Curator’s statement
Basque Country is one of Europe's oldest and most unique cultures. It straddles the western border of Spain and France. Basque Country has beautiful beaches, the most delicious food and, of course, the wine and cider are among some of the best in Europe. This is a trip for people who want to experience food, culture, beaches and friendly locals.
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Where to stay
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Fronted by the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, this contemporary hotel features en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs in each suite, a roof terrace and Turkish baths.
Fora Perks
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Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom served in the rooftop restaurant.
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Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Maria Cristina
The city’s grande dame, with a heart-of-the-action location on the banks of River Urumea.
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$100 food / beverage or spa credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
Lush hotel with lavish interiors featuring Le Bordeaux restaurant, a bar, a rooftop and a gourmet restaurant inspired by Gordon Ramsay.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
Where Parisian elegance and luxurious sophistication reign supreme, creating an enchanting haven in the heart of the city.
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Food & beverage credit
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Breakfast daily
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Extended check-in/out whenever possible
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Day 1: Arrive in Bordeaux
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.
Day 2: Arrive in 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.
Day 3: Explore Biarritz
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.
Day 4: Arrive in San Sebastián
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.
Day 5: San Sebastián
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.
Day 6: San Sebastián
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.)
Day 7: Arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz
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.
Day 8: Explore the Rioja region
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.
Day 9: Arrive in Bilbao
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.
Day 10: Depart
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?
Need to know
![Advisor - Chelsea Reherman](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711119359/contentful-migration/advisors/image/f11f2c6f3c8d-IMG_2275.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Chelsea Reherman
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain and France. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Experience the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua.