Basque Country Grand Tour
Base price subject to travel dates and availability of accommodation, tickets and confirmed services. Flights are not included.
Check datesA Grand Journey through the Basque Country
Basque Country Grand Tour: 10 Days between Coast, Mountains, Cities and Vineyards
The route is designed to explore the Basque Country as a connected region. It goes far beyond Bilbao and San Sebastian, following the coast through fishing villages and protected landscapes, incorporating gastronomy along the way and finishing with inland Alava and the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa.
The itinerary combines the major stages of a Basque road journey with overnight stays designed for a 10-day tour. You will stay in Bilbao, Lekeitio, Zarautz, San Sebastian, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Laguardia, reducing unnecessary transfers and allowing time to enjoy each destination after day visitors have left.
Private transportation accompanies the main stages and makes it possible to include villages, viewpoints, wineries and experiences that would be much harder to coordinate using trains and buses alone.
Tour highlights
Highlights of the Basque Country Grand Tour
Ten days combining Bilbao’s urban transformation, the Bay of Biscay, maritime culture, the flavors of San Sebastian, inland villages and the vineyard landscapes of Rioja Alavesa.
Bilbao · Guggenheim and the Seven Streets
Contemporary architecture, the river, Old Town, gastronomy and Bilbao’s remarkable urban transformation.
Urdaibai · Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika
Biosphere Reserve, fishing villages, Atlantic scenery and the historical memory of Gernika.
Basque Coast · Lekeitio and Fishing Villages
Historic harbors, cliffs, small coastal towns and scenic roads along the Bay of Biscay.
Zumaia and Getaria · Flysch and Tradition
Geology, coastal scenery, the Flysch, Getaria and the culture of txakoli wine.
San Sebastian · Pintxos and La Concha Bay
Old Town, seafront promenade, Basque cuisine and one of the culinary highlights of the journey.
Basque Interior · Idiazabal, Oñati and Goierri
Cheese, rural landscapes, valleys, heritage and villages revealing another side of the Basque Country.
Vitoria-Gasteiz · Medieval and Green City
The Medieval Quarter, Santa Maria Cathedral and urban spaces surrounded by the Green Belt.
Rioja Alavesa · Laguardia, Wine and Añana
Vineyards, wineries, a medieval hill town, the Salt Valley and the inland landscapes of Alava.
10-Day Circular Route
Main Stages of the Basque Country Grand Tour
Day-by-day itinerary
10-Day Basque Country Grand Tour Itinerary
The route begins and ends in Bilbao. The order of specific visits may be adjusted to match monument opening times, tides, boat schedules, winery reservations and experience availability.
Day 1 · Arrival in Bilbao · Welcome to the Basque Country
Bilbao · Start of the Basque Country Grand Tour
Arrival in Bilbao, meet-and-greet and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a first introduction to the city along the river, City Hall, El Arenal and the Seven Streets of the Old Town.
The day ends with a Basque-inspired welcome dinner and an introduction to the journey ahead.
Day 2 · Bilbao · Guggenheim, Old Town and Getxo
Bilbao and Getxo · Art, Industry and Urban Transformation
Spend the morning in Bilbao, focusing on the Guggenheim Museum, contemporary architecture along the river and the transformation from an industrial city into modern Bilbao.
In the afternoon, travel to Getxo and the area around the Vizcaya Bridge. Return to Bilbao with free time for pintxos or further exploration of the city center.
Day 3 · Bilbao · Bermeo · Mundaka · Gernika · Lekeitio
Urdaibai · Coast and History on the Basque Country Grand Tour
Leave Bilbao for the Bizkaia coast, travelling through Bermeo and Mundaka, two towns closely connected to the sea and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Continue to Gernika to see the Assembly House, the Tree of Gernika and the historical context of a town that plays an important role in understanding contemporary Basque identity.
Finish the day in Lekeitio, with time to walk around the harbor and historic center before your overnight stay.
Day 4 · Lekeitio · Mutriku · Zumaia · Getaria · Zarautz
Basque Coast · Flysch, Getaria and Arrival in Zarautz
Continue along the Bay of Biscay through small coastal towns such as Ondarroa and Mutriku before reaching Zumaia. When conditions allow, enjoy a Flysch experience from the sea or coast to discover one of the Basque shoreline’s most distinctive geological landscapes.
Continue to Getaria with time to explore the harbor and historic center before ending the day in Zarautz.
Day 5 · Zarautz · Astigarraga · Hondarribia · Pasaia · San Sebastian
Basque Gastronomy · From Zarautz to San Sebastian
Leave Zarautz for a day strongly shaped by Basque gastronomy. The itinerary can include a cider experience in Astigarraga before continuing to Hondarribia, with its walls, Marina district and one of Gipuzkoa’s most attractive historic centers.
Continue through Pasaia to San Sebastian, where the afternoon ends in the Old Town with a pintxos experience.
Day 6 · San Sebastian · La Concha, Old Town and Monte Igueldo
San Sebastian · A Full Day in the City
Spend the day in San Sebastian, exploring La Concha Bay, the city center, Old Town and several of its best-known urban landmarks.
The day also leaves time to enjoy the city independently. Depending on the confirmed itinerary, Monte Igueldo, a boat trip, market visit, Chillida Leku or another cultural or gastronomic experience can be added.
Day 7 · San Sebastian · Tolosa · Idiazabal · Oñati · Vitoria-Gasteiz
Basque Interior · Goierri, Idiazabal Cheese and Oñati
Leave the coast to discover the Basque interior. The route crosses Tolosa and the Goierri region, where an Idiazabal cheese experience can be included alongside rural landscapes very different from the coast.
Continue to Oñati, one of inland Gipuzkoa’s most interesting historic towns, before arriving in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Day 8 · Vitoria-Gasteiz · Rioja Alavesa · Elciego · Laguardia
Rioja Alavesa · Wine and Medieval Towns on the Basque Country Grand Tour
Begin with a visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz, focusing on the Medieval Quarter and Santa Maria Cathedral. The landscape gradually changes as the journey approaches Rioja Alavesa.
In the Elciego and Laguardia area, visit a winery with tasting to discover the vineyard landscape, local grape varieties and the importance of wine in this part of Alava.
Stay overnight in Laguardia, enjoying its medieval center and views over the vineyards.
Day 9 · Laguardia · Añana Salt Valley · Orduña · Balmaseda · Bilbao
Añana and Orduña · Inland Alava and Bizkaia
Leave Laguardia for the Añana Salt Valley, a cultural landscape shaped over centuries by salt production.
Continue toward Orduña and its surroundings. When conditions and the calendar allow, the route can include the Nervion waterfall area before continuing toward Balmaseda.
Return to Bilbao in the afternoon for a farewell dinner and the final night of the tour.
Day 10 · Bilbao · Breakfast and End of Tour
Bilbao · End of the 10-Day Basque Country Tour
Breakfast at the hotel and end of services for the Basque Country Grand Tour.
We can arrange a transfer to the airport or train station, or an extension to Madrid, La Rioja, Cantabria, Navarre, France or another destination if you would like to continue your journey.
Your Trip, Clearly Explained
What Is Included in the Basque Country Grand Tour
Included in the Basque Country Tour
- 9 nights of accommodation in selected hotels.
- Daily breakfast throughout the journey.
- 5 lunches or dinners included as listed in the itinerary.
- Private transportation between the different stages of the tour.
- Professional chauffeur during the contracted road services.
- Arrival and departure transfers in Bilbao on the tour dates.
- Local guides for the main cultural visits.
- Admission to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- Cultural visit to Bilbao and the Old Town.
- Route through Urdaibai, Gernika and the Bizkaia coast.
- Experience related to the Zumaia Flysch, subject to conditions.
- Gastronomic experience with pintxos in San Sebastian.
- Experience with Basque cider or an equivalent seasonal experience.
- Cultural visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- Winery visit and tasting in Rioja Alavesa.
- Visit to the Añana Salt Valley, subject to availability.
- Madrid Lands coordination and assistance during trip planning.
Not Included in the Tour Price
- International or domestic arrival and departure flights.
- Meals not specifically listed as included.
- Drinks unless they are part of an included tasting or experience.
- Personal expenses, shopping and minibar charges.
- Activities undertaken during free time that are not included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Personal travel, cancellation or medical assistance insurance.
- Any service not specifically listed in the “Included” section.
Some experiences depend on the season, sea conditions, opening times or availability. In those cases, a suitable equivalent alternative will be proposed within the route.
Flavors Along the Route
Gastronomy on the Basque Country Grand Tour
Pintxos · Bilbao and San Sebastian
An essential part of Basque food culture, integrated into the city stages of the tour.
Cider · Astigarraga
An experience connected with txotx, Basque cider tradition and the cuisine of the sagardotegi cider houses.
Txakoli · Gipuzkoa Coast
An Atlantic wine closely associated with Getaria, Zarautz and the coastal landscape.
Rioja Alavesa · Winery and Tasting
Vineyards, winery architecture and wine tasting in the Elciego and Laguardia area.
If you would like to extend the wine element of the journey, explore our Wine Tours Spain.
Travel pace
Activity Level on the Basque Country Grand Tour
Cities and villages are explored largely on foot. Expect historic centers, sloping streets, coastal promenades and uneven surfaces. The private format allows the pace to be adjusted when necessary.
Luggage
Travel with Your Luggage in the Vehicle
Your luggage travels in the vehicle during hotel changes, avoiding the need to arrange separate transportation between stages.
Travel dates
When to Take the Basque Country Grand Tour
Spring, summer and early autumn are especially attractive for combining the coast and inland regions. The tour can also be arranged at other times of year by adapting activities and schedules to the season.
Package price
10-Day Basque Country Grand Tour Price
The price includes accommodation, breakfasts, private transportation, visits, guides and the main experiences listed in the itinerary.
The final price will be confirmed according to travel dates, room availability, tickets, activities and number of travelers.
from 705 USD
Continue Exploring Northern Spain
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Booking & availability
Book Your Basque Country Grand Tour
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and room type. We will check accommodation, guides, tickets, boat activities and experiences before confirming the tour.
If you would like to begin in Madrid, add nights in Bilbao or San Sebastian, include Navarre, Cantabria or La Rioja, or continue into France, include it in your request.
Before booking
Practical Information for the Basque Country Grand Tour
Tour confirmation
The booking is confirmed once the main services are available and the payment specified in the proposal has been made.
Coastal activities
Boat trips and maritime experiences may be modified due to sea conditions, weather or operating conditions.
Wineries and gastronomy
The specific winery, cider house or restaurant may change while maintaining an equivalent experience within the planned region.
Itinerary
The order of certain visits may be adjusted to improve logistics or accommodate schedules and availability.
Questions before you travel
Basque Country Grand Tour FAQs
How much does the Basque Country Grand Tour cost?
Prices start from 4,675 USD per person. The final price depends on travel dates, hotel availability, number of travelers and confirmed services.
How many nights are included?
The tour includes nine nights of accommodation across Bilbao, Lekeitio, Zarautz, San Sebastian, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Laguardia.
Does the Basque Country Grand Tour include transportation?
Yes. The tour includes private transportation for the road stages in the itinerary, as well as the planned arrival and departure transfers in Bilbao.
Are gastronomic experiences included?
Yes. The itinerary includes experiences related to pintxos, cider and Rioja Alavesa wine, together with five lunches or dinners included in the package.
Is a winery visit in Rioja Alavesa included?
Yes. The route includes a winery visit with tasting in Rioja Alavesa. The specific winery will be confirmed according to availability for your selected dates.
Is the Flysch experience guaranteed?
The visit is planned, but maritime activities depend on sea and operating conditions. When sailing is not possible, a suitable land-based or cultural alternative will be arranged.
Can we start the tour from Madrid?
Yes. A private transfer or pre-tour stage from Madrid can be added, travelling through Burgos, Ribera del Duero, La Rioja or other stops before beginning the main circuit in Bilbao.
Can we finish in San Sebastian or continue into France?
Yes. The final stage can be modified and an extension arranged to San Sebastian, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Navarre, Cantabria, Madrid or another destination.
Madrid Lands · Basque Country Grand Tour
10 Days to Discover the Basque Country from Coast to Vineyards
Combine Bilbao, Urdaibai, Lekeitio, Zumaia, Getaria, Zarautz, San Sebastian, the Basque interior, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Rioja Alavesa, Añana and Orduña in one private journey.
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