Basque Country Active Culinary Hiking & Walking Tour
Wine, Pintxos & Recipes from La Rioja to San Sebastian
A pairing for the ages. Hike lush mountains and dramatic coastlines as you explore Basque Country’s sensational food scene. It’s a harmonious blend for the palate—with a note of adventure.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $6,799 - $6,999/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Dive fork-first into San Sebastián, one of the world’s most celebrated food regions, as bold flavors come to life through private cooking demonstrations and a pintxos tour
- Hike the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains and along the storied Camino del Norte to hidden springs and sweeping ocean panoramas
- Discover Basque Country’s rich culinary heritage, from time-honored village traditions to avant-garde cuisine
- Taste full-bodied Rioja wines while you take in expansive views of the Ebro Valley’s multihued vineyards
- Unwind in handpicked accommodations—from a boutique Rioja wine estate to a Relais & Châteaux retreat perched above the sea
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Pamplona, Spain Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your trip with a walk on quiet paths through the lush landscapes surrounding Idiazabal
- Savor your first exquisite taste of Basque cuisine
- A picturesque drive through La Rioja showcases the colorful vineyards of this esteemed wine region
- Follow stunning trails along the Ebro River and in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains
- Arrive at a family-owned winery nestled among the vines
- Sip ruby reds and crisp whites at a private tasting
- Wander through a secret network of subterranean wine caves
- Try an array of pintxos that offer a deeper understanding of Basque Country flavors.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
With lovely views of the Ebro river and Tondón vineyards, this exceptional property, once a 16th-century palace, blends contemporary design with wood and stone finishes to create a unique lodging attentive to wine, gastronomy and relaxation.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Explore the Ernio-Gazume massif, a conservation area full of beech and oak forests—an incredible distant views on sunny days
- Rural family farms, called baserriak, have created the tight-knit Basque community here
- We’ll visit one for lunch, where you can glimpse daily life and try some amazing traditional dishes
- The hiking is fantastic and the views pastoral—this is Basque heartland!
- Relax at a 17th-century countryside palace in Gipúzkoa, Spain’s smallest province but one proudest of the enduring Basque cultural heritage.
Night 3
Deluxe Hotel
In this renovated 17th-century palace, modern amenities blend seamlessly with historic architecture to create a serene countryside retreat.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Follow Spain’s storied Camino de Santiago through rolling hills, windswept bluffs and rural farmland
- A unique picnic-style culinary show explores the connection between Basque history and cuisine
- Experience one of the Basque Country’s most iconic traditions—the pintxos crawl
- Visit the ancient harbor town of Pasaia, a hidden gem along the coast
- Lace up your boots for a stunning hike along the Talaia Coastal Trail, a dramatic cliffside path
- Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class in San Sebastián
- A tranquil morning walk in shorefront Getaria caps off a memorable journey through Basque Country.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Experience this stunning blend of cutting-edge design, world-class cuisine and natural beauty on Spain’s northern coast. A Relais & Châteaux property. (indoor pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bilbao, Spain Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
