Spain · BILBAO & BASQUE COUNTRY TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 bilbao & basque country tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Cruise Bilbao’s estuary from Pio Baroja Square on a one or two-hour boat tour. You’ll pass the Guggenheim, bridges, Zorrozaurre, the Deusto Canal, and, on the longer route, the Puente Bizkaia area. Bring headphones and a charged phone for the six-language audio guide.
“Nice relaxing tour with a lot of historic info on provided narrative (provided in several languages). Take your ear buds🎧 to listen on your phone.”
Explore San Mamés, Athletic Club’s home ground, with an audio guide in English, Spanish, Basque, or French. Walk through the changing room, tunnel, pitchside area, dugouts, press room, and an interactive museum packed with 500 original objects, videos, trophies, and football displays.
“Loved it. Nice being able to wander around at own leisure.”
Join a bilingual guide from Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum for a 10-hour trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika. Walk the 241 steps to Dragonstone, explore coastal towns, learn Basque history and finish with txakoli at Bodega Berroja.
“our guide Aitor was very professional and told about the interesting history of Basque. I expected only to visit Gatzelugatze but in addition Bermro, Mundaka and Gernica were extremely worth to visit. Bodega Berrejo on top of the mountain Emma's also nice, although the tasting area was rather noisy. our driver, Jose, was very experienced and the bus was brand new. great value for the money!”
Travel from Bilbao by air-conditioned vehicle to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, climb its 241 steps, walk through Mundaka, and visit Gernika’s famous tree, air shelters, and Civil War sites. English and Spanish guides may include Pilar, Adur, José, Eduardo, or Joserra.
“I recently took a group tour to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka, and it was a wonderful experience. Gaztelugatxe was absolutely gorgeous, with its windy path up to the chapel offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The hike was a bit challenging, but the views from the top made it all worthwhile. Mundaka, a charming fishing village known for its beautiful beach and surf culture. The peaceful harbor and scenic surroundings were a perfect way to end the day. Our final stop was in Gernika, we visited the symbolic Gernika Tree, a powerful symbol of Basque heritage and freedom. It was a moving experience, knowing its historical significance. The guide…”
Join a local guide such as Sala, Hector, Lily, or Gorka for three hours of pintxos, wine, cider, and Basque culture in San Sebastián’s Parte Vieja. Eight food stops, five drinks, and a group capped at nine make this a social, filling introduction to the city’s famous bar scene.
“Mila was an amazing guide. So knowledgeable, with so much industry experience and knowledge about San Sebastián, she catered for everyone’s needs and she made it a lot of fun! Highly recommend!!”
Spend about three hours bar hopping through Bilbao’s Casco Viejo with a local English-speaking guide such as Irene, Olaia, or Leire. Taste 1 or 2 freshly made pintxos at five bars, paired with wine, cider, beer, or water, while learning how to order and where locals eat.
“Irene was fun, knowledgeable and willing to share so much about the history and culture of the Basque people. The food was amazing and the wine excellent. This was worth squeezing into our stay!”
Take a 30-minute boat ride around San Sebastian’s La Concha Bay, then stop at Santa Clara Island for swimming, a lighthouse walk, or a seasonal drink. The Spanish-operated boat includes an audio guide in English, Spanish, Basque, and French via a QR code.
“Excellent value, lovely boat trip around the bay and on to Santa Clara island, would recommend!”
Travel from Bilbao to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Game of Thrones Dragonstone setting, then visit surf town Mundaka and historic Gernika. Expect a steep stair hike, coastal scenery, local stories, and an English-speaking guide such as Nora, Edu, or José. Hotel pickup is available with the small-group option.
“Enjoyable travel & learning experience. Fantastic locations & not too far apart. Nora was a great guide who made sure that the light rain didn't interfere with the enjoyment!”
Join Earra Tours for a three-hour walk through San Sebastián’s Old Town, with market tastings, eight pintxo plates, four local drinks, a private gastronomic society visit, dessert, and Basque liqueur. Guides including Jon, Gabi, Gorka, Martin, and Daria lead the experience in English.
“Fantastic tour. 100% recommended. Wonderful food and lots of it. John / Juan was a great host and guide.”
Spend three relaxed hours cycling Bilbao’s river paths and pedestrian streets with guides such as Oskar, Roberto, Willie, or Txema. Learn how a small port became the Basque Country’s cultural and economic center, then see the Guggenheim, Zubizuri Bridge, San Mamés, Maritime Museum, and city parks by easy-riding e-bike.
“Oscar’s knowledge about his city and enthusiasm about being a citizen of Bilbao (and not San Sebastián😜) was great. His energy was fantastic, his English was perfect and we had an enjoyable 3 hours. Can warmly recommend it.”
Ride an Orbea electric bike through San Sebastián with guides such as Colten, Nerea, Alain, Pelayo, or Iñigo. In three hours, you’ll see La Concha, Miramar Palace, Monte Igueldo, Anoeta, the river, and Zurriola Beach, plus neighborhoods and a long city tunnel.
“Excellent and informational tour of San Sebastián, with a brilliant guide (thank you Pelayo!), to show not only main tourist parts, but also good insight into the different districts. Highly recommended!”
Set out near Bilbao Town Hall on a 160 to 165 minute cruise along the Nervión River and Abra Bay. You will pass the Guggenheim Museum, Deusto Canal, Bizkaia Bridge, Getxo, and Santurtzi, with indoor and outdoor seats and audio commentary in Spanish, Basque, English, and French.
“If you are in Bilbao any longer than a day, you should consider the estuary boat tour. It’s a relaxing 3 hour small boat cruise up the river to give you a better sense of the greater Bilbao area and its industrial history along Nervión’s banks. The highlight may have been seeing the Vizcaya Bridge. It was also interesting to see the grand old turn-of-the century homes in Gexto.”
Travel from Bilbao with an English and Spanish-speaking guide such as Paula, Borja, or Maider. Hike the steep, uneven route to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, enjoy free time and lunch in Bermeo, then visit Gernika and its famous oak tree. Small groups may use a minivan, while larger groups travel by bus.
“Our guide Borja was a wealth of knowledge of all three areas. He was energetic and it was obvious that he was passionate about the information he imparted. He was able to speak many languages fluently. Our driver was courteous and drove incredibly well. Although the first part of the tour was challenging, it was an awesome experience! It is well worth going on.”
Spend 40 minutes aboard the Ciudad San Sebastián, a stable hybrid catamaran sailing from the traditional harbor around La Concha Bay. Use your phone for the free audio guide in English, French, Spanish, or Basque, and see Santa Clara Island, Miramar Palace, Kursaal, Mount Ulia, Mount Igeldo, and Chillida’s Peine del Viento from the water.
“bonne sortie en famille mais il n’y a pas d'explication”
Meet your guide at Biscay Council Hall for three hours of pintxos, wine, beer, cider, cocktails, and local stories. Guides such as Jack, James, Maria, Ashley, and Andrea lead small, social groups through Bilbao bars, with enough food for a full meal.
“Jack our guide was good fun and knowledgeable. great bars and great food. really enjoyed it”
Pick a city, a coastline or a kitchen.
