Activity Overview:
The Basque Country is renowned for its distinctive cuisine that combines rustic tradition with avant-garde innovation. Famous for pintxos (Basque tapas), fresh seafood, Idiazabal cheese, and txakoli wine, this gastronomic experience includes visits to local markets, pintxos bars, traditional farms, and acclaimed restaurants, paired with tastings and cooking classes.
What’s Included:
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Guided tours of local markets such as Mercado de la Ribera in Bilbao and San Sebastián’s La Bretxa
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Tastings of signature dishes like pintxos, bacalao (salted cod), marmitako (tuna stew), and Idiazabal cheese
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Visits to txakoli wineries for wine tastings
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Cooking classes focused on Basque recipes
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Insight into Basque culinary culture and history
What’s Not Included:
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Transport to and within the Basque Country unless specified
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Personal meals beyond guided tastings and classes
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Accommodation unless included
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Additional purchases outside tastings and classes
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Travel insurance and personal expenses
Suggested 3-Day Basque Country Gastronomy Experience
🍢 Perfect for food lovers eager to experience the best of Basque culinary traditions
🧀 Day 1 – Markets and Pintxos in Bilbao
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Tour of Mercado de la Ribera with sampling of fresh local products
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Visit to pintxos bars for tastings of classic and modern pintxos
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Dinner at a traditional Basque restaurant featuring dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína
🍷 Day 2 – Wine and Cooking Class
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Visit to a txakoli winery for tasting and tour
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Afternoon cooking class preparing dishes such as marmitako and Basque cheesecake (tarta de queso)
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Dinner enjoying your homemade meal paired with local wine
🐟 Day 3 – Seafood and Coastal Flavors
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Explore coastal towns like Getaria or San Sebastián
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Seafood tasting featuring grilled fish, seafood stews, and shellfish
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Farewell dinner highlighting Basque culinary excellence
Additional Notes:
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Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for food festivals and mild weather
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Transport: Car rental or public transport recommended for regional access
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Group Size: Small groups or private tours preferred for a personalized experience
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Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and other preferences accommodated on request
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Local Tip: Don’t miss pairing pintxos with a glass of chilled txakoli wine for an authentic Basque experience