Riviera Travel Spain’s Basque Country, La Rioja and Burgos

– 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
– Return flights and transfers
– Return Eurostar, TGV & Transfers (2024 only)
– Programme of daily tours and visits
– Daily breakfast and 1 dinner
– Expert tour manager
– All local taxes and transfers
– Checked luggage

– Ascend the La Rhune mountain by vintage cog railway
– Visit the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao
– Sample delicious pintxos at a traditional bar
– See replicas of the prehistoric cave paintings of Altamira

This Signature Tour includes everything from the classic tour as well as the following:

Day 2
Savour the flavours that define the Basque region with an upgraded selection of pintxos made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 4
Indulge in an authentic wine-tasting experience followed by lunch pairing locally produced wine with mouth-watering Spanish cuisine.

Plus enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0800 707 6229.

Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao
Fly to Bilbao or Santander or take the Eurostar via Paris. On arrival, transfer to San Sebastian, where you’ll stay for3 nights.

Day 2: San Sebastian and free afternoon
Explore the enchanting coastal resort of San Sebastian, with a guided tour taking you through the old town. The tour ends at a traditional bar where you’ll have the chance to sample pintxos. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own leisure.

Day 3: Bayonne & La Rhune Railway
In the morning, cross the border into France to visit Bayonne. During your guided tour, see the colourful buildings and stunning Gothic cathedral. Then journey inland to La Rhune, a mountain sacred in Basque mythology.

The cog railway takes you past villages and countryside. From the summit, you can see view of the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay.

Day 4: Pamplona & Rioja Winery
Travel to foothills of the Pyrenees to visit Pamplona. During a guided tour, see the cathedral and one of Spain’s best-preserved citadels. In the afternoon, follow the Way of St James through La Rioja, a legendary wine region. While here, you’ll have a tour of a winery.

Later in the day, continue on to Burgos where you’ll stay for the next two nights

Day 5: Burgos and free afternoon
Take a guided tour of Burgos and learn more about the city’s history as you explore the old quarter’s streets. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, with an audio guide provided. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, have dinner in a restaurant specialising in Castilian dishes

Day 6: Bilbao
Journey to the Basque Country’s largest city. Enjoy a visit to the Guggenheim museum, with free time to admire the collection here. After, transfer to your hotel across the river.

Day 7: Santillana del Mar & Altamira Cave Museum
Drive to the medieval town of Santillana del mar and wander its cobblestone streets. Continue onto Altamira, which contains some of the world’s finest examples of Ice Age art. Visit the cave museum nearby. Later on, return to the hotel in Bilbao.

Day 8: Return Flight
Transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey to the UK

Silken Amara Plaza, San Sebastian – 4*

Located along the River Urumea, the hotel is a pleasant 10-minute walk to the cathedral and a 25-minute walk to the old town. It features a restaurant that serves Basque and international dishes, and a gastro-pub offering drinks and modern fare.

Abba Burgos Hotel, Burgos – 4*

The modern, four star Abba Hotel set in its own gardens along the Pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and only 400 metres from the astonishingly preserved cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site) as well as local bars and restaurants.

Hisperia, Bilbao – 4*

The four-star Hesperia Bilbao is situated across the river from the Guggenheim Museum in a striking building with a colourful glass façade. There is a terrace bar with live jazz and flamenco performances.

Fact File
Currency: Euro
Flight time: Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins
Language: Spanish, French
Time zone: GMT+1
Countries: Spain, France

Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Spain however must have a valid passport

Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns.

All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic.

Biblao Airport to San Sebastian: 1 hour 35 minutes
Santander Airport to San Sebastian: 2 hours 30 minutes

Bilbao to Bilbao airport: 30 minutes
Bilbao to Santander airport: 1 hour 45 minutes

Rail only journey times

Day 1
London to Paris: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Paris to Hendaye: 4 hours and 40 minutes

30 minute coach transfer from Hendaye to hotel in St Sebastian

Day 8:
1 hour coach transfer from hotel in Bilbao to Hendaye

Hendaye to Paris: 4 hours 40 minutes
Paris to London: 2 hours and 20 minutes