Private Tour
Upon arrival, transfer from Bilbao Airport to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Buffet breakfast at hotel. This morning, we take a walk along the banks of the River Nervión, cross the Calatrava Bridge and then visit the Guggenheim Art Museum, the world famous masterpiece of the Canadian born Architect Frank Gehry. The opening of this iconic construction in 1997 marked the beginnings of a radical change in the face of this great Basque city. Until then it had been a grimy, heavily industrialised city with absolutely no tourist appeal at all. Now the old factories have been demolished, the industry has been moved out of town to new modern installations and Bilbao has become an attractive clean and interesting city, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. After the Museum, there will be free time to have lunch (Bilbao is a perfect place to experience 'el tapeo', you go from bar to bar tasting different wines and tapas in each one. This is more typical of this part of Spain than anywhere else and definitely should not be missed!). Afterwards, there is plenty of time to wander around the Old Town and enjoy the atmosphere and the many small, specialist shops which will open up your appetite for some Basque specialities. Alternatively, take the Funicular de Artxanda up Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the restaurants at the top or visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao (Museum of Fine Arts) if you prefer to see more art. Meals: Breakfast
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After breakfast, we make our way to San Sebastián, a postcard city in the Bay of Biscay area. It is a well known summer resort for the aristocracy and the wealthy. The reasons for this are many, it's beautifully located on a bay surrounded by mountains and valleys, it is tidy, there is a feeling of art and culture to the city and it has a much milder climate than its Mediterranean counterparts. All of these features make San Sebastián a lovely visit and great place to live for those who can afford it! Our guide will be taking you on a tour on foot to include the 'Concha', the famous beach and the centre of town, with the beautiful 19th Century French inspired architecture. The tour will end in the 'Casco Viejo', the Old Quarter, where all the 'pintxo' bars are located. We return to Bilbao in the early afternoon. Afterwards, return to Bilbao for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day excursion to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Biarritz has long made its fortune from the sea, as a whaling settlement from the 12th Century onwards. In the 18th Century, doctors recommended that the ocean at Biarritz had therapeutic properties, inspiring patients to make pilgrimages to the beach for alleged cures for their ailments. Biarritz's Casino (opened 10 August 1901) and beaches make the town a notable tourist centre for Europeans and East Coast North Americans. The city has also become a prime destination for surfers from around the world, developing a nightlife and surf based culture. We will take a beautiful walk along the promenade by the 'camino a la roca de la virgen' by the sea and it finishes at a famous rock and we will also visit the fishing port. After this we will go to Saint-Jean-de-Luz where we stop for an explanation about the town and the port, then we continue to the Hendaya Coast where we can cross the bay by boat to Fuenterrabia, enjoy a visit and some food on your own before returning to Bilbao. Meals: Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a trip along the Biscay Coast. Visit Getxo with its impressive Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, head to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning islet with a hermitage connected to the mainland by a winding staircase (featured in 'Game of Thrones'). Be prepared for some steps! Overnight at the hotel in Bilbao. Meals: Breakfast
Today, we head South towards Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Capital of the Basque Country, that offers a mix of history, culture and green spaces. Start your morning in the Medieval Old Town, wandering its charming streets and visiting landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa María, which inspired Ken Follett's novel World Without End. Explore the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the city's heart, surrounded by historic buildings and vibrant cafes. Stop by the Mural Route, a collection of colourful street art decorating the Old Quarter, before enjoying pintxos and local wines in a traditional bar. In the afternoon, visit the Fine Arts Museum or the Artium Museum, showcasing Basque and Contemporary Spanish Art. For nature lovers, a stroll or bike ride through the Green Belt, a network of lush parks and wetlands, offering a peaceful escape. If we have time left, we will take a stroll in Salburua Park, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy a sunset over its scenic lagoons, making for a perfect blend of urban exploration and nature. Meals: Breakfast
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bilbao Airport for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (fs)
