Basque Country Signature Drive

5.0 reviews
1/11
anana salt pans on a sunny day

Combine beautiful landscapes and grand views...

Choose Duration

Wind your way from the twisting alleyways of Bilbao's medieval old town to the elegant Victorian seafront of San Sebastián via lush green hills, sunny vineyards, golden beaches and traditional fishing harbours.

  • Guggenheim visit
  • Bilbao like a local
  • Coastal hikes
  • Fresh sea air
  • Ancient salt pans
  • Rioja vineyards
  • Basque food & wine
  • Packed with culture
Read Full Itinerary

What's Included

Key Inclusions

11 nights in first-class hotels

Hire vehicle

All breakfasts

Special tasting menu lunch

2 x dinners

Guided activities as described

GPS tracks for self-guided walks


Guided Activities

Private Bilbao pintxos tour

Shared Bilbao bike tour

Guggenheim Museum entrances

Private half-day tour on coast

Shared salt pans tour

Shared winery visit


5* Service

We have personally experienced & loved every aspect of this trip

Travel Guide App with advice, background information and recommendations

ABTOT / ATOL Financial protection

Local support throughout

24/7 emergency support

Industry-leading 160% carbon capture


Please note: International travel not included.

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet your guide to explore Bilbao


You begin in Bilbao, reached by train, plane or ferry. Bilbao is the Basque Country's biggest city and home to Frank Gehry's famous titanium-clad Guggenheim. The best way to get to know the city, and to set you up for your travels, is to explore the pintxos bars of the old town with our lovely local guide. Pintxos are small works of bread-based culinary art, a Basque version of tapas if you will.

Day 2

Discover Bilbao by bike and on foot


Day 3

Explore en route to the coast


Day 4

Peek at cave art and walk in a painted forest


Day 5

Get to know the coast with your guide


Day 6

Hike on the way to the highlands


Day 7

Follow shepherd trails in the hills


Day 8

Visit a salt pan en route to Rioja


Day 9

Immerse yourself in Rioja's wine culture


Day 10

Potter in Pamplona; settle into San Sebastián


Memorable moments you can look forward to...

Spain basque country bilbao sunny tapas plaza nueva

Sit back...

With some pintxos in the sun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to/from this trip?


When is the best time for this trip?


What are the hotels like?


How active is this trip?


What is the driving like?


How easy is it navigate?


Will I get to meet the locals?


I don’t speak Spanish – is that a problem?


Can I make changes to this trip?


Your Pura Aventura holidays

Argentina patagonia calafate perito moreno boat ride nibepo c glaciar sur

Exceptional Holidays

Best-in-class holidays & service - is what our clients say they love about our trips, as noted in the highest possible 5* Feefo Platinum Award.

ATOL and ABTOT protected.

2018 Corp w Tag Black L

Travel Positive

Travelling with one of the first UK travel companies to be certified B Corp means your holiday, according to Which?, meets "the highest standards of social and environmental performance".

Spain picos de europa centenary group covadonga shepherd humartini gamoneu cheese

Beautifully Local

Holidays away from the crowds, crafted to give you a more authentic, local experience. Small-scale accommodation, exceptional guides & in-depth local knowledge.