Basque Country Active Culinary Hiking & Walking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Luxury Hotels
Basque Country Active Culinary Hiking & Walking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Luxury Hotels
2026: Sep-Oct 2027: Apr-Jul, Sep
Wine, Pintxos & Recipes from La Rioja to San Sebastian
A pairing for the ages. Hike lush mountains and dramatic coastlines as you explore Basque Country’s sensational food scene. It’s a harmonious blend for the palate—with a note of adventure.
Highlights
- Dive fork-first into San Sebastián, one of the world’s most celebrated food regions, as bold flavors come to life through private cooking demonstrations and a pintxos tour
- Hike the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains and along the storied Camino del Norte to hidden springs, impressive waterfalls and sweeping ocean panoramas
- Discover Basque Country’s rich culinary heritage, from time-honored village traditions to avant-garde cuisine
- Taste full-bodied Rioja wines while you take in expansive views of the Ebro Valley’s multihued vineyards
- Unwind in handpicked accommodations—from a boutique Rioja wine estate to a Relais & Châteaux retreat perched above the sea
Start Pamplona, Spain
End Bilbao, Spain
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Kick off your trip with a walk on quiet paths through the lush landscapes surrounding Idiazabal • Savor your first exquisite taste of Basque cuisine • A picturesque drive through La Rioja showcases the colorful vineyards of this esteemed wine region • Follow stunning trails along the Ebro River and in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains • Arrive at a family-owned winery nestled among the vines • Sip ruby reds and crisp whites at a private tasting • Wander through a secret network of subterranean wine caves • Try an array of pintxos that offer a deeper understanding of Basque Country flavors.
Nights 1-2
With lovely views of the Ebro river and Tondón vineyards, this exceptional property, once a 16th-century palace, blends contemporary design with wood and stone finishes to create a unique lodging attentive to wine, gastronomy and relaxation.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Day 3
Explore the Urdanpilleta by foot—a green, forested area dotted with grazing cattle and sheep • Rural family farms, called baserriak, have created the tight-knit Basque community here • We’ll visit one for lunch, where you can glimpse daily life and try some amazing traditional dishes • The hiking is fantastic and the views pastoral—this is Basque heartland! • Relax at a 17th-century countryside palace in Gipúzkoa, Spain’s smallest province but one proudest of the enduring Basque cultural heritage.
Night 3
In this renovated 17th-century palace, modern amenities blend seamlessly with historic architecture to create a serene countryside retreat. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Follow Spain’s storied Camino de Santiago through rolling hills, windswept bluffs and rural farmland • A unique picnic-style culinary show explores the connection between Basque history and cuisine • Experience one of the Basque Country’s most iconic traditions—the pintxos crawl • Visit the ancient harbor town of Pasaia, a hidden gem along the coast • Lace up your boots for a stunning hike along the Talaia Coastal Trail, a dramatic cliffside path • Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class in San Sebastián • A tranquil morning walk in shorefront Getaria caps off a memorable journey through Basque Country.
Nights 4-5
Experience this stunning blend of cutting-edge design, world-class cuisine and natural beauty on Spain’s northern coast. A Relais & Châteaux property. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While we always aim to get off the beaten path, this region is a popular coastal vacation spot for European tourists. You’ll be among locals and fellow travelers when we visit towns, and there can be moderate car traffic on some of the country roads we traverse (cars in this area are very respectful).
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
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