Late Morning: Our adventure begins with a guided walking tour through the heart of San Sebastián’s Old Town—where every narrow lane and cobbled street seems to echo with history. As we stroll past elegant architecture and bustling plazas, our local guide will share the city’s fascinating past and present. You'll pause to admire the neo-Gothic beauty of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and enjoy a relaxed walk along the shimmering crescent of La Concha Beach—often called the most beautiful urban beach in Europe. The sea breeze, the surf, and the city’s effortless charm will set the tone for the days ahead.

Afternoon: After a short, scenic climb up Urgull Hill, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of San Sebastián’s coastline, the bay, and the lush surrounding hills. Along the way, we’ll uncover hidden corners, old fortifications, and peaceful lookouts that most tourists miss. Once we descend, the rest of the afternoon is all about indulgence—with a private visit to a local craft brewery. Here, you’ll sample a flight of exceptional Basque beers, from clean and crisp to rich and complex, all brewed just steps from the sea. Expect warm hospitality and a spread of contemporary pintxos designed to elevate the tasting experience.

Evening: The evening is yours to settle in and savor San Sebastián at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll the buzzing Parte Vieja (Old Town) in search of more pintxos, sip wine at a waterfront bar, or simply watch the sun set over La Concha Bay, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind and fall into step with the city’s rhythm. Our team will be happy to offer recommendations for dinner, cocktails, or sweet treats to end your first night on a delicious note.

Lodging: Casual de las Olas, San Sebastian

Breakfast: On your own
Lunch: Included at the brewery with local beer and pintxos
Dinner: On your own – we’ll provide a curated list of recommendations for every taste and style

Morning: We’ll leave San Sebastián behind and follow the coast to one of the Basque Country’s most beautiful small towns—Fuenterrabía (Hondarribia). With its storybook streets, flower-filled balconies, and centuries-old fortifications, this fishing village feels like it’s been lifted straight from a painting. We’ll wander its cobblestone lanes, pass through its impressive medieval gates, and admire the colorful façades that glow in the morning light. Along the way, we will share tales of maritime life, ancient trade routes, and the legends that still linger in this historic port.

Afternoon: From here, we’ll slip across the border into France to discover the seaside elegance of Biarritz. Once a quiet whaling town, it transformed into a glamorous 19th-century resort for European royalty—and today it blends its aristocratic past with a vibrant surf culture. You’ll have time to stroll the graceful promenade overlooking sweeping beaches, photograph the dramatic rock formations, and enjoy the salty Atlantic breeze. Midday, we’ll settle in at a welcoming French Basque brewery for a leisurely lunch. Expect craft beers with character—each brewed with local flair—paired with fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate the region’s bounty.

Evening: We’ll return to San Sebastián in the early evening, just as the golden hour paints the bay in warm light. The night is yours to enjoy—perhaps with a sunset walk along La Concha Beach, an evening of pintxos-hopping through the Old Town, or a quiet glass of wine while you reflect on the day’s cross-border discoveries.

Lodging: Casual de las Olas, San Sebastian

Breakfast: Included at hotel
Lunch: Included at a French Basque brewery with beer tasting
Dinner: On your own

Morning: Today, we trade the salty air of the coast for the rolling vineyards and sun-soaked hills of La Rioja—the crown jewel of Spanish wine country. In less than two hours, we’ll find ourselves in the charming town of Haro, a place where wine is woven into every street, cellar, and conversation. Here, we’ll step inside some of Spain’s most storied bodegas, where we'll meet the passionate winemakers who carry on traditions passed down through generations. You’ll swirl, sniff, and sip your way through robust tempranillos, velvety reservas, and perhaps a rare vintage, all while learning the secrets that make Rioja wines some of the most celebrated in the world.

Afternoon: From Haro, we’ll wind our way into the countryside to Bodegas David Moreno, a family-run winery where hospitality flows as generously as the wine. We’ll be welcomed into their rustic cellar for a leisurely, wine-paired feast featuring regional favorites—think rich patatas a la riojana, savory chorizo, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Between courses, you can wander the vineyard, chat with the winemakers, or simply sit back and savor the flavors of Rioja at their source.

Evening: After a day steeped in wine, food, and conversation, we’ll head north through ever-changing landscapes toward the Cantabrian coast. By early evening, we’ll arrive in Santander—an elegant harbor city with a breezy coastal charm. Once we settle into our hotel, the night is yours to explore the waterfront, enjoy a quiet drink by the bay, or rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Lodging: Hotel Bahia in Santander, close to the waterfront and downtown highlights.

Breakfast: Included at hotel
Lunch: Included at Bodegas David Moreno with wine pairings
Dinner: On your own – we’ll provide a curated list of local favorites, from seafood restaurants to cozy tapas bars

Morning: Wake up in one of Spain’s best-kept secrets—Santander. This refined harbor city blends graceful architecture, salty sea breezes, and a laid-back pace that makes you feel instantly at home. We’ll start the day like true locals, with a rich, creamy tortilla (Spanish omelette) Santander-style, paired with fresh coffee or juice. Fueled and ready, we’ll set out on foot to uncover the city’s treasures, beginning with the stately Santander Cathedral. From its centuries-old stones, we’ll make our way to the gleaming curves of the Centro Botín, an architectural marvel by Renzo Piano that seems to hover above the water.

Afternoon: Our scenic walk continues along the elegant waterfront promenade, where manicured gardens meet sweeping coastal views. We’ll arrive at the lush Magdalena Peninsula, crowned by the regal Palacio de la Magdalena—a former royal summer retreat with panoramic vistas over the bay. After time to wander the grounds and snap those postcard-perfect photos, we’ll follow the shoreline toward El Sardinero. Known for its golden sand, crashing surf, and belle-époque charm, it’s a stretch of beach beloved by locals and visitors alike. Whether lively with sunseekers or serene in the off-season, it’s pure coastal beauty.

Evening: As the day winds down, we’ll return to the city center’s bustling sport marina, where the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses spill from lively bars. Here, we’ll enjoy a generous spread of Cantabrian tapas and Basque-style pinchos—seafood, cured meats, fresh cheeses, and inventive bites that tell the story of the region’s culinary crossroads. With the bay as our backdrop, this relaxed, flavorful dinner will be the perfect ending to a day immersed in Santander’s charm.

Lodging: Hotel Bahia, Santander

Breakfast: Included at hotel and at local café (tortilla and beverage)
Lunch: On your own – time to explore Santander’s casual dining spots
Dinner: Included tapas and pinchos at the marina area

Morning: Today we leave the bustle of Santander behind and slip into the lush, rolling hills of rural Cantabria—a land where time seems to slow and traditions run deep. Our first stop is a small, family-run cheesemaker whose craft has earned international praise. Here, cheese is not just food—it’s a heritage. We’ll step into their world, learning how each wheel begins with the freshest local milk, is nurtured through time-honored techniques, and is patiently matured to perfection. The air in the maturing rooms is rich with promise, and the tasting that follows will be unforgettable—creamy, nutty, tangy, each cheese telling its own story of place and passion.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll journey to Liérganes, a village so picturesque it feels like a living postcard. With stone bridges arching over the river, cobbled streets lined with historic houses, and whispers of centuries-old legends in the air, Liérganes invites you to wander at your own pace. But beyond its beauty, Liérganes is home to one of Spain’s most celebrated craft breweries—Dougall’s. A pioneer in the Spanish beer renaissance, Dougall’s blends British brewing traditions with Cantabrian character. We’ll tour the brewery, hear about their unique approach to beer-making, and of course, sample a variety of their award-winning brews—from smooth, balanced ales to hop-forward IPAs.

Evening: We’ll linger for a hearty, relaxed lunch right at the brewery or nearby, where rustic, home-style dishes meet the perfect beer pairings. Between the warm hospitality, the satisfying flavors, and the easy camaraderie of our group, it’s the kind of afternoon you wish could last forever. Afterward, we’ll return to Santander for a free evening to enjoy the city’s coastal charm, however you please.

Lodging: Hotel Bahia, Santander

Breakfast: Included at hotel
Lunch: Included at or near Dougall’s Brewery, with beer pairings
Dinner: On your own – we’ll provide recommendations for Santander’s best evening spots

Morning: Our last day together calls for something truly special—an experience that blends adventure, scenery, and a final taste of Cantabria’s charm. We’ll set out on a 90-minute boat ride across the shimmering waters of Santander Bay, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. From the water, the city reveals itself in a whole new way—its graceful skyline, golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and scattered islets creating a panorama you won’t soon forget. The sea breeze, the gentle motion of the boat, and the wide-open views make this the perfect farewell morning.

Midday: We’ll disembark in Somo, a laid-back surf town where the beach stretches for miles and life moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace. From here, a short drive brings us to a small countryside brewery—a hidden gem of Cantabrian craft beer culture. Independent, passionate, and creative, this brewery invites us behind the scenes to learn their story and sample a flight of their freshest creations.

Afternoon: Just next door, our grand finale awaits: a private lunch at Bodegas Bahía de Santander. Set on a hill with sweeping views back across the bay, this winery offers the perfect blend of scenery and flavor. We’ll gather in an intimate dining space for a feast of local dishes, prepared with fresh regional ingredients and paired with exceptional wines from the estate. Between bites and sips, we’ll share memories, laughter, and that final, heartfelt toast to an unforgettable week of discovery, flavor, and friendship.

Evening:
As the afternoon light dances on the bay, we’ll return to Santander, carrying with us not just souvenirs, but the stories, connections, and flavors that will keep this journey alive long after we’ve gone.

Lodging: Hotel Bahia, Santander

Breakfast: Included at hotel
Lunch: Farewell Feast included at Bodegas Bahía de Santander, with wine pairings
Dinner: On your own – one last night to savor the city’s flavors at your leisure

A morning transfer will be provided from the hotel to the Bilbao Airport. Make your plans to depart BIO in the afternoon or the evening for the return flight to the U.S.

Or, stay a few extra days and explore more of what this region has to offer!