I liked our hotels in San Sebastián and Bilbao a lot, if anyone is looking for a recommendation. Currently on the tarmac but can give later if desired.
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Kari,
I’d love to know where you stayed in both cities when you get a chance.
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Absolutely I would when you have time. 
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Maribel, we’ll be in Rioja on the 11th too, arriving sometime in the morning. Plan so far is drop off the bags in Samaniego, hit some wineries, and pintxo lunch in Logroño, but nothing set in stone. In the small chance we can meet, it would be great. We are then off to Bilbao. Prior to Rioja we have San Sebastian 3 nights, and French Basque 3.
Hope you enjoyed Piedmont/Langhe as much as we do. One of my favorite places on earth.
Ziggy,
We’ll be in Rioja (Abalos) on the morning of the 11th in the morning. We’ll probably stop at one of our favorite wineries, Ostatu, in Samaniego (across from Baigorri on the highway) to fill the car trunk up with wine and their olive oil before heading home. You can drop into Ostatu for tastings or purchasing w/o taking a tour.
Prior to the Rioja we have San Sebastián from October 5 through the morning of the 9th. On the 6th, 7th, 8th we’ll be attending SS Gastronomika during the day but our evenings are free, except for the inaugural dinner on the 6th. Sounds like you may be in the Pays Basque then?
I did love, love Turin (will go back next October and stay again in the lovely Grand Hotel Sitea) and the stunning Langhe. No fog, so the scenery was absolutely spectacular. Wow, what vistas from each and every belvedere. I wish we had chosen the Relais Le Rocche there as our lodging. Perfect place to enjoy Le Langhe. More about our dining on another thread.
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@LulusMom1 , would love to know which hotels you liked in those cities. I’m inspired by your report to try and plan a trip there.
@Maribel , would restaurants in Bilbao and San Sebastian be closed for the holidays around 17th-22nd December? I have some time off around then and might consider planning a trip during that period unless everything will be closed because of the festive period.
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In San Sebastián we stayed at Hotel SanseBay. We had a view of the beach and we were right on the edge of Parte Vieja. Perfect combination. Clean, smallish boutique hotel. Reasonable by SS prices. Unfortunately no photos.
In Bilbao we stayed at Hotel Goien, right near Ribera Mercato. Tiny rooms but adorable, cozy, chic, nice breakfast. Lobby shot
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LLD already trying to figure out how we can get back to San Sebastián. Hope you go and love it!
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Thanks so much for this info. We’re skittish about driving in Europe (other side of the road to the UK) so will probably travel into Bilbao and get a bus or train to San Sebastian. I think Spain is meant to be pretty good for train travel.
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My idea was to go with a train, so yes, I think you’ll be fine. LLD loves driving new (to him) roads, and I let him win this round.
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In your opinion, would 2 nights in each city be adequate?
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@medgirl
No they should be wide open around the 17-22nd of December, and not only wide open but very busy with families going out for festive pre-Christmas lunches and dinners. Bars and restaurants will be packed!
Some of the Michelin stars will be closed but that’s not what you’re seeking, I think.
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@LulusMom1
Thanks for your hotel info. The Sanse Bay we’ve toured but your Bilbao hotel in the Casco Viejo is new to me.
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Thanks Maribel.
You’re right, we are not looking for Michelin starred experiences. My son is hoping to practice his Spanish and eat well! He tried to join a Spanish language class at university to keep up his skills but they allocated him the incorrect level. So he found the class too easy and now can’t get a space in a more advanced group.
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I would do more in SS than Bilbao myself.
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