ENCHANTING BASQUE COUNTRY
Signature Tour of the Basque Country: Spain & France in 8 Days
Next group departure: July 22, 2025
Have you been dreaming of exploring the Basque Country — but without the crowds, the rush, or the whirlwind tours? Then this is your kind of journey. Our handcrafted itinerary strikes the perfect balance of taste, aesthetics, nature, and gastronomy. We travel in a small group, at a relaxed pace, with premium comfort and attention to every detail.
Tour Highlights:
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group size: 6–12 travelers
Private minibus with driver
4- and 5-star hotel stays
Leisurely walks — up to 4 km per day
Handpicked restaurants and local cuisine
Zero stress — all wow
What Awaits You:
Bilbao — where modern art meets old Europe. Think Guggenheim Museum, Artxanda funicular, cider houses, and atmospheric gastro dinners.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe — the iconic Game of Thrones cliffside church. Crashing waves, ocean breeze, and legendary photo ops.
Delika Canyon & Oñati Cave — raw nature, waterfalls, and time-warping underground tunnels.
San Sebastián — Spain’s culinary capital. Ride the funicular to Mount Igueldo, sample world-famous pintxos, hit the beach, and soak in golden-hour vibes.
French Basque Country — Bayonne and Biarritz. Cobbled lanes, artisan chocolate, sea spray, and sunset apéritifs by the Atlantic.
Cabezón de la Sal’s redwood forest — yes, actual redwoods in Spain! An almost spiritual encounter with towering trees.
Zumaia flysch cliffs — dramatic rock formations shaped over millions of years. Views that will leave you breathless.
A hidden medieval castle for sale — step into history… and maybe even your next dream project.
Food & Lifestyle:
This is not just eating. It’s storytelling through flavors.
From hotel breakfasts to curated lunches and dinners, every meal is about authenticity, soul, and regional pride. We sip Txakoli white wine, taste traditional Basque cider, savor local jamón, and — if we’re lucky — truffles. Pintxos and seafood? Always fresh, always memorable.
📅 Tour dates:
22.07.-29.07.2025 — 6 places left
16.09.-23.09.2025 — spots available
25.11.-02.12.2025 — spots available
31.03.-07.04.2026 — spots available
15.09.-22.09.2026 — spots available
📍 Start point: Bilbao, Spain
💬 Who Is This Tour For?
- Travelers who appreciate atmosphere, flavor, and their own rhythm
- Active couples 25+ and lifestyle enthusiasts 50+
- Those who want to discover Spain and France — with no rush, no crowds, and no megabuses
Ready to join?
Drop us a message or send your request today.
TOUR PRICE: 2975 eur/ person
MORE ABOUT TOUR
📅 Day 1. Bilbao
Arrival at Bilbao Airport.
Private transfer to the hotel.
Check-in at Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia.
Walking tour of the Old Town (Casco Viejo), Zubizuri Bridge, and a funicular ride up Mount Artxanda.
Dinner – welcome evening and introductions.
📅 Day 2. Art and Dramatic Coastlines: Guggenheim + Gaztelugatxe
Morning: Visit to the Guggenheim Museum.
Transfer to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe — the iconic rock islet and staircase chapel seen in Game of Thrones.
Lunch at Portuondo Asador with ocean views.
En route: Stop in Bermeo, walk around the harbor.
Evening: Tapas tour at La Viña del Ensanche or dinner with live music.
📅 Day 3. Delika Canyon, Oñati Cave & Transfer to San Sebastián
Morning departure to Delika Canyon — hike along a scenic trail with views of Salto del Nervión, one of the highest waterfalls on the Iberian Peninsula.
Visit to Oñati Cave (Arrikrutz) — the region’s largest cave system with underground galleries, stalactites, and archaeological finds.
Lunch in nature or at a local winery (Txakoli Rezabal), featuring seasonal cuisine.
Stop in Oñati town — university, bridges, and authentic atmosphere.
Transfer to San Sebastián.
Check-in at Villa Soro or Hotel Londres y de Inglaterra.
Dinner: Gandarias gastro bar or tasting menu at Astelena 1997.
Alternate accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Aiete.
📅 Day 4. San Sebastián: Views & Gastronomic Classics
Morning: Funicular ride to Mount Igueldo with panoramic views of the bay.
Walking tour through Parte Vieja, visit La Bretxa market, cheese and ham shops.
Lunch: Pintxos tour at renowned bars (Txepetxa, La Cuchara de San Telmo).
Free time at La Concha beach or optional visit to Akvárium Donostia.
Evening: Basque cooking class or dinner at Rekondo, famous for its wine cellar.
📅 Day 5. Hondarribia – French Wineries & Bayonne
Morning transfer to Hondarribia — bastions, colorful balconies, and great local food.
Lunch at Gastroteka Danontzat.
Visit to Hiruzta Winery — tasting of local Txakoli wine.
Cross into France.
Check-in at Hôtel Jules Verne Biarritz.
Dinner: Wine and Basque delicacies at Auberge du Cheval Blanc.
📅 Day 6. Bayonne & Biarritz — Ocean & Style
Morning: City walk in Bayonne — cathedral, timber-framed streets, chocolate and pepper boutiques.
Explore Biarritz: walk along the coast to the lighthouse and Rocher de la Vierge.
Lunch by the ocean at Chez Albert or Le Surfing.
Free time for shopping, beach relaxation, or a visit to the Musée de la Mer.
Evening: Dinner at La Plancha — sunset and live music.
📅 Day 7. Cabezón de la Sal Redwood Forest & Return to Bilbao
Morning departure to Cabezón de la Sal — walk through a redwood forest originally brought from California, with magical trails and a serene atmosphere.
Coffee in the forest or at a village bakery.
Stop in Espelette — seasonal pepper market and gourmet products.
Drive to Bilbao (~2.5 hours).
Check-in at hotel. Time for last-minute shopping or rest.
Farewell dinner at Zortziko or La Despensa del Etxanobe, with seasonal tasting menu.
📅 Day 8. Breakfast & Transfer to Airport
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer to Bilbao Airport.
💶 Price: €2975 per person
Single room supplement: €750
Throughout the journey, we’ll be staying in comfortable, well-reviewed hotels in double rooms.
If you prefer a single room, an upgrade is available for an additional fee.
And don’t worry — if we’re unable to find a roommate for you, you won’t be charged extra for single occupancy.
7 nights in a comfortable, well-rated hotel in a double room with breakfast
All transfers along the route
Transfers to/from Bilbao Airport
All excursions and trips according to the program
English-speaking tour leader
Assistance with booking flights and arranging connections
Flights
Meals
Personal Travel insurance
30% of the tour price is required as a deposit at the time of booking.
The remaining balance can be paid either one month before the trip or upon arrival.
Accepted Payment methods: Bank transfer, Credit cards (+3,5%) and cryptocurrency.
In case of tour cancellation 91 days or more before the start date, 30% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
Unpaid bookings will be automatically canceled.
If you’re unable to travel but have someone who can take your place, we’ll gladly make the substitution at no extra charge.
In case the tour is canceled by the organizer, 100% of the payment will be refunded.
For an additional fee, the following services can be arranged:
International flight tickets
Private airport transfers
Travel insurance and other services upon request
We operate as a licensed tour operator and provide invoices for bank transfers or credit card payments.
We offer an official travel services agreement for your booking.
You have the option to pay up to 70% of the tour cost on-site, upon your arrival.
IBG Travel reserves the right to make changes to the program and its schedule.
From our gallery
Gallery
