Getaria

Culture & History

From Bilbao, leave for San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet that can only be accessed by a pedestrian path. Make a panoramic tour of the area and learn the area’s dreamlike cliffs, a feature of the HBO hit series, Game of Thrones. Continue to the Guipuzcoan town of Getaria, where we will enjoy a guided tour of its historic quarter, and where we can admire its traditional fishing port, the church of San Salvador, and the monument in honor of Juan Sebastián Elcano, a sailor who turned the world and that he was born in this small town. Take a moment to eat in one of its many restaurants at Getaria. Enjoy the gastronomy of grilling local fish and seafood. From here, leave for San Sebastián for a guided tour of the city. See the Church of San Vicente and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro before heading back to Bilbao.

See villages trapped in between mountains like the villages of Durango, Eibar and Elgoibar! Arrive at the core of the province, and after the industrial village of Azkoitia, you will arrive at your first stop, the Sanctuary of Loyola, hometown of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Here you will visit the Basilica and the tower house where he was born and lived. Depending on the time, you may wish to attend a ceremony. Next you follow the route towards the coast on the north, passing through Azpeitia. You will also pass through Zestoa, a famous natural spa village with healing waters that attracted the royalty of Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Later you will arrive to the coast at Zumaia, a beautiful village very much appreciated by Basque summer tourists. Following the coastal road you will arrive at your next stop, Getaria. A unique medieval fishing village and hometown of famous figures like captain Juan Sebastian Elcano (the first man to travel around the world by sea), and Cristobal Balenciaga, the famous designer. Then you will pass by Zarauz, a beautiful tourist spot with the largest beach in the province of Gipuzkoa. You will arrive finally to San Sebastian (or Donostia) where you will do a panoramic tour of the city. After lunch, you will do a walking tour into the old quarter visiting the most interesting streets and locations before returning to Bilbao in the evening. Follow the highway towards the east, into the province of Gipuzkoa. On the way to the Sanctuary of Loyola, you will be able to admire the areas of inner Basque Country, combined with rural valleys and industrial

Begin your journey of Spain's Basque country with a hotel pickup in Pamplona, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to San Sebastián, one of the most charming cities in Europe well-known for its delicious tapas, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour through its small winding streets. Look up to admire the lovely balconies adorning the buildings and marvel at the magnificent architecture of the main cathedral. Stop and taste traditional"pintxos", or bitesized local tapas, as you wind your way through the city's streets. Next, head to nearby local fishing villages of Getaria and Orio along the Basque coast to get a true feel of local fisherman culture before being driven back to Pamplona.

See the highlights of the Basque Country on a tour of the cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastian. Benefit from guided panoramic tours and walking tours to get a complete picture of each destination. Journey through an amazing landscape of dramatic sea views, typical fishing villages and vast forests of oak trees. Day 1: Bilbao Benefit from pick-up and transfer to your hotel to get a full tour program about the Basque Country. Day 2: Bilbao - San Sebastian Depart Bilbao and journey through the mountains towards San Sebastian. See the old tower houses of Azkoitia and visit the shrine at the Sanctuary of Loyola before making your way to the coastal town of Zumaia. Get magnificent views of the Bay of Biscay and stop in the medieval fishing village of Getaria. Continue to San Sebastian via the resort town of Zarautz. Take a panoramic bus tour of San Sebastian and see highlights such as Kursaal Palace on arrival. Enjoy some free time for lunch before taking a walking tour of the Old Town, and stroll past typical pintxo bars and the 18th-century Basilica of Santa Maria de Coro. Get tips on what to do with the rest of the evening and the following day at leisure. Day 3: San Sebastian Enjoy a free day to explore San Sebastian at your own pace. Day 4: San Sebastian - Rioja - Vitoria Take the highway towards Vitoria, passing the old town of Tolosa. Arrive at the village of Ordizia and go for a stroll before going to Oñati and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu. Visit the former salt mining town of Salinas de Leniz, and then enter the wine producing area of Rioja Alavesa. Admire typical villages such as Labastida and Laguardia, where you will get some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch independently. Continue to Vitoria for a panoramic tour of the capital of the Basque Country. Marvel at monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Casco Viejo, and avail of free entry to the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art. Day 5: Vitoria - Bilbao Journey through the rural landscape of Alava en route to Salinas de Añana, where you will learn about the historic salt mining industry. Continue to the village of Orduña, surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Salvada, and take a guided walking tour of the town. Get back to nature in Ayala and discover vast forests of oak trees. Stop for lunch in Balmaseda, and then go to the coastal town of Santurtzi, known for its seafaring traditions. Continue to Portugalete to cross the transporter bridge to Getxo, where you can go for a walk along the seafront and get a magnificent view of the Bay of Biscay. Continue to Bilbao and take a panoramic tour on arrival. Day 6: Bilbao Explore Bilbao at your own pace with a day at leisure. Get useful information from your guide to help you plan your day. Enjoy some free time in the city before your transfer to the airport.

Experience panoramic mountain views, admire off-the-beaten-track sights, and learn about the Basque Country's fascinating past on this private tour with your own personal guide. Visit Mount Ernio, the Sanctuary of Loyola, Basque Coast Geopark, and more. Enjoy local snacks, lunch, and wine.  Travel to Tolosa to take in the Basque landscape before stopping at a fronton court to play Basque pelota. Continue to Mount Ernio and enjoy views of the mountains. Relax during the descent by car, passing through the idyllic town of Errezil. Learn about the Jesuits founder Saint Ignatius at the Sanctuary of Loyola in Azpeitia. Discover the medieval birthplace of the famous saint and marvel at the Baroque architecture. Take in rugged views of the Izarraitz mountains before heading to the small town of Zumaia. Hike around the scientifically captivating Basque Coast Geopark and walk along the edge of the cliffs. Continue to the coastal fishing village of Getaria to explore one of the best-preserved historical centers of Gipuzkoa before enjoying lunch.