5 days Bilbao and Basque Country

Experience the Best of Bilbao and the Basque Country in Five Days

If you’re looking to explore northern Spain’s Basque Coast and Rioja wine region without the hassle of planning every detail, this 5-day guided tour offers a well-rounded taste of some of the area’s most iconic spots. Starting from Bilbao, your home base, you’ll visit charming fishing villages, historic landmarks, and picturesque vineyards, all with the convenience of hotel pickup, expert guides, and comfortable transportation. Priced at about $865.69 per person, it strikes a balance between guided ease and authentic exploration.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines culture with stunning scenery—from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the dramatic cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the wine cellars of La Rioja. The itineraries are packed, but not rushed, giving you time to soak in each place. The second is the tour’s inclusion of two wine regions, which means you’ll get a taste of local bodegas and vineyards, perfect for wine lovers or anyone curious about Spain’s world-famous wines.

One possible consideration is that, with so many stops packed into five days, you should be prepared for long days of sightseeing. If you prefer slow-paced travel or deep dives into fewer sites, this might feel a bit full. Also, meals outside of breakfast are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge in local pintxos and regional cuisine.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Basque culture, scenery, and history, especially those eager to visit both well-known spots and hidden gems along the coast. It’s also perfect if you appreciate guided tours with expert commentary and value having transportation and accommodation sorted in advance.

Key Points

• Comfortable itinerary with hotel pickup, all transfers, and four nights’ stay
• Diverse experiences including coastal villages, historic towns, and wineries
• Expert guides providing insights into local culture and history
• Stunning scenery from cliffs, bridges, and colorful fishing villages
• Flexible options with free cancellation and small group sizes
• Ideal for travelers seeking an active, culturally rich adventure in northern Spain

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Bilbao and Basque Country Tour

This tour offers a nicely balanced mix of urban charm, coastal beauty, and wine country—all centered around Bilbao, a city that’s become a modern art and architecture hub. With 4-star hotel accommodation included, you can rest comfortably after days filled with sightseeing, walking, and tasting.

Day 1: Arriving in Bilbao

Your adventure starts with your arrival in Bilbao, where you can settle into your hotel and explore at your own pace. The tour’s meeting point is Bilbao Airport, with options for hotel pickup and drop-off, making your start seamless. We appreciate that no matter your arrival time, you can begin exploring Bilbao’s Old Town, with its lively pintxos bars and historic streets.

Day 2: The Basque Coast’s Highlights

The second day takes you along the coast, offering some of the most dramatic scenery and cultural landmarks. The Bizkaia Bridge is a marvel of engineering—built with a metal structure, it’s a visual highlight. The Butrón Castle, with its medieval origins, feels like stepping into a fairy tale, especially for history buffs.

Perhaps the most iconic stop is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny islet topped with a hermitage, famous for its role in Game of Thrones. Standing at its viewpoint, you get sweeping views of the cliffs and surf—truly a picture-perfect moment. Then, in Bermeo, the colorful fishing village, the walk through narrow streets and past traditional houses feels like a glimpse into authentic Basque life.

Ending the day in Gernika, you’ll see the town that inspired Picasso’s famous painting, home to the historic Assembly House. The guided walking tour around Bilbao’s Old Town caps the day with its lively streets and pintxos bars.

Day 3: France and the Bay of San Sebastian

Day three crosses borders into France with a visit to Biarritz, renowned for its beaches, surf, and thermal waters. The walking tour here showcases its glamorous history and seaside charm. Next, Saint Jean de Luz offers a picturesque old town, with timbered houses and a peaceful ambiance, perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Finally, in San Sebastian, you’ll explore the Old Town, with its maze of streets, and enjoy free time for lunch—a highlight for food lovers. San Sebastian is famous for its pintxos, small bites packed with flavor. The panoramic drive up to Igeldo offers breathtaking views of the bay, a sight that’s bound to stay with you.

Day 4: The Rioja Wineries and Medieval Towns

A highlight for any wine enthusiast, day four takes you into La Rioja, known worldwide for its wine cellars and vineyards. In Haro, a guided tour of a local winery offers an inside look at wine production. Then, Laguardia’s medieval streets and wine cellars provide a taste of history and flavor.

Stop at Marqués de Riscal hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, which is as much a work of art as the wines you’ll taste. The blend of historic towns and modern architecture adds to the day’s appeal.

Day 5: Departure and Free Time in Bilbao

Your final day gives you some optional free time in Bilbao to revisit favorite spots or enjoy the city’s cafes before heading home or onward. The included private transfers make departing straightforward.

What’s Not to Love? Considerations

While this tour packs a lot into five days, that also means long hours of sightseeing—be prepared for early mornings and full days. If you’re someone who prefers a slow pace or more time at each site, this might feel rushed. Also, meals outside breakfast aren’t included, so budget for lunches and dinners to enjoy local cuisine, especially in San Sebastian’s pintxos bars and wine regions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of northern Spain’s highlights, especially if they enjoy a mix of cultural, scenic, and gastronomic experiences. It’s suitable for those who appreciate small group tours with insightful guides and want the convenience of included transportation and hotel stays. Ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting to combine city, coast, and wine into one trip.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Bilbao and Basque Country tour offers a thoughtfully curated journey through some of Spain’s most scenic and culturally interesting spots. The blend of coastal villages, historic towns, and wine regions, combined with expert guidance and comfortable accommodations, makes it a well-rounded choice for those seeking an active yet manageable exploration.

If you’re passionate about stunning views, authentic local experiences, and want a hassle-free way to see the best of the Basque Country from Bilbao, this tour hits the mark. Just be ready for busy days, plenty of walking, and a bit of planning for meals—your effort will be rewarded with memories of vibrant towns, dramatic coastlines, and wine tastings that will linger long after the trip ends.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves quite a bit of walking and long days, so keep that in mind if traveling with young children or anyone with limited mobility.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.

What is the price per person?
It’s approximately $865.69, which covers four nights in a 4-star hotel, breakfast, guided tours, and transfers. Meals outside breakfast and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can book with confidence.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 54 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience without feeling crowded.

Do I need to book separately for single occupancy?
Single bookings can be requested, but they may be subject to an additional individual supplement.

What are the main highlights of the itinerary?
Expect visits to Bilbao’s Old Town and Guggenheim Museum, coastal stops like Gaztelugatxe, the French Basque coast, the wine regions of Haro and Laguardia, and scenic drives such as Igeldo.

Is food included in the tour?
Breakfast is included, but lunches and dinners are not. You’ll have opportunities to enjoy local pintxos and wine tastings independently.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, and perhaps a camera—this tour’s scenery is truly photo-worthy.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a guided group tour with set stops, so while you can explore on your own during free time, major activities follow the itinerary.

This detailed exploration of the Bilbao and Basque Country tour should help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next adventure. Whether you’re after vibrant city scenes, dramatic coastlines, or world-class wines, this trip offers a taste of everything that makes northern Spain special.