4 Night Basque Country Food & Wine Escape

Day 1 - Travel to Spain

Today begins our culinary adventure with Howth Castle Cookery School and Sunway as we travel from Dublin to Bilbao. Upon arrival, we’ll meet our local representative and chef from Howth Castle Cookery School before travelling to our hotel in the centre of Pamplona and our base for the next 4 nights. (transfer time approx 2hrs) Pamplona is a historic city best known for the famous Running of the Bulls, but it also offers far more beneath the surface. Its medieval old town is a delight to explore, with lively streets lined with pintxos bars showcasing the very best of Basque cuisine and regional wines. We will check into our hotel and head straight for a welcome dinner where we can dine together and get to know our fellow and meet our Howth Castle Cookery School professional chef tutor, setting the tone for the delicious days ahead.

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Day 2 - Guided tour to La Rioja Wine Region

Today we set off to discover the beauty and rich culture of La Rioja, one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. Our journey takes us through the heart of this renowned wine-producing area, beginning with visits to the charming towns of Haro and Logroño, both known for their historic churches, traditional architecture, and vineyard-dotted landscapes. We then have the opportunity to taste the region’s produce for ourselves with a visit to a renowned local vineyard. Here, we’ll learn about La Rioja’s centuries-old winemaking traditions, which have shaped its world-famous wines. This visit is followed by a wine tasting accompanied by local snacks, allowing us to savour regional flavours while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding vineyard landscapes. After our time in La Rioja, we will return to Pamplona, where the evening is at leisure. Why not explore the city’s lively pintxos bars and enjoy Pamplona’s vibrant food scene at your own pace?

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Day 3 - Guided tour to San Sebastian

Today’s we’ll discover San Sebastián, often considered the jewel of the Basque Country. Renowned for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture, historic centre, and the sweeping curve of La Concha Bay, this coastal city offers a perfect blend of culture, scenery, and gastronomy. Accompanied by a local guide, we explore key landmarks including the Basilica of Santa María del Coro and Mercado de la Bretxa, gaining insight into the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Our guided walk through the charming old town immerses us in picturesque streets filled with cafés, bars, and local shops. Our final stop at a local bar means we can indulge in pintxos, traditional Basque bites of meat, fish, and vegetables, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary delights. To further immerse ourselves in the region’s culinary culture, a traditional food cooking class awaits. In this hands-on experience, we’ll learn to prepare iconic Basque dishes such as tortilla de bacalao (salted cod omelette), merluza a la vasca (Basque-style hake), or even tarta de queso (Basque cheesecake). Once our creations are ready, we’ll sit down to enjoy them with a glass of local wine, savouring the authentic flavours of the Basque Country. Throughout the day, our accompanying Howth Castle Cookery School professional chef will be on hand to offer tips, assistance, and insights into local ingredients and dishes. We then return to Pamplona for another evening at leisure, with time to soak up the atmosphere of this lively and historic city.

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Day 4 - Guided tour to Bilbao

Let’s discover the vibrant city of Bilbao, where rich history, striking modern architecture, and authentic Basque cuisine come together. We’ll start with a guided tour through Bilbao’s historic old town (Casco Viejo). We’ll wander its charming streets, visit the Santiago Cathedral, and admire the grand Plaza Nueva. We’ll also see the outside of the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum (entrance not included), an architectural icon, and other landmarks like the Puente Zubizuri and Plaza Moyúa. For lunch, we head to the bustling Ribera Market, one of Europe’s largest covered food markets. Here, we have the opportunity to sample traditional Basque dishes such as bacalao a la Vizcaína, txangurro, and piquillos rellenos, complemented by local cheeses, cured meats, and pastries. During our meal, we enjoy a cooking demonstration highlighting the techniques behind some of the region’s most beloved recipes. Throughout the day, our accompanying Howth Cookery School professional chef will be on hand to offer additional insight into traditional Basque cooking techniques and local ingredients. This evening, we return to Pamplona, where our trip concludes with a farewell dinner at a typical local restaurant. Here, we can enjoy classic Basque dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, accompanied by our Howth Castle Cookery School professional chef as we reflect on our culinary journey.

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Day 5 – Return home

This morning, depending on flight times, you will have time at leisure in Pamplona. You may choose to enjoy some last-minute shopping, take a final stroll through the old town, or linger over a relaxed lunch. In the mid-afternoon, we travel to Bilbao Airport for our return flight home, filled with wonderful memories, new cooking techniques, and a deeper appreciation of Basque food and wine.