Private Basque Country Tours, Driver & Travel Planning
The Basque Way is a private tour, private driver and travel planning company based in Biarritz, founded by Etienne Lecuivre. Our English-speaking local guides work across the French and Spanish Basque Country, from Bordeaux to Bilbao. We plan tailor-made itineraries, private sightseeing tours and transfers for couples, families and small groups.
Private Basque Country Tours, Driver & Travel Planning
The Basque Way is a private tour, private driver and travel planning company based in Biarritz, founded by Etienne Lecuivre. Our English-speaking local guides work across the French and Spanish Basque Country, from Bordeaux to Bilbao. We plan tailor-made itineraries, private sightseeing tours and transfers for couples, families and small groups.
Discover the Basque Country Through Local Eyes
The Basque Way is a private tour, private driver and travel planning company based in Biarritz, founded by Etienne Lecuivre. Our English-speaking local guides work across the French and Spanish Basque Country, from Bordeaux to Bilbao. We plan tailor-made itineraries, private sightseeing tours and transfers for couples, families and small groups.
Basque Country Travel Planning – Hotels, Restaurants & Itineraries by a Local Guide
Many travelers visiting the Basque Country spend several days in the region and need help organizing their entire trip, not just booking a single tour. This is why I offer a personalized Basque Country travel planning service, designed for travelers who want local insight, honest recommendations and a smooth, well-balanced itinerary across Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz and the surrounding villages.
As a local guide based in the Basque Country, I help my clients decide how many days to spend in each destination, which hotels best match their travel style, where to eat for authentic Basque cuisine, and how to structure their journey between France and Spain.
This service is especially popular with American travelers staying up to one week in the region, who want to avoid tourist traps and experience the Basque Country like locals do.
Travelers often contact me before their trip to ask how to organize a one-week itinerary in the Basque Country, whether to include Bilbao or focus on San Sebastián and Biarritz, and where to stay for an authentic experience. Travel planning allows me to answer these questions and build a journey that truly fits their expectations.
Many travelers visiting the Basque Country spend several days in the region and need help organizing their entire trip, not just booking a single tour. This is why I offer a personalized Basque Country travel planning service, designed for travelers who want local insight, honest recommendations and a smooth, well-balanced itinerary across Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz and the surrounding villages.
As a local guide based in the Basque Country, I help my clients decide how many days to spend in each destination, which hotels best match their travel style, where to eat for authentic Basque cuisine, and how to structure their journey between France and Spain.
This service is especially popular with American travelers staying up to one week in the region, who want to avoid tourist traps and experience the Basque Country like locals do.
Travelers often contact me before their trip to ask how to organize a one-week itinerary in the Basque Country, whether to include Bilbao or focus on San Sebastián and Biarritz, and where to stay for an authentic experience. Travel planning allows me to answer these questions and build a journey that truly fits their expectations.
Private Tour Pricing
Half day (up to 4 hours): from €550. Full day (up to 8 hours): from €950. Rates are per vehicle, not per person. Every trip is a tailor-made service, so the final price is confirmed in a written quote after you tell us about your group and your request. Multi-day programs, transfers and extras are quoted in writing.
Staying longer? See my 10-day private Basque Country itinerary.
Private tours & Sightseeing Transfers
Corporate Events & Team Building
Private Driver & Day Hire
Travel in Comfort
Experience a stress-free journey with private driver-guided tours starting anywhere — Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne…
Your itinerary is fully customizable to match your pace and passions: food, wine, nature, or culture.
Private tours & Sightseeing Transfers
Corporate Events & Team Building
Private Driver & Day Hire
Travel in Comfort
Experience a stress-free journey with private driver-guided tours starting anywhere — Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne…
Your itinerary is fully customizable to match your pace and passions: food, wine, nature, or culture.
Private tours & Sightseeing Transfers
Corporate
Private Driver & Day Hire
Travel in Comfort
Experience a stress-free journey with private driver-guided tours starting anywhere — Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne…
Your itinerary is fully customizable to match your pace and passions: food, wine, nature, or culture.
Tailor-Made Experiences
Whether you want to explore hidden Basque villages, discover the best pintxos
in San Sebastián, or visit family-run vineyards known only to locals
The Basque Way opens doors to a truly local world.
Whether you want to explore hidden Basque villages, discover the best pintxos
in San Sebastián, or visit family-run vineyards known only to locals
The Basque Way opens doors to a truly local world.
Why Choose The Basque Way
CUSTOMIZED
100% tailor-made itineraries designed around your interests and schedule.
PREMIUM
Mercedes Vito up to 8 guests, Audi Q5 up to 4 guests. Groups of more than 8 guests travel in two vehicles.
LOCAL
Guided by Etienne Lecuivre and a team of local guides selected for their expertise in each experience.
What Travelers Say
Suzy B., Google review, 5 stars, visited in July
★★★★★
"Not so often you come across such an experience that is so special that you hesitate to share it with everyone else, however we will let you all in. Etienne had arranged a 3 day excursion along the Basque coastline starting in Biarritz and ending in San Sebastián. He brought us along the way to the most charming and delightful small villages that we would have never known existed. He brought an amazing amount of history and knowledge along with culinary experiences that far exceeded any expectations. He was a pleasure to work with planning our trip and always was responsive with communication. From castles to beaches we feel we had a truly once in a lifetime journey and are thankful for all the passion and planning he demonstrated. We absolutely recommend Etienne for your trip!"
Brian and Gail from Boston, Google review, 5 stars, visited in October
★★★★★
"Etienne and Mikel did an incredible job in helping us get the local experience while touring Basque Country! Their local knowledge and contacts created an amazing experience from a small village restaurant in Biarritz to a vineyard in San Sebastián. He has brand new clean transport vans and excellent safe drivers! He was so thoughtful by even greeting us at the train to make sure we got to our hotel with no issues! I would definitely recommend The Basque Way and Etienne to everyone if you plan to visit!"
James M., Google review, 5 stars, visited in April
★★★★★
"We just had a 3 day tour of Basque Country with Etienne, and it was the best part of our entire 3 week holiday. Etienne was knowledgeable, professional, fun and engaging - we saw and learned so much, and were sorry to come to the end. I highly recommend him and his team. We feel as if we made a good friend in Biarritz!"
1. About The Basque Way
1. What is The Basque Way and what type of services do you offer? The Basque Way is a boutique travel company based in Biarritz, specializing in luxury private tours, premium transportation, and tailor-made itineraries across both the French and Spanish Basque Country. We curate authentic experiences combining culture, gastronomy, nature, and insider access to exceptional local places and people. 2. Where are you based and which areas do you cover? We are located in Biarritz, France, and operate throughout the region including: - French Basque Country: Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Spanish Basque Country: San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Pasajes, Bilbao, Getaria, Rioja wine region - Multi-day routes between Bordeaux and Bilbao 3. What makes The Basque Way different from other tour companies? Our tours are led by local experts, offering deep cultural storytelling and exclusive access to people, places, and traditions that are not found in guidebooks. We focus on authenticity, comfort, and personalized service, designing each experience around your interests - not a pre-set itinerary. 4. Do you offer private tours only, or group experiences as well? Most of our services are fully private and tailor-made, but we also assist corporate groups, seminars, retreats, and small events with premium transport and curated activities. 5. What languages do your guides speak? We offer tours in English, French, and Spanish, with guides experienced in welcoming international travelers. 6. Can you customize a tour based on our interests? Absolutely. Every experience can be tailored to your passions -gastronomy, wine, history, hiking, coastal scenery, surfing culture, photography, local artisans, and more. 7. Do you operate in both French and Spanish Basque Country? Yes. We seamlessly operate on both sides of the border, allowing you to explore France and Spain in a single day, with expert cultural insights from each side.
2. Private Tours & Experiences
8. What are your most popular private tours? Our top-rated tours include: - French Basque Coast: Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Inland Basque Villages: Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette - Coastal day trip from San Sebastián to France - Rioja wine region & Marqués de Riscal - Private food & artisan experiences - Hiking and nature immersions in the mountains 9. Do you offer full-day and half-day tours? What is included? Yes. All tours include private transportation, an English-speaking driver-guide, curated stops, storytelling, and optional reservations for restaurants, tastings, or special experiences. 10. Can you arrange exclusive experiences? Yes - we specialize in authentic, insider access such as: - Meeting local producers and artisans - Private tastings (wine, cider, cheese, charcuterie) - Boat experiences - Market tours with a local chef - Visits to working farms - Private sports demonstrations (pelota, rural games) 11. Do your tours include skip-the-line or private access? Whenever possible, we arrange priority access or private experiences, especially with wineries, cultural sites, and artisan workshops. 12. Can you organize multi-day itineraries between Bordeaux and Bilbao? Yes. We design bespoke 2- to 15-day itineraries including transportation, hotel suggestions, curated activities, and reservation assistance. 13. Do you offer tours from San Sebastián into the French Basque Country? Yes - this is one of our specialties. We frequently pick up guests in San Sebastián for exclusive tours to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, and the inland villages. 14. Are your tours suitable for seniors or travelers with reduced mobility? Yes. Our routes can easily be adapted with flat paths, shorter walks, frequent stops, and comfortable premium vehicles.
3. Pricing & Booking
15. How much do your private tours cost? Half day (up to 4 hours): from €550. Full day (up to 8 hours): from €950. Rates are per vehicle, not per person. Every trip is a tailor-made service, so the final price is confirmed in a written quote after you tell us about your group and your request. Multi-day programs, transfers and extras are quoted in writing. 16. Is pricing per person or per group? Pricing is per group, up to 8 passengers per vehicle. 17. What payment methods do you accept? We accept: - Secure online credit card payments - Bank transfers - Payments by invoice for corporate clients 18. How far in advance should we book? We recommend booking 2-6 weeks in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods, as availability is limited. But you can also book at the last minute if we are available. 19. What is your cancellation policy? Our standard policy: Free cancellation up to 14 days before the tour 50% fee between 14 and 3 days 100% fee within 48 hours or no-show Corporate and multi-day itineraries may have specific conditions. 20. Do you require a deposit? For most bookings, full payment is required to confirm the date. For corporate or multi-day programs, a deposit may be requested.
4. Transportation & Logistics
21. What type of vehicles do you use? Mercedes Vito up to 8 guests, Audi Q5 up to 4 guests. Groups of more than 8 guests travel in two vehicles. 22. Do you provide airport and hotel transfers? Yes. We offer transfers from: - Biarritz Airport (BIQ) - San Sebastián Airport (EAS) - Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Train stations in France and Spain - Hotels, villas, and private accommodations 23. Can you pick us up anywhere in France or Spain? Yes - cross-border pick-ups are possible, including San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and the French Basque coast. 24. Do you provide child seats? Yes - child seats and boosters are available upon request with prior notice. 25. Is transportation included in all tours? Yes. All private tours include door-to-door transportation in a premium, fully licensed vehicle.
5. Itineraries & Destinations
26. What are the must-see villages in the French Basque Country? Our favorite villages include Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette, Bayonne, La Bastide-Clairence, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and the coastal gems of Guéthary, Bidart, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. 27. Can we combine coastal towns and inland villages in one day? Yes - this is one of the best ways to experience the region. A typical full-day tour covers both elegant coastal towns and traditional mountain villages, offering a perfect contrast. 28. Do you offer winery tours in Rioja or txakoli regions? Yes. We organize private tours to: - Rioja (Marqués de Riscal, López de Heredia, boutique wineries) - Txakoli vineyards overlooking the Cantabrian Sea 29. Do you organize food tours? Yes - our gastronomic experiences include: - Pintxo tours in Spain - Chocolate and ham tasting in Bayonne - Visits of cider houses (sagardotegi) - Exclusive meals with local chefs - Market tours and seafood tastings 30. What happens in case of bad weather? We adapt the itinerary with flexible indoor options such as: - Local museums - Cider houses - Cultural visits - Gourmet tastings - Artisan workshops Light rain is common here, and most tours continue comfortably with adjustments.
6. Practical Information & Travel Tips for Visiting the Basque Country
31. Is the Basque Country a safe destination for travelers? Yes. The Basque Country is considered very safe, both on the French and Spanish sides. We operate in peaceful towns, villages, and coastal areas where travelers feel comfortable at all times. We also adjust itineraries depending on weather, events, or accessibility to ensure a seamless day. 32. What is the best time of year to visit the Basque Country? The Basque Country is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for coastal activities and village visits. Winter is a great time for food lovers, local culture, and quiet, authentic experiences. We operate tours 365 days a year. 33. Do you organize family-friendly tours? Yes - we regularly welcome families with children and teenagers. We adapt the pace, activities, and lunch recommendations to create an enjoyable experience for all ages. Child seats are available upon request. 34. Can you help plan restaurant reservations during the tour? Of course. We can arrange reservations at local bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional cider houses, or seaside seafood restaurants. We know the best places depending on your style and preferences. 35. Do you offer tours for cruise passengers (Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz)? Yes - we frequently work with cruise guests looking for high-end private shore excursions. We provide port pick-up, flexible timings, and custom itineraries depending on ship schedules. 36. How far is the Basque Country from San Sebastián, Bilbao, or Bordeaux? Distances are short and ideal for day trips: - San Sebastián → Biarritz: 45 minutes - San Sebastián → French Basque villages: 45–60 minutes - Bilbao → French Basque Country: 1h30–2h - Bordeaux → Biarritz: 2 hours 37. Do you offer photography-friendly tours or scenic viewpoints? Yes. We know the best coastal viewpoints, mountain overlooks, hidden streets, and sunrise/sunset spots for unforgettable photography moments. We can design a route specifically for photography lovers. 38. Can you help design a luxury itinerary including hotels and special experiences? Yes - we frequently assist travelers with curated, high-end itineraries including hotels, gastronomy, exclusive visits, winery tours, and premium transfers. We collaborate with luxury hotels, private villas, and local partners to elevate each stay. 39. Do you offer airport-to-airport or city-to-city private transfers combined with a tour? Yes - many guests choose a “transfer + tour” format between: - San Sebastián → Biarritz - Bilbao → Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Bordeaux → Basque Country We can include scenic stops, villages, wineries, or lunches along the way. 40. Are your tours suitable for travelers who want to avoid tourist crowds? Absolutely. One of our core values is exploring authentic basque culture and hidden gems, away from crowded areas. We design routes that focus on local life, off-the-beaten-path villages, and intimate experiences with artisans and producers.
1. About The Basque Way
1. What is The Basque Way and what type of services do you offer? The Basque Way is a boutique travel company based in Biarritz, specializing in luxury private tours, premium transportation, and tailor-made itineraries across both the French and Spanish Basque Country. We curate authentic experiences combining culture, gastronomy, nature, and insider access to exceptional local places and people. 2. Where are you based and which areas do you cover? We are located in Biarritz, France, and operate throughout the region including: - French Basque Country: Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Spanish Basque Country: San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Pasajes, Bilbao, Getaria, Rioja wine region - Multi-day routes between Bordeaux and Bilbao 3. What makes The Basque Way different from other tour companies? Our tours are led by local experts, offering deep cultural storytelling and exclusive access to people, places, and traditions that are not found in guidebooks. We focus on authenticity, comfort, and personalized service, designing each experience around your interests - not a pre-set itinerary. 4. Do you offer private tours only, or group experiences as well? Most of our services are fully private and tailor-made, but we also assist corporate groups, seminars, retreats, and small events with premium transport and curated activities. 5. What languages do your guides speak? We offer tours in English, French, and Spanish, with guides experienced in welcoming international travelers. 6. Can you customize a tour based on our interests? Absolutely. Every experience can be tailored to your passions -gastronomy, wine, history, hiking, coastal scenery, surfing culture, photography, local artisans, and more. 7. Do you operate in both French and Spanish Basque Country? Yes. We seamlessly operate on both sides of the border, allowing you to explore France and Spain in a single day, with expert cultural insights from each side.
2. Private Tours & Experiences
8. What are your most popular private tours? Our top-rated tours include: - French Basque Coast: Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Inland Basque Villages: Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette - Coastal day trip from San Sebastián to France - Rioja wine region & Marqués de Riscal - Private food & artisan experiences - Hiking and nature immersions in the mountains 9. Do you offer full-day and half-day tours? What is included? Yes. All tours include private transportation, an English-speaking driver-guide, curated stops, storytelling, and optional reservations for restaurants, tastings, or special experiences. 10. Can you arrange exclusive experiences? Yes - we specialize in authentic, insider access such as: - Meeting local producers and artisans - Private tastings (wine, cider, cheese, charcuterie) - Boat experiences - Market tours with a local chef - Visits to working farms - Private sports demonstrations (pelota, rural games) 11. Do your tours include skip-the-line or private access? Whenever possible, we arrange priority access or private experiences, especially with wineries, cultural sites, and artisan workshops. 12. Can you organize multi-day itineraries between Bordeaux and Bilbao? Yes. We design bespoke 2- to 15-day itineraries including transportation, hotel suggestions, curated activities, and reservation assistance. 13. Do you offer tours from San Sebastián into the French Basque Country? Yes - this is one of our specialties. We frequently pick up guests in San Sebastián for exclusive tours to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, and the inland villages. 14. Are your tours suitable for seniors or travelers with reduced mobility? Yes. Our routes can easily be adapted with flat paths, shorter walks, frequent stops, and comfortable premium vehicles.
3. Pricing & Booking
15. How much do your private tours cost? Half day (up to 4 hours): from €550. Full day (up to 8 hours): from €950. Rates are per vehicle, not per person. Every trip is a tailor-made service, so the final price is confirmed in a written quote after you tell us about your group and your request. Multi-day programs, transfers and extras are quoted in writing. 16. Is pricing per person or per group? Pricing is per group, up to 8 passengers per vehicle. 17. What payment methods do you accept? We accept: - Secure online credit card payments - Bank transfers - Payments by invoice for corporate clients 18. How far in advance should we book? We recommend booking 2-6 weeks in advance, especially during summer and holiday periods, as availability is limited. But you can also book at the last minute if we are available. 19. What is your cancellation policy? Our standard policy: Free cancellation up to 14 days before the tour 50% fee between 14 and 3 days 100% fee within 48 hours or no-show Corporate and multi-day itineraries may have specific conditions. 20. Do you require a deposit? For most bookings, full payment is required to confirm the date. For corporate or multi-day programs, a deposit may be requested.
4. Transportation & Logistics
21. What type of vehicles do you use? Mercedes Vito up to 8 guests, Audi Q5 up to 4 guests. Groups of more than 8 guests travel in two vehicles. 22. Do you provide airport and hotel transfers? Yes. We offer transfers from: - Biarritz Airport (BIQ) - San Sebastián Airport (EAS) - Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Train stations in France and Spain - Hotels, villas, and private accommodations 23. Can you pick us up anywhere in France or Spain? Yes - cross-border pick-ups are possible, including San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and the French Basque coast. 24. Do you provide child seats? Yes - child seats and boosters are available upon request with prior notice. 25. Is transportation included in all tours? Yes. All private tours include door-to-door transportation in a premium, fully licensed vehicle.
5. Itineraries & Destinations
26. What are the must-see villages in the French Basque Country? Our favorite villages include Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette, Bayonne, La Bastide-Clairence, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and the coastal gems of Guéthary, Bidart, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. 27. Can we combine coastal towns and inland villages in one day? Yes - this is one of the best ways to experience the region. A typical full-day tour covers both elegant coastal towns and traditional mountain villages, offering a perfect contrast. 28. Do you offer winery tours in Rioja or txakoli regions? Yes. We organize private tours to: - Rioja (Marqués de Riscal, López de Heredia, boutique wineries) - Txakoli vineyards overlooking the Cantabrian Sea 29. Do you organize food tours? Yes - our gastronomic experiences include: - Pintxo tours in Spain - Chocolate and ham tasting in Bayonne - Visits of cider houses (sagardotegi) - Exclusive meals with local chefs - Market tours and seafood tastings 30. What happens in case of bad weather? We adapt the itinerary with flexible indoor options such as: - Local museums - Cider houses - Cultural visits - Gourmet tastings - Artisan workshops Light rain is common here, and most tours continue comfortably with adjustments.
6. Practical Information & Travel Tips for Visiting the Basque Country
31. Is the Basque Country a safe destination for travelers? Yes. The Basque Country is considered very safe, both on the French and Spanish sides. We operate in peaceful towns, villages, and coastal areas where travelers feel comfortable at all times. We also adjust itineraries depending on weather, events, or accessibility to ensure a seamless day. 32. What is the best time of year to visit the Basque Country? The Basque Country is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for coastal activities and village visits. Winter is a great time for food lovers, local culture, and quiet, authentic experiences. We operate tours 365 days a year. 33. Do you organize family-friendly tours? Yes - we regularly welcome families with children and teenagers. We adapt the pace, activities, and lunch recommendations to create an enjoyable experience for all ages. Child seats are available upon request. 34. Can you help plan restaurant reservations during the tour? Of course. We can arrange reservations at local bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional cider houses, or seaside seafood restaurants. We know the best places depending on your style and preferences. 35. Do you offer tours for cruise passengers (Bilbao, San Sebastián, Biarritz)? Yes - we frequently work with cruise guests looking for high-end private shore excursions. We provide port pick-up, flexible timings, and custom itineraries depending on ship schedules. 36. How far is the Basque Country from San Sebastián, Bilbao, or Bordeaux? Distances are short and ideal for day trips: - San Sebastián → Biarritz: 45 minutes - San Sebastián → French Basque villages: 45–60 minutes - Bilbao → French Basque Country: 1h30–2h - Bordeaux → Biarritz: 2 hours 37. Do you offer photography-friendly tours or scenic viewpoints? Yes. We know the best coastal viewpoints, mountain overlooks, hidden streets, and sunrise/sunset spots for unforgettable photography moments. We can design a route specifically for photography lovers. 38. Can you help design a luxury itinerary including hotels and special experiences? Yes - we frequently assist travelers with curated, high-end itineraries including hotels, gastronomy, exclusive visits, winery tours, and premium transfers. We collaborate with luxury hotels, private villas, and local partners to elevate each stay. 39. Do you offer airport-to-airport or city-to-city private transfers combined with a tour? Yes - many guests choose a “transfer + tour” format between: - San Sebastián → Biarritz - Bilbao → Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Bordeaux → Basque Country We can include scenic stops, villages, wineries, or lunches along the way. 40. Are your tours suitable for travelers who want to avoid tourist crowds? Absolutely. One of our core values is exploring authentic basque culture and hidden gems, away from crowded areas. We design routes that focus on local life, off-the-beaten-path villages, and intimate experiences with artisans and producers.
Ready to Explore the Basque Country?