Top Basque Country Day Trips

Soak up spectacular coastal views while discovering the rich history and culture of Spain's Basque coast. Highlights include a walking tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, visiting the charming fishing villages of Bermeo and Mundaka, and an insight into the cultural legacy of Gernika-Lumo. Round off the day at Berroja Auzoa winery to taste the region’s signature txakoli varieties.

Maximize time in the Basque Country on this full-day tour from San Sebastian or Bilbao, which takes you across the border into France. Visit the glamorous beach city of Biarritz and the historic town of Bayonne with a professional guide. Upgrade to a tour in your choice of Spanish or English that also includes a restaurant lunch, transfers, and a visit to the seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

This excursion will take you to the heart of the Gipuzkoan coast, where breathtaking landscapes and deep traditions intertwine. ✔ Hendaye A villa to explore its charming corners, enjoy its Basque-French style and its relaxed atmosphere by the sea. ✔ Medieval village of Hondarribia We will continue to one of the most picturesque villages in the Basque Country, with its colored wooden houses and welcoming atmosphere. ✔ Panoramic tour of San Sebastian We will take a scenic walk taking in the iconic beach of La Concha, visiting the gardens of Miramar Palace and crossing the Maria Cristina Bridge, with free time to discover the city. ✔ Getaria, birthplace of Balenciaga We will finish in Getaria, with a guided tour of this charming seafaring village famous for its gastronomy and historical legacy. Experience the magic of the Basque coast in one excursion!

See several of the most charming areas of the Basque Coast with this day tour from Bilbao. You’ll start with chic Biarritz, once a summer getaway for European royals, followed by a stop at Saint Jean de Luz, a charming coastal town. Then it’s San Sebastian, where you’ll have free time to explore or grab lunch (own expense) into the famous old town, before embarking on a walking tour followed by a visit to Mount Igueldo.

Visit iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, aka the castle rock, during this full-day tour that includes stops in Bermeo and Gernika. Climb the narrow, winding steps connecting this castle built high on a rocky island to the mainland and overlook the sea and stunning landscape. Featured on the HBO show “Game of Thrones”, this tour lets you visit “Dragonstone” in real life.

Embark on an excursion to the Baztan Valley and Zugarramurdi Caves from Pamplona or San Sebastian (choose departure at booking), a journey where nature and history intertwine. We depart for Elizondo, the elegant capital of the valley, famed for its stately houses, stone bridges over the River Bidasoa, and welcoming atmosphere reflecting Navarre’s essence. After strolling its streets and squares, we continue to the Zugarramurdi Caves, a unique natural site shrouded in mystery, linked to ancient covens and the history of witchcraft in Navarre. There we explore rock galleries that have fuelled myths and traditions for centuries. We return to meeting point, after a journey blending green landscapes, ancestral culture, and fascinating stories evoking Dolores Redondo’s trilogy: The Invisible Guardian, The Legacy in the Bones, and Offering to the Storm. The tour includes a bilingual guide, private transport, visits to Elizondo, Baztan Valley and entry to the Zugarramurdi Caves.

The day starts at Gaztelugatxe, where visitors can enjoy a stunning walk to the hermitage located on an islet, accessible via a bridge and a steep staircase of 231 steps. The views of the Bay of Biscay and the Basque coastline are spectacular, and the area is famous for its appearance in the "Game of Thrones" series. Next, the excursion continues to Bermeo, a charming coastal town known for its fishing port, old town, and excellent seafood cuisine. It's an ideal place to stroll and discover the region’s maritime traditions. There we will have free time for lunch. Finally, the visit takes you to Gernika, a town rich in history, famous for being the place where the laws of Bizkaia were signed. At the Casa de Juntas, visitors can learn about the Basque Country's historic rights, and the Tree of Gernika serves as a symbol of freedom and unity for the Basques. This excursion offers the perfect blend of natural landscapes, history, and Basque culture.

This visit gives you a chance to learn about the work of Basque farmers visiting a 16th-century farmhouse. Afterwards, the trip continues through the landscape until we reach the Cider House. You will get to know the family that runs it and the steps required to make Basque cider will be explained. You will then taste the product, first in the bottle and then sitting down to a traditional cider house menu. * The guided tour, as it is a shared service, may be in several languages depending on the origin of the clients.

Experience the enchanting green path of St. James’ Way (Camino de Santiago) on this family-friendly tour, perfect for nature lovers. Hike across Mount Ulia, soaking in stunning views of San Sebastián and the picturesque bay of Pasaia, and visit the iconic Ulia lighthouse. End your adventure in the charming fishing village of San Pedro with a delicious pintxo and drink, before enjoying a private, stress-free return to San Sebastián.

This full-day small-group tour from Bilbao runs in English and includes transport throughout Rioja. Visit Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, known for their wines and architecture, with complete guided tastings. If Ysios is closed, you’ll still visit for photos and enjoy an equivalent tasting at another winery. The tour also includes a stop in the medieval village of Laguardia for a tapas lunch.

Discover the verdant vineyards and intriguing history of the Rioja wine region on a full-day tour from Bilbao. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit charming villages like Harn and Laguardia to see medieval monuments and admire spectacular views of the countryside. Venture to Vitoria in order to wander the sprawling vineyards and descend into atmospheric wine cellars to learn about complex manufacturing processes. Pleasure your palate with the refined taste of signature wines during a tasting session and enjoy a traditional lunch in a locally recommended restaurant (own expense).

Explore the Basque Country beyond San Sebastian on this full-day, small-group, guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel or apartment and set out to see the 10th-century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Stroll through the old town of Bilbao and along the riverbank to explore the striking Guggenheim Museum with an audio guide. Lunch in a traditional restaurant is included.

Learn more about Spanish wine on this fun small-group day tour of two wineries near Bilbao. Sample three Rioja wines and enjoy a light pintxos lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options in Laguardia. Walk through the vineyards and learn how wine is made. A fun way to indulge in a glass or three without worrying about driving back to your hotel after.

Marvel at the scenic splendor of the Basque Country on a day trip from Bilbao that covers the highlights and helps you cross the border over to France with ease. Wander the winding streets of the city’s Old Quarter to see antique architecture and sink your toes into the silken sands of Biarritz, a sandy stretch declared the ‘Beach of Kings’ due to regular visits by European royalty. Convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel is included on this tour.

Spend a full day touring from San Sebastian to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Guernica. Walk the rocky path to the hermitage featured in Game of Thrones, then explore Guernica's historic sites including the Tree of Guernica with its history and Picasso's mural inspired by his Guernica painting. Travel comfortably by private coach in a mid-sized group with entrance fees included for a seamless Basque Country experience.

Learn all about traditional pintxos (the Basque version of Spanish tapas) on a guided walking tour of Bilbao's bars. At each stop, sample one or two of these delightful little bar snacks accompanied with a glass of wine, beer, or hard cider. Get an insider's perspective of the ancient part of the city that dates back to 1300. Consider booking this tour at the beginning of your Bilbao vacation so you can return to your favorite hotspots for more pintxo sampling.

Taste your way through Spain’s most celebrated wine region on a completely private tour of La Rioja from San Sebastian. Sample bold red blends at two different wine cellars, including some of the oldest underground wine caves in the area, and see the famous winery designed by architect Frank Gehry. State your appetite and venture off the tourist track with lunch at an authentic Basque restaurant, and explore the charming medieval streets of Laguardia village on this mouthwatering, personalized experience.

Rioja lovers will love this private tour of three different family wineries near Bilbao. Or if you’re not a rioja lover before the tour, you’ll become one after. You’ll have transportation the entire way, so you can indulge in as many tastings as you like. You’ll be able to see the variation as you learn how each is produced. You’ll have a relaxing lunch today, too.

Uncover the natural splendor of the French Basque countryside with this day trip from San Sebastian. Instead of booking a taxi, enjoy the convenience of having a private driver to transport you across the border, and between dispersed countryside highlights with ease. Picturesque towns and villages visited along the way include Saint Jean Pied de Port, Bidarray, Espelette, and the cultural melting pot of Bayonne.

Explore the Basque Country without having to get bogged down by transportation planning on a full-day excursion from Bilbao. With your guide leading the way so you don't have to navigate, visit grand ecclesiastical structures like the Sanctuary of Loyola; discover the fishing villages that pepper the coastline; and tour San Sebastian, renowned for its gastronomic scene.

Discover one of Spain’s iconic wine regions without any concerns about drinking and driving on this intimate tour of the Rioja area from Bilbao. You and your group of maximum seven travelers will tour three wineries, tasting several wines in each plus olive oil, chorizo, bread and cheese. You’ll also get the chance to admire Frank Gehry’s majestic Hotel Marques de Riscal on the wine estate of the same name.

Enjoy this half day tour of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum on this guided private half day tour. You’ll be picked up in an air conditioned vehicle, and start your tour exploring the Guggenheim. After this you’ll visit several important monuments, and hear about their history and significance. Also stop by La Ribera Market today to do some shopping. At the end of the day, you’ll be driven back to San Sebastian.

Discover the history of Bilbao on this guided small-group walking tour. Learn about the city’s gastronomy, culture, architecture, and traditions while you explore the streets and feel like a local. Tour highlights include the Plaza Nueva in Casco Viejo, La Ribera market, the Catedral de Santiago cathedral, the Bidebarrieta library, and more.