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Bespoke

Basque Country Bespoke

A coastal and countryside feast for the senses

Country

Spain

Accommodation Options

Boutique hotels, grand hotels, luxury mountain retreats & private villas

Things to See & Do

Biking, culture, culinary & hiking

Best Time To Go

May – July & September

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Carbon Neutral Trip

Straddling France and Spain, Basque Country plays by its own rules—and (quite literally) speaks its own language. From San Sebastián’s foodie fever to Bilbao’s modern flair, this place pulses with pride, passion and just the right amount of rebellion. Explore its green hills, drink in the crashing surf and experience pintxos worth planning a trip around.

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Breathtaking Landscapes
From the urban beaches of San Sebastián to the remote cliffs along the Atlantic coast and the rolling hills of sleepy villages where sheep graze in the countryside, the landscapes of the Basque Country are spectacular.

Michelin-Star Dining
The food in the Basque Country is outstanding. Using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the region’s cuisine follows a farm-to-table approach and boasts Spain’s highest density of Michelin stars.

Cultural Immersion
Basque Country has a rich and vibrant cultural scene. Immerse yourself in local traditions with exclusive experiences, like dining at a Gastronomic Society—a local cooking club accessible only to members or by invitation.

Experience Designer

Trip Inspiration

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Snapshot of a Day

Be amazed hiking along the impressive flysch formations in the UNESCO geopark, where rocky-layered cliffs—shaped over the course of 65-million years—will leave you surely breathless.

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Snapshot of a Day

The window of your boutique hotel room provides the perfect vantage point to watch surfers catching waves along the Basque Country coast.

Trip Inspiration

Countryside to Coastline Walking

Go by foot, starting your journey deep in the heart of French Basque country as you follow quaint country roads and trails that offer splendid mountain views and an insight into rural Basque life. Hike the legendary Massif de la Rhune, and culminate your adventure along the idyllic Spanish coast, wandering paths with spectacular ocean views.
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Recommended Duration: 6-8 days

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Best Time To Go: Late spring, early summer and early fall

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Things to See and Do: Visit a Txakoli winery or a local sidrería. Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

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Don't Miss Out On: The pintxos tour in downtown San Sebastian, and dinner at the Gastronomic Society. Learning pelota, the region's local sport and pride.

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Snapshot of a Day

Climb the 240 steps of the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famously featured in ‘Game of Thrones,’ to reach a shrine dedicated to St. John the Baptist on the rocky island.

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Snapshot of a Day

Bike, hike or rock climb in Urkiola Nature Park, a mountainous reserve with limestone precipices, ravines and deep valleys—a favourite spot among locals.

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Trip Inspiration

Multi-Active from Coast to Countryside

Basque Country’s countryside and coast provide the perfect setting for a multi-active adventure—and the cuisine is an experience in itself. Bike the Iron Valley of Bilbao, surf like a local at a beach in San Sebastian and explore the city’s vibrant urban scene. Breathe in the crisp coastal air as you hike across rocky slopes towards the fishing village of Pasaia, where views of France to Biscay await. In the countryside, you’ll stay at charming family-run hotels and explore the breathtaking scenery on foot or by bike. The allure of the Basque Country is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Recommended Duration: 6-8 days

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Best Time To Go: Late spring, early summer and early fall

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Things to See and Do: Climb the steps of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Urkiola Nature Park.

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Don't Miss Out On: A surf class at the beach town Zarautz.

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Snapshot of a Day

Descend into the valley on small country roads to the Zugarramundi caves, where your guide will share tales of myths and legends from this village known for its witches and fantastic stories.

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Trip Inspiration

Fun Family Adventures in Basque Country

Basque Country is the perfect playground for families. From multi-active adventures along the coast and countryside to cultural immersions in the cities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the beach in San Sebastián and savour delicious fare on a downtown food tour. In Bilbao, explore the Guggenheim Museum and experience the city's cultural charm and heritage. In medieval villages like Sare and Zugarramundi, delve into myths and legends as you explore limestone caves with your guide. And in the countryside, have fun with the kids meeting grazing cows and sheep along the way.

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Recommended Duration: 6-8 days

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Best Time To Go: Late spring, early summer and early fall

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Things to See and Do: Learn about the construction of historical boats at a famous local boat factory.

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Don't Miss Out On: The bike ride to a cheese tasting at a local farm.

Featured stays

Itinerary

Akelarre Hotel

Location: San Sebastian, Spain

Itinerary

UR Bare Hotel

Location: Txakoli Wine Region, Spain

Itinerary

Palacio Arriluce Hotel

Location: Getxo, Spain

Itinerary

Auberge Ostape

Location: Northern Basque Country, France

Great hotels and guides, amazing food and we loved the local flare.

Incredible trip! Everything was done right—great hotels and guides, amazing food and we loved the local flare that was added.

—Alice C; Missouri, US

Process

Step 1

Let's connect

Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.

Step 2

Detailed Brief

After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.

Step 3

Customized Itinerary and Confirmation

Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure. 

Step 4

Support, Start to Finish

Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!

* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.

Good to know

Time of year
Time of year

Late July and early August is peak travel season. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we don't recommend travel during those months.

Terrain
Terrain

Some hikes have challenging up and downhills and uneven terrain along rocky trails. We recommend familiarity with hiking in these conditions.

Dining
Dining

Be aware that lunches and dinners are scheduled later than you may be used to, as is common in Spain. We'll embrace the local dining traditions by enjoying our meals later in the day.

Why choose a Bespoke trip?

An Effortless Journey

Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.


Lifelong Memories

Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.


Years of Local Friendships

We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.


Creativity and Spontaneity

From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.

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Speak to an Expert

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