Tailor-Made Basque Country Trips: Architecture, Cuisine & Coastal Beauty
Discover the Basque Country in Style
Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay, the Basque Country is a region unlike any other in Spain—where culinary innovation meets timeless coastal landscapes, and avant-garde architecture rises beside ancient traditions. At Avelia Travel, we craft tailor-made Basque Country journeys that immerse you in its world-renowned food, design, and nature—always with a touch of luxury.
For exclusive luxury accommodations throughout Spain, including standout hotels in the Basque Country, explore our Luxury Hotels in Spain guide.
Why Choose the Basque Country for Your Luxury Vacation?
World-Class Gastronomy
With more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in the world, the Basque Country is a culinary powerhouse. From chef's table tastings in San Sebastián to pintxos crawls through old-town alleyways, every bite is part of the experience.
Iconic Architecture & Contemporary Art
Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with a private curator or explore the geometric wonders of the Bodegas Ysios winery. This region offers a seamless blend of design, tradition, and the avant-garde.
Wine & Coastal Indulgence
Taste the crisp Txakoli along the coast or explore the full-bodied reds of Rioja Alavesa. Enjoy seaside escapes in charming fishing villages or embark on a private sailing experience from Getaria.
Nature & Serenity
Hike in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, walk the dramatic cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, or unwind in a secluded countryside retreat surrounded by forested hills and meadows.
Sample Private Experiences in the Basque Country
Michelin-Starred Dining & Pintxos Tours
Begin with a guided walk through San Sebastián's culinary old town. Later, enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, with kitchen access and wine pairing. For a deeper dive into local flavors, explore our San Sebastián Food & Cuisine Guide.
Private Guggenheim Tour in Bilbao
Experience a curator-led tour of Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim Museum before heading to lunch at a design-forward bistro by the river.
Wine & Architecture in Rioja Alavesa
Enjoy exclusive access to celebrated wineries such as Ysios and Marqués de Riscal. Tour cutting-edge cellars and taste limited-production vintages with the winemaker.
Sailing the Basque Coast
Sail privately from San Sebastián or Getaria, with an onboard chef preparing a fresh seafood lunch. Add a sommelier-led wine tasting or a stop in a secluded cove.
Hidden Villages & Countryside Sanctuaries
Discover the untouched charm of towns like Oñati or the salt flats of Valle Salado de Añana. Ideal for guests seeking tranquility, cultural depth, and rural elegance.
Luxury Hotels & Villas in the Basque Country
Hotel María Cristina
San Sebastián — An iconic five-star property near the old town and beach.
Hotel Akelarre
San Sebastián — A Michelin-starred luxury retreat overlooking La Concha Bay.
Countryside Villas & Retreats
Private estates nestled in the rolling hills of Gipuzkoa and Alava. Contact us for more information.
Ask us about spa-focused stays, vineyard lodges, or exclusive villa rentals with private chefs.
Why Travel with Avelia?
Custom Luxury Itineraries
Every trip is crafted with your interests in mind: food, wine, architecture, nature, or all of the above.
Insider Access
From after-hours museum visits to one-on-one time with chefs, sommeliers, and historians, our network opens doors.
Concierge-Level Support
We manage all logistics—transfers, dining, experiences—so you can travel stress-free.
What Our Clients Say
"The Basque Country exceeded our expectations. Avelia gave us access to intimate dining and local culture we never could have found on our own."
— Emily & Jason, USA
"From the private wine tastings to our guide in Bilbao, everything was flawless. We’ve already booked with Avelia for next year."
— Marc & Celeste, California
When to Visit the Basque Country
Spring (April–June)
Ideal for coastal hiking and fewer crowds in popular cities.
Summer (July–August)
Jazz and film festivals, plus beach days in San Sebastián.
Autumn (September–October)
Grape harvest in La Rioja Alavesa and cooler weather for cultural touring.
Learn more in our full Best Time to Visit Spain guide.
FAQs
How long should I spend in the Basque Country?
We recommend 5–7 days for a well-rounded trip combining Bilbao, San Sebastián, and the countryside.
Is it easy to combine with La Rioja or the French Basque Country?
Absolutely. We often create itineraries that blend Spanish and French Basque regions or include stops in La Rioja for wine lovers.
Are guides English-speaking?
Yes. Our guides are bilingual and trained in cultural interpretation, gastronomy, and local history.
Do you offer sustainable travel options?
Yes. We work with eco-conscious providers, local producers, and prioritize low-impact, authentic experiences.
Continue Your Journey
Planning a luxury trip to the Basque Country often means extending your experiences across nearby cultural and culinary gems. Explore more with Avelia:
Discover architectural tours in Bilbao including the Guggenheim and beyond
Dive into Michelin-starred dining in San Sebastián and explore the city’s coastal elegance
Visit the wineries in Rioja Alavesa for curated tastings and vineyard stays
Enhance your trip with private architecture & cultural tours in Spain
Each of these pages offers tailored experiences to help you design an unforgettable, seamless itinerary.
Let’s Begin Your Basque Country Journey
Whether you want to taste your way through San Sebastián, sail the northern coast, or immerse yourself in regional architecture and history, we’ll help you craft a seamless journey from start to finish.