“Discovering the Basque Country”

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Proposed Itinerary

Proposed by RTA GROUP |

Please note: 1.The proposed itineraries are well developed in this Program, but at the beginning you will find a simplified standard itinerary. 2.As there are many possibilities to Discover the Basque Country, we have proposed a ‘Best of’ experiences that will allow our clients to experience the ‘People, History, Culture, Gastronomy and Nature’ of our destination in the short time available, with the shortest travel time possible between activities, assuming that most visitors would be visiting our Destination for the first time. 3.It is understood that itineraries are indicative only and will be open to changes suggested by the client’s requirements. 4.This document will be accompanied by a budget proposal for client discussion. 5.Information prov. 6.Please feel free to suggest any specific issue dealing with the itineraries of The Program 7.Based on your inputs, we will updated our Program and… Enjoy your trip!!

Thank you. rta Team

Please assume: 1.Venues and Activities are suited to group size of 10 to 30 people over 5 days (including arrival and departure days) 2.Activities might be adapted depending on interests, gender and average age of visitors 3.Double rooms will be provided at 4-5 star hotels (unless there is specific indications, room sharing will be assumed) 4.Any rates are proposed for all ground handling only, excluding airfare 5.This Program includes all ground transport, accommodations, dinner events, tours, meals where specified, including all service charges and Taxes. 6.Please, take into consideration that weather conditions might affect to some of the activities.

Contents

1. About the Destination

2. Travel notes

3. Daily itineraries for 2013

4. Proposed Hotels (4-5* hotels in best locations)

Destination Images

Simplified Standard Itinerary

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Morning [09:00-13:00]

Arrival

• Meeting with guide at the airport

• Transfers to Premium 5 *Hotel in Bilbao city center

• Check-Ins • Welcome Cocktail • Video about Bilbao

Transformation at the Maritime Museum

• Lunch: private show-cooking

• Guided sailing trip along

Nervion River • Hanging Bridge (World

Heritage)

• Breakfast in hotel • Meeting with guide at lobby

• Discovering Urdaibai: • Visit Gernika village and the

Basque Asambly House • Jai Alai Experience at a

Professional Fronton • Coastal villages: Mundaka,

Bermeo, San Juan

• Breakfast in hotel • Meeting with guide at lobby • Private Visit to the

Guggenheim Museum

• Transfer towards San Sebastian

• Breakfast in hotel • Meeting with guide at lobby

• Transfer to La Rioja • Famous Wineries tour:

Marqués deRiscal and Ysios • Enjoy Laguardia village, heart

of the Rioja wine, and some ancient and artisan wineries.

• Breakfast in hotel • Meeting with guide at lobby • Check-Outs

• Transfer to Vitoria

• Cycling route around the

city. European Green Capital 2013.

• Guided Tour to Santa María Old Cathedral, “opening for works”

• Lunch: traditional Basque Cuisine at a rewarded restaurant

• Transfers to Bilbao Airport

Departure

Afternoon [13:00-18:00]

• Lunch: traditional local Menu at the countryside, on top of a hill by the Sea.

• Free time: Shopping, …

• Discovering Getaria, a unique fishermen village

• Local White Wine Winery • Lunch: Fresh Sea food at the

fishermen port

• Lunch: Traditional food at charm winery.

• Free time

Evening [18:00-22:00]

• Dinner: Night Gastronomy Tour discovering Bilbao: Pintxo’s Tour and Wine Testing.

• Visit to the Basque biggest “txakoli” Winery (local wine)

• Dinner at its exclusive 3

Michelin Stars Restaurant

• Check-Ins at San Sebastian Premium Hotel

• Guided Tour around San Sebastian

• Dinner: Best Local Gastronomy in a private and Mysterious Gastronomic Society (only for members)

• Dinner: Free & Easy, Visitors on their own; suggestions provided

About the Destination

Destination Notes

Accessibility : The most important hub and entry point to the Basque Country is Bilbao Airport, (it moved over 4,500,000 passengers in 2012), offering many international connections (Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris,…) Key attractions & activities : Basque Country offers the chance to experiment and observe a particular way of life through many attractions: a varied landscape, a mild climate, ancient culture, renowned Gastronomy, … The defining features of the Basque character were forged by deeply rooted customs, rich culture and local sport. Basque people maintain strong links with the natural resources of the land and the seas. You can immerse yourself in its traditions and personality of this community, granted with beautiful coastal and inland villages, and you will also be fascinated by the three capitals: Bilbao will surprise you with its transformation towards an avant garde metropolis; San Sebastian, exquisite and unique; and Vitoria-Gasteiz will show you its rich heritage. Gastronomy is another of the main reasons for tourism to the Basque Country. Eating and drinking well in the Basque Country is a luxury everyone can afford, and that is why it is considered by many international chefs as one of the best cuisines of the world, especially in terms of the average quality of the food that you can get at any place you happen to walk into. The Basque Country is the world’s area more awarded with 3 star Michelin Restaurants. There is no other place in the world that reaches the reward of having 28 Michelin stars in 19 restaurants.

Bilbao Airport Green Landscapes

Modern Arquitecture, Bilbao Traditions and Culture

Capital Cities, San Sebastian World famous Gastronomy

Destination Notes (II)

Major 5-star hotels available: In Bilbao: Melia Bilbao, Silken Gran Hotel Domine, Carlton Hotel, Ercilla, Lopez Haro In San Sebastian: Hotel María Cristina and Londres Hotel Average 5-star hotel cost during peak/off-peak season: Hotels in the Basque Country work on demand, so prices may vary depending on availability. Climate : Basque Country enjoys a mild climate: The northern area (coast, Bilbao, San Sebastian) is considered part of the Green Spain, where oceanic climate is predominant, with its wet weather all year round and moderate temperatures. The south section has a more Continental Mediterranean climate what means dry and warm summers and cold and snowy winters, with precipitation peaking in spring and autumn. Precipitation is scarce and irregular, as low as 300 mm. Peak tourist periods: Easter Holidays (29 March-1st April) Summer time (August, due to Capital Cities Festivals) Bank Holidays Christmas time Dates and things to avoid: Nothing relevant, just enjoy! VISA requirements: No specific requirements. Languages spoken: Basque, Spanish, English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, ….

Guggemheim Museum, Bilbao San Sebastian

Urdaibai Biosphere Natural Reserve Jai Alai, Traditional Sports

Rioja Wineries Ancient Language and own features

Discovering the Basque Country 2013 Itinerary

Proposed by RTA GROUP

Day One

•Arrival to Bilbao: • Meeting with your personal guide at the airport. • Transfer from airport to your Hotel. Check-Ins • Welcome Cocktail to just arrived guests. •Learn and discover the transformation process of the Great Bilbao: o Enjoying the video showed during the Shanghai World Exhibition at the Maritime Museum o Sailing along Nervión River till the coast in a private boat (1hour), accompanied by a local architect. A selection of our best gastronomy and Rioja wines will be served on board. •Discovering the Hanging Biscay Bridge (World Heritage). •Lunch: private show-cooking by one of our best local Chefs, with the possibility of participating in preparing the dishes. Recipes will be given to the participants. •Free afternoon. Recommendations for wellness, shopping,… will be given. •Dinner: Night Gastronomy Tour around Bilbao. Get involved in one of the favorite Basque traditions as if you were local people, discovering the city while savoring Pintxo’s and local Wine at recommended places. •Accommodation: Premium 5 * Hotel in Bilbao city center. Breakfast included.

Day Two Morning • Meeting with your personal guide at the lobby of your hotel. • Bus Transfer to Urdaibai, an amazing natural area declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (45 minutes) • Discover the most emblematic village for Basque people: the historical village of Gernika, where the famous Picasso painting was inspired. Enter into the Assembly House to understand some of the features and special politic privileges of the Basque Country. • Jai Alai Demonstration at Gernika’s Professional Frontón: Enjoy the authenticity of this Basque Traditional ancient Sport. Do you dare to experiment yourself personally?

Afternoon • Reach some of the most beautiful and amazing coastal villages and wild locations: o Mundaka: a nice small fishermen village internationally well-known by its world-wide famous wave for Surfing. o Bermeo: an ancient and elegant village, the perfect example of the relation between Basque people and the sea. o San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: a unique island by the Cantabric cliffs with a little church on the top and connected to land by a narrow stoned path. • Lunch: traditional Menú at the charmy place at the top of a hill admiring the Cantabric Sea.

Evening • Transfer back to Bilbao. • Free time. • Dinner: enjoy the famous dishes from one of our main world-known chefs, at a rewarded three Michelin Stars Restaurant. Taste our local white wine (“txakoli”) at its winery, the biggest around the Basque Country. The group will be welcomed with local music and the traditional Aurresku (Ancient Basque welcoming dance). • Accommodation: Premium 5* Hotel in Bilbao city center. Breakfast included.

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Day Three

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Morning • Meeting with your personal guide at the lobby of your hotel. • Check-out. • Private visit to the Guggenheim Museum: (1-2 hour) o Selections from the Collection of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. o Inhabite Architecture o Stories of History o L’art en guerre. France, 1938–1947: from Picasso to Dubuffet • Private Bus Transfer towards San Sebastian (1hour)

Afternoon • On the way to San Sebastian, visit the fishermen village of Getaria, one of the World Top Recommendations by New York Times for 2013. • Taste the local white wine “Txakoli” at a charm Winery located at the top of a hill oriented to the Cantabric Sea. • Lunch: local sea- food grilled in front of you in one of the best restaurants at the port. • Check-Ins at Premium 5 * Hotel in San Sebastian

Evening • Guided tour to visit La Concha beach, Peine del Viento, Igueldo Mountain, Miramar and Kursaal Palaces, Old city, … • Dinner: Enjoy the ancient atmosphere and the best traditional products at a mysterious “just for men” Gastronomic Society, usually exclusive and only available for local people, but open to the group exceptionally. • Accommodation: Premium Hotel by the sea in San Sebastian city center. (4/5* or similar standards based on availability). Breakfast included.

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Day Four

Morning • Meeting with your personal guide at the lobby of your hotel. • Check-out • Private Bus towards the historical village of Laguardia (1 hour). • Famous Wineries tour: admire the vanguard buildings of Marqués de Riscal and Ysios Wineries.

Afternoon • Lunch: Enjoying the single wine yard of “Contino” where to learn about the art of wine, taste local wine and savor a traditional meal in an exclusive atmosphere. The group will be welcomed by the owner and the wine tasting will be guided by the family sommelier. • Enjoy the historical village of Laguardia, authentic heart of the Rioja Wines. Discover the ancient way of living being received to our guide’s own house, built in XVI Century, that used to be a Pellegrino House. • Check-Ins • Free time.

Evening • Dinner: free & easy, guests on their own. Recommendations will be provided. • Accommodation: Charm Hotel in Laguardia; Breakfast included.

Attraction / Activity Images with captions

Day Five

• Meeting with your personal guide at the lobby of your hotel. • Check-out • Bus Transfer from La Rioja to Vitoria-Gasteiz, European Green Capital 2013 (45’) • Cycling route around the city, discovering all the secrets of the Capital of the Basque Country. • Guided Tour to Santa María Old Cathedral, “opening for works”. This amazing temple served as inspirations for Ken Follet’s famous book. • Lunch: traditional Basque Cuisine at a rewarded restaurant just in front of the Cathedral. • Bus Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Airport (45’) Departures from Bilbao Airport. HAVE A NICE TRIP!!

Premium Hotel Proposals

Proposed by RTA GROUP

Silken Gran Hotel DOMINE, Bilbao

Hotel Description Silken Gran Hotel Domine is a luxurious 5-star property set in a prime location in the centre of Bilbao. Local places of interest include Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Plaza Moyua. Other points of interest are Chavarri Palace, Zubizuri Bridge, University of Deusto, Bilbao. The 25-square-meter estandard rooms have 1 double bed or 2 twin beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and wool/cashmere bed coverings. Most rooms have a view of hotel’s atrium and Cypress Fossil sculpture. The Philippe Starck–designed bathroom has two bowl-like sinks, heated towel racks, telephone, bathrobes, and separate section for toilet and bidet. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. The TV is on a rotating stand. Lamps and chairs are by Mariscal. Cherrywood and beech doors complement the surroundings.

MARIA CRISTINA, San Sebastian Hotel Description Since opening in 1912 the recently restored Hotel Maria Cristina has been closely linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. The lavish Belle Époque interior is filled with soaring columns, 19th-century portraits, rich silk brocades and glorious chandeliers making for a truly opulent experience. The Basque Country’s world-renowned cuisine, along with delicacies from further afield, draws guests to the superb dining venues in the hotel. Business travelers are spoilt for choice with four sumptuous function rooms. Since the San Sebastian International Film Festival was inaugurated in 1953 Hotel Maria Cristina has been the rendezvous spot and preferred accommodation of the stars, attracting legendary names such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Woody Allen and Brad Pitt. A Century of Elegance Renewed Experience gracious hospitality on a grand scale in the hotel’s rooms and suites. Decorated in a sophisticated palette of greys and white, the rooms are a quiet haven of luxury. In a city where gastronomy is one of the principal attractions, Hotel Maria Cristina is at the forefront in providing exquisite venues where you can discover the Basque and international haute cuisine. Start a memorable morning in Easo restaurant, continue your journey in the DRY Martini Bar where the selection of local tapas-style dishes known as pintxos and other light gourmet offerings are complemented by a full range of premium beverages. Tse Yang, the hotel’s haute-cuisine Chinese restaurant, will dazzle you with its vast array of dishes.

Thank You!

For further information and request please contact us:

RTA GROUPPh: + 34 952 376 250Fax: + 34 952 376 268

E-mail: sales@dmc-rtaspain.comWedsite: www.dmc-rtaspain.com