Bilbao and surrounding areas

Spent 8 nights in Bilbao w/6 daily trips outside the city. This was our 2nd year with our amazing guide who has become family.
Mikel can be contacted by email tbb@tourbybasques.com or Whatsapp (34) 618 55 03 95. He has his own car and is the tour guide as well. He also teaches history at the Univ in Bilbao
Since we have traveled to most large cities we were interested in amazing places that are not on a tourist list. Mikel did not disappoint. Had a day in the wine country, the Basilica at Loyola, Hondarribia, Lekeito and Ea.
But, my favorite day was our trip to the 7,000 year old Salt Valley of Arana. Which is the only one in the world. It is not mined it comes from an underwater ocean. The salt is pure and everything is still done by hand. The one upgrade was moving the salt by wheel barrel instead of on the heads of women. This salt is imported around the world to many Michelin restaurants.
Our next stop was a small txakoli farm on top of a mountain that produces all their own food plus wine and champagne. Rosa, the owner, made home made bean soup w/cabbage and meats. We sat in her 17th century home and couldn't believe how blessed we were to have Mikel arrange all of this for us.
We also went to a 4th century cemetary. If you like history, unbelievable excursions and super food..Mikel is the guide for you