discover rioja and navarra wine regions

Our experienced local guides will teach you about wine, but also about the history behind it. We will almost visit one winery every single day!

Today we’ll try some of their most famous varieties, tomorrow we’ll stop by some of the oldest wineries in the region, the day after we’ll be expected at a small family vineyard with award winning wines…And every single day we’ll sample some of the best cuisine in two of the most uncharted regions in Spain!

Travel like a local, with local guides through this gastronomic Spanish jewel, become an insider and get to know some of the most charming and hospitable people in the world!

BOOK YOUR WINE AND ART TOUR NOW!

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DISCOVER THE TOUR DAY BY DAY

The order in these daily activities might be altered, due to weather predictions, or if there is a special festivity in a nearby location that we think might be interesting.

All the possible changes, will be to try our best to make your staying with us, a real insider experience.

DAY 1

We will all meet at the hotel in Bilbao at an assigned time (to be set) to get to know each other and we will have our first dinner toguether!

WELCOME!!   ONGI ETORRI!! 

DAY 2

 Bilbao is the biggest city in the Basque country. Today we will discover the modern city and of course the amazing Guggenheim museum. Our local guide will teach as all about the building and the art inside. Lunch  and afternoon on your own to discover Guggenheim. Dinner on your own.

DAY 3

On our way to San Sebastian, we will stop in Gernika, where we will visit the old tree. Our ancestors used to gather under him to decide the future of the Basques. We will also see a tile replica of Picasso´s famous painting “Guernika”. We will go for lunch to Guetaria, but you will need to earn your meal by cleaning some anchovies. Sounds discusting? guess what, it is fun! Check in San Sebastian. Dinner on your own.

DAY 4

After breakfast we will discover San Sebastian, and learn all about the most beautiful city in the Basque country with our local guide. As we are in the TAPAS capital of the world, will do a TAPAS crawl for lunch. Afternoon on your own to discover the city.  Dinner on your own.

DAY 5

Today we are going to visit Baztan valley. We will visit some of the locations from the book, “The invisible guardian” by Dolores Redondo. We will learn about mythology,  witches and we will also learn how to make Talo.  Lunch together in a local restaurant.  In the afternoon we will visit Bertiz botanical garden. Dinner on your own.

DAY 6

Today,  we will discover Pamplona, drink a coffee at Ernest Hemingway´s favorite place and learn the history and “crazy” traditions of the Capital of the old Kingdom of Navarra. After lunch. We will “have to go” to a winery and learn about Navarra wine.  Dinner on your own.

DAY 7

 We are crossing the border to get to know the French Basque Country (Iparralde). We will visit Louis XIV wedding church at Saint Jean de Luz. Latter we will visit elegant Biarritz. In the afternoon, we will meet my friend Claire. She will take us to her home and teach us about sheep herding and sheep cheese. Dinner on your own. Please remember, that although we will probably not need it, you should take your passport with you.

DAY 8

Today is your day,  there is absolutelly nothing programmed.  You can either take it easy and enjoy San Sebastian, or you can go to your ancestors village. As this tour is geared to reconect with your Basque heritage, we hope you have done your research and know where your family comes from. 

DAY 9

After Breakfast, our tour will reach the end of our route toguether for now. Who knows if our paths will ever cross again. We really hope that this tour has helped you discover and understand a little bit of our culture.

AGUR MY FRIENDS!!!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Flight from/to your home to Biarritz airport.

Our tour starts in Bilbao and ends in San Sebastian.

Our tours don’t include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you.

Here are the things that very often we overlook but that will change your experience of the tour:

FITNESS LEVEL

This tour is perfect for all fitness levels!

The name of our company is Traveling STEPS, so as you can imagine, all our tours are physically active! 

 you’ll need to happily…

1. Carry/roll your luggage up the stairway of the house to reach your room.
2. Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to four hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
3. Sleep with no air conditioning.
4. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
5. Eat group dinners as late as 9 p.m. (you are in Spain….)
6. Be ready to walk up to 8 miles with your group.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Northern Spain is gorgeous year-round although it can get quite wet in spring and fall! But what’s a little rain?!

Any time between May and October is a good time to visit Beintza. However, the months of May, September, and October offer the best combination of good weather and lighter crowds at sights. September and October don’t have long days, but the forest is gorgeous!

Remember to pack a coat, mornings and evenings are chilly, no matter the month of the year.

DO YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN BASQUE HERITAGE EXPERIENCE?

Planning a trip with friends or family? Are you hikers, cyclists, runners, foodies, or a group with common interests?

We’ll be thrilled to design the tour that best suits your personal tastes and preferences.

All you need to do is send us a message and we’ll start customizing the perfect gastronomic experience for you!

GET IN TOUCH NOW