree-lined avenues, all framed by the rolling Iberian hills in the background. Catch a football game at the Estadio San Mamés, followed by tortillas de bacalao washed down with cider at a rustic tavern tucked among the cobbled streets of the old town.

Included activities

Discover Bilbao on Your Own

Spend a day exploring Bilbao with its soaring urban architecture set against the Iberian hills and the Nervión River flowing through. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, set out to discover this northern Basque city at your own leisure. Visit the city’s famous museums and cultural centers and afterward, enjoy a boat ride along the harbor, taking in Bilbao’s cityscape. Stroll along the waterside promenades and tree-lined avenues, and settle down for a picnic lunch at a public park. Make the most of Bilbao’s excellent food and wine at a traditional tavern, sampling pintxos and txakoli or refreshing local cider. (Half Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

A Walking Tour of Bilbao

Go back in time to medieval Bilbao as you stroll through its cobbled streets, charming squares, and riverside walkways. Observe the mix of architectural styles at the Saint James’s Gothic Cathedral – a Gothic cloister, a Renaissance portico and a neo-Gothic facade and spire. Admire the 19th-century Neoclassical Plaza Nueva (central square) lined with snack bars tucked inside its arch-shaped colonnades. Head to the Nervion riverside for a visit to the Catholic Church of San Antón. Take in the bustling atmosphere of the Mercado de la Ribera seaside market and sample some of the traditional snacks. Lastly, make your way to admire the iconic, swirling sculpture-shaped Guggenheim museum designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry.(Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity and Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Includes a tour guide.)

Hotel options

Hotel Miro Bilbao – Opt 1
Room Urban Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao – Opt 2
Room Superior Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 11 – 11

Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you from Bilbao to Madrid in a private vehicle (Duration: 4 hrs)

Madrid

The beautiful city of Madrid serves the global traveler an amalgamation of Spain’s glorious history and modern culture on a platter. From the medieval heights of the Spanish monarchy to its modern monarchs in the football clubs of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, this Spanish capital has seen it all! Madrid is an art lover’s paradise, with museums and galleries lined with old masters and contemporary talent. Begin with the famous trio of Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza for a taste of Goya and Velázquez, as well as works of Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The landscaped gardens and boulevards lined with baroque mansions are a fitting frame for the lively tapas bars, trendy restaurants and taverns overflowing with good food and wine. All set to the pulsating beats of flamencos and Madrid’s reggaeton: Buena Vida!

International Departure

Discover the unique traditions, culture and heritage of the Spanish Basque Country on this personalized, private tour. Begin with a walking exploration of Madrid with a private guide to show you around its historic quarters and modern landmarks. Just outside the city, take a private trip to the famous Valley of the Fallen, dedicated to martyrs of the Spanish Civil War. Next in the gorgeous La Rioja of Spain’s Basque Country, take time out to explore quaint villages such as La Guardia and sample delicious Rioja wine at award-winning wineries. Take time out to enjoy the wonderful seaside climate in San Sebastian while you feast on pintxos and fresh seafood. Explore its cosmopolitan neighborhoods and fisherman’s colonies with a local and then sign up to learn the secrets of Basque haute cuisine at a Michelin-rated restaurant. Continue your foodie excursions in Bilbao, which is known for its excellent food, wine and cider. Explore stunning landmarks such as the Guggenheim and Saint James’ Gothic Cathedral at leisure, or take a boat ride along the harbor. At the end of your tour, return to Madrid for your flight home. Do you wish to discover more of the Basque Country or add Andalucia to your trip as well? Personalize this Spain private tour with our destination experts with no obligation. Get in touch with us today!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $7,790 USD / person

Option 2

From $9,790 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

What Our Guests Say

We used Enchanting Travels to help us plan a big graduation trip for my two sons. There was 6 of us in total and we had the perfect blend of activity/tours/sightseeing as well as free time to explore Spain and Switzerland. We had a perfect trip; all the details were thought of and there were no worries or stress throughout our travels. I would recommend them to anyone looking for help planning a European vacation!
Rating 5/5
Northern Spain’s Basque Traditions
Daphne Fleck

USA

Enchanting Travels is a great way to go! Travel plans are made according to our own desires yet with the expertise of well travelled guidance. We were grateful for having a point of contact during our trip. It gave us reassurance that we had someone to call for questions and emergencies. Our trip to Spain went without a hitch! We appreciated the itinerary that was suggested and that we followed. The whole trip plan was right on. We had the best time ever!!
Rating 5/5
Northern Spain’s Basque Traditions
David Cook

USA

First and foremost – A huge shout out to Nurit for how incredible she is! We love her! She, not only listens – truly listens, she is an amazing person and now a friend:) We appreciate her and trust her – which is so important! She was very patient and understanding throughout the process and made things work that we were wanting to do! The entire process is so simple and alleviates so much undo stress that is associated with traveling. You all know the areas – the places to go – where to go and when, etc. The transfers to and from airport, train station, excursions and hotels were a huge help! We will work with you all again and again! Also, Tanisha and team were and are GREAT – they were on top of responding to us when needed throughout the entire trip. Very good about getting right back always! Last minute questions were answered throughout the entire trip and if we needed to adjust anything she and the team were on it! Thank you! Thanks overall for a great trip – we are working on our next one now 🙂 100% recommend to anyone traveling! Tracy and Michayla George
Rating 5/5
Northern Spain’s Basque Traditions
Tracy George

USA

Enchanting truly makes your trip an enchanting experience!! I have used them a few times with the same results. They are all so nice and willing to work with you and make it that very special experience
Rating 5/5
Northern Spain’s Basque Traditions
Ranjani Chandramouli

USA

Everything was perfectly planned and executed! Everyone was putting their best effort to please us!
Rating 5/5
Cordoba, Spain, Andalusia. Roman Bridge on Guadalquivir river and The Great Mosque (Mezquita Cathedral)
Pablo Paramo Sierra

Mexico

This experience was great! I can’t say enough positive things. The accommodations were beautiful and interactions with everyone was also helpful and pleasant.
Rating 5/5
Cordoba, Spain, Andalusia. Roman Bridge on Guadalquivir river and The Great Mosque (Mezquita Cathedral)
Nancy Nye

USA

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