A Foodie's Dream: 10-Day Itinerary to Basque Country by Train

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.

Stop for lunch and a glass of wine 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, head back to the InterContinental for sunset watching and a drink at their amazing rooftop bar and then head down for dinner at Le Bordeaux. This restaurant specializes in local cuisines and ingredients.

Rest up for tomorrow's travel day to 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. Biarritz has beautiful beaches. 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.

Today's the day to take in all the sights. Consider renting a bike and exploring or hopping on a private walking tour. Make sure to visit the famous Virgin Mary statue at Rocher de la Vierge and see the stunning Sainte-Eugénie Church, located in the heart of Biarritz.

Stop by Les Halles and sample all the fresh produce, meats and cheeses.

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. You're going to want to hop on the Pintxos trail. You can either do a guided tour or wander through the streets on your own and sample all the wonderful Basque-style tapas. Stop by the Mercado de la Brexta for shopping and even more delicious food. While you're wandering, make sure you view the Basilica de Santa María del Coro — it's simply beautiful.

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 lots of Basque food and tasting the delicious cider that is made in this region.

For dinner, you're heading to Bar Nestor. If you eat at one place in San Sebastián, make it Bar Nestor. You should get there before they open but be prepared for a long line, it's a tiny place. Don't worry, you can sip on wine while you wait.

Today is a full-on beach day. San Sebastián has some of the most beautiful beaches. Pick your favorite and enjoy the day. 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.)

Take the 1 hr 40 min train to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Check into the Nirea Hotel. Spend the day wandering through the medieval buildings and visiting the numerous art museums. Make sure you stop and marvel at the Catedral de Santa María. For dinner, you're headed to Zaldiaran, a one Michelin star restaurant.

Today is a full day wine tour in the Rioja region. Visit an old medieval town, view how wine in this region is made and eat delicious food while overlooking the vineyard.

Take the train to Bilbao which takes roughly 2.5 hours and requires 1 train change. 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 the Guggenheim Museum to view wonderful works of art and have lunch or dinner at the bistró inside the museum.

Grab breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport to catch a plane home...or to your next destination!