Private 6-Day tour Basque country across Spain-France border

5.0
(7 reviews)

6 days (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover the lesser-known side of Basque Country or Iparralde (meaning Northern Lands), venturing across the Spain-France border into the Belle Epoque world of the towns and villages.
Start in Bilbao best known for its Guggenheim Museum, an architectural landmark with innovating design. Hike up to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe enjoy the breathtaking sea vue at the top.
Be blown away by the rich history, the food and shopping in San Sebastian, the homebase of the tour. Visit Biarritz, a chic coastal gem, and the enchanting fishing village of St Jean-de-Luz. End the tour by visiting Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermín festival).

What's Included

Private transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

A chauffeur will be waiting at the airport arrival with a sign with your group name on it

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Arrival set up at the hotel

    1 stop
  • 1
    Bilbao

    Arrival in Bilbao. Private transfer and accommodation Check in to hotel

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Bilbao city tour, Visit the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural landmark of audacious configuration

    2 stops
  • 2
    Casco Viejo

    After breakfast, private city tour with your chauffeur, stopping at iconic landmarks of the city. Wander through the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Explore Plaza Nueva square he historic center of Bilbao. Walk and drive through old romantic buildings, beautiful churches, the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao or Santiago Cathedral, and many restaurants and bars.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

    Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a monument to modernism, the unique architecture of the space, with its spiral ramp riding to a domed skylight. It is built alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea Free time Dinner Return to hotel, spend the night

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 3

    Hike up to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe and visit fishing and canning port of Ondarroa

    2 stops
  • 4
    Bermeo

    After breakfast check out of the hotel. Drive to the municipality of Bermeo. Visit iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, know also as the castle rock. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay and 35 km (22 miles) east from Bilbao. The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge transitions into a narrow path that contains 241 steps and zigzags its way back and forth to the top. These Iconic steps were featured in season 7 of Game of Thrones. Lunch

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Visit some local villages in the area like Ondarroa, a fishing town with a beautiful historical center. Its port, the Artibai River, the bridges that cross the river, and the historical buildings are part of the main attractions. Drive to San Sebastian Check in at hotel Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Enjoy one of the best views of the town at Urgull hill top. Explore old town of San Sebastian

    3 stops
  • 6
    Monte Urgull

    After breakfast, walk through town towards the top of the Urgull hill, one of the best view points in town. Dominating the top of the Urgull hill is a Sacred Heart Christ statue overlooking San Sebastian. It will take 30 min hike up through the hill's woods to the statue

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro

    On the way back from the hill, walk and visit San Sebastian old town starting with the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, an impressive 18th century Baroque building that presides over Calle Mayor in the heart of San Sebastián's Old Town (Parte Vieja). Stroll through Parte Vieja's pedestrian-friendly streets are flanked by centuries-old buildings that house a plethora of restaurants, shops and bars. It's considered the best nightlife spot in San Sebastian, as well as the best place to grab pintxos (the local term for light bites, similar to tapas)

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 8
    La Concha Beach

    In the afternoon, relax at La Concha Beach located a stone's throw away from Parte Vieja. Situated southwest of Parte Vieja, the beach stretches about a mile wide and offers spectacular views of Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and Santa Clara Island, as well as the beautiful architecture that borders La Concha Promenade. Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Discover the French side of Basque Country, Biarritz, a chic coastal gem, and St Jean-de-Luz

    2 stops
  • 9

    After breakfast, we will drive to discover the lesser-known French side of Basque Country or Iparralde (meaning Northern Lands), venturing across the Spain-France border into the Belle Epoque world of the towns and villages. We will first set our sights on Biarritz, a chic coastal gem an hour northeast of San Sebastian. You will take a leisurely stroll through the glamorous streets of town, admire the 12th century Church of Saint-Martin, and wander Les Halles de Biarritz, a famous food market with a selection of regional cheeses, wines and seasonal bounty Lunch

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 10

    In the afternoon, you will head south to St. Jean de Luz, an enchanting fishing village. Stroll the quaint streets, take a walk on the beach, and perhaps dip your toes in the ocean. While here, we will be treated to an elegant seaside lunch featuring French Basque cuisine and techniques, putting an end to this magical discovery of Le Pays Basque. Late lunch After lunch we will cross the border back to San Sebastian, Spain Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermín festival).

    2 stops
  • 11

    After breakfast check out of the hotel. Drive an hour south to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermín festival). We will take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises?'

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Walk along the same way the bulls run during the festival. Visit the city's Castillo Square, the City Hall, the Ciudadella defensive walls and the historic places in the Old Quarter like San Saturnino & San Lorenzo church, and the local market Lunch Head back to Bilbao that is two hours away; arrive to Bilbao early afternoon, End of the tour

    4 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Kallisto Explorers Club Private Travel Services

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
City Tours
Car Tours
Luxury Car Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 7 7 reviews
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