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- CITIES:
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ABOUT BASQUE COUNTRY
General information and recomendations about the selected destination
HomeBASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country is historically unique; its traditions, customs, culture and its language, Euskera, unrelated to any Indo-European language, are all unlike any other region of Spain. Euskadi, as the region is called in Basque, is a friendly land of hardy and independent but hospitable people. The region is composed of three provinces together with Navarra and part of southwestern France. The capital of the Bizkaia province is Bilbao (Bilbo), a great seaport and an industrial and financial center. Since 1997 it is the home of the spectacular Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, "the building of the century." San Sebastián, called Donostia in Basque, is an upmarket resort with amazing beaches and the principal city of Gipuzkoa province, and it extends like a string of pearls around the Bay of Biscay. It is a sophisticated city of great beauty and elegance with a cultural, social and gastronomic importance far in excess of its size. And Vitoria-Gasteiz in Álava is the inland apex of the Basque triangle, the region ´s political and administrative capital and seat of the Basque government.
Irún to the far north-east is a famous starting point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela on the Northern Way (Camino del Norte). There ´s Pamplona too with its world famous Fiestas de San Fermín and a stopping off point for pilgrims on the French Way. From the Pyrenees to charming Vitoria there ´s so much to do and see.
Great eating is another important reason to visit the Basque Country. Basque chefs are held in the highest esteem and the cooking of the Basque region has ardent admirers perhaps Spain ´s finest cuisine. It was here in the Basque Country that nueva cocina vasca -new Basque cuisine- was born, based on the creative use of the finest local ingredients. It exists alongside traditional Basque cooking that revolves around exquisite seafood -especially hake, salt cod, spider crab and baby eels (angulas)- all accompanied by the wonderful local white wine called txakolí. Basques share their good humor and kitchen wisdom in the region ´s famous men-only gastronomic societies.
But the essence of all that is Basque can be better appreciated outside the cities, in the countless farmhouses, villages and small towns scattered over the mountains and forests of the countryside, and in the picturesque villages along the rugged coast, where the Basques ´prodigious fishing skills against formidable climatic odds have historically taken them as far away as Newfoundland. In rural areas native Basque culture has remained intact: in the sports and games like jai alai that highlight the energy and competitive spirit of the Basques, and in traditional fiestas in which Basque singers and dancers display great strength and dexterity.
TOP TEN DESTINATIONS
Explore all the tours and hotels in the most popular destinations selected by our specialist.
BILBAO
SAN SEBASTIAN
TOP TOURS
Here are the top 10 recommended tours selected by our specialist in all the destination we offer tours to. After many years of exploring and experiencing the "Best of the Best" we could like to share our knowledge with you to make your next trip an unforgettable journey!
Northern Green Spain Slow Food, Wine & Camino...
Join our co-founder on a special small group gastronomic journey across Northern Spain. You could call it an active gourmet food tour walking thru some amazing landscapes... mountain trails, coastal paths, wine country roads, etc... We have added in a mix of experiences that will keep your taste buds excited...
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San Sebastian Basque Country Food & Cooking Short...
San Sebastian is well-known for its gastronomy and beautiful beaches. On this break enjoy a pintxos tour, market visit, cooking class and time to relax in this luxurious coastal city...
The Best Wineries & Historic Wine Towns of La...
Enjoy a private wine day tour from Bilbao to visit the famous wine region of La Rioja. Take a in-depth look at Rioja wine country.
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Private Pintxos Cooking Class in Bilbao
Enjoy a hands-on pintxo cooking class by a professional local chef. Then we will all sit down to taste what we have made along with local wines and drinks.
Private Pintxos (Traditional & Innovative) and...
Enjoy a tour of the best and most popular pintxo bars around locals with a local foodie guide. After you will enjoy a a short monumental walking tour thru the old quarter of San Sebastian
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Small Group Traditional Basque Cuisine Cooking...
If you are interested in learning how to prepare Spanish dishes but you do not have too much time to dedicate to it, consider a morning in the kitchen, followed by a three course lunch in San Sebastian on our half day small group cooking class...
Small Group Pintxo Cooking Class in San Sebastian
If you are interested in learning how to prepare the famous basque signature pintxos (little bites) consider a morning in the kitchen, followed by lunch savouring all the pintxos you have made.
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Private Cooking Class in San Sebastian...
If you are interested in learning how to prepare Basque dishes or pintxos but you do not have too much time to dedicate to it, consider a morning in the kitchen, on our half day cooking class...
Small Group Pintxos & Wine Tour in San Sebastian
Join a small group (up to 10 people max) tour of some of San Sebastian´s finest tapas bars. You´ll visit 6 of San Sebastian´s best pintxo bars in the old town, known for having the highest concentration of bars in the world.
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Private Driver Car Services and Transfers in San...
Private Chauffeur/Driver Car services in San Sebastian, Basque Country. You can be picked up and dropped off from your hotel, airport, or a location specified within city limits. Choose from our selection of vehicle types (eg. Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan, Minivan)
TOP HOTELS
Here are the top 10 recommended hotels selected by our specialist in all the destination we offer hotels to. After many years of exploring and experiencing the "Best of the Best" we could like to share our knowledge with you to make your next trip an unforgettable journey!