Ultimate Basque Country Adventure

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Trip Profile

Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
*3 days/2 nights
price
usd $3,995
*USD $1,595
Dates
June 28 - July 4, 2024
*July 4 - 6, 2024
DEposit
25% Non-refundable
25% NON-REFUNDABLE
group size
15
15
Arrival
Bilbao
*San sebastian
Departure
Bilbao
*Bilbao
accomodation
Hotel
hotel
meals
Breakfast Daily
Breakfast Daily
Demograpic
Women (21+)
Women (21+)

Trip Highlights

  • This trip is organized enough that you don't have to sweat the details, while giving you enough time to chart your own course and to enjoy what you prefer to do on vacation.
  • 7 day/ 6 night tour in Bilbao with an OPTIONAL add-on of 3 days/2 nights in San Sebastián, home of the famous International Film Festival
  • "Comfortable Travel" - this is neither a budget trip nor a luxury experience. You can expect a very comfortable and enjoyable experience!
  • Opportunity to immerse yourself in the Basque culture and history.
  • Amazing opportunities to sample the excellent gastronomy - from pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) to an optional Michelin-starred lunch/dinner.
  • An immersion in nature - from the gorgeous mountains to the beautiful beaches.
  • Bilbao was just ranked one of the world's safest cities!
  • Whatever you enjoy doing, the Basque Country has something for everyone!
  • The majority of the tours offered with standard companies are based on double occupancy. If a single individual wants to take part in those experiences, they are either expected to share a room with another same-sex, solo traveler or they are required to pay single supplements for a single occupancy room. "Single Supplement" is an industry term and is a premium surcharge for a room that can accommodate two, but is only being used by one person (that's right - a king room often costs more if it's used by one person instead of two!). The single supplement can amount to as much as an additional 10-20% or more for the same trip.
  • You will NEVER pay a single supplement when traveling with us. You will NEVER be paired with an unknown roommate! Your comfort is of utmost importance.

Overview

Spend 7 days/6 nights exploring the Basque Country (País Vasco) in Northern Spain – an area rich in culture and history and with incredible gastronomy, beaches and mountains! The Basque Country truly has something for everyone!  The adventure begins and ends in Bilbao, one of the largest cities in the Basque Country. From here, we will tour Bilbao, a txakoli vineyard (a special Basque wine), experience the beauty of the mountains and sample the incredible food that the Basque Country is so well-known for.  An additional 3 days/2 nights provides the opportunity to explore San Sebastián, home of the famous International Film Festival! 

The best part about this experience is that you will have plenty of time to enjoy your own adventures! Maybe you want to see the renowned Guggenheim museum, or explore the nearby towns that are accessible by metro (subway), or even take the metro to the beach for the day! Your experience leader will be happy to help you with suggestions, or we encourage you to develop your own!

What's Included

  • Arrival (Day 1) Airport Transfer
  • 6 Nights Accommodation in Bilbao (Single Occupancy)
    2 Nights Accommodation (Single Occupancy) in San Sebastián, if selected
  • Daily Breakfast and Meal on Activity Days
  • Ground Transportation
  • Expert Local Guides
  • Entry Fees
  • Tickets for Group Activities
  • All Listed Activities!

What's NOT Included

  • Airport Transfers on Last Day and Transfers Outside of the Tour Dates/Times
  • International Airfare
  • Travel and Medical Insurance (REQUIRED)
  • Tips for Drivers and Guides
  • Alcohol (Unless otherwise specified)
  • Additional Meals and Snacks
  • Souvenirs
  • Dinner at Michelin Restaurant

Itinerary

  • Arrival to Hotel from Bilbao Airport 
  • Welcome and getting to know the group 
  • Guided tour of the best pintxo bars in Casco Viejo and the surrounding area of Bilbao – Sampling pintxos in the Basque Country is an absolute MUST! 
  • After breakfast, your ASTJ Guide will take the group on a walking tour of Bilbao
  • Optional: Bilboats Tour (additional expense)
  • The afternoon includes free time to have your own solo adventure!  Your guide will have plenty of suggestions of things to do if you need them! 
  • We will have a guided tour to a unique, family run txakoli vineyard and winery nestled in the picturesque green hills overlooking the Bay of Biscay
  • The approximate 1 hour tour offers a thorough explanation of the entire wine-making process 
  • We will have an opportunity to savor the fresh Basque bread, anchovies and locally caught tuna at the winery for a light snack
  • We will then make a drive along the Basque Coast and to Gernika
  • Our experiences are designed specifically for you to have time to venture out on your own and curate your own experiences!
  • Your guide will help you with suggestions if you need them
  • Optional: An opportunity for an incredible lunch/dinner experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant

*This experience MUST be reserved in advance and is an ADDITIONAL fee.

  • Expert guided hike offering the stunning vistas of the picturesque Basque countryside and mountains in the famed Urkiola Natural Park, about 30 minutes outside of Bilbao
  • Moderate 1.5 – 2 hour hike with breathtaking views of the entire valley
  • Picnic lunch in the mountains 
  • Our experiences are designed specifically for you to have time to venture out on your own and curate your own experiences!
  • Your guide will help you with suggestions if you need them
  • The Basque Country is considered one of the top gastronomic destinations in the world! 
  • We will have a private group dinner experience with a local Basque chef 
  • The group will prepare 3-4 tapas dishes, local to the region and dessert 
  • The tour concludes in the morning, after breakfast
  • The hotel check-out time is 11:00AM and the hotel will be happy to store your luggage for the day
  • For those continuing to San Sebastián, transfer to San Sebastián will be provided 
  • On arrival in San Sebastián, we will have a local tour and and a mini pintxo tour
  • Our experiences are designed specifically for you to have time to venture out on your own and curate your own experiences!
  • Explore San Sebastián, check out the famous beaches, explore the wonders of the Old Town or sample the world-famous gastronomy
  • Your guide will help you with suggestions if you need them
  • After breakfast, we will head back to Bilbao, where the tour concludes
  • Flights can also be taken from San Sebastián – international flights to the US usually leave early afternoon
  • You may consider flying from San Sebastián or spending one night on your own in Bilbao before returning home 

Essential Information

DISCLOSURE

The above is a sample tour itinerary and accommodation and/or activities may be modified based on availability. Please note that our itinerary focuses on local experiences, including food, so meals might not have the Western options that you may be accustomed to. The itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors outside of our control. The Basque Country is generally quite mild in temperature, but summer temperatures can be high and rain does frequently occur. Keep in mind that every activity is optional and you can opt out of activities you aren’t comfortable with.