Basque Country Private Food & Wine Tour

Your English-speaking chauffeur will greet you in the arrivals hall and whisk you away to discover the best of Bilbao city through a privately guided walking tour. First, you will stop at the Guggenheim Museum, perhaps the most celebrated work of contemporary architecture by Frank Gehry. Your guide will then lead you through an impressive collection of European and American paintings and sculptures from the 20th century to the modern.

Next, you’ll visit the Ribera Market, a captivating, covered market boasting over 60 stalls offering fresh meats, fish, shellfish, cheeses, and vegetables. Following this, you’ll stroll through the streets of the Old Town, locally known as “Casco Viejo” or “Las 7 Calles.” These seven streets constitute the original medieval town, and their narrow lanes teem with bars and taverns. Highlights of this segment include St. James Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and the Bidebarrieta Municipal Library.

For lunch, you’ll dine at the breathtaking Azurmendi restaurant, architecturally integrated into the hillside and offering spectacular views over the surrounding vineyards. Prepare to be amazed by three-Michelin-star creations such as Marine Turnip with Herb Emulsion, Roasted Lobster, Iberian Pork Stew with Whipped Butter, or Pigeon served with Duxelles, Legume Flowers, and Beans—all impeccably paired with some of the region’s finest wines.

In the late afternoon, your driver will transfer you to your luxurious accommodations at Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastián. Since its opening in 1912, Hotel Maria Cristina has been pivotal in transforming San Sebastián from a fishing village to a cosmopolitan city, offering opulent amenities and panoramic views. After check-in, you’ll have some time to rest and rejuvenate.

As evening approaches, a local culinary expert and enthusiastic guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to kick off a gastronomic adventure through San Sebastián’s vibrant Old Town. You’ll navigate narrow, cobblestone streets and explore an eclectic mix of bars and hidden gems, each contributing to the city’s rich culinary narrative. With your guide’s deep understanding of local culture, you’ll savor artfully crafted pintxos, each perfectly complemented by the crisp notes of the region’s renowned txakoli wines. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of authentic Basque storytelling. Your adventure is just beginning—the night is still young.

This morning, your chauffeured Mercedes will pick you up from your hotel in San Sebastián and escort you south through the verdant landscapes of Basque Country, eventually reaching the renowned wine region of La Rioja. The drive is a bit lengthy, approximately two hours each way, so take this time to sit back and appreciate the scenic vistas.

La Rioja is Spain’s most acclaimed wine region, characterized by its medieval hilltop villages and expansive valleys in vineyards. The star grape here is the noble Tempranillo, and you will savor some of its finest expressions today.

Your private tour will kick off at an esteemed cellar in La Rioja Alta. With a history spanning over 125 years, this winery ranks among Rioja’s finest. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed to a private tasting featuring their prestigious wines: Gran Reserva 904, Gran Reserva 890, Viña Ardanza, and Viña Arana.

Lunch will follow at Lumbre, the top restaurant in Rioja’s wine country. Located in a beautifully restored historic building, complete with stunning wine caves, in the quaint hamlet of Casalarreina, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Sergio Hernando Diez. His culinary masterpieces include dishes like Partridge meatballs with Pesto, Carrots, and Seeds; Hazelnut stew with grilled Sausage and pickled Chili; and Hake in Borage sauce with Anchovies—all flawlessly paired with local wines.

Your final winery visit for the day will be at the award-winning Roda estate, celebrated for its Cirsión wine and gourmet olive oils. After an unforgettable day in La Rioja, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in San Sebastián. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish; consult your Cellar Tours keepsake book for recommendations should you decide to venture out or simply unwind with room service.

Your chauffeur will collect you outside your hotel lobby after breakfast, and you will drive west for about 90 minutes, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

As you leave the bustling life of San Sebastian behind, we’ll make our way to the Crusoe Treasure winery, a sanctuary of unique underwater-aged wine, where they produce a limited-edition boutique wine aged at the bottom of the sea in the world’s first underwater cellar and artificial reef. Your enthusiastic hosts will take great pleasure in showing you how the idea came about and how it works and talking you through tasting their unique liquid.

Lunch will follow, a casual seafood lunch on the coast. You will dine on the freshest locally caught seafood you have tasted while enjoying spectacular seascapes. Of course, we will have selected the perfect wines to accompany your lunch dishes.

Our adventure continues as we head to the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO-listed and home to Bodegas Itsas Mendi, where the traditions of Basque winemaking come to life. After a tour of their gorgeous facilities, you will taste the range from Itsasmendi, a young Txakoli, Istasmendi 7, a fuller bodied, more structured Txakoli capable of several years of aging, Artizar which has been fermented in oak, Urezti, Itsasmendi’s sweetie, from late-harvest grapes and their delightful Eklipse, a fascinating blend of Pinot Noir and Hondarrabi Beltza. Try your hand at pouring the Txokoli wine basque style. It’s a fun experience—even if first-timers might find it a splashy affair!

After your enriching wine experience, your well-versed chauffeur will guide you on a captivating sightseeing tour, ensuring your journey is as delightful as the destinations. The tour will start at the enchanting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a landmark whose name translates to ‘castle rock’ in Basque. From there, you’ll journey to Elantxobe, a picturesque hamlet that has been integral to the region’s maritime history for centuries.

You will return to San Sebastian with time to relax, unwind at the hotel’s private spa, and refresh before capping it off with a culinary masterpiece at the 2 Michelin-starred Mugaritz.

Less than a 30-minute drive from San Sebastian, you are in the French Basque country, quite different from the Spanish side. Apart from the glitzy Biarritz, most villages and small towns are beautifully rustic with their whitewash stone and red-timbered houses scattered along the rugged coastline, utterly charming.

Your driver will first take you to the Chateau d’ Abbadia, a fascinating neogothic Chateau observatory built on the cliffs of Hendaye by Viollet le Duc for Antoine d’Abbadie, an ethnologist, geographer, and scientist. You will then move on to Ciboure, separated from St Jean de Luz by the harbor; Ciboure is an idyllic seaside town, lovely for a stroll, taking in the 16th-century Saint-Vincent church and sipping a coffee or glass of wine in one of the numerous cafes around the harbor.

Then, cross the bridge to St. Jean de Luz for lunch at the dazzling Ilura Restaurant at La Reserve Hotel. Here, you will savor the wonderful flavors of French Basque cuisine, with the most spectacular views over the bay. Some divine concoctions might include Milk-Fed veal from the Aldudes Valley with Baby Squid, Local Line-caught Hake fillet with bell peppers-paprika, squid ink, and avocado, or Roasted-deboned “Kriaxera” Duck with Hydromel “Etxexuxen” consommé and young sprouts.

After lunch, enjoy a spot of shopping. There are fantastic artisan and gourmet shops here. Then, if you fancy working off some calories, you can climb the 248 steps to the top of the Biarritz lighthouse on Pointe-Saint-Martin; your prize is the most unbelievable coastal views. Then why not finish the day with a bottle of champagne at the Hotel du Palais, Biarritz, before your return and a free evening in San Sebastian.

This morning, you have a 40-minute transfer from your hotel to your first winery appointment at Txomin Etxaniz Winery. This family-run estate goes back centuries and has been actively involved in the D.O. Getariako Txakolina. They have 35 hectares of verdant, terraced vineyards cascading toward the coastline, looking out over the Getaria coast, planting both Hondarrabi Zuri (90%) and Hondarrabi Beltza (10%). They produce three types of Txakoli wines: Txomin Etxanix, Eugenia, their bubbly, and Uydo, their sublime late harvest, which pairs equally with savory and sweet dishes. An excellent aperitif to water your taste buds because next is lunch at the fabulous Elkano, another hedonistic experience for fish-loving foodies.

Next, you will head to lunch in the colorful port of Getaria, which overlooks the rugged Basque coastline just down the road. You’ll be seated for a memorable seafood lunch at the 1-star Michelin  Elkano restaurant, regularly featured in the top 50 best restaurants.

Enjoy the specialty of whole grilled fish, freshly caught and delivered directly by local fishermen. The fish is perfectly grilled over an open fire, providing a subtle smoked flavor. It melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with Rioja’s finest, selected by the restaurant sommelier!

Following your delightful lunch, stroll through historic streets where Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano, who famously completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth as part of the Magellan expedition, once roamed. Marvel at the town’s unique architectural gems, including a gradually sinking church, and take in the vibrant hues of the boats moored along the harbor. For fashion aficionados, don’t miss the dedicated museum honoring another of the town’s illustrious natives, the iconic designer Balenciaga.

As the afternoon fades, your driver will escort you back to your hotel, San Sebastian, where you can take a moment to unwind and rejuvenate. This evening, you have a fun evening planned at a Basque Cider house, a rustic setting but stylish with beautiful gardens for the perfect al fresco cider experience, drinking cider directly from the barrel and savoring delicious pintxos, Porterhouse steak grilled on a woodfire, all washed down with cider poured straight from the barrel.

As the day ends and you relish your final sips of cider, the restaurant will present you with a specially curated keepsake: a beautifully crafted Basque cookbook featuring some of the iconic dishes and beverages you’ve experienced today. It’s not just a token; it’s an invitation to continue your culinary journey, even after you’ve returned home.

Today, enjoy sightseeing in charming villages and visit artisan cheesemakers. Your first stop is the lively Ordizia farmers market, one of the oldest in Spain, with a weekly tradition dating back to 1512. Today, it remains a significant hub for local producers, teeming with abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, and stands brimming with delicious local cheeses, wines, preserved fruits, and honey.

There is also an interesting Nutrition and Gastronomy center with information on the Idiazabal cheeses and top local chefs; speaking of cheese, your next stop will be Aranburu, where you will enjoy a visit and cheese tasting. Family run and proud Gold winner of the World Cheese Awards, you will sample their exquisite range, including natural and smoked varieties with differing maturation.

Next to Ondarre, a very traditional cheesery, discover the art of cheese-making; you’ll witness the authentic craftsmanship of local shepherds. You’ll gain a vivid understanding of the entire production process, from the pasture to the final product. Meet the livestock and observe their daily routine before a sublime tasting and a light lunch washed down with local txakoli.

Then, back to your hotel to rest and freshen up before your gourmet treat tonight at 3 Michelin-starred Akelarre. For over 40 years, Head Chef Pedro Subijana has been at the forefront of this renowned eatery, winning its first Michelin star in 1978 and continuing from strength to strength. It is a sensational experience; the setting is stunning, and each plate put before you increases the wow factor. You will be treated to a personalized tasting menu designed to suit your tastes and dietary requirements; some of the delicacies may include Lobster salad with Cider vinegar, Hake in Seaweed Steam with Plancton and Oyster Leaf, or Carved Beef, Tail Cake, Potatoes, and Peppers. Each course will be perfectly paired with exceptional wines carefully selected by the restaurant’s attentive sommelier.

A real highlight of your tour – enjoy!

Following a relaxed breakfast this morning, you’ll rendezvous with your private chef, Chef Ben, for an exclusive tour of Brecha Market. With years of experience in top international restaurants, Chef Ben has returned to his San Sebastian roots to share his passion for Basque gastronomy with discerning guests like you. Together, you’ll handpick the finest seasonal produce for your upcoming Basque cooking class and lunch. After your market adventure, you’ll proceed to his state-of-the-art kitchen studio for an immersive, hands-on culinary experience. Under Chef Ben’s guidance, you’ll prepare incredible Basque dishes such as Marmitako, Ajoarriero, and Basque cheesecake.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, we suggest you indulge in some spa time at La Perla. Established by Queen María Cristina in 1887 as part of the royal family’s summer retreat, La Perla Thalassotherapy Centre is a testament to San Sebastian’s elegant Belle Époque era. A 1912 renovation replaced its original wooden structure, elevating it to one of the world’s most exquisite spas.

As the evening approaches, prepare to don your finest attire for tonight’s farewell extravaganza at the gastronomic sanctuary that is Restaurante Martín Berasategui. A culinary masterpiece crafted by Spain’s renowned chef, Martín Berasategui, awaits you. Having honed his skills under culinary luminaries like Didier Oudill and Alain Ducasse in France, Berasategui returned to Spain in 1993 to dazzle the culinary world. Today, his eponymous restaurant proudly boasts three Michelin stars, promising an unforgettable gourmet dining experience for your final evening.

Depending on your flight time this morning, your driver will take you to the Bilbao airport for your departure flight and help you with luggage and check-in, ensuring you have a smooth departure. It has been our pleasure to host you in enchanting San Sebastian, and we eagerly await the opportunity to craft another exceptional tour for you. Safe travels!