Northern Spainwith Chef Cody Taylor

Welcome to the vibrant and enchanting Basque Country! Our delicious adventure begins in the picturesque city of Bilbao, where guests are free to arrive at their own pace and settle into our luxurious boutique hotel (4+ stars, of course). Once evening falls, we’ll kick things off in true local fashion with a lively Meet & Greet, Basque Country style.

We’ll rendezvous in the buzzing Plaza Nueva, Bilbao’s beating heart and the perfect place to dive into the local flavor. Known for its buzzing energy, fantastic drinks, and legendary pintxos, the plaza is a beloved gathering spot where locals come together to enjoy life with food, friends, and a bit of revelry. Chefs Cody and Richard Gruica will lead the way, treating you to the first drinks and bites of many more to come.

We kick things off with a hands-on cooking class right in the heart of Bilbao’s famed seafood and meat market. Alongside our local culinary experts, and guided by Chefs Cody and Richard Gruica, you’ll dive into the freshest seasonal ingredients to craft your own savory Basque bites.

Then we hit the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town) for a walking tour, stopping at beloved local establishments to hear the story of the famed salted cod, taste Spain’s beloved turrón, and sample pastries that showcase Bilbao’s sweeter side.

The afternoon brings us to the iconic Guggenheim Museum and its world-famous Puppy sculpture. The evening is yours to enjoy.

We take the scenic coastal road to Mutriku, ancestral home of the Basque sport of Jai Alai, for a special exhibition match right on the court.

Next, Txakoli wine country and a private tasting at Gaintza Txakolindegia. Then it’s off to Getaria and Elkano, the Michelin-starred, family-run restaurant that has perfected grilling whole turbot over open flame, ranked #24 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025.

We wrap the day in San Sebastián, with the evening free for pintxo bars or a sunset beach stroll.

A leisurely morning in San Sebastián, then a New Year’s Eve pintxo crawl through the old town led by our insider, Noemi.

In the evening we head to Ikaitz, an intimate, Michelin-recommended restaurant in the Gros neighborhood run by a husband-and-wife team. We’ll savor a special dinner together and embrace the Spanish custom of eating 12 grapes at midnight. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

A whimsical detour to the medieval town of Tolosa and its Puppet Museum, then lunch at the legendary Casa Julián for the iconic Txuleta, grilled over a traditional Basque flame.

Next, the green hills of Idiazábal for a cheese tasting at a rustic local farm, before checking into a boutique hotel along the river in a storybook Rioja village.

We begin in Haro, capital of Rioja Alta, with a private tour and tasting at the family-owned Bodegas Muga, home to one of the only in-house barrel-making cooperages left in Spain.

Lunch is a multi-course, family-style feast at Asador Jose Mari. The day ends with a multi-sensory wine immersion: candlelight, classical guitar and a pairing designed to awaken every sense.

A leisurely morning, then a scenic drive back to Bilbao for our farewell lunch high above the city at Restaurant Kate Zaharra: wine-cellar welcome, a refined multi-course lunch, and dessert and coffee with panoramic views of Bilbao.

Check out and depart at your leisure for Bilbao Airport.