Spain, Plate by Plate: Barcelona to the Basque Coast
Fall in love with Spain's food and wine on this journey for the taste buds. Begin your introduction to Barcelona with a full-day private tour of the city, including stops at Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, then visit the city's famous Boquería market, selecting fresh ingredients that you'll put straight to use in a local cooking class. Head to San Sebastián in the Basque region, getting an insider's vantage point of the culinary scene on a private culinary walking tour. Head along the Basque coastline to Getaria, for a Txakoli winery and an organic farm visit, whose products are highly desired by Michelin starred restaurants. Experience the Guggenheim Museum and a tapas walking tour in Bilbao, then set out to La Rioja wine region where you'll enjoy winery visits and tastings, pushing your palate to the limits.
- Duration
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Route
- Barcelona · San Sebastian · Bilbao · Madrid
- Style
- Private and tailor-made: your own guide and driver throughout
- From
- $8,130 per person, hotels, guides and transfers included
- Learn Spain’s culinary secrets in a traditional Spanish cooking class.
- Savor Basque cuisine on a tour highlighting the region's farm-to-table delights.
- Uncover the distinctions between Pintxos and tapas through a sensory journey.
- Taste crisp Txakoli wine at a charming family winery in an intimate setting.
- Consult your Destination Expert to tailor experiences and create your perfect Spain journey.
Every day, already yours.
The Adventure Begins
For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will meet you at your hotel lobby to walk you through your welcome package documents and assist with hotel check-in, if required.
- Private Airport Transfer
- Meet & Greet
- Spain Welcome Package
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Barcelona
Audacious Architecture
Meet your private guide and transportation, and embark on a full-day tour of Barcelona. Learn about famed modernist architect Antoni Gaudí and his extraordinary achievements throughout the city along the way. Head along the elegant avenue Paseo de Gracia, one of Barcelona's most important shopping and business areas, where you'll find several of the city's most celebrated pieces of architecture, including two of Gaudi’s houses which you'll visit: Casa...
- City Highlights with Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia & Parc Guell (8 hrs) - Private
Hone Your Skills
Discover the secrets of traditional cuisine as you learn how to cook some of Spain's authentic, typical dishes (paella, gazpacho, tapas) with the expert guidance of an English-speaking Chef. Make your way to the pre-defined meeting point where you'll begin with a walking tour around the famous La Boqueria market, where your chef will give you plenty of tips on picking local, seasonal products, and the freshest ingredients.
- Cooking Class & Market Visit (with Meal & Wine, 4 hrs) - Private
The Journey Continues…
Depart by train from Barcelona to San Sebastian. The train ride takes approximately 5.5 hours.
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Train - Barcelona - San Sebastian [5.5 hrs] - Premium
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Town Exploration - Self-Guided
Creative Cuisine
Enjoy a private culinary-themed walking tour in San Sebastian with the company of your local guide, a unique experience through the picturesque streets of this lively, coastal city. In every neighborhood you'll notice scores of establishments- some traditional, some offering original and innovative gastronomic jewels, some exhibiting tempting, delicious counters.
- 1/2 Day Culinary Delight Walking Tour (4 hrs)
Of Vineyards and Vintages
Set out on an authentic journey through the Basque Country, centered around two of its most iconic products: txakoli wine and traditional cider. Begin your day near Zumaia, either at a charming agrotourism farmhouse or along the dramatic Flysch cliffs. When the farmhouse is open, enjoy a light breakfast of local specialties. Otherwise, take in the coastal scenery with fresh Basque pastries and juice.
- Txakoli & Cider: A Taste of the Basque Coast- Private
Treasures and Pleasures
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Bilbao. Approximate travel time is just over 1 hour.
- Transfer - Private - San Sebastian - Bilbao [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
- 1/2 Day Bilbao Pintxos Walking Tour (with Drinks & Tapas, 3 hrs) - Private
Marching through the Museum
Meet your private guide for a half-day walking tour of Bilbao and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Explore the cobbled streets and charming squares with your guide. Then wander over to the old quarter to admire the gothic cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, the San Anton's church, and the ancient ruins on which it is based, or head to the bustling Ribera market.
- Bilbao Walking Tour & Guggenheim Museum (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Bilbao at Leisure
Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit
Enjoy a full day private tour exploring the famous La Rioja wine region, an absolute must for wine lovers. Depart from Bilbao with your private driver, continuing to La Rioja where you'll meet your private local guide, then explore this unique and privileged region with its monumental medieval villages and 12,000 hectares of vineyards, producing some of the world's best wines.
- La Rioja Wine Region Tour (with Wine Tasting & Lunch, 8 hrs) - Private
A Change of Scenery
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer. Please note, drivers may or may not speak English, as their sole responsibility is to transfer clients from one location to another. If you would like to add an English-speaking assistant or guide on your transfer, please speak with your Travel Consultant.
- Private Airport Transfer
- Flight (Not Included)
- Private Airport Transfer
- Tapas Walking Tour (3 hrs) - Private
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Madrid
Strolling the Magical Streets
Meet your private walking guide in the hotel lobby and set out on foot for a pleasant walking tour which reveals the secrets of the two must-see attractions of the Spanish capital: the Prado Museum, and the Royal Palace. Along the way, you'll get to discover the most important buildings and avenues of the vibrant Madrid, from the time of the Habsburgs and the Bourbons up until today.
- Walking Tour with Prado Museum & Royal Palace (6 hrs) - Private
Jet Off
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
- Private Airport Transfer
Where you will wake up.
Neri
Nestled within a beautifully restored medieval building in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel Neri is a boutique gem where centuries-old charm meets contemporary refinement.
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Blending art and local history, Lasala Plaza Hotel creates an authentic experience. The building dates to 1917 and has been completely reformed, preserving the original architectural style of the façades which invite guests on a journey through time.
The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art
Welcome to The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art, where the essence of creativity permeates every corner. Situated in the heart of Bilbao's artistic district, facing the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the hotel epitomizes the fusion of art and hospitality.
Hospes Puerta de Alcala
Perched on Plaza de la Independencia, opposite the iconic Puerta de Alcala and Retiro Park, Hospes Puerta de Alcalá occupies a handsome 19th-century red-brick building restored with refined taste.