India, Jan. 1 -- I first visited Bilbao, Spain, in the 1980s, before the Guggenheim Museum was built and the city was featured in prominent TV and film, like James Bond. While my then-beau rehearsed with the Bilbao Opera, I wandered around. When I asked where to eat, a local replied, "anywhere." Decades later, that advice still holds-and it extends to the rest of Basque Country, as well. As someone who has now visited several times, here is my itinerary for this beautiful region spanning Northern Spain and Southwestern France.

Days 1-2: Begin in Bilbao The perfect home base in Bilbao is the Artist Grand Hotel for great views of the Guggenheim, or if you want classic luxury, opt for the Palacio Arriluce Hotel. Both of these properties are...