Best of Basque Country From Bilbao

Welcome to Bilbao! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers are Spanish, so English will be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing.

We start our day with a tour along the Bilbao estuary, uncovering the city’s fascinating industrial past. On reaching the coast, we stop at the Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing past the majestic Butron Castle to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. From a secluded viewpoint, we’ll admire the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famously featured in Game of Thrones.

In Bermeo, a charming fishing village, we’ll pause for a special pintxo (Basque tapas) tasting. Our journey then takes us to Gernika, where we visit the historic Casa de Juntas and the iconic Tree of Gernika, steeped in cultural and political significance.

We return to Bilbao around 14:30, leaving time for lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided walking tour through the city, exploring key landmarks in the centre and the vibrant old town.

Bilbao - Biarritz (France) - St. Jean de Luz - San Sebastian (Spain). We begin today by popping into France, with a guided visit to Biarritz, the elegant summer retreat of European royalty, nestled in the French Basque Country. Here, we’ll take in the city’s most iconic sights and stunning views of the coastline.

Next, we stop in the charming coastal town of St. Jean de Luz, where we’ll wander its picturesque streets and taste a special local sweet. Our journey continues to San Sebastian, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour to explore the highlights of this beautiful city. After some free time to enjoy the local atmosphere or grab lunch (not included), we’ll conclude the day with breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Igueldo, a perfect finale to this scenic day.

Today is completely free for you to explore the exclusive town of San Sebastian. We recommend a stroll along the iconic La Concha beach, or you could head into the Old Town for a glass of sangria or two.

San Sebastian - Bilbao. After another relaxing morning at leisure in San Sebastian, we make our way back to Bilbao, where the rest of the day is yours to further explore the city.

Bilbao - La Rioja - Vitoria. As we enter the Rioja wine region, we’ll be greeted by stunning views of vineyards stretching to the horizon. Passing through charming small towns and numerous wineries, we arrive at Laguardia, one of Rioja’s most picturesque villages. Here, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of its historic centre, followed by a guided visit to a traditional winery, complete with a wine tasting. There will also be free time to explore the village at your own pace (lunch not included).

In the afternoon, we reach Vitoria, the capital of the Basque Country. Our visit includes a panoramic tour and a guided walk through its captivating city centre and historic district. To sweeten the experience, we’ll savour a typical local treat at a renowned Basque artisan chocolatier. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy the delights of Vitoria.

Vitoria - Bilbao. Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer back to, Bilbao. You will be dropped at the train station in the city centre.