Curated Journeys by Travara
Six Guests, Seven Days, and the Basque Country From the Inside
Small-group journeys designed by a Basque insider, built on the friendships that open kitchens, cellars, and studios most visitors never see.
See 2027 DatesAs Seen In
Travel + Leisure
Travara founder Michelle Arellano Martin on Spain’s Urola Coast, a stretch of the Basque shoreline our journeys know well. Read the story
Why Travel This Way
Every Door Opened Through a Friend
Travara’s roots in the Basque Country run more than 25 years deep, and every Curated Journey is built on that network of friends, artisans, and makers. It’s how you end up at lunch inside a sociedad, a private gastronomic club where members cook for each other, or tasting txakoli with the family that grows it.
Each day, one of our local friends joins you, whether a chef, a winemaker, or an artisan, so you see the region through the people who shape it. No crowded buses, no headsets, no flags to follow. Just six guests, unhurried days, and money spent where it stays in the community.
The Journeys
Four Ways to Know the Basque Country
January only
Spain: San Sebastián Tamborrada
Every January 20, Donostia-San Sebastián drums for 24 hours straight. The Tamborrada fills the streets with parades, feasting, and neighborhood drum companies that have rehearsed for months. This week is built around it, with friends who know where to be and when.
You’ll visit Donostia-San Sebastián, Getaria, and Astigarraga
See the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and Settle In
Check into your home for the week (please arrive by 4 p.m.) and find a welcome bag of our favorite local treats waiting. We’ll meet for drinks overlooking La Concha Bay and a short walk to get your bearings, then spend the evening the way locals do: hopping between pintxo bars with our favorite woman-owned food tour company.
Meals: Welcome drinks, dinner
Day 2
A Table at a Sociedad
Sleep in, linger over coffee, or walk the beach. In the early afternoon we’ll gather for an aperitivo, then sit down to lunch with a local chef inside a sociedad, one of the city’s private, members-only gastronomic clubs. The evening is yours, if you can stay awake that long.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3
A Fishing Village and a Fashion Legend
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll drive to a coastal fishing village to visit the museum honoring one of its native sons, a legend of 20th-century fashion. Lunch overlooks the sea, with a special stop on the way back. The evening is yours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4
Local Shops and a Sidrería
We’ll spend the morning in some of our favorite locally owned shops, with light bites along the way. The afternoon is free before dinner at a sidrería, a lively cider house where you’ll pour your own cider straight from the barrel.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
The City Gets Ready
After breakfast, walk the city as it readies for the big day. We’ll gather in the early evening for drinks before a private dinner to kick off the festivities, then head to the Old Town, where the drums start at midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Tamborrada Day
After a night of celebrating, join us for brunch with locals as schoolchildren march through town dressed as soldiers, chefs, and drummers. Spend the day following the drums across the city, and raise a farewell toast as the celebration plays on.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7
Agur, for Now
One last coffee together, or a lie-in if you prefer. We’ll share a parting gift, say our goodbyes, and make sure you’re on your way smoothly.
Meals: Breakfast
Spring and fall
Spain: Eat. Drink. Shop.
A week of Basque food, wine, and makers, with Donostia-San Sebastián as home base. Taste txakoli at a sustainable vineyard, cross the harbor to a fishing village on the Camino de Santiago, and shop the independent boutiques locals actually love.
You’ll visit Donostia-San Sebastián, Getaria, Orio, Pasaia, and Astigarraga
See the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and Settle In
Check into your home for the week (please arrive by 4 p.m.) and find a welcome bag of our favorite local treats waiting. We’ll meet for drinks overlooking La Concha Bay and a short walk to get your bearings, then spend the evening the way locals do: hopping between pintxo bars with our favorite woman-owned food tour company.
Meals: Welcome drinks, dinner
Day 2
A Table at a Sociedad
Sleep in, linger over coffee, or walk the beach. In the early afternoon we’ll gather for an aperitivo, then sit down to lunch with a local chef inside a sociedad, one of the city’s private, members-only gastronomic clubs. The evening is yours, if you can stay awake that long.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3
Tortilla, Chocolate, and the Old Town
We’ll start with what we think is the best pintxo de tortilla in town, then walk the city and lunch at a local favorite. In the afternoon, a hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate workshop and tasting with one of the city’s top chocolatiers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, workshop
Day 4
Txakoli Country
After breakfast, we’ll head out of town for a txakoli tasting at a sustainable vineyard, followed by a long lunch in a coastal fishing village. The evening is yours to shop, dine, or unwind.
Meals: Breakfast, tasting, lunch
Day 5
Along the Camino
Today we’ll visit another fishing village on the historic Camino de Santiago. A short boat ride takes us across the water to wander its cobblestone lanes before lunch overlooking the harbor.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6
Local Shops and a Sidrería
We’ll spend the morning in some of our favorite locally owned shops, with light bites along the way. The afternoon is free before our farewell dinner at a sidrería, a lively cider house where you’ll pour your own cider straight from the barrel.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Agur, for Now
One last coffee together, or a lie-in if you prefer. We’ll share a parting gift, say our goodbyes, and make sure you’re on your way smoothly.
Meals: Breakfast
Spring and fall
Spain: Food. Drinks. Art.
The Basque table, with more time for art and design. Visit the Guggenheim Bilbao, a museum devoted to a fashion legend, and a sculptor’s museum in the hills above the city, with long lunches in farmhouses and fishing villages in between.
You’ll visit Donostia-San Sebastián, Getaria, Orio, Bilbao, Hernani, and Astigarraga
See the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and Settle In
Check into your home for the week (please arrive by 4 p.m.) and find a welcome bag of our favorite local treats waiting. We’ll meet for drinks overlooking La Concha Bay and a short walk to get your bearings, then spend the evening the way locals do: hopping between pintxo bars with our favorite woman-owned food tour company.
Meals: Welcome drinks, dinner
Day 2
A Table at a Sociedad
Sleep in, linger over coffee, or walk the beach. In the early afternoon we’ll gather for an aperitivo, then sit down to lunch with a local chef inside a sociedad, one of the city’s private, members-only gastronomic clubs. The evening is yours, if you can stay awake that long.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3
Basque Culture, Up Close
A leisurely walking tour of the city, then a local museum for a deeper look at Basque culture and heritage. Lunch is a traditional multicourse meal at a beloved local spot, surrounded by regulars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4
A Fishing Village and a Fashion Legend
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll drive to a coastal fishing village to visit the museum honoring one of its native sons, a legend of 20th-century fashion. Lunch overlooks the sea, with a special stop on the way back. The evening is yours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5
Bilbao and the Guggenheim
We’ll travel to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim and wander the Old Town, then head to a traditional farmhouse for lunch. The evening is yours back in San Sebastián.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6
A Sculptor’s Hillside and a Sidrería
After breakfast, we’ll visit a museum in the hills above the city dedicated to one of the Basque Country’s most cherished sculptors. The afternoon is free before our farewell dinner at a sidrería, where you’ll pour your own cider straight from the barrel.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Agur, for Now
One last coffee together, or a lie-in if you prefer. We’ll share a parting gift, say our goodbyes, and make sure you’re on your way smoothly.
Meals: Breakfast
Spring and fall
Spain + France: Eat. Drink. Shop.
The Basque Country doesn’t stop at the border, and neither does this journey. Begin with pintxos and chocolate in San Sebastián, then cross into France for a seaside market, Biarritz, a Basque cheesemaker, and the small wine region of Irouléguy.
You’ll visit Donostia-San Sebastián and Astigarraga, Spain; Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and Irouléguy, France
See the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and Settle In
Check into your home for the week (please arrive by 4 p.m.) and find a welcome bag of our favorite local treats waiting. We’ll meet for drinks overlooking La Concha Bay and a short walk to get your bearings, then spend the evening the way locals do: hopping between pintxo bars with our favorite woman-owned food tour company.
Meals: Welcome drinks, dinner
Day 2
A Table at a Sociedad
Sleep in, linger over coffee, or walk the beach. In the early afternoon we’ll gather for an aperitivo, then sit down to lunch with a local chef inside a sociedad, one of the city’s private, members-only gastronomic clubs. The evening is yours, if you can stay awake that long.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3
Tortilla, Chocolate, and the Old Town
We’ll start with what we think is the best pintxo de tortilla in town, then walk the city and lunch at a local favorite. In the afternoon, a hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate workshop and tasting with one of the city’s top chocolatiers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, workshop
Day 4
The French Coast
We’ll travel up the coast to some of our favorite villages in France, starting at a bustling market for tastes of local specialties, then a farm-to-table lunch. In the afternoon, a glamorous seaside town made for wandering, a glass of wine, or watching the waves.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5
Cheese and Wine Inland
Back to France, this time inland, for a tasting with the cheesemaker who drew the longest line at the market. Lunch is in a village on the old pilgrim route, followed by a wine tasting in what may become your new favorite region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tastings
Day 6
Local Shops and a Sidrería
We’ll spend the morning in some of our favorite locally owned shops, with light bites along the way. The afternoon is free before our farewell dinner at a sidrería, a lively cider house where you’ll pour your own cider straight from the barrel.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Agur, for Now
One last coffee together, or a lie-in if you prefer. We’ll share a parting gift, say our goodbyes, and make sure you’re on your way smoothly.
Meals: Breakfast
2027 Departures
Choose Your Dates
Reserve your spot with a 50% deposit, or email us first if you’d like to talk it through. There’s no deposit until you’re ready.
Basque Country · Spain
January 15–21, 2027
San Sebastián Tamborrada
$6,900 per guest, shared room
$7,500 single room
Basque Country · Spain
April 2–8, 2027
$6,300 per guest, shared room
$6,900 single room
Basque Country · Spain + France
April 16–22, 2027
$6,300 per guest, shared room
$6,900 single room
Basque Country · Spain
April 30–May 6, 2027
$6,300 per guest, shared room
$6,900 single room
Basque Country · Spain + France
May 7–13, 2027
$6,300 per guest, shared room
$6,900 single room
Basque Country · Spain and Spain + France
Fall 2027
Four September and October departures
Fall dates open to Travara Insiders first, then to everyone. Join Field Notes to hear the moment they’re available.
Get NotifiedAbout Travara InsiderWhat’s Included and Not Included
What’s Included
Taken Care Of
- Six nights in boutique accommodations
- A welcome bag of local favorites
- The Travara Guide to San Sebastián
- All meals, tastings, and culinary experiences listed in the itinerary
- All activities and excursions in the itinerary, each with a local friend, artisan, or creator
- Private transportation for every scheduled experience
- A parting gift
- A $300 credit toward your next Curated Journey
Not Included
Yours to Arrange
- International and domestic flights
- Transfers to and from San Sebastián (unless added below)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages outside included meals and activities
- Hotel incidentals and personal expenses
Optional Add-Ons
- Private airport transfers from Bilbao (BIO), San Sebastián (EAS), or Biarritz (BIQ)
- Reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, with transportation (subject to availability)
- Extra excursions or bespoke experiences before or after your journey
How Booking Works
Three Simple Steps
Reserve
Pay a 50% deposit online to hold your spot, or email hello@travara.com with questions first.
Prepare
Travara will be in touch within two business days with your detailed itinerary and the Travara Guide to San Sebastián. Send proof of travel insurance before your balance is due.
Arrive
Your balance is due 90 days before departure. Plan to arrive in San Sebastián by 4 p.m. on Day 1.
“I felt like I was traveling with a friend who opened secret doors everywhere we went. Every moment was authentic, thoughtful, and unforgettable.”
Lisa, Basque Country Curated Journey, 2025
The Fine Print: Booking Terms
Pricing and Payment
Journeys are $6,300 per guest in a shared room and $6,900 for a single room; the January Tamborrada journey is $6,900 per guest in a shared room and $7,500 for a single room. A 50% deposit reserves your spot, and the balance is due 90 days before departure. We’ll email an invoice about 100 days out; US guests may pay the balance by bank transfer. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment is due at booking.
Deposits and Cancellations
Deposits are non-refundable. You may transfer your deposit once, to another 2027 departure or to another guest, up to 90 days before departure. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, you forfeit only your deposit. Cancellations within 90 days are non-refundable; if we fill your spot from the waitlist, we’ll refund your balance minus a $250 administrative fee.
Group Size
Each journey is limited to six guests and runs with a minimum of three, confirmed 90 days before departure. If Travara cancels a journey for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund or credit toward another departure.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required. Please send proof of coverage before your balance is due. We recommend a policy with cancel-for-any-reason coverage.
Private Journeys
If these dates don’t work, we offer a limited number of private journeys for small groups. Email us to ask.
Questions? Email hello@travara.com.
Travara Field Notes
Where to Stay, Eat, and Spend, Every Other Friday
One stay worth booking, one table worth seeking out, one insider tip, and the latest from Travara, including news of new Curated Journeys.
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