The Basque Way arranges private Basque Country tours with an English-speaking local guide and premium transport. Based in Biarritz, Etienne Lecuivre coordinates a team of specialist guides across France and Spain. Choose coastal villages, food and wine, San Sebastian, Bilbao or Rioja, with a tailor-made itinerary for your group and pace.
Staying longer? See my 10-day private Basque Country itinerary.
Signature Itineraries & Inspiration
Basque Coast & Villages
What You’ll Experience :
Beaches, cliffs, fishing villages, ocean views
Exemple route :
Biarritz → Guéthary → Saint-Jean-de-Luz → Hondarribia → San Sebastián
Food & Pintxos Tour |
What You’ll Experience :
Pintxos bars, local markets, hidden restaurants
Exemple route :
San Sebastián Old Town + Txakoli vineyards
Hidden Gems & Mountains |
Private Tour San Sebastián
Pintxos bars, La Concha bay, the Old Town and day trips across the border. San Sebastián with a local who knows every corner.
Private Pyrenees Immersion
Experience a timeless escape at Château de Gère, King Henri IV’s former hunting lodge in the heart of Béarn. In an exclusive partnership, this 14th-century estate offers a stay blending rustic charm with premium service. Enjoy our seamless logistics: private transportation from Basque Country, dedicated concierge support, and bespoke itineraries. A unique historical retreat, curated by your local Basque Country experts.
Pick-up from your hotel, train station, or airport in Biarritz, San Sebastián, Bilbao, or nearby.
Morning exploration — drive through the scenic coastline or picturesque mountain villages.
Local lunch stop — in a traditional restaurant chosen by your guide (no tourist traps).
Afternoon experiences — artisan visits, local producers, tasting of cheese, ham, cider, or wine.
Optional stops — short hike, panoramic viewpoint, or shopping break.
Drop-off anywhere you prefer (your hotel, airport, or next destination.
Unique Advantages of
The Basque Way
Exclusive access to authentic experiences and family-owned places not found online.
Trilingual guidance (EN / FR / ES) to ensure smooth communication and deep connection with locals.
Adapted to all audiences — couples, families, corporate groups, seniors, or VIP travelers.
Flexible scheduling — half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours.
Premium service — luxury van, refreshments, and personalized recommendations.
What private tours does The Basque Way offer in the Basque Country?
The main tours are the French Basque Coast (Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz), the Inland Basque Villages (Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette), a cross-border day trip from San Sebastián into France, a Rioja wine tour, a txakoli and fishing villages tour near Getaria, and a gourmet food and market experience. All tours are fully private and customizable.
Where do the tours depart from?
Tours can start from any hotel, airport or location in the region - Biarritz, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Lourdes or nearby. Cross-border pick-ups are available.
How long are the private tours?
Half-day tours last up to 4 hours. Full-day tours last up to 8 hours. Multi-day programs are quoted in writing.
Are the tours in English?
Yes. Tours are led by Etienne Lecuivre and a team of specialist local guides selected according to the experience. English and French are available; Spanish can be arranged according to guide availability.
How much do the private tours 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). Rates are per vehicle, not per person. Every trip is a tailor-made service, so the final price is confirmed in a written quote after you tell us about your group and your request. Multi-day programs, transfers and extras are quoted in writing.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, entirely. There are no fixed routes or pre-set programs. Every tour is built around the group's interests - whether food, wine, photography, history, hiking or a mix of everything.
Tour Options & Pricing
Half day (up to 4 hours): from €550. Full day (up to 8 hours): from €950. Rates are per vehicle, not per person. Every trip is a tailor-made service, so the final price is confirmed in a written quote after you tell us about your group and your request. Multi-day programs, transfers and extras are quoted in writing.
Mercedes Vito up to 8 guests, Audi Q5 up to 4 guests. Groups of more than 8 guests travel in two vehicles.
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!"
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!"
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!"
