Luxury Biarritz, Bilbao and The Basque Country

Day 1  Fly to Biarritz, France      
On arrival transfer to the historic 5★ Hotel du Palais in the heart of Biarritz. The property was initially built as a palace in 1854 by Napolean III, while the town was still a simple whaling village.            

Day 2  Biarritz            
Life in and on the water has long been a key part of Biarritz’s development from its origins as a fishing and whaling village to the 19th Century bathing boom. In the 1950s it became the birthplace of European surfing and later a key hub of Thalassotherapy treatments, once again using the sea’s water. Côte des Basques beach embodies Biarritz as a whole: a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. In the summer months the Casetas de Biarritz sees it welcome pop-up eateries and food stalls from around the region, coming together for a beach-side celebration.  

Day 3  Bayonne
Pick up your car and drive north to Bayonne, capital of the French Basque region. Spend the morning exploring the city, viewing the giant street art of the Saint-Esprit district, created by the world’s best graffiti artists. Be sure to stop at one of the regions cider houses for a traditional Basque lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Basque Museum to discover the culture, language and unique architecture of the region before climbing the steps to the ornate Sainte Marie Cathedral. Bayonne has also been known as the home of French chocolate since the 17th Century, so be sure to indulge in a bar or a drink before returning to Biarritz.

Day 4  Biarritz to Bilbao, Spain            
This morning wind your way along the sparkling coastline towards Bilbao. En route be sure to stop at the dramatic island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most photographed locations on the Basque coast. The scenic road then passes through a number of traditional fishing villages, perfect for a tasty lunch stop before continuing on to spectacular Bilbao. Check in to 5★ The Artist Grand Hotel of Art and take in the fabulous views of the iconic Gugenheim museum from the terrace.            

Day 5  Bilbao
A full day to explore the sights of this magnificent city. Start in the historic ‘Seven Streets’ of Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old town. In the afternoon, visit the great international symbol of modern art that is the Guggenheim Museum. The imposing titanium, limestone and glass structure is hailed as one of the most important buildings of the 20th Century and houses a wealth of masterpieces.  

Day 6  Bilbao to Rioja      
Travel down to the picturesque wine production region of Rioja. Perhaps head for Logroño, a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail and a home to some of the region’s most famous wine houses. The Vivanco museum in Briones is home to a vast collection of historic wine paraphernalia and artwork as well as a fantastic cellar tour. The iconic 5★Hotel Marqués de Riscal is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, the architect responsible for Guggenheim Bilbao. The hotel’s curving metal sits alongside the vines and benefits from a priceless collection of vintage wines dating back to the vineyards founding in 1858.  

Day 7  Rioja            
As well as the famous vineyards, Rioja boasts beautiful valleys, mountains and rivers to explore and walk. The forests and canyons form part of a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve, and the entire region is also a designated Starlight Reserve, perfect for stargazing.        

Day 8  Rioja to San Sebastian            
Today the journey continues to San Sebastian. Drive through the Navarre region, one of the historically Basque provinces. Why not stop in the historic Basque town of Pamplona en route? Famous for the San Fermín bull-running festival in July when bull running, carnival giants and concerts fill the streets. The well-preserved medieval quarter is worth a visit any time of year. From the Gothic cathedral to the striking modern art Gallery at Navarre University Museum which features artwork by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Vasili Kandinsky and Mark Rothko amongst others there is plenty to discover in this fascinating city. After a gentle day of exploration continue to the coastal town of San Sebastian, the capital of the French Basque. Tonight you stay at the refined 5★ Hotel Maria Cristina, a hotel intricately linked to the history and culture of the town.          

Day 9  San Sebastian    
Start your day with a hike to the top of Urgull Hill. The different paths around the area provide the perfect place to observe picturesque San Sebastián from a different perspective, while the bastion and 12m high Sagrado Corazón statue are icons of the city. In the afternoon be sure to explore the historic old town and fisherman’s port before heading to Miramar Palace, the historic summer residence of the Spanish royal family. This evening, dine like a local and discover the joy of pintxos on your small group food tour.    

Day 10  San Sebastian            
With over 3 miles of beach to explore and fascinating culture enjoy a day exploring the beautiful city. Why not head up Mount Igeldo on the funicular railway for fantastic views over the ocean. Head to the Gros district and Playa Zurriola to watch the local surfers or maybe even take a class yourself. San Sebastian prides itself on being an open-air gallery: Look out for sculptures including Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento and Jorge Oteiza’s award-winning Construcción Vacía. In the evening head to La Concha Beach to take in an unforgettable sunset before heading out in search of more delicious Pintxos.  

Day 11  Fly home
This morning drive back to Biarritz to drop off your car and catch your return flight. If time allows why not stop in at the quaint French fishing villages Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye en route.