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.

Future and culture in one city

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.

Eating your way to sainthood

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.

Run with the bulls

Pamplona’s famous annual festival Fiesta de San Fermin or Running of the Bulls from 6 to 14 July is truly one of the most spectacular street events in the world featuring an odd mix of bravado, mayhem and revelry involving plenty of music, dancing, firework and of course the highlight in which courageous “bull runners” trust themselves into the path of marauding bulls, run in front of them as long as possible before diving out of the way at the very last possible moment. While the action is centred on the streets, we suggest booking a private balcony and enjoy the overall merriment above the intensity of it all. The only one tip is to book months in advance for a good spot as this is an incredibly popular event attracting visitors from Spain and all over the world. After witnessing this frenzy, continue the party with other traditional and folkloric events throughout the week-long festival.

For more of Spain’s stunning destinations, see:

• Andalusia tour package
• Barcelona tour package
• Catalonia tour package
• Galicia and Asturias tour package
• Madrid tour package
• Seville tour package
• Valencia tour package

Discover the Basques’ bold and striking identity with a customised Basque Country and northern Spain tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.