Bilbao, San Sebastián & Rioja Signature Drive

5.0 reviews
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Spain rioja vineyard and san vicente de la sonsierra as background la rioja

Enjoy the very best of Spain's Basque Country...

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pintxos beer and wine in plaza nueva, bilbao

... On an indulgent blend of great views, hotels, wine and food

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Spain basque country bilbao guggenheim man walking

Explore from Bilbao and its famous Guggenheim...

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salinas de anana

Via ancient salt pans...

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close up of grapes rioja vineyard

Down to the prized vineyards of La Rioja...

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view to la concha bay in san sebastian

... And back up the golden sands of San Sebastián

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design facade hotel viura in la rioja

Stay in memorable hotels...

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traditional basque cod meal

Indulge on delicious Basque food...

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tasting red wines at bodega in rioja

Work your way through Rioja's best vintages...

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traditional pintxos bar in san sebastian

... And hop between pintxos bars in bustling old towns

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driving rioja sunset

See below for more & get in touch for full details

Duration

This three-part journey weaves together the iconic highlights of the fabled Basque Country into a memorable week of discovery, tied together by our love of Basque food and wine.

  • Guggenheim visit
  • Bilbao like a local
  • Rioja wineries
  • Ancient salt pans
  • Foodie heaven!
  • Basque culture
  • Expert guides
  • Special places to stay
Read Full Itinerary

What's Included

Key Inclusions

7 nights in first-class hotels

Hire vehicle

All breakfasts

Special tasting menu lunch

2 x dinners

Guided activities as described

GPS tracks for self-guided walks


Guided Activities

Private Bilbao pintxos tour

Shared Bilbao bike tour

Guggenheim Museum entrances

Shared salt pans tour

Shared winery visit


5* Service

We have personally experienced & loved every aspect of this trip

Travel Guide App with advice, background information and recommendations

ABTOT / ATOL Financial protection

Local support throughout

24/7 emergency support

Industry-leading 160% carbon capture


Please note: International travel not included.

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet your guide to explore Bilbao


You begin in Bilbao, reached by train, plane or ferry. Bilbao is the Basque Country's biggest city and home to Frank Gehry's famous titanium-clad Guggenheim. The best way to get to know the city, and to set you up for your travels, is to explore the pintxos bars of the old town with our lovely local guide. Pintxos are small works of bread-based culinary art, a Basque version of tapas if you will.

Day 2

Discover Bilbao by bike and on foot


Day 3

Visit a salt pan en route to Rioja


Day 4

Immerse yourself in Rioja's wine culture


Day 5

Hike on the way to San Sebastián


Day 6

Choose how to explore


Day 7

Say goodbye to Spain


Memorable moments you can look forward to...

Spain basque country bilbao sunny tapas plaza nueva

Sit back...

With some pintxos in the sun

Spain bilbao guggenheim exterior flower dog close up

Count...

The flowers on Bilbao's puppy

Spain bilbao gabi pura aventura 2023 5

Hear the stories...

Of your local guides

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Pedal...

To Bilbao's hidden treasures

Spain bilbao window chris bladon

Admire...

Gorgeous stained-glass windows

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Soak in...

Views over the city

Spain basque country c salado de anana 1

Visit...

Spain's oldest salt pans

Spain basque anana almazen restaurant pura aventura2

Indulge...

On a special tasting menu lunch

Spain rioja vineyard

Stroll...

Through grape-laden vineyards

Spain rioja basque harvest 3 c diego

Catch a glimpse...

Of grape harvesters at work

Spain rioja winery luis cañas tasting room

Say yes...

To another glass of Rioja

Spain rioja beagle red wine luis canas

Have a snooze...

If you've had one too many

Spain rioja luis cañas winery carmen peña

Meet...

Rioja's expert winemakers

Spain la rioja laguardia garlic piled high

Mingle with locals...

At weekly produce markets

Spain rioja alta haro town mural

Have a giggle...

At Haro's street art

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Drink in...

Views of vineyards, villages & castles

Spain rioja camino hotel viura façade c viura

Go to sleep...

In an architectural wonder

Spain rioja camino hotel viura restaurant quail c viura

Linger...

Over delicious local cuisine

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Feel small...

In the shadow of Pamplona cathedral

Spain basque country inn to inn san sebastian pintxos 2

Take your pick...

From the best Basque pintxos

Spain basque san sebastian girl Visit Euskadi

Gaze out...

Over San Sebastián's bay

Spain san sebastian basque c chris bladon28

Stroll out...

In golden evening light

Spain san sebastian basque c chris bladon40

Order...

Wine the Basque way

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Holidays away from the crowds, crafted to give you a more authentic, local experience. Small-scale accommodation, exceptional guides & in-depth local knowledge.