Basque Country Luxury Tours, Spain
A dynamic adventure to picturesque landscapes and exquisite wineries
LUXURY TOURS OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN
Begin your luxury tour of Spain in Madrid, the country’s capital, before continuing your bespoke journey through La Rioja and the Basque Country. While visiting Madrid, discover the city’s rich history by visiting landmarks like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Barrio de Salamanca, and enjoy exclusive, private access to the astonishing Prado Museum. Journey to La Rioja, where you will visit some of the best bodegas in Spain for private wine tastings and a deeper insight into the region’s storied winemaking traditions. Then continue your luxury tour of Spain in San Sebastian, where you will explore the Basque Country’s most breathtaking coastlines and mountainous landscapes through privately guided hikes and a scenic boat excursion along the rugged shore. Discover charming fishing villages that dot the coastline and immerse yourself in the region’s incredible culinary scene, embarking on a private tour to sample traditional Basque flavors at hand-selected pintxos bars and visiting a bodega for a private tasting of local Txakoli wines.
A Taste of Blue Parallel's Insider Access
- Exclusive access to the Prado Museum before opening hours
- Privately guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum
- Private tour and wine tasting at charming bodegas
- Private tasting of Txakoli wine
- Privately guided pintxos tour
The Discovery
- Madrid
- Bilbao
- La Rioja
- Pamplona
- San Sebastián
The Adventure
- Hiking along sections of the Camino de Santiago
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Biking
PRIVATE TOUR TO SPAIN'S BASQUE COUNTRY
or speak to your Travel Professional
Note: This private Basque Country tour is an example, as all of our luxury journeys are custom-made.
Note: This private Basque Country tour is an example, as all of our luxury journeys are custom-made.
Madrid (2 nights)
Your luxury tour of Spain begins in Madrid, a city founded by the Moors in the 9th century and known today for its rich royal history and world-class art museums. Upon arrival, your personal host will greet you and take you on a historical tour of Madrid by private transfer. As you journey through the city, you’ll discover more about Madrid’s rich history and royal heritage, as well as its urban and architectural evolution. You’ll visit some of Madrid’s well known landmarks, such as the baroque Plaza Mayor, the neoclassical Puerta de Alcalá and the Fuente de Cibeles. Continue your privately guided tour to the Royal Palace of Madrid to learn about the history of this iconic building and the importance of the Spanish monarchy. In the evening, savor your first taste of authentic Spanish cuisine at one of Madrid’s best restaurants.
The following day, enjoy exclusive access to the Prado museum, one of the most important art museums in the world. You will have the option to enjoy a private tour of the museum and see the iconic masterpieces before it opens to the general public. Then, visit museums like the Reina Sofia, home to Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica,” or the Thyssen Museum, whose collection spans centuries of art history. Continue your bespoke tour of Madrid with a delicious tapas food tour, with the chance to sample some of Spain’s most famous dishes. Spend your afternoon at leisure or visit some more of the capital’s magical highlights.
La Rioja (2 nights)
In the morning, take a direct flight to Bilbao, where you will visit the Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum for a privately guided tour. Then, continue by private transfer to La Rioja to continue your cultural exploration of Spain. Settle into your luxury accommodation and savor a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
The following morning, venture into the renowned Rioja Alavesa region for a series of unique wine experiences. Begin with a visit to the striking Marqués de Riscal winery, where cutting-edge architecture meets centuries of winemaking tradition, and enjoy a private wine tasting. Continue to the esteemed Remírez de Ganuza bodega for another private tour and wine tasting before returning to your luxury hotel to spend time at leisure. Later in the afternoon, set out for a private tasting at Bodegas Carlos San Pedro Pérez de Viñaspre, followed by a guided walking tour through the medieval streets of Laguardia, a jewel of the Rioja region. Conclude the day with a recommended dinner within the town’s atmospheric stone walls.
San Sebastián (4 nights)
Begin your last day in La Rioja with a stunning hike through the beautiful countryside, along a portion of the iconic Camino de Santiago to the Romanesque church of Eunate. Take in the incredible vistas with your expert guide, or opt to hike alone. Following your hiking excursion, you will begin your luxury tour of the Basque Country as you journey to San Sebastian via private transfer. Along the way, visit the Basque city of Pamplona for a sightseeing tour with your expert guide, stopping for coffee at one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cafes. Then visit the Plaza de Toros where you’ll tour the legendary bullring, step onto the arena floor, and explore the stables, corrals and chapel. You’ll also learn about the history of the San Fermín festival, which will bring Pamplona’s rich bullfighting history to life. Continue to your luxury accommodation Hotel María Cristina, where you can spend some time at leisure. Originally built for Queen María Cristina of Spain, this iconic Belle Époque landmark has hosted royalty, film stars, and dignitaries for over a century. In the evening, depart on a delicious pintxos tour with your personal host, visiting various hand-selected pintxos bars and sampling traditional Basque cuisine for dinner.
On your first full day in the Basque Country, visit one of San Sebastian’s lively local markets to shop for fresh ingredients before heading to a local Txoko, a traditional members-only gastronomic society, for a unique culinary experience that is closed to the general public. Head to the society’s professional-grade kitchen to prepare a delicious Basque-inspired lunch alongside an expert chef, before sitting down to savor the fruits of your labor in true local style. Following your meal, continue your exploration with a visit to the Catedral del Buen Pastor, the city’s neo-Gothic landmark, followed by time at the San Telmo Museum, where exhibitions illuminate the art, history, and identity of Basque culture. Return to your hotel to relax at leisure before heading to one of the region’s best restaurants to savor a delicious recommended dinner as you watch the sun set.
Start your next day with a sailing excursion on a private boat to the small fishing village of Getaria, which is best known as the birthplace of fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga. On shore, explore this picturesque town on foot with a privately guided tour, admiring its interesting medieval buildings and rich maritime history as you wander the cobblestone streets. Or, for a more active adventure, admire the sites during an exciting biking excursion. Enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch at a celebrated local restaurant known for its exquisite seafood and txakoli pairings. Afterward, take a private transfer back to San Sebastian, pausing at a nearby bodega and Txakoli producer, for a tour and tasting of this unique wine synonymous with the region. Your driver will take you to Peine del Viento, an installation by the famous Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, where you can enjoy an optional relaxing coastal stroll along Playa de la Concha, one of the town’s main beaches. Spend the remainder of your afternoon at leisure before enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the Basque Country.
Your luxury Basque Country tour continues with a breathtaking outdoor adventure along part of the Northern Route of the Camino de Santiago to appreciate the mountainous landscape of the Basque Country. Your expert guide will take you on a coastal hike with views of the beautiful beaches in San Sebastian, before climbing up the Monte Ulia for spectacular vistas of the city below. Take a small boat to Pasajes de San Juan, a picturesque fishing village where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the water. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to try surfing at Zurriola Beach located on the eastern side. Zurriola has stronger waves than La Concha and is popular for surfing and more active beachgoers. Return to San Sebastian and in the evening, dine at one of the charming Basque eateries that perfectly showcase the region’s innovative cuisine
On the final morning of your private Spain tour, take a private transfer to San Sebastian airport for your flight to Madrid, where you will begin your journey home.
| DESTINATIONS | TRAVEL TIME | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Bilbao | 1 hr | |
| Bilbao | La Rioja | 1 hr 30 mins | |
| La Rioja | San Sebastián | 2 hr | |
| San Sebastián | Madrid | 1 hr 15 mins | |
MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS
Contact us to tell us more about your preferences and your ideal trip to Basque Country.
We will create a tailor-made itinerary for your review.
PHOTOGRAPHY
View more View lessPRICE REFERENCE
| Recommended stay | 7-10 days |
|
Price reference (9 days, private party of 2) |
Starting at $20,000 per passenger |
|
Price reference (9 days, private party of 4) |
Starting at $16,000 per passenger |
|
Price reference (9 days, private party of 6) |
Starting at $15,500 per passenger |
Note: Prices will vary based on the specifics of your itinerary and the number of passengers in your party.
What is included in your luxury Basque Country tour:
- Luxury accommodations at
- Four Seasons Hotel (Madrid)
- Palacio de Samaniego (La Rioja)
- Hotel María Cristina (San Sebastián)
- Internal flights
- Services of Blue Parallel hosts and private specialized crew and guides throughout the journey
- All special events, private guided tours, private excursions, private outdoor activities, entrance fees
- A Blue Parallel team composed of a personal travel expert, private hosts in each destination, and a “behind the scenes” logistical expert who monitors every step of your luxury Basque Country tour. The team is on call 24-hours a day during a trip
- All internal transportation
- Some meals
- A Blue Parallel customized travel kit that you will receive prior to departure
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Weather
Madrid Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 50 | 36 | 1.3 |
| FEB | 54 | 38 | 1.4 |
| MAR | 62 | 43 | 1.0 |
| APR | 65 | 45 | 1.8 |
| MAY | 72 | 52 | 2.0 |
| JUN | 83 | 61 | 0.8 |
| JUL | 90 | 66 | 0.5 |
| AUG | 89 | 65 | 0.4 |
| SEP | 80 | 59 | 0.9 |
| OCT | 67 | 51 | 2.4 |
| NOV | 57 | 43 | 2.3 |
| DEC | 50 | 38 | 2.0 |
San Sebastian Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 54 | 45 | 5.9 |
| FEB | 54 | 45 | 5.8 |
| MAR | 58 | 47 | 4.9 |
| APR | 60 | 49 | 5.5 |
| MAY | 65 | 54 | 4.5 |
| JUN | 70 | 58 | 3.9 |
| JUL | 74 | 62 | 3.6 |
| AUG | 75 | 64 | 3.8 |
| SEP | 72 | 60 | 4.0 |
| OCT | 67 | 56 | 5.5 |
| NOV | 59 | 51 | 7.2 |
| DEC | 55 | 45 | 5.9 |
La Rioja (Logroño) Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 50 | 36 | 2.3 |
| FEB | 54 | 36 | 2.2 |
| MAR | 60 | 40 | 2.3 |
| APR | 63 | 43 | 2.9 |
| MAY | 72 | 48 | 2.7 |
| JUN | 78 | 55 | 2.2 |
| JUL | 82 | 58 | 1.3 |
| AUG | 82 | 58 | 1.3 |
| SEP | 76 | 54 | 1.7 |
| OCT | 67 | 47 | 2.4 |
| NOV | 57 | 43 | 2.8 |
| DEC | 52 | 38 | 2.2 |
