Top Basque Country Day Trips

Departing from Bilbao or San Sebastián : live an unforgettable day through three of the most iconic destinations in the French Basque Country: Biarritz, Bayonne and San Juan de Luz. A complete excursion combining history, coastal elegance, traditional architecture and local cuisine. We start in Biarritz, a city of aristocratic air and spectacular views of the Atlantic. We will visit places like the Grande Plage, the Casino, the Hotel du Palais and the church of Sainte Eugénie, with free time afterwards to enjoy the surroundings. We will continue to Bayonne, where we will take a guided tour of its historic center, including the City Hall, the church of San Andrés and the Gothic cathedral. Then you will have time to have lunch and explore at your own pace. We close the day in San Juan de Luz, a charming fishing village where we combine a short guided tour with free time to stroll, shop or relax. A complete experience with guidance, transportation and the perfect balance between culture and leisure.

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.

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.

Exploring the Basque countryside from Bilbao typically includes juggling transportation logistics and navigating rural roads. This full-day trip takes care of everything for you, leaving you free to soak in the experience as you walk along the spectacular coastal path to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, then continue to the charming fishing town of Bermeo and the historic Casa de Juntas in Gernika.

If you only have a day to spend in the Bilbao area, this small-group tour to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo fits a lot into a day. Fans of “A Game of Thrones” won’t want to miss the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe. Witness the old fishing traditions at Bermeo, and learn about Basque history at Gernika. Admire Picasso’s painting of the same name. Hotel pickup adds convenience to your scenic day.

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.

Enjoy a full-day trip to Lourdes from San Sebastian, Biarritz, or Bayonne, traveling comfortably through the stunning landscapes of the French Pyrenees. With hotel pick-up and private transportation, you will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, including the Massabielle Grotto, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the underground Basilica of Saint Pius X. You will also discover the House of Bernadette and have the option to see the Fortified Castle overlooking the valley. Enjoy free time to light a candle, stroll the esplanade, and savor a traditional two-course French lunch before returning. Faith, history, and gastronomy in one inspiring journey.

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.

Book this tour for a dose of nature followed by a regional gastronomic treat. You’ll have both a hike in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a chance to do some exploring of fishing villages and the local area, and then sit down, or stand up, while enjoying a delicious pintxos lunch with drinks.

Do something a little different for dinner on this small-group food-and-wine tour in Bilbao. Rather than opt for a sit-down meal, follow your guide around local bars to try traditional pintxos. Enjoy enough small plates, paired with drinks, to make up a full meal. Learn about Bilbao's history as you go from bar to bar, passing by city highlights along the way.

Book this private, guided tour of the coast of Biscay that's tailored to your own pace. Explore San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which was used as the backdrop for Dragonstone in the hit series "Game of Thrones," the small towns of Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika-Lumo, and much more. Plus, hear stories of the history and people of this region that you couldn’t get from a guidebook.

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.

Foodies will want to join this guided walking tour of Bilbao to learn about the gastronomy of Northern Spain. Indulge in Basque tapas, pintxos, and miniature cuisine, as well as wine pairings and other traditional local drinks. Discover the roots of each dish and drink, its ingredients, and how you can recreate it at home. Experience Bilbao like the Basque people, and explore with just a small group to keep things personal.

San Sebastian is a great springboard for visiting Spain’s La Rioja, a wine-growing region known for its high-quality red wines. Explore the vine-covered hills on this small-group door-to-door tour, visiting two wineries to see their vineyards and production facilities. At each estate, enjoy a wine tasting to sample different varieties, and finish with a small pintxos lunch paired with local wines in the beautiful town of Laguardia.

This day tour allows you to enjoy a unique experience to discover La Rioja and its wineries and taste high quality wines. Departure directly to Haro, capital of Rioja Wine. There, we will visit CVNE, a centenary winery. We will take a guided tour of its essential spaces, including the barrel room designed by the legendary architect Gustave Eiffel and the underground cellars including tasting. We will then go on a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Haro. We will continue to Laguardia, where will start a walk through through its picturesque narrow streets and then take guided tour of a small traditional winery. After the visit, free time for lunch (not included). Before returning to Bilbao, we will pass through Elciego to discover the Marqués de Riscal building, an outstanding example of modern architecture.

Simplify a visit to San Sebastian and the local area from Bilbao, without navigating unfamiliar public transportation, on this group trip. Relax knowing we've handled the logistics and planning, then board a comfortable vehicle in central Bilbao as you explore Gipuzkoa. Enjoy an itinerary that includes Loyola's historic sanctuary, Getaria, a scenic drive through Zarautz, and a tour of San Sebastian.

Learn all about the Picos de Europa National Park with this guided tour of the area from Bilbao, and make sure to come hungry. Your guide will be a foodie, and they will share the culture of this area with you partly through food. You’ll be tasting tapas, alcoholic beverages, and a full meal along the way. Your guide will take photos of you in the natural beauty, and tell you stories about the history, too.

Discover the beauty of Cantabria on this enriching day trip from Bilbao. The journey includes a guided visit to Comillas, and a guided tour in the Capricho de Gaudí, showcasing unique architectural brilliance. Enjoy a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Cantabrian Sea and then stroll through the medieval streets of Santillana del Mar, renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm. The tour concludes with a guided exploration of the vibrant city center of Santander, blending history and modernity seamlessly. With a local expert guide and private transport, this day trip promises a comprehensive experience of art, culture, and local gastronomy. - 9-hour guided tour including Comillas, Santillana del Mar, and Santander - Visit the architectural gem, Capricho de Gaudí, with included tickets - Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Santillana del Mar - Small group tours available, offering a bilingual experience (English + Spanish).

Experience the seafaring charm and coastal beauty of the Basque Country on a full-day tour from Bilbao. Option 1 •Begin with hotel pick-up in the morning and travel to Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a walled medieval center, colorful fishermen’s houses, and historic squares. •Next, visit Pasaia, exploring the historic port districts of San Pedro and San Juan. •At midday, arrive in San Sebastian for a pintxos tasting in the Old Town, sampling the flavors that make the city famous. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of San Sebastian’s highlights. Option 2 • Walking tour in Hondarribia, a coastal colorful town • Guided visit in San Sebastian, discover its landmarks and Belle Époque architecture. • Free time in San Sebastian for lunch (lunch is not included in this tour option) • Finish the day with a one hour visit in Zarautz

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.

Enjoy a dinner to remember—and discover the highlights of Bilbao’s vibrant food scene—during this small-group food tour. Meet your guide in central Bilbao, and be sure to come hungry: you’ll taste the best of the city’s many pintxos (tapas) bars. Try a number of local bites, learn all about what sets the Basque Country’s culinary offerings apart, enjoy drinks with your nibbles, and follow your guide to locals-frequented favorites.

Discover Bilbao long after the crowds have dispersed on this private walking tour. The itinerary can be completely adapted to your interests and pace, whether you are interested in history, architecture, or culture. Opt to discover top landmarks or off-the-beaten-path areas, making this a great option for small groups or families.

This tour is limited to a very small group of maximum 7 people, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere that’s impossible on standard day trips. Led by a warm, knowledgeable local guide, the day feels more like traveling with a friend than following a script. The small group size allows for flexibility, easy conversation, and time to enjoy each place properly, from everyday life in Bayonne to the coastal charm of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It’s a social and well-paced way to experience the French Basque Country from San Sebastián.