Private Basque Country Tour Hidden Villages and Culinary Delights

We were a group of 8 people visiting from the United States, and we spent 9 extraordinary days in the Basque Country thanks to Etienne. From our very first contact, we immediately felt a great connection. This was our first time visiting the region, and Etienne was incredibly responsive and helpful with all our questions. We had several phone calls and frequently chatted on WhatsApp, which made communication so easy. His guidance helped us perfectly plan and prepare our trip in advance, including booking local hotels with his recommendations. Before we even arrived, we felt like we had a local friend waiting for us! Once there, everything was perfectly organized: Etienne accompanied us for 6 days through Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, with days off to explore on our own. Having one trusted contact from beginning to end made everything so much easier and more enjoyable. What really made the difference was access to authentic experiences we never could have discovered on our own: stunning mountain villages inaccessible without a local guide, meetings with cheese and ham producers, wine tastings in off-the-beaten-path locations, and authentic restaurants that only a true local could know about. Etienne didn't just drive us from place to place - he truly helped us discover the soul of the Basque Country. His local expertise, passion for his region, and flexibility transformed this trip into an unforgettable adventure. The final transfer to our hotel in Bordeaux was the cherry on top - impeccable service all the way through! If you're looking for an authentic Basque Country experience with a local insider who knows all the region's secrets, look no further. Highly recommended!

This private tour was beyond anything we imagined. Etienne took care of every detail, from pickup in San Sebastián to recommending incredible restaurants and viewpoints. He adjusted the pace for our group and made the experience feel exclusive and effortless. If you want to discover the Basque Country like a local, The Basque Way is the perfect choice.

Etienne was the best guide knowledgeable, fluent, passionate about the history and gastronomy of the French Basque region, very flexible with places to visit and great company. Highly recommended

This day with The Basque Way was one of the highlights of our time in the region. The route through Sare, Ainhoa, and Espelette felt thoughtful and unhurried, giving us time to actually be in each place rather than rush through it. The stop in Zugarramurdi for lunch was especially memorable, both for the food and for the setting. Everything unfolded naturally, with space to wander, shop for traditional souvenirs, and take in the small details that make these villages so special. Etienne made the day exceptional. He’s deeply knowledgeable without ever being overwhelming, and he was generous with context, stories, and history that made the landscape come alive. He seamlessly offered the tour in Spanish, adjusted the pace to what we wanted, and shared spot-on recommendations for restaurants and local shops we never would have found on our own. One of my favorite moments was listening to traditional Basque music as we drove through the countryside, comfortably and without a single worry about logistics. If you want a day that feels both rich and relaxed, and guided by someone who truly loves this place, this tour is an absolute yes.

We spent an unforgettable day with Etienne exploring the French and Spanish Basque Country. From Biarritz to the mountains and charming inland villages, every stop was meaningful. Etienne shared unique stories, introduced us to artisans and took us to places far from tourist crowds. The organization, communication and attention to detail were flawless. This is exactly the kind of authentic, high-end experience we look for when traveling. 100% recommended.

Our full-day private tour with The Basque Way was truly exceptional - one of the best guided experiences we’ve ever had in Europe. Etienne crafted a completely personalized itinerary for our group, combining coastline views, traditional Basque villages, local food, and cultural insights. His knowledge, storytelling and passion for the region added so much depth to the experience. The luxury van was extremely comfortable, and everything was perfectly timed and effortless. If you're searching for the best private tour in the Basque Country, this is it.

Living in New York, I didn’t have much time to explore the Basque Country since we only had a few days between Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz. We used Étienne’s travel-planning services to organize those days, and the experience was perfect! He suggested tailor-made activities adapted to what we wanted. Étienne took great care of us and found amazing restaurants and places for us. He also drove us around to spots we never would have discovered on our own— hidden gems only locals know. We met wonderful local people and exceptional cheese and ham producers. Highly recommended! Thank you so much 🙌

I had the most amazing day touring with Etienne from The Basque Way in Biarritz. From the moment he picked me up, I felt like I was spending the day with a friend rather than a guide. He’s warm, kind, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable about the Basque region—its culture, history, food, and traditions. We visited several small villages that I never would have found on my own, each more charming than the last. He took me to a local pepper farm and a stunning and shared so much insight along the way. The whole experience felt relaxed, meaningful, and genuinely local. What stood out most was how much Etienne truly cares. He went above and beyond in every way, making sure the day was tailored to what I was interested in and was very gracious I can’t recommend this experience enough. If you want to see and feel the Basque Country authentically, spend a day with him. It was a highlight of my trip.

We organised an Enterprise Seminar for around 20 people in the Basque Country and we called on The Basque Way. The experience was great! We were perfectly listened to by Etienne who offered us a tailor-made program between our work meetings. The Basque Way took care of everything from information gathering, proposals for local activities, to transportation and on-site support. We particularly appreciated this turnkey approach. Special mention for the typical restaurant in the mountains, with only locals, a superb experience for our Team Building. Again thank you to Etienne and The Basque Way team for these moments of sharing and Basque authenticity.

Etienne is a wonderful travel planner and guide for Biarritz and the French & Spanish Basque Country. He recommended an excellent hotel in Biarritz (which I loved!) and provided fantastic tips for things to see and do, as well as great restaurant suggestions in his hometown. We spent a full day together — he picked me up in Biarritz, and we set off to explore Bayonne and the beautiful Basque mountain villages. I felt like I was traveling with a dear friend I had known forever. Etienne is kind, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable about the region, sharing fascinating stories about local culture and traditions. He even introduced me to some of his local friends! We enjoyed an amazing lunch, breathtaking sights, and plenty of laughter while exploring this beautiful and magical area. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you, Etienne!