The uniquely cultured region of Spain is home to bright beaches and towering mountains, fascinating architecture and some of the world’s best restaurants.

Comprising the provinces of Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa and the more famous San Sebastian, this part of Spain sets itself apart from the rest of the country—locals call themselves Basque rather than Spanish, and they speak Euskara over the national language. Venturing through its cities, we admire the extraordinary feats of contemporary and avant-garde architecture, whilst the small towns are host to charming houses and cobblestone streets. From Bilbao, we visit the remarkable Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and get a taste of the carefully curated cuisine. The region alone has almost 40 Michelin-starred restaurants—the most in the world after Kyoto, meaning dining experiences alone make for a formidable sojourn. From Bilbao, we drive to San Sebastian and wander along the sparkling beaches and through a city centre dotted with beautiful historic buildings. More eating beckons here, with dining options to suit every palate.

From San Sebastian, we take a scenic drive to wine country with La Rioja. The hillsides are oceans of vineyards, olive groves and rich pastures. Small vibrant towns pepper the province, along with old churches and ancient monasteries. Whether getting lost in the maze of medieval alleys or vineyard hopping to sample delectable wines, La Rioja has all the seductive romance of Spain.

We conclude our journey by heading to the capital. With its large expanse, we dive into the culture, heading to the museums, meeting with local artisans and, of course, sitting for drinks at tapas at any of the fantastic eateries at our disposal.