When to go
April - May and August - October
Price
From £1,495 pp (including flights)
Flight time
2hrs
Introduction
The Basque Country is an enchanting land filled with steep mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, and a unique culture that stands out from the rest of Spain. Here lies a special region with the ancient language of Euskara still spoken by many of its inhabitants and traditional cuisine full of flavor. Whether looking for an adventure in nature or exploring a new culture, the Basque Country is your perfect destination.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
7 Days & 6 Nights
Guide price
From £1,495 (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Bilbao - San Sebastian - Rural Basque Country - Bilbao - Burgos - Bilbao
Tour Type
Support from an experienced local tour manager or top local guides
Tour Theme
Spotlight
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Aránzazu Abando Hotel (or similar)
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for more details
Min|Max Group Size
Maximum 14
Start/Finish
Bilbao - Bilbao
Extensions
Please enquire to tailor the tour to your exact requirements.
Highlights
Discover San Sebastian
Embark on a journey to San Sebastian and enjoy the many delights this beautiful Basque city has to offer. Take in stunning landscapes and delectable cuisine, and relax on some of Europe’s finest beaches, like La Concha Beach, boasting 1.5 km of gorgeous white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking mountain views. Marvel at the Buen Pastor Cathedral with its Neo-Gothic style and long history dating back to 1897. Don’t miss out on Miramar Palace, once built for Queen Maria Cristina of Austria and offering excellent views of the coastline.
Explore Bilbao
Immerse yourself in the culture of Bilbao and experience the best of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300, this vibrant city with its likely namesake from the Bay of Biscay will surely delight with its many wonders. Visit some of its architectural jewels, like the Cathedral of St. James and Basilica of Begona that have stood through centuries, or take a stroll through Azkuna Zentroa, one of the most modern cultural centers in Northern Spain. Explore and savor traditional Basque flavors with a pintxos experience, an exciting gastronomic adventure that pairs small bites with tasty local wines.
Experience the Guggenheim Museum
Explore the wonders of modern architecture and art with a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum. The iconic building is one of Europe’s most talked-about structures and houses a massive collection of modern and contemporary art. Take in works by Picasso, Miró, Kandinsky, Warhol, Chagall, and many more displayed across 19 galleries covering over 10,000 square meters.
Visit Burgos
Take a thrilling day trip to Burgos and discover its deep-rooted history. Founded in 884 by the Castilian count Diego Rodriguez Porcelos, Burgos was once an eastern outpost of the Asturian Kingdom. Marvel at the grandeur of the Gothic cathedral, on which work started in 1221 and took over 300 years to complete. Explore the old city’s cobblestone streets, stopping by Burgos Castle and the Church of San Gil, considered one of the most stunning Gothic edifices in the area.
Sample Itinerary
Explore the Best of the Basque Country with This Sample Itinerary
Discover the extraordinary beauty and culture of the Basque Country with this sample itinerary. From golden beaches and exquisite cuisine to stunning historical monuments and fascinating modern attractions, this region offers endless delights that will enthrall you.
Day 1: Fly to Bilbao
Start your journey to one of Spain’s most enchanting regions with a morning flight from the UK to Bilbao. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation for the duration of the tour, the Aránzazu Abando Hotel, just minutes from some of the Basque Country’s best attractions.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)
Day 2: Half-day Bilbao Tour and Pintxos Tour
Make the most of your second day in Bilbao on a walking tour of its historic center. See and admire the iconic Gothic Cathedral of St. James from the 15th century, the beautiful and imposing Basilica of Begona that legend says was visited by the Virgin Mary herself, and take an exclusive tour of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. After exploring these timeless places, enjoy a truly authentic way to experience Basque culture—the famous Pintxos tour. Sample some exquisite local dishes from bars across Bilbao’s old town.
(B)
Day 3: San Sebastian
Today is all about exploring the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian. Start your day with a visit to Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, which oozes nostalgia and has provided endless fun since 1912. Take a ride on the historic funicular railway, a cog railway with wooden carriages that takes you to the top of Monte Igueldo for breathtaking views. Afterward, wander down to La Concha Beach, an idyllic beach framed by two rocky headlands and swathes of brilliant white sand.
(B)
Day 4: Full-day tour of Rural Basque Country
Spend a full day of exploration and adventure in picturesque rural Basque. Begin your journey by visiting small villages where you can experience traditional cheese-making first-hand and delight in locally crafted delicacies. Or head to an authentic cellar for a tasting of Txacoli wine – a refreshing white wine with origins dating back to the 16th century.
Then immerse yourself in nature as you explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Wander through fairytale forests, marvel at pristine beaches, admire imposing cliffs rising from the sea, and visit some of the area’s charming fishing villages.
(B)
Day 5: Day at leisure in Bilbao
Spend your day in Bilbao exploring its many wonders. Start by visiting Azkuna Zentroa, a modernist building designed as a wine warehouse and now a cultural hub of Bilbao after its redesign by renowned French architect Philippe Starck.
Take a ride on the Artxanda Funicular railway, which has been running since 1918 and takes you to the top of Mount Artxanda for an incredible panoramic view of the city. Finally, don’t miss out on Plaza Nueva, constructed in 1821. This monumental neoclassical square is home to all kinds of activity and is lined with pintxos bars.
(B)
Day 6: Burgos
Spend your day in Burgos and explore the oldest city in Spain, founded in 884 AD. Make sure to visit the stunning Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary. This UNESCO-listed building is a must-see – not only for its incredible architecture but also as an excellent example of how the Gothic style evolved over time.
The cathedral took centuries to build and features a gate complex, intricate rose windows, and various sculptures and statues, making up a comprehensive history of artistic expression. End your day by returning to Bilbao.
(B)
Day 7: Return to the UK
Today marks the end of the fantastic journey you’ve experienced in the Basque Country. You’ll transfer to the airport and board your flight back to the UK, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)
