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).
Prices
Prices are per person and exclude international flights.
| 2 travelers | 4 travelers | 6 travelers |
---|
Comfort | $4600.00 | $4400.00 | $4200.00 |
Comfort | 4600 | 4600 | 4400 | 4400 | 4200 | 4200 | 4200 | 4200 | 4200 |
Our private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Bilbao
Arrival set up at the hotel
Day 2
Bilbao
Take a Bilbao city tour and see the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural landmark with an audacious configuration
Day 3
Bermeo, Ondarroa
Hike up to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe and visit the fishing and canning port of Ondarroa
Day 4
San Sebastian
At Urgull hill top, enjoy one of the best views of the town. Explore the old town of San Sebastian
Day 5
Biarritz, St Jean-de-Luz
Discover the French side of Basque Country, Biarritz, a chic coastal gem, and St Jean-de-Luz
Day 6
Pamplona
Travel to Pamplona, a town known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermn festival).
Detailed Itinerary
Bilbao
Day 1: Arrival set up at the hotel
Pickup from Bilbao airport, train or bus station and transfr to the hotel.Bilbao
Day 2: Take a Bilbao city tour and see the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural landmark with an audacious configuration
Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Casco Viejo's Old Town. Take a tour of Plaza Nueva square, the historic center of Bilbao. Explore old romantic buildings, beautiful churches, the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao or Santiago Cathedral, and numerous restaurants and bars while walking or driving.
Late Lunch
Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a monument to modernism, and admire its unique architecture, which features a spiral ramp that rides to a domed skylight. The Nervion River, which runs through Bilbao and the Cantabrian Sea, is where it was built
Dinner
Return to hotel, spend the night
Bermeo, Ondarroa
Day 3: Hike up to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe and visit the fishing and canning port of Ondarroa
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the municipality of Bermeo. Visit the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, known also as the Castle Rock. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is situated just off the shore of the Bay of Biscay and 35 km (22 miles) east of Bilbao. A man-made stone bridge connects the island to the mainland. The bridge changes to a narrow path that has 241 steps and zigzags its way back and forth to the top. Season 7 of Game of Thrones featured these iconic steps.
Lunch
Go to local villages in the area, such as Ondarroa, a fishing town with a beautiful historical center. The main attractions include the port, Artibai River, bridges that cross it, and historical buildings.
Drive to San Sebastian
Check in at hotel
Free time
Dinner
Spend the night in San Sebastian
San Sebastian
Day 4: At Urgull hill top, enjoy one of the best views of the town. Explore the old town of San Sebastian
After breakfast, walk through town towards the top of Urgull Hill, one of the best views in town. Dominating the top of Urgull hill is a Sacred Heart Christ statue overlooking San Sebastian. It will take 30 minutes to hike up through the hill's woods to the statue.
On the way back from the hill, walk and visit San Sebastian's old town, starting with the Basilica of Santa Mara del Coro. The Basilica, a Baroque building from the 18th century, presides over Calle Mayor in 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 is regarded as the top nightlife spot in San Sebastian, and also the ideal place to grab pintxos (the local term for light bites, similar to tapas)
Lunch
In the afternoon, take a break at La Concha Beach, which is located just 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. The beach is bordered by La Concha Promenade, a beautiful architecture walkway.
Spend the night in San Sebastian.
Biarritz, St Jean-de-Luz
Day 5: Discover the French side of Basque Country, Biarritz, a chic coastal gem, and St Jean-de-Luz
After breakfast, take a drive to explore the lesser-known French side of Basque Country or Iparralde (meaning Northern Lands). Explore the Belle Epoque world of towns and villages across the Spain-France border. First, we set our sights on Biarritz, a chic coastal gem an hour northeast of San Sebastian.
Next, take a leisurely stroll through the town's glamorous streets and take a look at the Church of Saint-Martin from the 12th century. Visit Les Halles de Biarritz, a famous food market with a selection of regional cheeses, wines, and seasonal offerings.
In the afternoon, you will travel south to St. Jean de Luz, a charming fishing village. Take a stroll through the quaint streets, stroll on the beach, and perhaps dip your toes in the ocean. We will be served an elegant seaside lunch that features French Basque cuisine and techniques, concluding our magical exploration 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
Pamplona
Day 6: Travel to Pamplona, a town known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermn festival).
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive an hour south to the famous town of Pamplona, which is known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermin festival). The famous Estafeta Street or Café Iruna, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in 'The Sun Also Rises,' is a great place to take a stroll.
Walk in the same manner as the bulls run during the festival. Visit the city's Castillo Square, the City Hall, and the defensive walls of Ciudadella. Also, take a look at the historic sites in the Old Quarter, such as San Saturnino & San Lorenzo church, and the local market
Lunch,
Head back to Bilbao, which is two hours away. Arrive in Bilbao early afternoon.
End of the tour