Discover the Basque Country NC11
Bilbao – Rioja Alavesa – San Sebastian Tour
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Long recognized for its exquisite and innovative cuisine, and more recently famous for the amazing Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Euskadi (or the Basque country) has much to offer. With their own, totally unique language and distinct culture it’s said by some that the Basques are perhaps the Aborigines of Europe, dwelling in these valleys since Cro-Magnon times.
Don’t miss the Belle Époque elegance of San Sebastian, on its glittering bay, with the most Michelin stars per-capita in Europe. And Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’, which has flourished since the building of the magnificent Guggenheim.
Head south to La Rioja Alavesa, the Basque part of the famous wine region, and explore the delightful, hilltop villages and sample some of the finest wines Spain has to offer.
- Tour Highlights:
- Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’
- Great wines and stunning scenery in La Rioja Alavesa
- Lovely beaches and scenic cliffs along the Basque coast
- San Sebastian - most Michelin stars per capita
- Wonderful architecture ancient & modern
- World class gastronomy throughout
1250 p/p
* Indicative mid season price for 7 nights (including car hire – flights not included) in our suggested hotels. Ferry-drive based on 2 people from £1400 p.p. for 7 nights.
Day 1 to 3 – Bilbao & the Basque Coast
- Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes
- Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial
- Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations
- Charming villages of Guernica, Mundaka and Lekeitio
- Head for the hills, great walking just near the city
Day 4 & 5 – Rioja Alavesa Wine Region
- Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
- Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
- Stunning modern architecture among the vines
- Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
- Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Days 6 & 7 – San Sebastian / Donostia
- Countless pintxos in the old quarter or anywhere you can!
- Hondarribia's old town and delightful fisherman's quarter
- Sensational beaches in the city and along the coast
- Monte Igueldo funicular for exceptional panoramic views
- Flysch rock formations on the beach in Zumaia
& why not...
- Go your own way, the tour can be tailor-made to suit your time and travel arrangements
- Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
- or more economical options if you're on a budget
- If you want more time in the North, take a look at our NC1 Camino del Norte
- Add a stop on the Basque Coast, head west towards Asturias and Galicia
- or discover the western Pyrenean Valleys of Navarra
- Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The itinerary includes the following:
- Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B
- Economy 4dr car hire from leaving Bilbao
- or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (car + 2 berth interior cabin)
- Guide book to Northern Spain
- Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route
- Instructions to find all accommodation
Not included:
- Flights – but we are able to advise
- One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)
- The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point
- extra driver
- child seats
- GPS
- Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges
Getting there
A circular route, this itinerary has excellent access by air and sea:
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- Flight connections from-to:
- Stansted: Santander or Biarritz with Ryanair
- Gatwick: Bilbao with Vueling-Easyjet
- Dublin: Santander or Biarritz with Ryanair / Bilbao with Aer Lingus
- Manchester: Bilbao with Easyjet
- Edinburgh: Santander with Ryanair
- Flight connections from-to:
- Ferry: if you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package
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Getting around
For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS coordinates as well as point-to-point instructions.
