The Perfect 10-Day Basque Country Itinerary by Train
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine in Bordeaux one day and wandering the pintxo
bars of San Sebastián the next, this 10-day Basque Country itinerary is for you.
Traveling entirely by train, this route takes you from Bordeaux, France, through the French and Spanish Basque Country, with unforgettable stops in Biarritz, San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao. Along the way, you’ll find world-class food, incredible wine, dramatic coastlines, charming old towns, and some of the best culinary experiences in Europe.
We completed this itinerary ourselves and found that traveling by train made it easy to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or parking. This guide includes exactly how we did the trip, where we stayed, what we ate, and the experiences we wouldn’t miss if we did it again.
Been there, done that? Check out our Emerald Coast of Nicaragua Travel Guide.
Quick Facts: Basque Country by Train (France & Spain)
Trip Length: 10 days
Itinerary: Bordeaux → Biarritz → San Sebastián → Vitoria-Gasteiz → Bilbao
Transportation: Train, metro, taxi, walking
Best time to visit: May-Sept (Apr. & Oct. for lower prices and less crowds)
Best for: Food lovers, couples, families, history buffs and wine enthusiasts
Budget: Mid-range to luxury
Plan Your Trip to Basque Country
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Day one: Arrive in Bordeaux
Bordeaux isn't technically in Basque Country, but it's a great starting point for your trip.
Start by checking into your hotel for the night, the InterContinental Bordeaux. This hotel is right in town and near the river and is the perfect spot for a quick trip to Bordeaux.
Next, head out for a bike tour of the city. Biking in Bordeaux is an easy way to experience the town. This e-bike tour includes some appetizers and a wine tasting making this the quickest way to enjoy your overnight stop in Bordeaux.
Biking not your thing? I recommend this walking tour around the city and then a stop for lunch (and wine, of course) at La Brasserie Bordelaise. If you're up for it, Bordeaux has an activity for every person in your group. Museums, art, architecture, shopping, wine tasting, etc.
After you're done exploring, snag a glass of wine from Bar à Vin and then head to the Place de la Bourse for sunset. This spot is a favorite among tourists and locals alike and is known for the “water mirror.” When you’re ready to eat, head back to the Intercontinental for dinner at Le Bordeaux. This restaurant specializes in local cuisines and ingredients.
We loved exploring the Cathédrale Saint André (pictured right). It is a stunning piece of Gothic architecture.
Rest up for tomorrow's travel day to Biarritz.
Day two: Arrive in Biarritz
Grab a two-hour train from Bordeaux to Biarritz. If you haven't traveled by train in Europe, you're in for a treat. It's easy, the trains are clean and most have WiFi.
After arriving, check-in to your hotel, the Hotel du Palais. Overlooking the sea in Biarritz, the stunning hotel is the perfect home base.
After you check-in, head to the beach for an easy, relaxing day. The Grand Plage is a stunning beach and worthy of a visit but there are others, depending on what you want to do for the day. If you're feeling adventurous, take some surf lessons.
Head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner at La Table d'Aurélien Largeau, a 1-star Michelin restaurant with a stunning ocean view.
Day three: Explore Biarritz
Today's the day to take in all the sights. Consider doing a bike tour to see the beautiful coast or hopping on a quick walking tour. Make sure to visit the famous Virgin Mary statue at Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin) and see the stunning Sainte-Eugénie Church.
Stop by Les Halles and marvel (& sample) all the fresh produce, meats and cheeses.
Day four: Arrive in San Sebastián
Take the train from Biarritz to San Sebastián. You'll have to switch trains at the border of Spain, but it's easy and quick!
Check into your hotel, Hotel Maria Cristina. This stunning hotel is located in old town and provides a great location for exploring this wonderful city. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay her.
You're going to immediately want to hop on the Pintxos (pronounced like peen-cho) trail. You can either do this amazing guided pintxos and wine tour or this guided pintxos tour that also visits the Mercado de la Brexta. You can also simply wander through the streets on your own and sample all the wonderful Basque-style tapas. While you're wandering, make sure you view the Basilica de Santa María del Coro and the Cathedral del Buen Pastor (pictured left)— they’re simply beautiful.
Day five: Explore San Sebastián
After grabbing breakfast at your hotel, you're going to head out for a guided cider tour. You'll be viewing how cider is made, eating a traditional Basque lunch and tasting the delicious cider that is made in this region. And having the most fun while you do it!
If you’re looking for a mid-day activity, try hiking up Monte Urgull (our 3-year-old completing the hike pictured right) to see the Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) statue.
For dinner, you're heading to Bar Nestor. If you eat at one place in San Sebastián, make it Bar Nestor. Bar Nestor is famous for serving the “holy trinity.” Tomatoes soaked in local olive oil, peppers and the most delicious steak. You should get there at least an hour before they open but be prepared for a long line if you don’t, it's a tiny place. Don't worry, you can sip on wine while you wait. Try and get a piece of their famous Tortilla de Patata, it’s well known in the region and absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for variety, Bar Nestor is NOT your place. They serve these four items only.
For dessert, try to get your hands on the most delicious Basque style cheesecake. La Viña has been serving food for over 65 years in the heart of San Sebastián’s Old Town. Their cheesecake is life changing - I promise it’s worth the wait. Just hope that they aren’t sold out.
Day six: San Sebastián
After breakfast, head to your authentic Spanish cooking class. Learn how to make Paella, Spanish omelette and more.
We’d say a trip to San Sebastián isn’t complete without a day spent soaking up the sun at one of the beaches. San Sebastián has some of the most beautiful beaches in Basque Country. Pick your favorite and enjoy the day. My husband rented a surfboard from Pukas and had so much fun. I just relaxed and enjoyed the people watching.
Pro tip: Stock up on your favorites from the mercado and have a picnic for lunch but save your appetite because, for dinner, you're visiting one of the top restaurants in the region, three-star Michelin restaurant Arzak. (Or have your pick from any of the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastián.)
Day seven: Arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Take the 1 hr 40 min train to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Check into the Nirea Hotel. Then spend the day wandering through the medieval buildings and visiting the numerous art museums.
Make sure you stop and marvel at the Cathedral de Santa María and the Cathedral Maria Inmaculada (pictured right) . For dinner, you're headed to Zaldiaran, a one Michelin star restaurant.
Fun fact: Vitoria-Gasteiz is full of beautiful street art/murals - be sure to check them out while you’re strolling.
Day eight: Explore Rioja
Spend the day exploring the beautiful wine region of Rioja.
On this wine tour, you’ll be picked up in Vitoria and taken to two wineries for tastings - and also some light pintxos. You’ll also get to visit the beautiful village of Laguardia. If you prefer to have a full lunch, you can select this tour option.
For dinner, head to the outstanding Restaurante Ikea (no not that Ikea). This restaurant is known for combining traditional Basque style food with more modern cooking.
There are so many amazing wineries in this region and the architecture is so cool. Like Bodegas Marqués de Riscal and Bodegas Ysios (pictured left).
Day nine: Arrive in Bilbao
Take the train to Bilbao which takes roughly 2.5 hours and requires 1 train change.
Bilbao’s futuristic architecture and lovely riverfront promenade make it a perfect place to end your trip to Basque County.
When you arrive, check into your hotel the Gran Hotel Domine and grab a drink at the beautiful rooftop terrace. Since you're right next door, your first stop should be this guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum to view wonderful works of art. Stop for lunch or a drink at the bistró inside the museum.
For dinner, try the amazing Sugarra restaurant. Sugarra means “flame” in Basque and most of the dishes are flame-grilled. Everything is delicious and they use the freshest ingredients.
Day ten: Say your goodbyes
Grab breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the Bilbao airport to head home…or your next destination.
The Basque region is one of my favorite regions in the world. The food is amazing, the people are friendly and it is such a fun place to vacation!
If you’re leaving Basque Country but don’t want to head home yet, check out my itineraries for France and Italy. Having trouble packing for Europe? See my must have items and packing lists here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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10 days is enough to get a feel for Basque Country. But, if you can swing it, two weeks would be better, especially if you want to see more of the Rioja region.
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Yes! Worried about traveling with kids? Don’t be. We traveled with our 3-year-old and had a blast. You might have to sacrifice some Michelin starred restaurants, but, hey - champagne problems, amiright? As the saying goes, parenting is stressful no matter what, so we might as well be stressed out in Spain.
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As with any travel, you can be very budget conscientious by choosing your hotels carefully, traveling in the off-season and limiting your eating out. However, this area is known for its Michelin star restaurants which are inherently pricey. I would say to experience this exact itinerary is mid-range to luxury depending on the time of year you’re traveling.
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Traveling by train is wonderful but lugging big suitcases everywhere is not. Consider packing light (I know, easier said than done). Check out my packing list and my travel must haves.