A Foodie's Dream: 10-Day Itinerary to Basque Country by Train

Bordeaux isn't technically in Basque Country, but it's a great starting point for your trip. Start by checking into your hotel for the night, the InterContinental Bordeaux. This hotel is right in town and near the river and is the perfect spot for a quick trip to Bordeaux.

Next, head out for a bike tour of the city. Biking in Bordeaux is an easy way to experience the town. This e-bike tour includes some appetizers and a wine tasting, making this the easiest way to enjoy your overnight stop in Bordeaux.

Biking not your thing? Enjoy this walking tour around the city and then stop for lunch and a glass of wine at La Brasserie Bordelaise. If you're up for it, Bordeaux has an activity for every person in your group. Museums, art, architecture, shopping, wine tasting, etc.

After you're done exploring, snag a glass of wine from Bar à Vin and then head to the Place de la Bourse for sunset. This spot is a favorite among tourists and locals alike and is known for the “water mirror.” When you’re ready to eat, head back to the Intercontinental for dinner at Le Bordeaux. This restaurant specializes in local cuisine and ingredients.

Rest up for tomorrow's travel day to Biarritz.

Grab a two-hour train from Bordeaux to Biarritz. If you haven't traveled by train in Europe, you're in for a treat. It's easy, the trains are clean and most have WiFi.

After arriving, check in to your hotel, the Hotel du Palais. Overlooking the sea in Biarritz, the stunning hotel is the perfect home base.

After you check-in, head to the beach for an easy, relaxing day. The Grand Plage is a stunning beach and worthy of a visit, but there are others, depending on what you want to do for the day. If you're feeling adventurous, take some surfing lessons.

Head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner at La Table d'Aurélien Largeau, a 1-star Michelin restaurant with a stunning ocean view.

Today's the day to take in all the sights. Consider doing a bike tour to see the beautiful coast or hopping on a quick walking tour. Make sure to visit the famous Virgin Mary statue at Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin) and see the stunning Sainte-Eugénie Church.

Stop by Les Halles and marvel at (also sample) all the fresh produce, meats and cheeses.

Take the train from Biarritz to San Sebastián. You'll have to switch trains at the border of Spain, but it's easy and quick!

Check into your hotel, Hotel Maria Cristina. This stunning hotel is located in the old town and provides a great location for exploring this wonderful city.

You're going to immediately want to hop on the Pintxos (pronounced like peen-cho) trail. You can either do this amazing guided pintxos and wine tour or this guided pintxos tour that also visits the Mercado de la Brexta. You can also simply wander through the streets on your own and sample all the wonderful Basque-style tapas. While you're wandering, make sure you view the Basilica de Santa María del Coro — it's simply beautiful.

After grabbing breakfast at your hotel, you're going to head out for a guided cider tour. You'll be viewing how cider is made, eating a traditional Basque lunch and tasting the delicious cider that is made in this region.

If you’re looking for a mid-day activity, try hiking up Monte Urgull to see the Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) statue.

For dinner, you're heading to Bar Nestor. If you eat at one place in San Sebastián, make it Bar Nestor. Bar Nestor is famous for serving the “holy trinity.” Tomatoes soaked in local olive oil, peppers and the most delicious steak. You should get there at least an hour before they open, but be prepared for a long line if you don’t, it's a tiny place. Don't worry, you can sip on wine while you wait. Try and get a piece of their famous Tortilla de Patata, it’s well-known in the region and absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for variety, Bar Nestor is not your place. They serve these four items and only them.

For dessert, try to get your hands on the most delicious Basque-style cheesecake. La Viña has been serving food for over 65 years in the heart of San Sebastián’s Old Town. Their cheesecake is life-changing — I promise it’s worth the wait. Just hope that they aren’t sold out.

After breakfast, head to your authentic Spanish cooking class. Learn how to make Paella, Spanish omelet and more.

Next, head to one of the beaches and enjoy the rest of your day. San Sebastián has some of the most beautiful beaches in Basque Country. Pick your favorite and enjoy the day. Rent a board for some surfing or just relax, it’s up to you.

Pro tip: Stock up on your favorites from the mercado and have a picnic for lunch. Save your appetite because, for dinner, you're visiting one of the top restaurants in the region, three-star Michelin restaurant Arzak. (Or have your pick from any of the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastián.)

Take the one hour 40 minute train to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Check into the Nirea Hotel. Then spend the day wandering through the medieval buildings and visiting the numerous art museums.

Make sure you stop and marvel at the Catedral de Santa María. For dinner, you're headed to Zaldiaran, a one-Michelin-star restaurant.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful wine region of Rioja.

On this wine tour, you’ll be picked up in Vitoria and taken to two wineries for tastings — and also some light pintxos. You’ll also get to visit the beautiful village of Laguardia. If you prefer to have a full lunch, you can select this tour option.

For dinner, head to the outstanding Restaurante Ikea (no, not that Ikea). This restaurant is known for combining traditional Basque-style food with more modern cooking.

Take the train to Bilbao, which takes roughly 2.5 hours and requires one train change.

When you arrive, check into your stunning hotel, The Artist and grab a drink at the beautiful rooftop terrace. Your first stop should be this guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum to view wonderful works of art. Stop for lunch or a drink at the bistro inside the museum.

For dinner, try the amazing Sugarra restaurant. Sugarra means “flame” in Basque and most of the dishes are flame-grilled. Everything is delicious and they use the freshest ingredients.

Grab breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the Bilbao airport to head home…or your next destination.

The Basque region is one of my favorite regions in the world. The food is amazing, the people are friendly and it is such a fun place to vacation! Worried about traveling with kids? Don’t. We traveled with our three-year-old and had a blast. You might have to sacrifice some Michelin-starred restaurants, but, hey - champagne problems, am I right?