Basque Country Food & Wine Tour
FROM RUSTIC FLAVORS TO THE MOST COVETED MICHELIN-STARRED HOUSES
DATES: 25 AUG - 01 SEP 2026
DATES: 01 SEP - 08 SEP 2026
Basque Country, a land the world over known for its gastronomy
The Valfers welcomes you in a meaningful expedition that embraces the essence of the Basque whose lives enshrine every aspect of its culinary repertoire and a feeling of connection to a singular collectiveness.
It is impossible to exaggerate to what extent gastronomy permeates almost every social activity and every social class. Time is valued over money. At the core of this adventure are the tenets of authenticity, exclusivity and personal enrichment brought all together by a team of passionate experts.
Make your taste buds dance with the best food and the best Basque pintxos, and your soul fly tasting some of the most exceptional reds and whites from Rioja, or the coastal and slightly fizzy white wine Txakoli.
Explore Northeast Spain in a dream trip across the Basque Country. Make your taste buds dance with the popular merluza en salsa verde – a yummy hake fish in “green” sauce -, the most incredible kokotxas de bacalao al pil-pil (cod fish cheeks in pil-pil sauce), not to mention the txuletón – beef steak – and Rioja wines.
Reveal all the secret gems in this spectacular 8-day unique and therapeutic escape limited to 20 participants.
At a Glance
Day 1
San Sebastian, arrival
Day 2
San Sebastian
Day 3
San Sebastian - Saint-Jean de Luz - Hondarribia - San Sebastian
Day 4
San Sebastian - Biarritz - Espelette - Ainhoa - San Sebastian
Day 5
San Sebastian - Getaria - Bilbao
Day 6
Bilbao - Rioja - Bilbao
Day 7
Bilbao
Day 8
Bilbao, end of journey
Itinerary
The specialist food and wine tour operator The Valfers to provide the most seamless journey that only two in-the-know insiders can assure.
Experience an exceptional 8-day culinary adventure across Basque Country, led by local experts Valeska and Fernando. Immerse in the vibrant culinary scene and learn from celebrated chefs, gaining insider knowledge and insights into gastronomic traditions. Expect an unforgettable journey of sophistication and excellence
Immerse yourself in the rich foundation and techniques of the Basque culinary culture, and discover the essence of the Basque soul. Let us transport you to a world of flavor and tradition, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
DAY 1 | San Sebastian
PINTXOS IN SAN SEBASTIAN, WHERE SMALL IS BIG
San Sebastián, this small but gorgeous seaside city boasts Belle Époque architecture, a profound cultural heritage and arguably the best cuisine in the Basque Region. It has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, but even the quality of the everyday food is sublime.
A walking pintxos tour reveals the best of the local gastronomic essence. Be ready for the most genuine experience . We will tell you stories and explain the singularities of this way of eating. We will recommend the best pintxo at each place and the best wine to pair among our preferred pintxos bars.
ASADOR EXPERIENCE
Asadores are traditional grill houses in the Basque Country, with coal being the greatest taste-enhancer. Cooking over an open fire is now experiencing a new wave and it is the most ancestral cooking method too. You shouldn’t miss trying some good grill! This will be the icing on the cake of a first memorable day.
- Lunch, dinner
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 4*
DAY 2 | San Sebastian
SAN SEBASTIAN
Enjoy a lovely promenade across this fascinating small city. Shaped by the river Urumea and later up by the hills, the city expanded when the walls were demolished 1863. The first expansion of the old town stretched out to the river’s mouth, on the old quarter called Zurriola, which now shows a dynamic commercial activity, recently boosted by the presence of the Kursaal Congress Centre by the beach. The arcades of the Buen Pastor Square were fashioned after the ones of the Rue de Rivoli, with the Maria Cristina Bridge being inspired by the Pont Alexandre III that spans the Seine.
You will stroll across some of the most centrally located highlights and we’ll explore some of the historical food and wine shops.
MARTIN BERASATEGUI***
He is the only chef with two restaurants awarded with three Michelin stars: Restaurante Martin Berasategui in Lasarte-Oria, and Restaurante Lasarte in Barcelona. In total he holds now 8 Michelin stars. Martin Berasategui is a legend and he played a crucial role in the Basque cuisine’s revolution in the 1980’s and contributed to develop a Basque nouvelle cuisine capable to establish the Basque Country as one of the world’s leading gastronomic regions.
- Breakfast, lunch
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 4*
DAY 3 | S. Sebastian - St. Jean de Luz - Hondarribia - S. Sebastian
SAINT JEAN DE LUZ & HONDARRIBIA
Let’s cross the border for the first tim to discover the flavors of the neighboring French Basque Country. In the morning depart towards the French coast. From Hendaia take the winding coast road -the Corniche- to the small town of Saint Jean de Luz, where we’ll visit its bustling and colorful market, stop by one of the best cheese masters, who serves Michelin star restaurants in the area. You won’t miss the first producer of the famous “French Macarron”, the cookie that became famous all over the world before heading to Hondarribia.
As stated by The New York Times in July 2010, “with its abundant variety of local produce, a daily influx of fresh seafood, and what has become a critical mass of new talent, the tiny town of Hondarribia has emerged as one of the best places to experience the region’s ambitious cuisine, and without the parading crowds of San Sebastian, just 13 miles away”. The castle is Hondarribia’s most notable monument. Built in the 10th century by the kings of Navarre, it provided strategic fortification against periodic incursions by the French.
After strolling around, our stomachs will feel hungry and it is time to get ready for an exceptional lunch.
SOCIEDAD GASTRONÓMICA
Access to one of the most persuasive experiences a gourmet could ever dream of: enjoying a meal at a Sociedad Gastronómica. These members-only clubs play an important role and serve as meeting places where people of all social classes, known as cuadrillas, go to cook, eat and socialize.
Backt to San Sebastian, enjoy on your own pace.
- Breakfast, lunch
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 4*
DAY 4 | S. Sebastian - Biarritz - Ainhoa - S. Sebastian
BIARRITZ & AINHOA
The French city of Biarritz, 20 kilometers from the Spanish border, is ideal for a cultural and gastronomic break. From its medieval past as a small fishing village, Biarritz preserves in its coat of arms an image of its original inhabitants, the reckless whale hunters. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that this town reached its greatest splendor by becoming a summer resort of Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenia. Far from the luxury of that time, Biarritz is today a much more popular summer resort.
Stroll across the bustling Les Halles market, before continuing the serpentine roads towards the French countryside.
ITHURRIA*
Xavier Isabal leads Ithurria’s cuisine, keeping the Michelin star for over 40 years. Located in Ainhoa, one of the most beautiful villages in France dotted with red and white houses, Ithurria is settled in a sublime house steeped in history. Take this opportunity to relish French flavors.
- Breakfast, lunch
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 4*
DAY 5 | S. Sebastian - Getaria - Bilbao
GETARIA
Home town of the prestigious couturier Balenciaga, this is the land of Txakolina, the bracing, refreshing, often fizzy white wine that is enjoyed throughout Basque Country. In restaurants and pintxos bars, on terraces overlooking the Cantabrian Sea or in dark, rustic wood-and-stone cellars, you can’t help but notice Txakolina everywhere. Wine production was a way of life for centuries in Basque country through the end of the 19th century but phylloxera wiped out the vines around the turn of the 20th century, and the industry was slow to recover. Now, with the food revolution in Basque Country, txakoli is living a survival process and quality prevails. Let’s visit a winery and enjoy it in full while overlooking the sea.
ELKANO*
Down, the legendary fishing town of Getaria is home of one of the best seafood cuisines. And undoubtedly the main attraction is the whole chargrilled fish – specially the turbot – which is grilled in special crafted metal fish baskets. This technique was conceived by Pedro Arregi from Elkano – who passed away in 2014 being the business now run by his son Aitor Arregi -. He pioneered the respect for the local produce and for his environment.
GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
Arrival to Bilbao and check-in before a private visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Afterwards, free evening to explore the city on your own.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Hotel Carlton 5*
DAY 6 | Bilbao - Rioja - Bilbao
RIOJA
La Rioja turns out what most people have in mind when they think of Spanish wines. Enjoy a great day among vineyards around one of the best wineries in an exclusive private-guided tour. The region produces wine since ancient Roman times. Taste terrific wines and discover small charming villages from Middle Ages. It’s no accident that when phylloxera hit Bordeaux in the late 19th century, French winemakers chose Rioja as a location to make wines for the French market.
Not only will you have a chance to access one of the most remarkable wineries in exclusivity, but also you will try astonishing new style wines that express a sense of place. Winemakers are making wines that reveal the terroir of the region, village, estate, and, increasingly, the vineyard. A pairing lunch is foreseen at the winery.
BILBAO
Back to Bilbao, free evening.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Hotel Carlton 5*
DAY 7 | Bilbao
LIVE COOKING
Visiting the Ribera Market is a must; it is a massive paradise of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, mushrooms, cheese, sausages, cured meats, and fresh meats and game in season. The space is located next to the river, in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, which is Bilbao’s oldest, medieval part of town. Enjoy strolling around before entering a private kitchen atelier to start preparing the freshest and yummiest home meal!
STARRED FAREWELL DINNER
Be ready to enjoy a seductive and cozy last dinner in Boroa* a 15th century farmhouse with scrupulous respect for its original architecture, where Jabier Gartzia – great defender of Bilbao’s cooking, awarded with a Michelin star since 1999 – follows the ancient lineage of a noble and bourgeois society from the 19th century that laid the foundation of the cocina vizcaína (Bilbao cuisine).
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Hotel Carlton 5*
DAY 8 | Bilbao
END OF JOURNEY
Following breakfast, private transfer to Bilbao airport or train station at your appointed time, or continue your journey if you decided to extend your trip.
- Breakfast
Dates & Prices
2026
DATES
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
AVAILABLE SPOTS
2025
DATES
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
AVAILABLE SPOTS
INCLUDED:
- 7-Night accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- 7 lunches and 2 dinners (food and wines paired)
- Private deluxe transportation throughout
- Airport private transfers in and out from Bilbao / San Sebastian Airport
- Two tour leaders throughout
- Limited to 20 guests
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight
- Travel insurance (see options when upon application)
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
PRICE:
- Rates are in Euros per person, on double occupancy basis.
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
- At the time of reservation: 25% of journey cost per person
- 90 days before departure: Balance due
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard).
Optional Tours Suggested
The experts
VALESKA IDARRAGA
Valeska brings a rich gastronomic heritage, inherited from her French father’s love of culinary culture and her Basque grandmother, a well-regarded chef of her time. After studying Economics and Journalism in Barcelona, she moved to Switzerland to pursue hotel management, working at some of the most prestigious hotels in the industry. Fluent in five languages, Valeska is a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advanced Expert and holds a WSET Level 3 certification with merit. As co-founder of Paladar y Tomar in 2014, she serves as Marketing Manager, overseeing client relationships and operations at The Valfers. With her unique combination of cultural insight, business acumen, and wine expertise, Valeska crafts unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
FERNANDO PAREDES
Fernando is the CEO, financial director, and lead wine consultant at Paladar y Tomar and The Valfers. A Barcelona native with a background in economics and business management, he transitioned from a corporate career to the world of luxury travel, food, and wine. With extensive experience as General Manager of a bespoke travel company, Fernando excels in strategic planning, operations, and financial oversight. His expertise in wine is equally impressive—he is a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advanced Expert, holds a WSET Level 3 certification with merit, and advises on wine programs and cellar selections. His deep connections in the wine and hospitality industries allow The Valfers to offer unparalleled insider experiences.
8 Reasons to join us
At The Valfers the excellence of the landscape’s cuisine along with its breathtaking natural surroundings, exceptional wine varieties, and tranquility of the hand-picked singular accommodations create a getaway unparalleled in value and authenticity.
MICHELIN STARS
MICHELIN STARS
Martin Berasategui***, Ithurria*, Elkano* and Boroa* summarize some of the finest cuisine from both Basque Countries; Spain and France. This is an opportunity to celebrate San Sebastian has been named "The Best World's City for Food" and Bilbao rooted cuisine traditions are being internationally acclaimed.
RIOJA WINES
RIOJA WINES
Rioja has been at the top of Spanish wines for almost a century since this small region concentrates some of the best wines, terroirs and wine makers in the world. Immerse yourself in the heart of la Rioja Alavesa to uncover two of the best wineries in a unique and very personal experience.
ACCESS A SOCIEDAD GASTRONOMICA
ACCESS A SOCIEDAD GASTRONOMICA
Stepping into a members-only eating club is not an easy task. For anyone the challenge is knowing somebody that is a member to be invited. You are in.
AROUND THE FIRE: THE ART OF FISH GRILL
AROUND THE FIRE: THE ART OF FISH GRILL
Not only Getaria is a charming coastal town between the Cantabrian Sea and the steepy mountains, one of the cradles of the crispy txakoli white wine, and home town of the admired haute couture designer Balenciaga, but its daily caught chargrilled turbot is worldwide lauded. Learn the secrets.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, opened twenty years ago, changed the history of Bilbao and transformed the city forever. Art played the role as an economic, social and cultural driver. Take this opportunity to spotlight both one of Europe's most iconic buildings, creator of the “Guggenheim” effect, and the museum's works on display.
A TASTE OF THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY
A TASTE OF THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country is made up of seven provinces, three of which are in southwestern France. Too often overshadowed by the fame of Spain, the local French are very proud to be Basque and even speak Euskera. You'll quickly feel its distinct architecture, a scenery dotted with red and white farms, and a different lifestyle easily recognizable in their schedules but sharing the passion and "savoir faire" for the good table.
INNER ACCESS, THE REAL LUXURY
INNER ACCESS, THE REAL LUXURY
Live the most trascendent, immersive authentic experiences with the best connected people. "Real" experiences cannot be replicated. We're taking exclusivity to a whole new level.
WILD NATAURE
WILD NATAURE
En route from Bilbao to San Sebastian, the meandering drive reveals an astonishing array of awe-inspiring natural landscape, from the greatness of its mountains to its stunning coast. Be seduced by the rugged coast and the captivating Flysch formation, stopping at scenic coastal fishing ports and scenic outlooks, or explore the green "Basque Highands".
Hand-picked Accommodations
The Valfers benefit from the expertise of Paladar y Tomar curating every hotel in search of the most unique nature of each location. This allows us to cater for every different type of personality and taste and have selected for this occasion singular hotels with immense value that enhance every moment. Our stories start from the moment you arrive.
San Sebastian
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, 4* Sup
From its exceptional position, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra faces La Concha, one of the most beautiful urban beaches. In 1866 it was opened as a premier seaside accommodation in San Sebastian, affording guests unparalleled views of the famous shoreline. Soon after its opening, Hotel de Londres became the property of choice for royalty and artists alike.
BILBAO
Hotel Carlton, 5*
Hotel Carlton was built between 1919 and 1926. It is a late example of the French Second Empire style, in keeping with the tradition of grandiose hotels of the time. The building is impressively beautiful, and its location in the main avenue makes every corner from the city accessible.
