As CEO of the Great Rail Journeys family, it was a great privilege to explore the Basque Country recently.
Spain is one of my favourite destinations and I have many happy memories from childhood holidays with family.
Being able to take some of the team to the Basque Country was a great chance to see for ourselves this stunning area of northern Spain famous for its unique culture, rich history, incredible cuisine, castles and stunning coastline.
Our base: Hondarribia
After a relaxing journey by train via Eurostar then direct TGV down to the southern French town of Hendaye, we arrived at our home for the next few days - Hondarribia. This beautiful port and its estuary are situated on the border between France and Spain.
On our tours, we have two different properties in Hondarribia. If you travel on our Classic tour The Beautiful Basque Country, you stay at the fabulous Parador de Hondarribia. This is a restored 10th-century castle with a rich history, ten-feet-thick solid stone walls which show many scars of past battles and stories. Walking around the hotel and seeing up close the Rubens tapestries was an incredible experience.
There is also a magnificent view of the French coastline from the terrace where you can relax or enjoy a drink.
The hotel overlooks the cobblestoned Plaza de Armas, the Old Town's main square and beyond to the Cantabrian Sea. There are a number of incredible restaurants and bars in walking distance.
We stayed at the Hotel Jauregui, which is part of our Discoveries tour The Basque Country. This hotel has a great location in the centre of town and close to the beach. The nearby marina also has a lively but laid-back atmosphere with a great mix of restaurants serving high quality cuisine. The hotel specialises in pintxos (Basque-style tapas) but if you want to explore a little further, I'd recommend walking to the Abarka Jatetxea restaurant.
Discovering the beauty of the Basque Country: A day in Bilbao
Bilbao is the cultural heart of the Basque Country. Famous for the iconic Guggenheim Museum, it's a modern city with a deep-rooted history. As you explore its narrow streets, you're surrounded by a captivating mix of cutting-edge architecture and traditional Basque charm. Sampling the local pintxos with a glass of txakoli, the region's refreshing white wine, is a must.
San Sebastián: A food and wine haven like no other
San Sebastián is another gem of the Basque Country. It's known for its stunning beaches and world-class cuisine. This sophisticated coastal city is a haven for foodies, boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world. As part of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to relax on La Concha Beach or stroll through the charming Old Town (Parte Vieja), where you'll find historical landmarks and boutique shops.
Journeying through Rioja Wine Country
Inland amid the rolling hills is Spain's most famous wine region. Known for its outstanding red wines, Rioja is a must-visit for wine lovers. The vineyards here stretch across the countryside, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the traditional winemaking process.
A highlight of our Classic tour is the visit to the Marqués de Riscal winery, where you can sample some of the finest Rioja wines in a setting that blends the modern with the historic. Designed by architect Frank Gehry - who also created Bilbao's Guggenheim - the winery's avant-garde building stands out amidst the vineyards, creating an architectural masterpiece.
Ascending La Rhune Mountain Railway
One of the most memorable aspects of our Basque Tours is a trip on La Rhune Mountain Railway, a historic rack railway that takes you to the summit of La Rhune mountain. Located on the French-Spanish border in the Pyrenees, this scenic train ride offers panoramic views of both countries. The vintage cogwheel train, dating back to 1924, climbs to about 2,970 feet, giving you a spectacular view of the Atlantic coastline, the lush Basque countryside and the peaks of the Pyrenees.
At the summit, the views are simply breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Bay of Biscay, the endless green valleys of the Basque region, and the distant mountains of France. This unique railway experience provides not just scenic beauty but also a sense of traveling back in time, as you ascend through unspoiled landscapes.
Dave travelled to the Basque Country in October 2024 and sampled a selection of highlights from both our tours.
