Basque Country Food & Wine Culinary Holiday
This Escorted Tour offers a unique opportunity for food lovers to immerse themselves in the flavours of Northern Spain. Our Basque Country culinary holiday is a carefully organised 5-day journey that combines expert cultural tours with authentic gastronomic experiences. Led by professional chef tutors from the renowned Howth Castle Cookery School, this trip is designed for those who want to do more than just see a destination—they want to taste it. Before you even leave Ireland, your adventure begins with an inclusive pre-tour cookery class at Howth Castle, allowing you to meet your fellow travellers and learn basic techniques that will be built upon during the trip.
Once in Spain, your base is the historic and lively city of Pamplona. Known worldwide for its festivals, Pamplona also boasts a rich food scene and a beautiful medieval old town. From here, you will embark on daily guided excursions to the region’s most iconic locations. You will explore the La Rioja wine region, visiting traditional towns like Haro and Logroño and enjoying a private vineyard tasting. You will also visit San Sebastián, often called the jewel of the coast, where you will take part in a hands-on cooking class to master dishes like salted cod omelette and Basque cheesecake. The tour also includes a visit to Bilbao, where modern architecture meets ancient culinary traditions at the Ribera Market.
Throughout this Basque Country culinary holiday, you will be accompanied by a professional chef who will provide insights into local ingredients and help you elevate your own cooking skills. The itinerary is a perfect balance of organised group activities and time at leisure, ensuring you can explore the local pintxos bars and markets at your own pace. With 4-star accommodation, return flights, and several traditional meals included, this holiday offers great value for those seeking a factual, flavour-filled, and friendly travel experience in one of the world’s most celebrated food regions.
Do I need advanced cooking skills for this tour?
What type of accommodation is provided?
Is luggage included in the price?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin to Bilbao
- 10kg checked-in luggage
- Return airport transfers and transport throughout the tour
- 4 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4-star Hotel Maisonnave in Pamplona
- Welcome dinner in a local Pamplona restaurant
- Full-day guided excursion to the La Rioja wine region with vineyard visit and tasting
- Full-day guided trip to San Sebastián including a Basque cooking class and pintxos tasting
- Full-day guided excursion to Bilbao with lunch and cooking demonstration at the Ribera Market
- Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant in Pamplona
- Services of a professional chef tutor from Howth Castle Cookery School throughout
- Pre-tour cookery class at Howth Castle to meet your chef and fellow travellers
Itinerary
1Arrival in Pamplona+
Depart Dublin for Bilbao and meet your local representative and professional chef tutor from Howth Castle Cookery School. Transfer to your 4-star hotel in the centre of Pamplona, your base for the next four nights. After checking in, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers to set the tone for your food and wine journey.
2La Rioja Wine Region Exploration+
Travel to the world-renowned La Rioja wine region. Visit the historic towns of Haro and Logroño, known for their traditional architecture and vineyard landscapes. The highlight is a visit to a local vineyard to learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions, followed by a wine tasting session with regional snacks. The evening is at leisure back in Pamplona.
3San Sebastián and Cooking Class+
Discover the coastal beauty of San Sebastián on this **Basque Country culinary holiday**. Enjoy a guided walk through the old town to see the Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the Mercado de la Bretxa. Sample traditional pintxos at a local bar before a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare iconic dishes such as Basque-style hake or cheesecake, then enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine.
4Bilbao City Tour and Market Lunch+
Visit Bilbao to explore its historic Casco Viejo and view the outside of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Head to the Ribera Market, one of Europe's largest covered food markets, for a lunch featuring traditional dishes like bacalao a la Vizcaína. Watch a live cooking demonstration before returning to Pamplona for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
5Return to Dublin+
Spend a final morning at your leisure in Pamplona for last-minute shopping or a stroll through the medieval streets. In the afternoon, transfer to Bilbao Airport for your return flight home, bringing back new culinary skills and memories of Northern Spain.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Nov 2026 | Twin | €1,499 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: SW
