Flavors of Northern Spain: A Gourmet Vacation with Chef Cody Taylor

December 28th, 2026 – January 4th, 2027

Get ready to eat, sip, and celebrate your way through one of the world’s most legendary food destinations! From the vibrant streets of Bilbao to the Michelin-starred magic of San Sebastián, and the rolling vineyards of Rioja, this once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure will have you ringing in the New Year in serious style.

Join Chef Cody Taylor—co-founder of Atlanta’s award-winning Heirloom Market BBQ and Bib Gourmand honoree—for an immersive deep dive into the flavors, traditions, and stories of Northern Spain. Known for his soulful Southern roots and bold Korean flair, Chef Cody is teaming up with Chef Richard Gruica, culinary travel expert and founder of The Gourmet Vacation, to bring you a week filled with unforgettable food, wine, and cultural moments.

Your journey begins in Bilbao, where you'll explore the city’s vibrant old town, sip crisp Txakoli by the Bay of Biscay, and graze your way through bustling pintxo bars. You’ll also roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking experience, learning to prepare Basque specialties with a local chef.

In San Sebastián, home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita in the world, you'll indulge in incredible cuisine, coastal beauty, and festive spirit. Then it’s off to Rioja wine country, where we’ll dive deep into Spain’s most iconic wine region. Think private tastings at prestigious bodegas, exclusive vineyard visits, and unforgettable food pairings at every turn.

🎉 Our New Year’s Eve celebration? At a Michelin-rated restaurant, of course—an evening of elegance, flavor, and unforgettable memories.

✔ All excursions, tastings, and curated experiences are included
✔ Stay in 4+ star boutique accommodations throughout the journey
✔ All breakfasts, plus five incredible lunches and five unforgettable dinners included
✔ Michelin meals throughout the trip, highlighting the best of the Basque Country and Rioja

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a gourmet celebration of Northern Spain’s food, wine, and spirit. Come hungry, leave inspired.

For more information, go to www.thegourmetvacation.com

Chef Cody Taylor

Chef Cody Taylor is the award-winning chef and co-owner of Heirloom Market BBQ in Atlanta, named one of the Top 50 BBQ Joints in America by Southern Living, Thrillist, and the Food Network. Alongside his business partner, Jiyeon Lee, Cody has earned national acclaim for blending authentic Southern barbecue with bold Korean flavors, creating a cult-followed culinary destination.

Heirloom has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Eater, and has been honored as one of the “South’s Best Restaurants” by Southern Living. Cody’s mastery of slow-smoked meats, innovative flavor pairings, and deep respect for culinary traditions have made him a standout in the food world. Whether tending the smoker in Atlanta or guiding gourmet travelers abroad, Cody delivers unforgettable flavors, stories, and experiences.

www.heirloombbq.com

@heirloommarketbbq

@chefcodytaylor

Monday, December 28 – Bilbao Bites & Basque Beginnings: A Culinary Welcome

Welcome to the vibrant and enchanting Basque Country! Our delicious adventure begins in the picturesque city of Bilbao, where guests are free to arrive at their own pace and settle into our luxurious boutique hotel (4+ stars, of course). Once evening falls, we’ll kick things off in true local fashion with a lively Meet & Greet – Basque Country Style.

We’ll rendezvous in the buzzing Plaza Nueva—Bilbao’s beating heart and the perfect place to dive into the local flavor. Known for its buzzing energy, fantastic drinks, and legendary pintxos (those mouthwatering small bites), the plaza is a beloved gathering spot where locals come together to enjoy life with food, friends, and a bit of revelry. Chefs Cody and Richard Gruica will lead the way, treating you to the first drinks and bites of many more to come while on this trip.

This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a cultural immersion, an introduction to the Basque way of life, and a chance to get to know your fellow travelers. With each bite and sip, you’ll get a true sense of the region’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant spirit. It's the perfect start to a week where every moment is packed with flavor, fun, and unforgettable experiences.

Important Note Regarding Currency

For all of our European journeys with The Gourmet Vacation, please note that the trip price is listed and payable in Euros (€). All transactions on our end are processed in Euros, as this is the local currency of the destinations we explore.

We truly appreciate your understanding, as this ensures smooth operations with our partners abroad and allows us to deliver the seamless, authentic experiences you’ve come to expect.

Thank you for being part of these adventures—we can’t wait to welcome you!

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in Bilbao (TBD)

Tuesday, December 29th- Bites, Sweets & Masterpieces: A Flavorful Dive into Bilbao

We kick things off with an unforgettable hands-on cooking class right in the heart of Bilbao’s famed seafood and meat market. Alongside our local culinary experts—and guided by Chefs Cody and Richard Gruica—you’ll dive into the freshest seasonal ingredients to craft your own savory Basque bites. It’s the perfect way to connect with the region’s vibrant food culture from the inside out.

Once we’ve cooked and tasted to our hearts’ content, we’ll hit the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town) for a lively walking tour through this historic quarter. Along the way, we’ll stop at beloved local establishments to hear the story of the famed salted cod, taste Spain’s beloved turrón (nougat), and sample tempting pastries that showcase Bilbao’s sweeter side.

The afternoon brings us to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. You'll marvel at the world-famous Puppy sculpture before stepping inside this architectural masterpiece. Housing cutting-edge exhibitions and contemporary art, the Guggenheim is a must-see cultural landmark that will undoubtedly inspire.

The evening is yours to enjoy—take in the buzzing energy of Bilbao by night, do a bit of shopping, or simply sip and stroll your way through this dynamic city.

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in Bilbao (TBD)

Wednesday, December 30th – From Fast Balls to Fine Fish: A Day of Basque Thrills & Flavors

Buckle up for a day bursting with energy, tradition, wine, and world-class seafood as we journey from Bilbao to San Sebastián in unforgettable style.

We’ll start the morning by checking out of our hotel and hitting the scenic coastal road to Mutriku, the ancestral home of the jaw-dropping Basque sport of Jai Alai. Played on a frontón with speeds soaring over 150 mph, this is no ordinary game—it’s a heart-pounding spectacle that’s part tradition, part showmanship, and all Basque. You’ll be right on the court for a special exhibition match, complete with colorful commentary, light betting fun, and a behind-the-scenes look at the gear and glory that make this the “fastest game in the world.”

Next, we cruise into Txakoli wine country, where panoramic vineyard views guide us to Gaintza Txakolindegia, one of the region’s top producers of that crisp, lightly effervescent white wine Basque Country is famous for. We’ll sip and swirl during a private Txakoli tasting, learning how the salty sea air and steep coastal hills come together to shape every citrusy, vibrant drop.

Then it’s off to Getaria, a picturesque fishing village that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard. And guess what’s waiting for us here? Only one of the most iconic seafood restaurants on the planet: Elkano. This Michelin-starred, family-run spot has perfected the art of grilling whole turbot over open flame—crispy skin, buttery flesh, smoky depth, and all. Elkano isn’t just famous in the Basque Country—it ranked #24 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025. This lunch is going to be legendary.

After lunch, take your time strolling the charming streets of Getaria. Pop into seaside boutiques, walk the narrow streets, or stand in awe at the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first person to circumnavigate the globe.

We’ll wrap our day by heading into San Sebastián, where you’ll check into our beautiful boutique hotel. The evening is yours to explore the pintxo bars, take a sunset beach stroll, or simply relax. One more unforgettable day down… and more Basque magic to come!

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in San Sebastian (TBD)

Thursday, December 31st-A Festive Farewell to the Year – Traditions & a Michelin Moment

Enjoy a leisurely morning to soak in the magic of San Sebastián at your own pace. Midday, we’ll join locals in a beloved New Year’s Eve tradition—a guided pintxo crawl led by our insider, Noemi. She’ll take us through the historic old town’s winding streets, stopping at her favorite hidden gems and iconic pintxo bars. Let your taste buds lead the way as you nibble, sip, and explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, recharge, or sneak in a seaside stroll. Later in the evening, we’ll rendezvous and head to Ikaitz, an intimate, Michelin-recommended gem in the heart of the Gros neighborhood. Run by a talented husband-and-wife team, this warm and welcoming restaurant fuses modern techniques with traditional Basque flavors—an ideal setting to ring in the New Year.

We’ll savor a special dinner together and embrace the charming Spanish custom of eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. It’s a flavorful and festive way to toast to new beginnings—¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in San Sebastian (TBD)

Friday, January 1st – A Playful Start in Tolosa, Txuleta Indulgence & a Toast to Rioja

We kick off the new year with a whimsical detour to the medieval town of Tolosa, a place full of heart and heritage. Our first stop is the Puppet Museum—a personal favorite and total hidden gem—where creativity comes to life in the most unexpected ways. It's a delightful invitation to rediscover your inner child and marvel at the craftsmanship behind these charming characters.

But Tolosa isn’t just playful—it’s also seriously delicious. At the legendary Casa Julián, we’ll savor a one-dish wonder that’s drawn steak lovers from around the world (including Anthony Bourdain): the iconic Txuleta, grilled to perfection over a traditional Basque flame. Smoky, bold, and unforgettable.

Next, we venture into the green hills of Idiazábal, home of the famed goat cheese. At a rustic local farm, meet the goats behind the magic and enjoy a cheese tasting that’s as authentic as it gets—earthy, nutty, and deeply tied to the land.

Our final stop is the Rioja wine region, where we’ll check into a luxurious boutique hotel set along the river in a storybook village. It’s the perfect place to unwind, share a glass, and ease into the rhythm of Rioja life. The evening is yours—relax at the wine bar, mingle with fellow travelers, or simply soak in the serenity of this vine-wrapped retreat.

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in Rioja (TBD)

Saturday, January 2nd – Red, Rich & Radiant: Rioja from Barrel to Basque Table

Today, we dive deep into the soul of Rioja!

Our journey begins in Haro, the vibrant Capital of Rioja Alta and the beating heart of Spanish wine culture. We’ll start our day at the esteemed Bodegas Muga, a family-owned winery revered for its meticulous craftsmanship and traditional methods. Think hand-stirred wines in oak vats, gravity-fed processes, and one of the only in-house barrel-making cooperages left in Spain. We’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting, sipping through wines that reflect generations of passion and patience.

From there, we’ll wind our way through rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes to the hidden gem that is Asador Jose Mari. An asador is more than just a grill house—it’s a temple of fire and flavor where meats and vegetables are kissed by open flames and slow-roasted with soul. At Jose Mari’s, we’ll be welcomed like family and treated to a multi-course, family-style feast, overflowing with Basque warmth, rustic tradition, and panoramic views of the Rioja countryside. Expect wood-fired magic, soulful stews, and dishes that feel like a hug from abuela.

But the day doesn’t end there...

There’s a wine surprise in store—and it’s not just something to sip. Get ready for a sensorial finale that plays with scent, sight, sound, and taste. Picture this: candlelight flickering, classical guitar drifting in the background, a curated wine pairing where the notes in your glass are mirrored in the music and enhanced by scent diffusions and small bites designed to awaken every sense. It’s a multi-sensory wine immersion that will leave you delightfully dizzy—in the best possible way.

It’s the perfect toast to an unforgettable Rioja experience.

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in Rioja (TBD)

Sunday, January 3rd- A Grand Finale Above the City

As our unforgettable week winds down, we ease into the day with a leisurely morning—perfect for a final stroll, a café con leche, or packing in a few last-minute treasures. Midday, we’ll check out and begin our scenic drive back to Bilbao, where the anticipation builds for our farewell celebration.

Our final meal together unfolds high in the hills above the city at the beloved Restaurant Kate Zaharra. This spectacular spot begins with a warm welcome in its wine cellar, where we’ll enjoy fine sips and light bites in an intimate setting. Then, we’ll move into the main dining room for a refined, multi-course lunch that showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage. But the true crescendo awaits upstairs—dessert and coffee served with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Bilbao. It’s the perfect toast to a week filled with flavor, friendship, and discovery.

As the sun sets on our Basque adventure, we’ll reflect on an extraordinary journey—one filled with Michelin-starred meals, rustic feasts, hands-on cooking, hidden gems, and soul-stirring wines. Guided by the dynamic duo of Chef Cody Taylor and Chef Richard Gruica, and brought to life by The Gourmet Vacation, this week has been more than a trip—it’s been a celebration of culture, connection, and cuisine. From the buzz of Plaza Nueva to the vineyards of Rioja, we didn’t just taste the Basque Country—we truly lived it.

Overnight Stay: Boutique Luxury Hotel in Bilbao (TBD)

Sunday, January 4th-Day 8-Fond Farewell: Cherishing Memories of the Basque Country

Check-Out

Depart at your leisure for Bilbao Airport, cherishing the multitude of wonderful experiences and memories created alongside Chef Cody and Chef Richard in the enchanting Basque Country.