Northern Spain
Duration: 5 days
Highlights: San Sebastian, Comb of the Winds, Getaria, Basque, La Rhune, Bilbao
This itinerary is perfect for exploring the delights of Northern Spain and its dramatic coastline.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive San Sebastian, early evening Pinxtos tour
Upon arrival at San Sebastian airport you will be met by your local Guardian Angel and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities.
San Sebastian is the gastronomic capital of Spain with a galaxy of Michelin-honoured restaurants, several with no less than three stars; but the real soul of Basque cuisine is to be found nowhere better than in the infinite number of small bars and restaurants that throng the narrow streets of the 'Parte Vieja', which is the oldest district of the town beside the fishing port. Everyone who lives in San Sebastián has their favourite and for this reason there can be no better plan than to place yourself in the hands of a local expert who can guide you through the bewildering choice of establishments. Some specialise in bacalao (cod), others in wild mushrooms, others in every kind of ham and sausage. But above all every establishment will have its own bewildering array of pintxos. Here in the Basque country the tradition is simple: you simply help yourself and then leave the toothpick which impaled the pinxto on your plate so that the barman will know how many you have had. Simple! Let yourself be guided along streets like 31 Agosto, Calle Mayor or San Jerónimo and make your own list of starred pintxos.
Overnight: Hotel Maria Cristina
Meal Plan: B
Day 2 - San Sebastian and surrounding area
Today you will meet your private vehicle and guide for a full day of sightseeing in and around San Sebastian. You will visit the fascinating Old Town, full of alleys wedged between the bay and the Rio Urumea. You will drive round the great horseshoe bay of La Concha to see the extraordinary 'Comb of the Winds' sculpture installation at the foot of the cliffs. And from there up to the top of the Monte Igeldo for a marvellous view over the city, the sea and the mountains. From here the road follows the line of the coast to the delightful fishing village of Getaria, a wonderful place to stop and (independently) enjoy a lunch of superb fish or seafood straight from the sea. In the afternoon you will visit one of the newest and most remarkable museums in all Spain, dedicated to the master couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, who went from humble origins in Getaria to become perhaps the greatest of all the Paris clothes designers.
Overnight: Hotel Maria Cristina
Meal Plan: B
Day 3 - French Basque Countryside
Meet your guide and private vehicle for a full-day tour to the Basque countryside. The Pays Basque Français is an enchanting area of small villages, lush green landscapes and the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees. First visit the charming fishing port of Saint Jean de Luz with its unspoiled centre of narrow streets, quayside and old churches, a short distance over the frontier. From there continue inland to explore villages like Ascaín, Ainhoa, both filled with quaint stone and half-timbered houses and with delightful parish churches. Also visit Espelette, famed for its red peppers, for which there is even a museum. You might wish to enjoy lunch at your leisure in Sare or Cambo les Bains. See the spectacular house of the playwright Edmond Rostand, author of 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. Weather permitting, enjoy an excursion in the funicular railway up to the top of La Rhune, for spectacular views from the Pyrenees to the Atlantic.
Overnight: Hotel Maria Cristina
Day 4 - San Sebastian to Bilbao, afternoon Bilbao
A leisurely start today, you may wish to take a stroll through the town, before meeting your driver for the direct transfer to Bilbao. After checking in to your hotel and lunch at leisure explore Bilbao with your driver and local guide. The most important sight in Bilbao is the spectacular Guggenheim Museum, the masterpiece of Frank Gehry, with its gleaming titanium structure. Your guide will take you on a highlights tour. Close by it is very interesting to see the whole area along the river which has been transformed in response to the “Guggenheim effect,” from derelict wharves and railway sidings into a linear park. Finally visit the historic Siete Calles district, beautifully restored after catastrophic floods some years ago and filled with boutiques, small bars and restaurants.
Alternative option:
If you are happy to start your day earlier, you may wish to take the coastal route and make several stops along the way. You may wish to make stops in the towns of Getaria and Gernika. Getaria is a fishing village with an exquisite sparkling white wine called txakoli that deserves to be savoured. Gernika, meanwhile, is known for the heavy destruction it suffered during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. One of Pablo Picasso's most famous works, Guernica, depicts this destruction and is now on display in the town.
Alternatively, Game of Thrones fans may prefer stops at Zumaia and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, both of which were used as filming locations in the hit TV series. The former is photogenic for its unique flysch rock formations, whereas the latter is the real-life stand-in for the fictional fortress of Dragonstone, with instantly recognisable features to anyone familiar with the show.
Overnight: Hotel Maria Cristina
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Depart Bilbao
Private car transfer to Bilbao airport.
Meal Plan: B