Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San Sebastian
You land in Bilbao, and we’ll whisk you straight to San Sebastian, about an hour’s drive. Check into a chic hotel by the beach—think sea views and cozy vibes. Tonight, you’re diving into the old town for a pintxos crawl. Your guide will point you to the best spots for bite-sized delights like grilled octopus or foie gras on toast, paired with crisp Txakoli wine. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure dinner, but we’ll give you a map of tried-and-true bars. Sleep well, you’ve got a big week ahead!
Day 2: San Sebastian’s Foodie Heaven
Morning starts with coffee and pastries at a local café, then a guided tour of San Sebastian’s old town. You’ll pop into a market to see where chefs grab their fresh ingredients—think piles of peppers and glistening fish. Lunch is at a traditional cider house just outside town, where you’ll pour tart cider from barrels and dig into cod omelets and juicy steaks. Afternoon’s free to stroll La Concha beach or nap off that meal. Evening brings a private pintxos tour with a local foodie, hitting hidden gems for things like anchovy skewers and creamy croquetas.
Day 3: Bilbao’s Culinary Scene
After breakfast, we drive to Bilbao (about an hour). Check into a modern hotel near the river, then head out for a private cooking class with a local chef. You’ll learn to make Basque classics like marmitako (tuna stew) or piperade, a peppery sauce. Eat your creations for lunch, paired with a local red. Afternoon’s for exploring Bilbao’s Casco Viejo—narrow streets, cool shops, maybe a quick stop for a coffee. Dinner’s at a family-run spot serving hearty Basque dishes, like hake in green sauce.
Day 4: Coastal Drive to Santander
Today’s a scenic road trip to Santander, with stops along the Cantabrian coast. First, visit a fishing village for a quick tour of a fish market—see how the day’s catch becomes dinner. Lunch is at a seaside restaurant, think fresh grilled sardines and a glass of Albariño. In Santander, check into a boutique hotel and take a relaxed walking tour of the city’s waterfront. Dinner’s on your own, but we’ll recommend a spot for local specialties like rabas (fried squid).
Day 5: Train to Barcelona
Hop on a high-speed train to Barcelona (about 5 hours, super comfy). Arrive and settle into a stylish hotel in the Eixample district. Afternoon’s light—just wander around, maybe check out Passeig de Gracia’s fancy shops. Tonight, you’re off on a private tapas tour in the Gothic Quarter. Expect plates of patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and maybe some garlicky shrimp, all washed down with Cava. Your guide’s a local who knows the best holes-in-the-wall.
Day 6: Barcelona’s La Boqueria and More
Morning kicks off with a guided tour of La Boqueria market. Your chef-guide will walk you through stalls piled high with olives, cheeses, and fresh produce, sharing tips on picking the best stuff. You’ll sample a few treats, like manchego or chorizo. Lunch is at a nearby tapas joint, serving up classics like pan con tomate. Afternoon’s free—maybe visit Park Güell or just chill at a café. Dinner’s at a trendy spot in El Born, think creative takes on Catalan dishes like escalivada (roasted veggies).
Day 7: Costa Brava Seafood Adventure
We’re off to the Costa Brava, about 1.5 hours by private van. First stop: a fishing village like Palamós, where you’ll see boats unload the day’s catch. Then, feast at a seaside restaurant known for its suquet, a rich fish stew, paired with local white wine. Afternoon’s for relaxing—lounge on a beach or stroll a coastal path with killer views. Back to Barcelona for the night; dinner’s on your own, but we’ll suggest a spot for something light like a tortilla española.
Day 8: Catalan Cooking and Culture
Today’s about diving deeper into Catalan food. Morning brings a private cooking class in Barcelona, where you’ll whip up dishes like crema catalana or fideuà, a noodle-based paella. Lunch is what you cooked, paired with a local rosé. Afternoon’s for soaking up Barcelona—your guide can take you to the Picasso Museum or suggest a hidden gem like a local bakery. Tonight’s a big farewell dinner at a restaurant with views of the city, serving up a multi-course Catalan menu with wine pairings.
Day 9: Departure
After a leisurely breakfast (maybe some churros with thick hot chocolate), we’ll get you to Barcelona’s airport. If you’ve got an early flight, we’ll pack you a snack box with Spanish goodies like almonds and turrón. Hope you’re leaving stuffed and happy!
What’s Included
8 nights in boutique hotels (4-star, double occupancy)
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 3 dinners (including tapas and pintxos tours)
Private cooking classes in Bilbao and Barcelona
Guided tours of San Sebastian, Bilbao, and La Boqueria market
High-speed train from Santander to Barcelona
Private transfers (comfortable van for coastal drives)
Local bilingual guides
Customization options (e.g., add a wine tasting or extra day in Barcelona)
