SPAIN FOOD&TRAVEL BASQUE COUNTRY

Transcription

1 SPAIN FOOD&TRAVEL BASQUE COUNTRY

2 DAY 1 - BILBAO ARRIVAL BILBAO AIRPORT CHECK IN AT THE HOTEL NH COLLECTION VILLA DE BILBAO Located in the heart of the city, an easy walk from the Guggenheim Museum and footsteps from the Congress Palace.The building is stylish and modern and was completely renovated in 2012, offering uxurious and comfortable guest rooms. GUIDED VISIT TO THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM Being in Bilbao and not visiting the Guggenheim Museum is unthinkable. Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the building is a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking 20th-century architecture, housing a vast exhibition space. BILBAO GUIDED CITY TOUR: ABANDOIBARRA, ENSANCHE AND THE OLD TOWN This city tour will give you an overview of the city. Stroll along the newly renovated riverside that has been splendidly converted into Bilbao s new Art district of which the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is the brilliant flagship. In the old quarter see all major architectonic attractions such as the Azkuna Cultural Centre, the White Bridge and the subway designed by Sir Norman Foster. After the tour, your will be able to understand the successful transformation of the city during the last 20 years, which has become known in Spain as the Bilbao Effect. DAY 2 - SAN SEBASTIAN CHECK IN AT THE HOTEL DE LONDRES Y DE INGLATERRA (2 nights) Hotel Londres, when seen from the La Concha bay in San Sebastián, appears like a transatlantic cruise liner run aground on the beach. Throughout its 100 years this hotel has always combined a romantic character with the most modern installations. It is a 4-star property with

3 a beach front location offering fantastic views. In 2013, the hotel was completely refurbished and a new floor on top has been opened where terraces offer spectacular views of the city and sea. COOKING WORKSHOP GUIDED TOUR SAN SEBASTIAN You won t miss a thing... as our guide will take you to the most important parts of San Sebastian. You will walk through its old town, past temples, museums and the Cathedral in the city centre. Or drive up to Monte Igueldo, to get the most beautiful views of San Sebastian. Followed by a short stop in the Peine de los Vientos, sculpture by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, which is one of the most symbolic places of the city. DINNER: 16 Michelin stars available in the town give you an idea of the dining experience that makes this town the gastronomic heart of Spain. DAY 3 - INLAND VISIT TO ORDIZIA WEEKLY MARKET - GOIERRI REGION Since 1512, the traditional Ordizia market is a meeting place for buyers and sellers of agricultural and farming products from across the region. You will visit the market with a professional local chef and walk through a wide variety of stands selling all types of items. Idiazabal cheese, fruit, vegetables and an endless selection of fresh, top-quality seasonal goods. Visit a traditional Sociedad Gastronómica to learn and cook some pintxos with the market s products. IDIAZABAL CHEESE EXPERIENCE Discover the hidden world of shepherds through the different phases of their work. Firstly, the guide will explain the traditional elaboration of Idiazabal cheese. Later, take part in making the first phase of the Idiazabal cheese: the curd. You will discover the secrets of the elaboration and the reason of authenticity of an Idiazabal cheese. Learn about curd production, and whilst your curd settles, you can share the daily tasks of the shepherd. You will go in the search of the herd, watch the skills of the

4 sheepdog and interact with the herd giving feeding bottles to the lambs. The experience ends with a delightful tasting of cheese. LUNCH IN A TYPICAL BASQUE CIDER HOUSE: OHIARTE, ZERAIN Short visit to the cider house and enjoy a traditional menu. DAY 4 - BASQUE CAPITAL TRANSFER TO VITORIA-GASTEIZ CHECK IN AT HOTEL NH CANCILLER AYALA NH Canciller Ayala is right in the heart of Vitoria, in the city s commercial district. Its central location overlooks the city s biggest landmarks, near Vitoria s best shops and museums and close to the financial district. The hotel has 174 guest rooms, which are furnished in modern style, featuring a grey, black and white palette and hard-wood floors. WALK AROUND THE OLD CITY The Basque capital has an almond-shaped old quarter partly surrounded by a wall from the 11th century. There are countless sights, such as the Cathedral of Santa María or several impressive watchtowers. The city harmoniously unfolds into the romantic new suburbs, a network of wide avenues, gardens and buildings that are a reminder of the grandeur and stateliness of Vitoria. GUIDED VISIT TO THE NEW PLAZA DE ABASTOS Having visited a traditional rural Market, take the opportunity to visit an urban one. The Market Square, Plaza de Abastos was opened in The building has three floors with fishmongers, butchers, poulterers, delicatessens and more CYCLE THE LANES OF GREEN VITORIA or

5 VISIT SALINAS DE AÑANA SALT VALLEY & TASTING Learning about the salt farms, see their importance, the recovery and production work being performed. Discover the secrets of Añana Salt in Avala, considered by experts as one of the best salts in the world. Valle Salado salt has long been favoured the most prestigious chefs. The session includes an analysis of the Mineral Salt varieties combined with spices, such as cayenne, tomato, garlic, herbs and Provencal herbs; with green and black olives; and wine: a great experience! DAY 5 - RIOJA ALAVESA CHECK IN AT HOTEL VIURA (VILLABUENA DE ÁLAVA) Composed of whimsically superimposed cubes that seem to surge forcefully from the centre of the earth and highlighted by French windows that flood the rooms with views of the relaxing scenery. Situated in Villabuena de Álava, Viura it s perfect as a base for discovering the wine region of Rioja. Free time for relaxing and enjoying the wine bar. TRANSFER TO SAMANIEGO - BAIGORRI WINERY AND LUNCH In the town of Samaniego and in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range, is Bodegas BAIGORRI. A glass structure perfectly integrated into the breathtaking surroundings of the Rioja Alavesa. TRANSFER TO LAGUARDIA - MEDIEVAL VILLAGE GUIDED TOUR Guided tour in Laguardia to see the city walls, the main square and the beautiful churches. Plus a guided visit of El Fabulista Winery, located in the city centre with an ancient underground cave. TRANSFER TO ELCIEGO - GUIDED VISIT AND DINNER AT MARQUÉS DE RISCAL A complex of 100,000 m2 devoted to making, caring for and studying wine. A chance to enjoy everything that wine and the people involved in winemaking stand for, in the purest and most natural way. At the heart of Elciego, City of Wine, discover the oldest of the cellars of Marqués de Riscal, dating from Surrounded by extensive vineyards, this is a

6 special place to worship the mother of wine: the grape. DAY 6 - BASQUE COAST TRANSFER TO THE BIZKAIA COAST CHECK-IN AT HOTEL CASTILLO DE ARTEAGA This fantastical Castle rises dramatically out of the Basque Country s Ria Urdaibai reserve, with its narrow lush green valleys opening up into wide estuaries. Savour delicious dishes in a spectacular environment. VISIT TO THE CRUSOE TREASURE EXPERIENCE A unique experience in Plentzia Bay. The team of experts managing the Underwater Drinks Aging Laboratory- Plentzia (LSEB, after its name in Spanish) offering personal tours of this extraordinary project. The experience kicks off at the Crusoe Treasure reception centre on Plentzia beach. An audiovisual presentation of the project by one of its founder members. A walk to Plentzia estuary where the Crusoe Treasure is anchored; this is the vessel which extracts the wine from the underwater wine cellar. A unique experience of wine treasured under the sea and the inventiveness of Basque oenology! LUNCH AT ENEPERI RESTAURANT This C8th farmhouse and bar specialises in excellent pintxos. The garden provides beautiful views of the Bizkaia s coast and of the tiny peninsula of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. In the menu, you encounter traditional Basque dishes with a modern touch. The quality of the seasonal products is the top priority. There is a beer hall attached to the restaurant and a museum where farming implements are exhibited. ADDITIONAL VISITS TO THE VILLAGE OF URDAIBAI, BIOSPHERE RESERVE: BERMEO, THE VILLAGE SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE

7 DAY 7 - MORNING DISCOVER THE INLAND AND VISIT TO TALLERI TXAKOLI WINERY Txakoli is the sparkling, dry white wine from the Basque Country. You ll start the visit, watching a video of the origin of the txakoli, which is closely related to the culture of the Basque Coun-try. You will be entertained with a guided tour around the cellar, explaining the process of wine production, from the reception of the grapes to the bottling. After the tour, you will take part at a wine-pairing of three of our txakolis, accompanied by pintxos made by products of local traders: chorizo, cheese, anchovies, tuna LUNCH AT BISTRO PRET À PORTER, IN AZURMENDI RESTAURANT AFTERNOON TRANSFER TO BILBAO AIRPORT / ONWARD TRAVEL