UnTours in Basque Country
Incredible cuisine and spectacular landscapes
The Basque Country, tucked in the northern corner of Spain, is a region with a unique sense of culture, history and flavors. Gastronomy is woven into the fabric of daily life here, with culinary traditions that reach back centuries and a contemporary food scene shaped by pioneering chefs of the 1980s. Today, the region's love for food is the heartbeat of social gatherings, where casual and ever-so-tasty pintxos (small bites) sit side by side with Michelin-starred creations.
Your home base is a comfortable apartment in the heart of Bilbao, steps away from the renowned Guggenheim Museum.
Beyond the city, the Basque Country invites exploration: the coastal gem of San Sebastián, the wine-rich landscapes of La Rioja, the French charm of Biarritz, or the historic streets of Pamplona. Whether you’re drawn to ancient mysteries or culinary discoveries, the Basque Country promises experiences as unique as its language and landscape.
UnTours in Basque Country, Spain
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What's Included
- One week (or more) in a personally selected, centrally located apartment in the city of Bilbao.
- Suggestions for booking your international flight from the U.S. to Bilbao, or we can purchase tickets on your behalf (See UnTours' air policies).
- Private shuttle to and from the airport.
- An orientation session with you local UnGuide, to start your visit on the right foot and answer all of your questions about day trips and sightseeing.
- Exclusive local information on our UnTours travel app for your mobile phone to have all of our recommendations at your fingertips before and throughout your trip - researched and written by UnTours staff on the ground in Spain and full of the best restaurants, sightseeing options, and other suggestions.
- A local cultural activity: A food tour in San Sebastian - a foodie paradise - with an emphasis on local culture.
- A stash of groceries upon your arrival, so you don’t need to shop right away.
- Pre-trip planning advice from our staff, available by phone or email right up until you leave.
- Ongoing support with our local representative. Help available when you need it.
Things to do in Basque Country
Day trips: San Sebastian, La Rioja wine region, Biarritz in the French-Basque region, Pamplona (where the running of the bulls happen), Santander
Sightseeing: Nestled in a lush valley and framed by rolling hills, Bilbao is a city full of walkable charm and striking contrasts. A must-see is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, watched over by its famous floral guardian, Puppy. Venture into Bilbao’s historic old quarter along the estuary to discover atmospheric streets and local treasures. Beyond the city, the Basque coastline is a feast for the eyes, fringed by pristine white sand beaches and dramatic green cliffs.
San Sebastián was once the hub of Belle Époque glamour, drawing European aristocracy to its elegant promenades and golden beaches. Remnants of that era still linger in its ornate architecture and seaside charm. Today, however, the city is celebrated as a gastronomic powerhouse, with more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world.
Inland, La Rioja wine country has over 600 wineries scattered among quaint medieval villages, creating an idyllic setting for wine lovers to explore. Whether navigating by rental car or the region’s reliable public transport, getting around is as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
Off-the-beaten-track treasures that can’t be beat: Coastal villages like Getaria, the birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastián Elkano and fashion legend Cristóbal Balenciaga, offer a taste of authentic maritime culture. Here, grilled fish is elevated to an art form. Hondarribia, perched on the French border, enchants with its medieval streets and vividly painted fishermen’s homes—just a quick ferry ride from France.
Inland, Idiazabal stands out for lending its name to one of Spain’s most celebrated cheeses, a must-try for any visitor. If you choose to go for a walk in the countryside, you’re bound to see traditional caseríos dotting the verdant landscape. Farmers have lived in these Basque farmhouses for centuries, and their rustic, yet grand architecture has stood the test of time.