Whether you have just come from the Spanish metropolises of Madrid and Barcelona or the sunny plains of sultry Andalusia, the Basque Country is surely going to surprise you. Firstly, it is almost another country on its own with its ancient language predating Spanish and all other Romance vernacular like French and Italian. Add into this cultural distinction the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the entire world, avant-garde urban cities that challenge the traditions of architecture and a passionate creed of locals who wear their “Basqueness” as badges of pride in their everyday lives, your journey through this northern corner of Spain is guaranteed to be uniquely rewarding. Go truly off the beaten path with a customised Basque Country and northern Spain tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and get ready to meet the Basques and their enigmatic homeland.

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and its de facto capital, has got both its feet and heartbeat gunning for the future. The star of the show is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, where fans of contemporary architecture are surely going to spend hours taking in the Frank Gehry’s wonder day and night, but there is also the incredible Norman Foster’s metro with its sleek underground stations resembling a futuristic rendition of ancient cave dwellings, and then at different corners around the city, buildings twist and turn with dizzying shapes and forms all competing for your attention. It’s not entirely an avant-garde proposition either for a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Visit Euskal Museoa Bilbao for a reflection of the traditional Basque way of life and get to know the ancient tongue that is unrelated to any other in the world.

San Sebastian might as well have an alias of “San Gastronomy” affix to its name. Boasting more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world, fans of luxurious and innovative dining will be spoilt for choices at legendary temples of Basque cuisine such as Arzak and Mugaritz. But that’s not all! After raising your game in the foodie cred, take on the streets like the locals and make a night out of it at laidback pintxo bars that filled the entire old town, then head into traditional “sidrerias” and wait for your turn to catch crisp cider in your glass which sprouts out from large barrels, and go back in line to repeat the fun process again.