
The Spanish Basque countryside is a perfect reflection of the region’s fiercely proud and intriguingly complex personality. The winsome beauty of its landscapes gives it an alluring softness, while the challenging Basque language, punchy culture and spirited locals convey that this is a place like no other in Spain.
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Perfect forArt Lovers | Foodies | Intellectuals | Romantics
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When to goMarch-May | June-August | September-November
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Ideal length of stay1 Week
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Essential Basque Region
The Basque Country is one of the most lovely and most varied regions of Spain, with Bilbao, San Sebastián, Getaria and nearby Rioja. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1-2: Bilbao & Getaria
In the industrial city of Bilbao, visit the Pais Vasco’s star cultural attraction: the jaw-dropping, Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, as well as the elegant Museo de Bellas Artes. Then, drive thirty minutes to Getaria, the charming seaside village and hometown of iconic designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and his eponymous museum.
Day 3-4: San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a buzzing beach town with otherworldly cocktails and tapas, known as pintxos, that is nestled amongst lush, verdant mountains that keep temperatures off of the sunny beaches quite pleasant. Relax at the popular La Concha Beach and bask in the bay’s calm waters. Stroll the café-lined, waterfront promenade and take an Indagare-arranged cooking class with a star chef to learn how to make classic Basque pintxos, or explore the town’s art world, with famous sites such as the mysterious “Peine del Viento” sculptures.
Day 5-6: La Rioja
From the Pais Vasco, the drive to La Rioja is stunningly beautiful, as the rolling green countryside gradually becomes more rugged. What the Chianti region is to Italy, the Rioja is to Spain. Spend a day or two with Indagare-arranged tours of the top vineyards—learning about Spanish culture, tasting local wines and indulging in rich cuisine before siesta.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
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Gran Hotel Domine
Just opposite the Guggenheim Museum, this is the hippest hotel in Bilbao with arty public spaces and comfortable bedrooms.
- Interior view. Hotel Maria Cristina, Spanish Basque Region, SpainRead More
Hotel Maria Cristina
The Maria Cristina is San Sebastián’s grandest hotel and has been a fixture of the social and business scenes for over a century. It’s not on the seafront, but there are great views of the Urumea River and the Kursaal,...