• Thursday 14 August 2025

Basque-ing in the Beauty: A Fabulous FAM Trip through Northern Spain

"I recently had the absolute pleasure of joining a Familirisation Trip to the Basque Country in Spain. A place that somehow manages to pack wine, waves, culture, and caves into one unforgettable adventure. With a great group of travel professionals and the incredible guidance of Ana Rodriguez, our tour guide extraordinaire, we got to explore this stunning corner of Spain from all the right angles.

A huge thank you to Kathryn MacDonnell, Spanish Tourist Board, and Hugh Bruton, Brittany Ferries, for putting together such a well-curated experience. Every detail was taken care of, from wine tastings in medieval villages to surf schools on the coast- and everything in between!

Our adventure kicked off with a scenic drive from Bilbao to the enchanting region of Rioja Alavesa, home to world-class wines and picturesque villages. We arrived in Laguardia, a fairytale hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and medieval walls. The cobbled streets, underground wine cellars, and panoramic views over the vineyards are straight out of a storybook. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

Our first stop was the Villa Lucía Wine Museum, and what a welcome it was. We began with their immersive 4D experience ‘En Tierra de Sueños’, a fun, sensory way to dive into the world of Rioja winemaking. But the real highlight came afterward: a guided wine tasting that wasn’t just delicious, it was educational too. We learnt the art of tasting wine properly, starting with how to hold the glass by the stem (not the bowl) to avoid warming the wine with your hand. We examined the colour against a white background to get clues about the wine’s age, clarity, and grape variety. Then we tilted the glass to spot the ‘legs’, those little droplets that form on the inside of the glass which give you an idea of the alcohol and sugar content.

We swirled, sniffed, sipped and probably should have spat but they were all too delicious! It was a brilliant introduction, especially for those of us who enjoy wine but don’t always know what we’re doing when handed a tasting glass!

Of course, it all ended with some perfectly paired pintxos- savoury and sweet bites that complemented each wine beautifully.

The next morning brought us to Bodega Lozano, a standout experience in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. What’s so special about this winery? It’s the warm blend of tradition and innovation. Family-run and proudly local, we received a warm welcome from Maialen. We toured the vineyards, got a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, and enjoyed a guided tasting of their signature wines. It’s easy to see why it’s a hit with both wine lovers and families. There’s something for everyone, including children, and the setting is breathtaking.

We made our way through Vitoria-Gasteiz, a charming city known for its green spaces and culture, where we lunched like royalty at Olarizu Restaurant, learned about the wetlands at the Ataria Interpretation Centre, and got a dose of modern art at the Artium Museum. The evening wrapped up perfectly with dinner and a stay at Hotel Jardines de Uleta. 

The following morning, we headed to the town of Oñati, where things got a little adventurous...

Arrikrutz Caves were nothing short of mind-blowing. Picture this: over four kilometres of underground passages filled with ancient stalactites, dramatic rock formations, and the quiet magic of nature doing its thing over millennia. We explored the caves with a guide who brought the geology and history to life.

Next stop was Quesería Ondarre, a traditional Basque cheese farm. There’s something grounding about learning directly from a local shepherd. From sheep grazing in the hills to the creamy finished product, it’s a beautiful celebration of slow, sustainable food. And yes, we tasted some delicious Idiazabal cheese. 

Lunch at Sidreria Petritegi was everything you’d hope for from a cider house: hearty food, the txotx tradition, and a fantastic atmosphere.

On then to San Sebastián (Donostia), what a dream. This seaside stunner is all elegance and charm, with its Belle Époque architecture, lush hills, and golden beaches. We visited the Aquarium, which is not just for kids. It’s a well-designed, informative space with a glass tunnel that makes you feel like you’re walking underwater.

Dinner at Topa Sukalderia wrapped up the day with bold flavours and Basque-Latin fusion in a buzzy, stylish setting. We stayed at Zinema 7, a hotel themed around cinema, fun and stylish.

Our journey continued the next day to Zarautz, a buzzy beach town known for its long sandy shoreline and laid-back vibe. It’s a total win for families or anyone craving a blend of sun, sea, and good food.

We stopped at Talaiberri Txakolina, a small family-run winery on the sunny slopes of Mount Talai Mendi. Their txakoli (a lightly sparkling Basque white wine) is refreshing, crisp, and full of character, just like the people who make it. They walked us through their process, from vine to glass, and gave us a true taste of Basque hospitality.

Then it was time to hit the beach. At Moor Surf Eskola, we got a demo of how they teach surfing to all ages and skill levels. With Zarautz beach as the backdrop, it’s easy to see why this is a top pick for active holidays. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer, the school’s got you covered. Plus, the instructors were warm, passionate, and clearly love what they do.

After soaking up the sea air, we returned to Bilbao for a whirlwind tour of its highlights. After lunch at Larruz, we hopped aboard a Bilboats river cruise, which gave us a unique view of the city from the river. It’s a great way to appreciate Bilbao’s transformation, from industrial hub to sleek cultural capital. For football fans, you get a great view of Estadio de San Mames, the home of Athletico Bilbao.

No visit to Bilbao is complete without stopping at the Guggenheim Museum, and wow, it lives up to the hype. Designed by architect, Frank Gehry, the building itself is a masterpiece, and the exhibitions inside blend contemporary art with big ideas. As a lover of modern art, it was wonderful to see works by Warhol, Gilbert and George and Roy Lichtenstein. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the Guggenheim is an experience in itself.

Dinner at Bistro Guggenheim was stylish and delicious, and after a couple of cocktails outside a very buzzy bar, we spent the night at Libere Bilbao Ledesma.

After breakfast at a local café, we headed to the Port of Bilbao.

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t possibly top itself, we boarded the Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca for our return to Rosslare. Let me tell you, this isn’t just a ferry. It’s more like a mini cruise, and the perfect way to ease out of travel mode.

With comfy cabins, great food, and space to relax, the crossing turned into its own kind of treat. We had time to sit back, sip a drink, and reflect on the whirlwind of amazing experiences. Watching the sea roll by while chatting about our favourite parts of the trip was a fitting finale to an unforgettable week.

The Basque Country surprised me at every turn. It’s the kind of destination that blends culture, adventure, family fun, and fine dining without ever feeling touristy or crowded. If you’re looking for something a bit different, a bit off the beaten track (but still totally accessible), this part of Spain should be at the top of your list.

Once again, a huge thank you to Kathryn MacDonnell and Hugh Bruton for such a brilliant trip. I came back with new (very funny) friends, a full stomach, and a deep appreciation for this magical corner of the world." -Clare

To start planning your own wonderful trip to the Basque country, please get in touch with our team. Clare's in our West Cork Travel branch in Bantry [bantry@shandontravel.ie] and is happy to answer any questions you may have.

West Cork Travel Bantry: bantry@shandontravel.ie or (027) 50341

West Cork Travel Clonakilty: clonakilty@shandontravel.ie or (023) 8833220

Shandon Travel, Cork City: info@shandontravel.ie, 021 4277094 or 01 6965135