Private 6-Day tour Basque country across Spain-France border

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival set up at the hotel⌄

   Arrival in Bilbao. Private transfer and accommodation Check in to hotel

   Overnight: Overnight at Bilbao nice hotel at the center of town

2. 2Bilbao city tour, Visit the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural landmark of audacious configuration⌄

   After breakfast, private city tour with your chauffeur, stopping at iconic landmarks of the city. Wander through the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Explore Plaza Nueva square he historic center of Bilbao. Walk and drive through old romantic buildings, beautiful churches, the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao or Santiago Cathedral, and many restaurants and bars.

   Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a monument to modernism, the unique architecture of the space, with its spiral ramp riding to a domed skylight. It is built alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea Free time Dinner Return to hotel, spend the night

3. 3Hike up to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe and visit fishing and canning port of Ondarroa⌄

   After breakfast check out of the hotel. Drive to the municipality of Bermeo. Visit iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, know also as the castle rock. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay and 35 km (22 miles) east from Bilbao. The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge transitions into a narrow path that contains 241 steps and zigzags its way back and forth to the top. These Iconic steps were featured in season 7 of Game of Thrones. Lunch

   Visit some local villages in the area like Ondarroa, a fishing town with a beautiful historical center. Its port, the Artibai River, the bridges that cross the river, and the historical buildings are part of the main attractions. Drive to San Sebastian Check in at hotel Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian

   Overnight: Hotel in San Sebastian

4. 4Enjoy one of the best views of the town at Urgull hill top. Explore old town of San Sebastian⌄

   After breakfast, walk through town towards the top of the Urgull hill, one of the best view points in town. Dominating the top of the Urgull hill is a Sacred Heart Christ statue overlooking San Sebastian. It will take 30 min hike up through the hill's woods to the statue

   On the way back from the hill, walk and visit San Sebastian old town starting with the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, an impressive 18th century Baroque building that presides over Calle Mayor in the heart of San Sebastián's Old Town (Parte Vieja). Stroll through Parte Vieja's pedestrian-friendly streets are flanked by centuries-old buildings that house a plethora of restaurants, shops and bars. It's considered the best nightlife spot in San Sebastian, as well as the best place to grab pintxos (the local term for light bites, similar to tapas)

   In the afternoon, relax at La Concha Beach located a stone's throw away from Parte Vieja. Situated southwest of Parte Vieja, the beach stretches about a mile wide and offers spectacular views of Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and Santa Clara Island, as well as the beautiful architecture that borders La Concha Promenade. Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian.

5. 5Discover the French side of Basque Country, Biarritz, a chic coastal gem, and St Jean-de-Luz⌄

   After breakfast, we will drive to discover the lesser-known French side of Basque Country or Iparralde (meaning Northern Lands), venturing across the Spain-France border into the Belle Epoque world of the towns and villages. We will first set our sights on Biarritz, a chic coastal gem an hour northeast of San Sebastian. You will take a leisurely stroll through the glamorous streets of town, admire the 12th century Church of Saint-Martin, and wander Les Halles de Biarritz, a famous food market with a selection of regional cheeses, wines and seasonal bounty Lunch

   In the afternoon, you will head south to St. Jean de Luz, an enchanting fishing village. Stroll the quaint streets, take a walk on the beach, and perhaps dip your toes in the ocean. While here, we will be treated to an elegant seaside lunch featuring French Basque cuisine and techniques, putting an end to this magical discovery of Le Pays Basque. Late lunch After lunch we will cross the border back to San Sebastian, Spain Free time Dinner Spend the night in San Sebastian

   Overnight: Overnight in hotel San Sebastian

6. 6Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermín festival).⌄

   After breakfast check out of the hotel. Drive an hour south to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermín festival). We will take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises?'

   Walk along the same way the bulls run during the festival. Visit the city's Castillo Square, the City Hall, the Ciudadella defensive walls and the historic places in the Old Quarter like San Saturnino & San Lorenzo church, and the local market Lunch Head back to Bilbao that is two hours away; arrive to Bilbao early afternoon, End of the tour

   Overnight: Overnight hotel in San Sebastian