San Sebastián
Spain's Spectacular Basque Country
July 20 - July 23, 2026
“Everyone who has visited the Basque Country longs to return; it is a blessed land.” – Victor Hugo
Nestled in Spain’s northern coast lies the Basque Country and at its heart San Sebastián, a seaside city where golden beaches meet Belle Époque elegance and world-class cuisine. Known as Spain’s gastronomic capital, it offers Michelin-starred dining, lively pintxo bars, and exclusive gastronomic societies.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
- After arriving at the airport, transfer to our San Sebastián Baroque palace hotel with an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the city.
- Evening welcome cocktail with Bill and Dawn Williamson on the hotel rooftop terrace, accompanied by an array of Basque pintxos.
Day 2 – Basque Culinary Immersion
- Following breakfast at the hotel, visit La Bretxa Market in the Old Town to select fresh ingredients with a local Gastronomic Club host.
- Enter a prestigious Sociedad Gastronómica (members-only culinary club) for a rare Txoko experience.
- Enjoy a guided tasting of three Basque wines: Txakoli and two Rioja Alavesa selections then we feast on our private, chef-prepared lunch celebrating Basque culinary traditions followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure in San Sebastián.
Day 3 – Mountain Villages & Artisan Ham
- Following breakfast at the hotel, we take a scenic drive through the lush valleys south of San Sebastián.to visit a 16th-century farmhouse and artisan pork-producing farm, home to the endangered Basque pig.
- Here we learn about traditional farming and charcuterie production, followed by a five-course farm-to-table feast in the family’s historic dining room.
- We then return to hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 4 – Off to Bordeaux
- Following breakfast at the hotel, we take a scenic 2½-hour transfer to the Bordeaux port. En route, visit an Armagnac producer for a guided tasting paired with pica-pica bites.
- We board our cruise and continue our Bordeaux river adventure.
