Basque Food Adventure

7 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Home to nearly thirty Michelin-starred restaurants and where people spend most of their disposable income on food, it comes as no surprise that Spain, and in particular the Basque region, represents one of the best destinations for a foodie trip. Due to its distinctive geographic and cultural landscape, the mix of sea and mountain cultures offers an incre...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore the trendiest cities of the Basque region and the pilgrim town of Logroño
    • Wander through the most famous Bilbao’s markets followed by a cookery class in a Michelin-recommended restaurant
    • Be a winegrower for the morning in Rioja and taste some of the popular wines of the area
    • Indulge in some of the region's best pintxos in Logroño and San Sebastián
    • Experience a unique cultural evening at a Basque private dining club

What's this trip about?

    Home to nearly thirty Michelin-starred restaurants and where people spend most of their disposable income on food, it comes as no surprise that Spain, and in particular the Basque region, represents one of the best destinations for a foodie trip. Due to its distinctive geographic and cultural landscape, the mix of sea and mountain cultures offers an incredible food range. Our comprehensive food journey starts in Bilbao when we will visit the famous markets and have a cookery class with a chef from a Michelin-recommended restaurant. We will then head to pilgrimage city of Logroño and sample the excellent pintxos (Basque-style tapas) on offer, before exploring a vineyard in Rioja to learn more about the wine-making tradition of this region. In the Basque capital of San Sebastián, we will enjoy some of the city's best pintxos then end the trip with a unique culinary experience, dining at an exclusive gastronomy society.Uncover the gastronomic & cultural delights of the Basque country.* *

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBilbao
End CitySan Sebastián

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe

Attractions

  • Bilbao

Activities

  • Culture

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Transfers for group flights

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to Bilbao; dinner at a traditional restaurant. 

The trip starts in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao, after arriving from London on the group flight. After check-in, we will have some free time to relax until the welcome meeting. Have your insurance and next of kin details on hand as the leader will be collec...

Day 2 Visit Bilbao's famous market; cookery class with a chef from a Michelin-recommended restaurant; free time

To start our unforgettable food adventure, we will visit Bilbao's famous Mercado de La Ribera (located by the river), as well as the classic cod shops (bacaladerías) where bacalao (dried cod) and Iberico ham are sold. We will be accompanied by a culinary guide who...

Day 3 Transfer to the pilgrimage city of Logroño, sightseeing and pintxos evening

This morning we travel by private minibus to the town of Logroño (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), situated in the famous wine region of Rioja. The town sits on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. The city is rich in his...

Day 4 Rioja vineyards and wine tasting; free afternoon

This morning we will experience what it is like to be a winegrower as we participate in an ancient tradition. With the guidance of a professional we’ll have the chance to carry out different activities in the vineyards and winery, as well as acquire an in-depth kn...

Day 5 Transfer to San Sebastián and pintxos lunch; free afternoon

Travel by private vehicle to the city of San Sebastián, jewel of the Basque country and a city obsessed with food. With its family-friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastián is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the...

Day 6 Day at leisure, farewell dinner with Basque specialities at a private dining club

Enjoy a day at leisure until the late afternoon when we will meet for a farewell dinner. The place chosen is a very traditional place known as a Sociedad Gastronómica. Not fancy, nor particularly refined, it is a members-only private dining club (traditionally own...

Day 7 Transfer to Bilbao; fly to London.

Transfer to Bilbao after breakfast; fly to London.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Bilbao; dinner at a traditional restaurant.

The trip starts in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao. After check-in, we will have some free time to relax until the welcome meeting. Have your insurance and next of kin details on hand as the leader will be collecting them at this meeting. In the evening we wi...

Day 2 Visit Bilbao's famous market; cookery class with a chef from a Michelin-recommended restaurant; free time

To start our unforgettable food adventure, we will visit Bilbao's famous Mercado de La Ribera (located by the river), as well as the classic cod shops (bacaladerías) where bacalao (dried cod) and Iberico ham are sold. We will be accompanied by a culinary guide who...

Day 3 Transfer to the pilgrimage city of Logroño, sightseeing and pintxos evening

This morning we travel by private minibus to the town of Logroño (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), situated in the famous wine region of Rioja. The town sits on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. The city is rich in his...

Day 4 Rioja vineyards and wine tasting; free afternoon

This morning we will experience what it is like to be a winegrower as we participate in an ancient tradition. With the guidance of a professional we’ll have the chance to carry out different activities in the vineyards and winery, as well as acquire an in-depth kn...

Day 5 Transfer to San Sebastián and pintxos lunch; free afternoon

Travel by private vehicle to the city of San Sebastián, jewel of the Basque country and a city obsessed with food. With its family-friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastián is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the...

Day 6 Day at leisure, farewell dinner with Basque specialities at a private dining club

Enjoy a day at leisure until the late afternoon when we will meet for a farewell dinner. The place chosen is a very traditional place known as a Sociedad Gastronómica. Not fancy, nor particularly refined, it is a members-only private dining club (traditionally own...

Day 7 Our trip ends in San Sebastián

Our trip ends in San Sebastián following breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,749
Price per day$393
Last Updated: 3/23/2020

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

wild costa rica

my wife and i had a most wonderfull 13 days explloring costa rica on this trip if you like an adventure then this is for you only be prepaired for long days and sh...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant

A wonderful two weeks in a wonderful country. The 'wild' in the trip title relates not only to the wildlife, which is the main focus of the trip, but also to the l...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 1 appetiser, 2 lunches and 3 dinners are included. Lunch on day 2 will be a cookery class with a chef from a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Other gastronomic experiences that are included in the itinerary: * Dinner at a well-known restaurant in Bilbao * Pintxos lunch in Logroño and pintxos dinner in San Sebastián * Wine tasting and appetisers in the Rioja region * Dinner at a private dining club in San Sebastián Please note that during the pintxos bar visits, the tour leader will order pintxos for the group, averaging 4 small dishes per person. 1 drink will be included in the first bar. The Basque Country has now become the most important tourist destination in Spain in relation to food. Being a coastal and border region allows for its local dishes to be a mixture of sea and mountain cultures with modern top-quality cooking. This trend emerged over the last decades with the appearance of the so-called Basque Nouvelle Cuisine. The good food is the centre of any social occasion and is a reflection of the character of the Basque people, a people devoted to tradition and cooking. Please note meal times in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 20:00hrs and 21.30hrs. *GLOSSARY* The Basque country had its own language called Euskara which is one of the most unusual and difficult languages in the world. *A few useful words for your food adventure:* *Zurito - a tiny beer * *Txotx - toothpick (pronounced chotch) * While this word literally means toothpick, it is also said when you tip the cider out of the barrel to announce to everyone that the barrel is open and they should fill their glasses.  *Pintxos – Basque-style tapas (pronounced peen-chos) * While this word literally means toothpick food, it is the Basque word for tapas. the main difference between pintxos and tapas is that pintxos uses toothpicks to avoid the food top from falling off the bread-slice bottom. *Txakoli - Basque sparkling wine (pronounced chakoli) * *Poteo *or *txikiteo (pronounced chikiteo)* The Basque tradition of moving from one pintxos bar to another, enjoying different dishes at each bar.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • 6 nights in 3-star hotels
  • Sample a variety of local specialities during the included produce and wine tastings
  • Group normally 5 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 18 yrs
  • Travel by private minibus and taxis
Trip ID
exodus-ABS

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