Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport and take a short taxi ride to your hotel in the historic center. Drop off luggage and enjoy a leisurely coffee while strolling along the Río Nervión banks.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum to admire its contemporary art collection and striking architecture. Afterwards, wander through the charming Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its narrow streets, pintxos bars, and the bustling Plaza Nueva.
Evening: Savor your first Basque dinner at the renowned Azurmendi (just outside Bilbao) for a memorable tasting menu experience.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a comfortable Euskotren train to San Sebastián (≈1 hour). Check in to your seaside hotel and soak in the views of La Concha Bay.
Afternoon: Take a relaxed walk along the promenade, pausing at the elegant Miramar Palace gardens. Enjoy a light lunch of fresh seafood at a beachfront chiringuito.
Evening: Dive into the vibrant pintxos scene in the Old Town (Parte Vieja), hopping between bars such as Bar Nestor and Ganbara for a tasting adventure.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride the historic funicular to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Biscay. Snap photos from the vintage amusement park at the summit.
Afternoon: Return to the beach for some sunbathing or a surf lesson at Zurriola Beach. Grab a casual lunch at La Viña, famous for its cheesecake.
Evening: Treat yourself to a world‑class tasting menu at the three‑Michelin‑star restaurant Arzak, celebrated for its avant‑garde Basque cuisine.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short bus ride to the coastal fishing village of Getaria. Explore the maritime museum and the picturesque harbor.
Afternoon: Visit a local txakoli winery for a guided tasting of the crisp white wine, paired with traditional anchovies.
Evening: Return to San Sebastián for dinner at the iconic two‑Michelin‑star restaurant Mugaritz, where creativity meets nature on the plate.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the lively stalls of Mercado de la Bretxa**, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and jamón ibérico.
Afternoon: Participate in a hands‑on cooking workshop where a local chef teaches you to prepare classic pintxos and a traditional Basque dessert.
Evening: Dine at the stylish Kokotxa, enjoying contemporary dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients from the market.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike up Monte Urgull to the historic Castillo de la Mota for sweeping city vistas and a moment of reflection.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bar Txepetxa, famous for its anchovy pintxos, before heading back to your hotel to collect luggage.
Evening: End the trip with an unforgettable farewell dinner at the three‑Michelin‑star restaurant Akelarre, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Transfer to San Sebastián Airport for your flight back to London.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider extending your stay to explore the nearby wine region of Rioja Alavesa or the scenic coastal towns of Hondarribia and Zarautz. Conversely, to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by skipping the Getaria trip and focusing on a longer market‑and‑workshop experience in San Sebastián, still enjoying the top restaurants.