Home > Travel Planning > 10-Day Basque Country Itinerary
The best 10-day Basque Country itinerary is a one-way route from Biarritz to Bilbao: four nights in Biarritz and the French Basque Country, three nights in San Sebastian, and two nights in Bilbao. My team and I plan it as a private, tailor-made trip, book your hotels and drive you in a premium vehicle with an English-speaking local guide, and I coordinate everything personally, so you cross France and Spain without a single logistics decision.
What makes this different: one local plans the route, books your hotels and handles the reservations across both countries, so you deal with one person from your first email to your flight home.
Updated October 2026
Who I Am and Why This Itinerary
I am Etienne Lecuivre, founder of The Basque Way, a private guiding and travel planning company based in Biarritz. I grew up here and I design every trip myself. We are a team of local guides and drivers, and I coordinate every day personally so that everything runs smoothly for you. Most American travelers who write to me want the same thing: a local who knows the villages, the restaurants and the wineries, and who handles the hotels, the driving and the timing. This 10-day route is the plan I recommend most often. It is a starting point. We adjust it to your dates, your pace and your tastes.
10 Days at a Glance
- Days 1 to 4: Biarritz, Guethary, Bidart, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the inland villages of the French Basque Country - Days 5 to 7: Irouleguy wines, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, then San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Pasaia - Days 8 to 10: Getaria, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Gernika and Bilbao, with a departure from Bilbao airport - Transport: private vehicle with driver-guide for the whole trip, up to 8 guests - Hotels: selected and booked for you, 4 nights Biarritz, 3 nights San Sebastian, 2 nights Bilbao - Best for: couples, families, small groups, food and wine lovers, first-time visitors to Europe's Basque coast
Is 10 Days the Right Length for the Basque Country?
Ten days lets you see both sides of the border without rushing. Seven days is enough for a first visit and is covered on my 7-day Basque Country itinerary page. With ten days you can add a full day in the Pyrenean foothills, a slower week in San Sebastian, and a real day in Bilbao instead of a quick stop. If you have fewer days, tell me and I will shorten the plan.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Basque Country?
- 3 days: Biarritz and San Sebastian, the coast and the food, nothing more. - 5 days: add Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the inland villages, or a stop in Bilbao. - 7 days: a classic first visit to France and Spain without rushing. See my 7-day Basque Country itinerary. - 10 days: this itinerary, with a full day in the wine country and a real stay in Bilbao. - 14 days: the 10 days plus Rioja, Pamplona, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bordeaux.
Not sure how many days you need in the Basque Country? Tell me your dates and I will tell you honestly what fits.
Who This Trip Is For, and Who It Is Not For
This trip suits couples, families and groups of up to 8 who want one local to coordinate hotels, driving and reservations in France and Spain, and food and wine lovers who want time with real producers. It is not the right fit if you want a shared group tour, the lowest price per person, or prefer to drive yourself.
Traveling with 5 to 8 people? One vehicle carries the whole group, and I plan the hotels and the tables for all of you.
The Route: Biarritz to Bilbao, One Way
I build this trip as a one-way route so you never drive back over the same road. You arrive in Biarritz, finish in Bilbao and fly home from there. Driving times are short: about 45 minutes from Biarritz to San Sebastian and about 1 hour from San Sebastian to Bilbao. Flying into Bordeaux is also possible, about 2 hours by road from Biarritz. Airports: Biarritz (BIQ), San Sebastian (EAS), Bilbao (BIO).
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Biarritz
We meet you at the airport, the train station or your hotel and drive you to your accommodation in Biarritz. After you settle in, we take a gentle first walk along the Grande Plage, the lighthouse and the Rocher de la Vierge, then you have dinner at a table I have reserved. Nothing else is planned, so you can recover from the flight.
Day 2: Biarritz, Guethary and Bidart
A morning at Les Halles market, then the coastal road to Guethary and Bidart, two of the most beautiful fishing villages on the French Basque coast. Lunch is local. In the afternoon you can surf, swim, visit the Cite de l'Ocean or simply rest. Free time in the evening.
Day 3: Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Bayonne in the morning: the cathedral, the old streets, Bayonne ham and the chocolate tradition, with hot chocolate at Maison Cazenave. Then Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where Louis XIV was married in 1660 in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. We walk the harbor and the shopping streets, and try a gateau basque.
Day 4: Espelette, Ainhoa, Sare and La Rhune
A day in the Basque countryside: Espelette and its red peppers, the white-and-red village of Ainhoa, and Sare. From Sare you can ride the 1924 cog train up La Rhune, which reaches 905 meters and has views over both coasts. The train runs from spring to early November, so check the date with me when we plan.
Day 5: Irouleguy, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the Road to San Sebastian
A morning among the Irouleguy vineyards, the only wine appellation of the French Basque Country, with a tasting. Then Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the historic starting point of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. In the afternoon we cross the border and drive to San Sebastian. If you prefer a lighter day, we skip the wineries and go straight to the coast.
Day 6: San Sebastian
A full day in San Sebastian: the La Bretxa market, the Old Town, Monte Urgull and the bay. We eat pintxos in the bars of the Parte Vieja, and if you like cooking I can arrange a class. For restaurants such as Arzak or Akelarre, book weeks ahead. I handle the requests for you.
Day 7: Hondarribia and Pasaia
Hondarribia, a walled town on the Bidasoa river facing France, with its colorful fishermen's quarter. Then Pasaia, a narrow harbor village that you cross by boat. Lunch by the water. Back in San Sebastian for the evening.
Day 8: Getaria, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika, Then Bilbao
We leave San Sebastian and follow the Basque coast. Getaria is known for its grilled fish and its txakoli white wine. Then San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a hermitage on a small island reached by 241 steps. Access requires a timed reservation, which is free, and I handle it for you. We continue to Bermeo and Gernika, then to Bilbao, where you check into your hotel.
Day 9: Bilbao, or a Day in Rioja Alavesa
Bilbao option: the Guggenheim Museum, the Casco Viejo, the Ribera market and a long lunch. For a special dinner, Nerua is one possibility. Wine option: Rioja Alavesa, about 75 minutes each way from Bilbao, with Laguardia and a visit to the Marques de Riscal winery. You choose when we plan the trip.
Day 10: Departure from Bilbao
I take you to Bilbao airport (BIO) or to the station for your onward journey. If your flight is late, we add a final morning in the city.
Private Transfers Between Biarritz, San Sebastian, Bilbao and Bordeaux
I organize private transfers with a driver-guide between all the main Basque destinations, in a Mercedes Vito for up to 8 guests or an Audi Q5 for up to 4. A transfer can be a direct ride or a scenic route along the coast with stops, and I recommend the scenic route.
Approximate driving times without traffic:
- Biarritz to San Sebastian: about 45 minutes
- San Sebastian to Bilbao: about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Biarritz to Bilbao: about 1 hour 45 minutes
- Bordeaux to Biarritz: about 2 hours
Transfer stops I often suggest: Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Pasaia, Hondarribia, Getaria and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Airport pick-ups: Biarritz (BIQ), Bordeaux (BOD) and Bilbao (BIO), with drop-off at any hotel or address you choose.
Transfers are quoted per vehicle, not per person, in writing. Groups of more than 8 guests travel in two vehicles.
Private Sightseeing Tours From Biarritz, San Sebastian and Bilbao
Every tour is private, with an English-speaking driver-guide, and built around your pace. Half-day and full-day tours I plan most often:
- From Biarritz: Biarritz and Bayonne, Espelette, Ainhoa and Sare, La Rhune, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Irouleguy vineyards
- From San Sebastian: the Old Town and Monte Urgull, Hondarribia and Pasaia, Getaria
- From Bilbao: the Guggenheim and the Casco Viejo, Gernika and Bermeo, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Wine days: Irouleguy in the French Basque Country, Rioja Alavesa in Spain
Every tour is a tailor-made service: contact us with your profile and your request, and we reply with a proposal made for you.
Make It Yours
Every trip is private and bespoke: the Biarritz to Bilbao route above is my base, and we change it to fit your dates, pace and tastes. This itinerary is a base, not a package. Here is how I usually adapt it.
- Slow pace: fewer stops per day, longer lunches, more free time
- Food and wine: more tastings, a cooking class, a wine day in Irouleguy or Rioja Alavesa
- Families: shorter drives, beach time, activities for children
- Active travelers: coastal walks, surf lessons, a hike in the foothills of the Pyrenees
- Extensions: Bordeaux, Rioja, Pamplona or Vitoria-Gasteiz before or after the 10 days
How It Works
1. You send me your dates, the number of travelers, your profile and what you like.
2. I send you a proposed itinerary and a written quote.
3. We adjust it together until it fits, and I book the hotels and the restaurants.
4. We meet you on arrival and my team is with you on the road, while I coordinate every day so that everything runs smoothly.
Travel Planning in the Basque Country: How We Help
We help you plan the whole trip. Based on your profile, we advise how many days to spend in each city, in Biarritz, San Sebastian, Bilbao or Rioja, and we recommend tailor-made experiences that fit your tastes. Your trip mixes days when we guide you and free days when you are on your own, so you keep your freedom. Each trip is a tailor-made service, so prices depend on your request. Contact us with your dates, your group and what you love, and we come back to you with a proposal made for you.
What I Handle That Most Itineraries Leave to You
- Hotel selection and booking in Biarritz, San Sebastian and Bilbao
- Timed reservations, such as the free Gaztelugatxe access slot
- Restaurant requests for the tables that fill weeks ahead
- One coordinator for the whole trip, before and during your stay
Where to Stay
I select hotels according to your budget and the style of trip you want, and I book them for you. Here are the places I work with in each base. I tell you which one fits your trip, and I contact the hotel for you. When it is possible, I ask for a welcome gesture or an upgrade.
Where to Stay in Biarritz
- Hôtel du Palais: the former imperial residence on the ocean
- Château de Brindos: a quiet property by a lake, just outside Biarritz
- Talaia Hotel & Spa: a modern hotel with a spa
- Hôtel Le Garage: a stylish design hotel
- Hôtel de Silhouette: a charming hotel with a garden, good value
- Alfred Hotels Les Halles: near the market and the restaurants
Where to Stay in San Sebastian
- Hotel María Cristina: the classic grand hotel
- Nobu Hotel San Sebastián: modern luxury with sea views
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: on La Concha beach
- Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín: a former 1887 convent with a rooftop pool
- Hotel Arbaso and Hotel Villa Favorita: discreet, refined, very few rooms at the Villa Favorita
- Zenit San Sebastián and Hotel Arrizul Catedral: good value
Hotels in San Sebastian cost more than in Bilbao or Biarritz, especially in high season, so book early.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
- The Artist Grand Hotel of Art and Hotel Carlton Bilbao: the iconic choices
- Hotel Tayko and Hotel Miró: boutique hotels with character
- NYX Hotel Bilbao and Ilunion Bilbao: solid comfort at fair prices
Where to Stay in Rioja Alavesa (wine option)
- Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, designed by Frank Gehry
- Eguren Ugarte Wine & Spa Resort
- Hospedería de los Parajes in Laguardia, inside the medieval walls
You pay the hotel directly at the rates available for your dates.
Where to Eat on This Itinerary
Biarritz
- La Table d'Aurélien Largeau: modern cooking with local products - Freya: creative vegetarian cooking - Chez Albert: fresh seafood at the fishermen's port - Aiete: traditional Basque cooking with seasonal products - Hernani: a Basque cider house with long shared tables - BAF Cheese Bar: Basque cheeses paired with wine
San Sebastian
- Akelarre and Arzak: the three-Michelin-star tables, to book weeks ahead
- Bodegón Alejandro and Casa Urola: traditional Basque cooking
- Pintxos in the Old Town: Gandarias, La Viña (famous for its Basque cheesecake), Txakolina, El Tamboril
Hondarribia and Pasaia
- Casa Cámara in Pasaia: very fresh fish and seafood by the water
- Gran Sol and Marisquería Urdín in Hondarribia: classic seafood
Bilbao
- Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao and Restaurante Mina: Michelin-starred Basque cooking
- La Viña del Ensanche and Café Iruña: traditional Basque cooking
- Pintxos at El Globo, Gure Toki and Costelo
Rioja Alavesa
- Amelibia in Laguardia, and Allegar in Briones (Michelin-starred)
I book the tables for you, including the ones that fill weeks ahead.
What Is Included and What Is Not
Included in private tours:
- Premium private transportation
- Local English-speaking guide
- Parking and toll fees
- Tailor-made itinerary
- Pick-up and drop-off at the location of your choice
- Local insider recommendations
Not included:
- Restaurant and personal expenses
- Flights
- Hotels, unless we agree on a packaged quote
Travel planning is part of a tailor-made service: tell me about your profile and your request, and I come back to you with a proposal made for you.
Pricing
Prices are per vehicle, for up to 8 guests, not per person. You receive a written quote before anything is booked. Private tours start from €550 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and from €950 for a full day (up to 8 hours). Multi-day programs, transfers and extras such as wine tastings are quoted in writing, usually within 24 hours. The final price depends on the number of days, the vehicle, the distances and the services you choose. All prices are linked to a tailor-made service: contact us with your profile and your request, so that we can come back to you with a proposal made for you.
A Fully Arranged Private Trip: What Is Handled for You
Looking for an all-inclusive Basque Country tour? Here is what it means with us. For a private multi-day trip, we handle the private transport, the English-speaking guide, parking and tolls, the tailor-made itinerary, the selection and booking of your hotels, and the restaurant and timed reservations. Hotels are usually paid directly, at the rates for your dates. If you prefer one price for everything, we can quote the whole trip in writing: hotels, private transport and guides. Tell us what you want covered and we reply with a tailor-made proposal.
Best Time to Visit the Basque Country
My favorite periods are April to June and September to October. Summers are lively and warm, with more crowds in Biarritz and San Sebastian. Spring and early autumn offer mild weather, quieter streets and good availability. Winters are mild and wet, and some activities close. If you are planning for 2027, I recommend writing as early as possible, especially for spring and autumn.
Practical Information for American Travelers
- Passport: required. US citizens can currently travel to France and Spain for up to 90 days without a visa.
- ETIAS: the European travel authorization is not yet in operation and I have not seen a confirmed start date. Check the official site, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, and avoid look-alike sites.
- Airports: Biarritz (BIQ), San Sebastian (EAS), Bilbao (BIO). Bordeaux is an alternative.
- Language: our guides speak English. French, Basque and Spanish are spoken locally.
- Currency: euro.
- Dinner time: restaurants open late in Spain, around 8:30 pm or later.
Why Travelers Book With The Basque Way
- Registered with Atout France (IM064260008)
- Licensed private driver activity (DREAL licence 2025/75/0001425)
- Financial guarantee with Groupama and professional liability insurance with Hiscox
- Based at 8 Boulevard Augusta, 64200 Biarritz
- Phone: +33 7 83 89 67 92
What Travelers Say
Suzy B., Google review, 5 stars, visited in July
★★★★★
"Not so often you come across such an experience that is so special that you hesitate to share it with everyone else, however we will let you all in. Etienne had arranged a 3 day excursion along the Basque coastline starting in Biarritz and ending in San Sebastián. He brought us along the way to the most charming and delightful small villages that we would have never known existed. He brought an amazing amount of history and knowledge along with culinary experiences that far exceeded any expectations. He was a pleasure to work with planning our trip and always was responsive with communication. From castles to beaches we feel we had a truly once in a lifetime journey and are thankful for all the passion and planning he demonstrated. We absolutely recommend Etienne for your trip!"
Robert L., Google review, 5 stars, visited in June
★★★★★
"Our group of four couples had a most enjoyable trip to the Basque region of Spain and southern France, guided by Etienne Lecuivre of The Basque Way. Our excellent experience with him started with our planning our itinerary together. Of all the guiding firms we contacted, Etienne clearly had the best knowledge of the region and command of the English language, which proved to be most helpful the entire trip. Not only did he command English, but he also spoke French, Basque, Spanish, and probably other languages. We asked him to design an itinerary where we could focus on the people, culture, art, history, and food/wine of the region. For our week with Etienne, we spent three nights in Bilbao and four nights in San Sebastian. From there we took walking tours of the cities and excursions to the surrounding cities/villages of the Basque region. Etienne performed in every respect. He provided a comfortable Mercedes van that accommodated us 8 with luggage, he drove us the entire week and guided us in many locations personally. Since he knew of our particular interest in history and culture, he also subcontracted guides in several locations. Cameron guided us in Gernika and Getaria and provided excellent walking tour of the history and culture of the region. In Hondarribia, Marta was excellent. Charles guided us in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne and couldn't have been more informative, positive, and educational. One day we spent in the countryside of the region and Etienne's colleague, Arnaud, guided us there. He has particular insight in the region, is a native of the area, and introduced us to things that most tours would not have covered. He was also excellent and even challenged us to a game of Pala on an outside court in one of the villages. One of the highlights of the week was a preparing our own meal with a local chef Jerôme in Bayonne at L'Appartenance. All in all, we can recommend Etienne and The Basque Way without reservation."
Brian and Gail from Boston, Google review, 5 stars, visited in October
★★★★★
"Etienne and Mikel did an incredible job in helping us get the local experience while touring Basque Country! Their local knowledge and contacts created an amazing experience from a small village restaurant in Biarritz to a vineyard in San Sebastián. He has brand new clean transport vans and excellent safe drivers! He was so thoughtful by even greeting us at the train to make sure we got to our hotel with no issues! I would definitely recommend The Basque Way and Etienne to everyone if you plan to visit!"
Nicole C., Google review, 5 stars, visited in October
★★★★★
"Out of 5 stars I give this tour company a 10! Etienne was very kind and informative in helping me coordinate a tour to Pay Basque to learn about my family's origins. Our tour guide, Mikel, was wonderful! The trip felt curated just for us, he took exceptional care of us, picked us up in a Mercedes van, and we were comfortable the entire time. No matter what your reason is for visiting Pay Basque, this tour company is exceptional and I highly recommend. I am taking back knowledge and memories that were worth every penny and then some. Merci Basque Way!"
James M., Google review, 5 stars, visited in April
★★★★★
"We just had a 3 day tour of Basque Country with Etienne, and it was the best part of our entire 3 week holiday. Etienne was knowledgeable, professional, fun and engaging - we saw and learned so much, and were sorry to come to the end. I highly recommend him and his team. We feel as if we made a good friend in Biarritz!"
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in the Basque Country?
Seven days cover the main highlights. Ten days let you see the French and Spanish sides without rushing, with time for the villages, the wine country, San Sebastian and Bilbao.
Is Biarritz or San Sebastian better to stay in?
Both are worth it. Biarritz is a good base for the French coast and the villages. San Sebastian is the food capital. In 10 days I recommend staying in both, and ending in Bilbao.
Can I see Biarritz, San Sebastian and Bilbao in 10 days?
Yes. I plan four nights in Biarritz, three in San Sebastian and two in Bilbao, with short drives between them. The route is one way, so you finish in Bilbao and fly home from there.
How many days do you need in Bilbao and San Sebastian?
Three nights in San Sebastian and two in Bilbao cover the main sights and the food. In my 10-day plan, day 9 can become a wine day in Rioja Alavesa instead of a second day in Bilbao.
Do you offer private premium tours of the Basque Country?
Yes. Every trip is private and tailor-made, in a premium vehicle, with hotels and restaurants chosen for your budget and taste.
Do you offer luxury private tours of the Basque Country?
Yes. Every trip is private and tailor-made, with an English-speaking guide, a premium vehicle and hotels chosen for your taste and budget, such as Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz and Hotel María Cristina in San Sebastian.
Is the trip all-inclusive?
Private transport, the guide, parking, tolls and the tailor-made itinerary are included. Hotels and meals are usually paid directly, or we quote the whole trip in one price on request. Tell us what you want covered and we reply with a written proposal.
Can you plan a trip for an anniversary, a honeymoon or a multigenerational family?
Yes. We plan trips for couples celebrating an occasion, families of several generations and groups of friends, with the pace, the hotels and the tables chosen for the occasion.
Can the trip start in Bordeaux?
Yes. Bordeaux airport is about 2 hours from Biarritz by road, and we pick you up there.
Can you book the hotels for us?
Yes. We help with the travel planning: I select hotels according to your budget and your profile, and I book them for you. You pay the hotel at the rates for your dates. Contact us with your dates and your request, and we come back to you with a tailor-made proposal.
Do I need a car?
No. Our team drives you in a private premium vehicle with an English-speaking guide, so you do not drive, park or look for toll booths.
How much does a private tour cost?
Private tours start from €550 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and from €950 for a full day (up to 8 hours). Prices are per vehicle for up to 8 guests, not per person. I send a written quote after you tell me your dates and what you want to do.
Can I cross from France to Spain in the same trip?
Yes. It is one region with two sides, and the border is open. Biarritz to San Sebastian takes about 45 minutes by road.
Do you offer shorter or longer trips?
Yes. I also offer a 7-day itinerary, day tours and custom multi-day trips. Tell me how many days you have.
When should I book for 2027?
As early as possible for April, May, September and October, because hotels and restaurants fill up first.
Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe worth the visit?
Yes, if you like walking and views. There are 241 steps, and access requires a free timed reservation, which I make for you.
Can you plan food and wine experiences?
Yes. Pintxos in San Sebastian, the Irouleguy vineyards, txakoli in Getaria, Rioja Alavesa and cooking classes can all be part of the trip.
Do you work with cruise passengers or travel advisors?
Yes. I organize private shore excursions from Saint-Jean-de-Luz and work with travel advisors. Write to me with your ship or client details.
Is the trip suitable for seniors or limited mobility?
Yes. I adapt the pace, the stops and the walking. Tell me your needs and I plan around them.
Plan Your 10 Days in the Basque Country
Tell me your dates, how many of you are traveling, and what you love. I will send you a proposed itinerary and a written quote.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Etienne, Founder, The Basque Way, +33 7 83 89 67 92