I am a huge fan of this still relatively undiscovered part of Spain and these two cities will enable you to obtain a wonderful overview of the Basque region. There are plenty of places to visit and things to do – I have put together a few ideas in the itinerary, but if you need any further advice or information, please give me a call – I will be happy to help.

Fly to Bilbao and spend the first afternoon acquainting yourself with this fascinating rejuvenated port city. On the next morning take a stroll to explore the city in depth, which is easily done on foot from the hotel – don’t forget entrance tickets to the world-famous Guggenheim museum are included for Kirker clients. The next day I would suggest a day trip to the beach side town of Getxo and a visit to the Bizkaia Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage site) dating back to 1893.

Collecting a car hire, drive an hour and a quarter south from Bilbao to the Marques de Riscal winery. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating vineyard with the backdrop of Frank Gehry’s extraordinary architecture, not to mention the opportunity to taste some delicious Rioja wines…

Leaving Bilbao, travel on to San Sebastian for the second half of the week. Whilst this can be done far quicker by motorway, I would definitely suggest taking the back roads where you should take the time to stop in a few locations en route such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (a small island reached by stone bridge with a 10th century church) Mundaka (a charming port town) and of course Guernika – site of the infamous Civil War bombardment and inspiration for Picasso’s moving masterpiece. Spend one day enjoying the delights of San Sebastian, with its excellent restaurants and glorious bay, and another day heading one hour south to the famous city of Pamplona – or perhaps east to the town of Hondarribia before crossing the border in to France to Biarritz.