Spain's Basque Country

Our trip begins with an afternoon welcome reception followed by a visit to the Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Later this evening, gather for a tapas dinner on the terrace overlooking the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Head outside the city this morning to Gernika, scene of the brutal Nazi aerial bombardment and inspiration for Picasso’s famous Guernica mural. Visit the Tree of Gernika, symbol of Basque nationalism, and the Assembly House, one of the oldest parliaments in Europe. Before returning to Bilbao, enjoy a traditional asado where Basque beef is grilled over an open fire. Later this evening, join fellow travelers for an introduction to Spanish gastronomy at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.

Depart Bilbao and drive south to the world-famous wine region of Rioja for visits to two contrasting wineries, the modern Roda and the classic Muga. Savor a traditional lunch featuring fire-grilled lamb at nearby Rivas de Tereso before checking in to our hotel in Villabuena de Álava. The evening is free to explore the village on our own.

This morning, visit the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in the beautiful and historic village of Laguardia. After a light lunch at the museum, take in the sights at the Marques de Riscal City of Wine. Frank Gehry followed up the stunning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with this sculptural building in Elciego dedicated to the history of this famous Spanish bodega. Delight in a farm-to-table dinner at Venta Moncalvillo in Daroca, the smallest village in the world to hold a Michelin star, and join the owners for a discussion.

Drive south this morning to Tudela and stroll through town before our visit to beautiful estate of Hacienda Queiles, one of Spain’s best olive oil producers. We may witness the harvesting of vegetables, such as Navarran tomatoes, and hear about the white asparagus and artichokes harvested here in the spring. Afterwards, enjoy a vegan lunch showcasing the oils and other local produce so prized across the rest of Spain. Later this afternoon, continue our drive to Pamplona.

This morning we visit a beautiful Navarra winery, Bodega Otazu, famed for its Cathedral of Wine barrel room and its Pago status, a designation of the highest quality of Spanish wines. Head back to Pamplona for a Michelin star lunch at Europa, featuring some of the region’s best products in this family run restaurant. After lunch, walk the route of the famous San Fermin bull run and return to the hotel for a free evening in the city.

Today we drive across the border into France for an elegant lunch in the stunning French Basque city of Biarritz. Continue to San Sebastian afterward and check in to our hotel overlooking the spectacular La Concha Bay. In the evening, peek behind closed doors as we enjoy a privileged dinner at one of the legendary gastronomic societies in San Sebastián.

After breakfast, hone your skills with a cooking class using unique and flavorful Basque products. Take a siesta or stroll through the city during an afternoon at leisure. Explore the culinary scene and learn about local life on an evening pintxos tour around the old town of San Sebastián.

This morning, try regional specialties at a renowned txakoli producer on the coast. Txakoli is the most Basque of wines, a light spritzy white produced from local grapes grown on hillsides overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Return to the city for lunch on our own. Gather this evening to toast our journey at a restaurant featuring classical Basque cuisine accompanied by legendary younger and older vintage Spanish wines.

Depart for Bilbao for return flights home.