In September 2025 a group of our students experienced a packed trip to La Rioja and San Sebastian, in the north of Spain, where we spent a couple of nights in each location.
Our first stay was in Haro “the Capital of Rioja”. During our journey to the town we made a pit stop at a Basque Txakoli bodega for a tasting and tapas. With the stunning backdrop of the basque mountains we learnt about this special Basque white wine, the history behind it, and the creation process.
In Haro, the large majority of the Rioja houses of the town have their bodegas situated by the train station to allow easy access to transportation. This area of the town came to be known as ‘Barrio de la Estación’ a central point for the wine trade. During our time in the town we toured Bodegas Bilbainas, the oldest bodega in the region, and finished the tour with a tasting of their signature wines. During our free time we investigated some other bodegas, such as Muga and Cune.
After a much needed rest we explored the small but picturesque town, from museums to viewpoints. The day came to an end with a lovely group meal, and of course, more local wines.
No time for us to rest, the next day we were onto our next destination. We left Haro to continue our journey to the coast.
Just outside Haro is the Valle Salado de Añana, an ancient salt pan, still in procuction today. Making use of the natural brine springs of the area there are extensive terraces to allow for the evaporation of the water. For the braver people, there is a chance to partake of a salt pond to wade in and treat weary feet.
Our next stop was in Guernica. Famous for its destruction in the Spanish civil war. During our time in Guernica we visited the Museo de la Paz and learnt about the history and memories of the bombings of the city. This was a very educational and thought provoking visit.
The last two nights we in we stayed in the village of Getaria on the coast. This village has been the birthplace of important navigators and also the designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Here we visited the museum dedicated to the designer’s life’s works.
This stretch of coast is also important for the geography. In the neighbouring town of Zumaia we toured the cliffs and the local beaches to see the flysch rock formations that make part of the Basque Unesco Coast Geopark. We embarked on a boat tour where these formations became clearer to see from the sea.
After a busy day we settled down next to the beach and ate together as a group for the last time. Enjoying the local beef and fish as it was cooked on the open grill, a tradition in the town of Getaria.
On our last day we headed into San Sebastián, stopping to view a famous sculpture El Peine del Viento by Chillida. We ended the fully packed trip by entering the old town of San Sebastián to partake in the gastronomic experience of pintxos in the street, the Basque Country’s famous form of tapas.
We hope that our students enjoyed our time with us and we look forward to the many more experiences that we will bring to you in the future.
