8-Day Basque Country Family Holiday: Food, Culture & Scenic Beauty
A fantastic 8-day family holiday in the heart of the beautiful Basque Country. Rich in stunning landscapes, art of cuisine and ancient traditions, this region is an absolute delight. This itinerary is specially designed for families and includes hands-on cooking classes with leading chefs, local farmers and other talented food producers. As well as sampling the very best of the local produce and learning the stories behind the dishes, you can also enjoy some wonderful hiking and other cultural activities. Based in San Sebastian, as well as the beautiful mountains, you can also experience the stunning beaches of this vibrant city. You will also visit two other charming medieval towns, Getaria and Laguardia.
What's included
Itinerary
You will land to Bilbao’s airport and set off to San Sebastián. Along the way you shall visit a number of picturesque coastal locations in the region of the Basque Country. The stunning island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, linked by a scenic staircase where you can go up and down, is the first place of interest for you to visit. It is a very singular location to take some great family photos and to experience serenity. Subsequently you shall pay a visit to the coast of Zumaia to admire its beauty as well as its bizarre rocks. After this you can visit the quaint fishing harbor of Getaria which is also the birthplace of the man who invented the chili pepper. Lastly, after having lunch of a coastal theme you will arrive in San Sebastián and check into your hotel for the night. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be at your leisure.
San Sebastián has some beautiful beaches and promenades that are worth spending a day. Take the funicular up Igueldo Mountain to enjoy views over the bay. Also, take a stroll through the Belle Epoque part of town and go and visit the San Telmo Museum. Late in the afternoon you will go on a family guided tour through the old town and discover the variety of culinary delights this region has to offer. You will for instance have a look at and taste some of the local pintxos and other dishes.
Enjoy a day at a sheep farm in the hills of the Basque country where you will make cheese and taste all kinds of Idiazabal cheeses with the corresponding drinks (cider or juice). After this experience, you will go to a historic farmhouse of a family that lives there, you can see their special Basque traditional pigs and you will have a homemade lunch with local charcuterie and home grown vegetables of the farm. Free afternoon to wander around the surrounding countryside.
Today the schedule includes a hands On Cooking Lesson. Join a local chef with your family for a hands-on cooking lesson. First visit the central local market and select the freshest produce. Then learn to make and prepare some of the local traditional recipes of the Basque Country. Enjoy your creations for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure on the beach or at your hotel.
Biarritz, known to all the surfers from around the world and its beautiful long sandy beach. A charming fisherman's village Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its narrow streets and many historic buildings. You will drive along the beautiful Corniche road and after crossing the border into Spain you will stop in the colorful and medieval town Hondarribia. The rest of the day is at leisure.
A 6 km hike along the coast for a family day out along the Camino de Santiago. The views are amazing along this stretch of the Camino de Santiago as it hugs the coast for several kilometers. The trail is rough and stony but there are regular rest stops and many wonderful places to take a photo. The hike ends at the port of Pasajes San Pedro. From there you take a sightseeing boat to Pasajes San Juan. In the evening you return to San Sebastián for dinner and to spend the night.
Today, you travel to the Rioja region with your own private guide. In the suitable wineries for children you can taste grape juice and other local products while the adults taste and learn about wines. You will have a traditional Riojan-style lunch of hot and cold tapas. Then you will visit the medieval village of Laguardia where you can see the wine cellars that are under the streets of the town. After that you will be able to walkthrough the narrow and attractive streets of the town. You will return to San Sebastián in the late afternoon.
Time permitting, enjoy a guided tour or leisure morning in Bilbao, including an optional visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Transfer to Bilbao Airport for departure, taking with you family memories of Basque culture, cuisine and coastal adventure.
