Northern Spain & Basque vacation
Spain
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Apr 29 - May 7, 2023
I planned this trip through KimKim with Luis of Hidden in Spain. When any friends or family asked me how was it when I returned home, my answer was SPECTACULAR! We were a group of four traveling into Madrid from NYC area, and going up to Basque country and then into the Picos de Europa. Overall, I can't recommend visiting Basque country and Cantabria/Picos de Europa enough, but I want to make special mention to a few of our guides and tours.
- Madrid - E-bike tour was a great way to start our tour of the city. This is a European metropolis so it is hard to see all of it in 1-2 days, but the highlights were great and the guide was very informative. Make sure you also check out the San Miguel Market and get a great plate of tapas to share with your friends.
- Basque country - San Sebastian, Getaria, Guernica, Bilbao (among others!) where to start. The Basque people are very proud of their home and we learned why. The local culture is so rich in history, and we enjoyed learning about it from all of our guides. Here are some standouts:
- Hiking the Camino de Santiago - Our guide Guillermo took us on a great moderate intensity hike along a small portion of the Camino de Santiago leaving from San Sebastian and ending in a small town of San Juan in Pasaia for lunch.
- Pintxos tour - we went on a wonderful tour of some of the best Old Town pintxos stops with Nerea. This was a ton of food (& drink!) & she was very informative of the culture behind pintxos bar hopping.
- Rioja wine tour - wow. I did not know how spectacular this would be. It is worth the trip and it wasn't a boring one with our wonderful guide Andy. Three vineyard stops and a dreamy lunch in the actual vineyard, next to the river.
- Road trip between San Sebastian and Bilbao - Our guide Gorka was super fun to travel this coast with. He taught us a lot of the centuries of history,. Getaria, Guernica, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe were all stops, and we got to Bilbao in time for our tour of the Bilbao Guggenheim. Bilbao is a fabulous walkable city worth the quick stop on our trip.
- Picos de Europa National Park - probably the biggest highlight of the trip! If you are hikers (or climbers!) don't miss this. The fabulous Hotel de Oso is a perfect paradise in the valley to enjoy time in this area. We hiked around with guide Javi and enjoyed "mountain therapy" with life changing views. The restaurant at this hotel is Michelin rated and we would eat here multiple meals in a row if given the opportunity.
- Return to Madrid - Tapas tour with Theo was amazing. We loved exploring Malasana neighborhood after the tour.
Can't recommend Luis with Hidden in Spain enough - KimKim hit it out of the park once again.
Hotel Reviews
Great location in the city center near Plaza Mayor. We did not need a taxi to explore.
This hotel was phenomenal, definitely the most luxurious/nicest amenities. We loved spending time on the rooftop terrace with a pool and plenty of seating. Wonderful location, walkable to the beach, the old town, and our local hiking. Absolutely fantastic daily breakfast!
This hotel was a great location for our short stay.
Our favorite hotel of the trip by far. The charm, quiet and peace of the neighboring river, and the staff were just wonderful. It helps that they have a Michelin reviewed restaurant on site-do not miss eating here.
Activity Review
Arzak was truly lovely. Three star food, atmosphere, experience - the whole package. Does not feel stuffy, or rushed. Easy to relax and truly enjoy a once in a lifetime meal here. Eskerrik asko to the whole staff.
You visited some of my favorites places in Spain though my not to miss and place to be ALWAYS is the Hotel del Oso where I go twice a year, at least. We book 1 year in advance to be able to be the whole family together and we love it!!! The food is so... Read more