From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo & Gernika

Set out on a captivating 5-hour tour that takes you beyond Bilbao’s urban landscape to explore Northern Spain’s rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the dramatic cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, this tour offers a glimpse into the resilience and traditions of the Basque people. Savor authentic pintxos in the charming fishing village of Bermeo, and uncover the poignant history of Gernika. With a bilingual guide and convenient transportation, this immersive experience promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of this captivating region. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on this unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• This tour offers the opportunity to explore captivating attractions around Bilbao, including the Vizcaya Bridge, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika.
• Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest hanging transporter bridges.
• The tour includes a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a famous "Game of Thrones" filming location, and a chance to savor authentic Basque pintxos in Bermeo.
• In Gernika, the tour focuses on Basque history and culture, with highlights like the Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika.
• The tour is led by a bilingual guide, includes transportation, and lasts approximately 5 hours, providing a comprehensive exploration of Northern Spain’s cultural heritage.

Tour Overview

This tour offers an opportunity to discover some of the most captivating attractions around Bilbao.

It takes visitors to the Vizcaya Bridge, the world’s oldest hanging transporter bridge, for a 20-minute stop.

The tour then heads to the picturesque San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a famous filming location for "Game of Thrones," where participants can enjoy scenic views from a lookout point.

Next, the group visits the traditional fishing village of Bermeo to taste an authentic pintxo.

The tour concludes in Gernika, where guests learn about Basque history and culture.

The 5-hour experience includes transportation and a bilingual guide, offering a comprehensive way to explore the region’s highlights.

Itinerary Highlights

The Vizcaya Bridge, the world’s oldest hanging transporter bridge, kicks off the tour with a 20-minute stop, allowing visitors to marvel at this engineering marvel. Next, the tour makes a scenic photo stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a famous filming location for "Game of Thrones", before heading to the traditional fishing village of Bermeo for a 30-minute tasting of authentic pintxos. The final stop is Gernika, where visitors can learn about Basque history and culture, including a visit to the Assembly house and the iconic Tree of Gernika, all within a 30-minute timeframe.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration
Vizcaya Bridge	20 minutes
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe	20 minutes
Bermeo	30 minutes
Gernika	30 minutes

Tour Inclusions

Included in the tour package are a bilingual tour guide to provide insights throughout the experience, as well as transportation via bus or coach.

Guests will also enjoy a tasting of authentic pintxos, the iconic Basque small plates, in the fishing village of Bermeo.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for convenience.

While the tour includes scenic viewpoints of the famous Gaztelugatxe, there’s no trekking route included, only views from a designated lookout point.

Proper attire and moderate fitness are recommended to get the most out of this comprehensive tour exploring Bilbao’s top attractions.

Important Information

Visitors are advised to bring their passport or ID, along with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire for the tour.

Pets, weapons, smoking, food, and drinks aren’t allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs and strollers are also prohibited.

The tour requires a moderate fitness level, as the guide can’t wait for slow participants. Travelers should be prepared to keep up with the group’s pace.

While the tour includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a tasting of authentic pintxo, the trekking route to Gaztelugatxe isn’t included, and visitors will only view it from a designated lookout point.

Vizcaya Bridge

Vizcaya Bridge stands as the oldest hanging transporter bridge in the world, offering visitors a unique glimpse into industrial history. This engineering marvel, constructed in 1893, spans the Nervión River, connecting the municipalities of Portugalete and Las Arenas.

Feature	Description
Structure	Suspended by cables, the bridge allows for the safe passage of pedestrians, vehicles, and boats underneath.
Significance	Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge represents a significant technological achievement of the late 19th century.
Experience	Visitors can marvel at the bridge’s graceful design and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the viewing platforms.

The Vizcaya Bridge serves as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its designers, making it a must-visit attraction for those exploring the Bilbao region.

San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

Why is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe a coveted filming location? Its dramatic, rocky landscape jutting out into the Cantabrian Sea has captivated filmmakers, including those of the hit series "Game of Thrones".

This picturesque hermitage, accessible by a 241-step footbridge, offers stunning views of the coastline and the open ocean.

Visitors can marvel at the natural beauty from a designated viewing platform, though they won’t be able to trek the route due to time constraints.

Still, this iconic Basque landmark provides a memorable photo opportunity on the tour, allowing travelers to soak in the region’s rugged charm without the full hike.

Bermeo

The tour then takes visitors to the traditional fishing village of Bermeo, where they’ve the opportunity to savor an authentic Basque pintxo, a local delicacy.

Bermeo is renowned for its seafood and rich maritime heritage, reflected in its quaint harbor and bustling fishing fleet. During the 30-minute stop, guests can wander the charming streets, explore the historic center, and enjoy the lively local culture.

The highlight is the chance to sample a gourmet pintxo, a bite-sized culinary creation that perfectly encapsulates the region’s gastronomic traditions.

This short but meaningful experience provides a glimpse into the authentic Basque way of life.

Gernika

After visiting the fishing village of Bermeo and sampling the local cuisine, the tour then takes visitors to Gernika.

Here, they’ll learn about Basque history and culture, including the Assembly House and the iconic Tree of Gernika. This 30-minute stop provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, including the tragic bombing of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War, which inspired Picasso’s famous painting.

The knowledgeable guide shares insights into the significance of these landmarks, allowing travelers to better understand the Basque people and their resilience.

Though the time in Gernika is limited, it serves as a poignant and educational finale to the day’s exploration of Northern Spain’s cultural treasures.

Things To Know

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

Additional stops may be possible, but they’d depend on the tour provider’s discretion and the group’s preferences. Guests should inquire about customization options when booking to see if the itinerary can be tailored to their needs.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for families with young children due to the moderate fitness level required and limited time at each location. The fast-paced itinerary and lack of child-friendly activities could make it challenging for families.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on This Tour?

This tour does not appear to accommodate specific dietary requirements. The tour includes a tasting of a traditional Basque pintxo, but there’s no mention of alternative options for participants with dietary restrictions. Guests should check with the tour operator beforehand.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Sights?

The tour’s itinerary can be customized to focus on specific sights, though some locations like Gaztelugatxe may have limited access. Customers should discuss their preferences with the tour provider to see what’s possible.

How Much Free Time Do We Have to Explore the Towns on Our Own?

The tour provides limited free time for independent exploration, with most stops lasting 20-30 minutes. Travelers should expect a fairly fast-paced itinerary focused on key sights, rather than extensive time to wander the towns on their own.

Sum Up

This captivating 5-hour tour from Bilbao offers a remarkable journey through Northern Spain’s cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, explore the iconic "Game of Thrones" site of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, savor authentic pintxos in the fishing village of Bermeo, and discover the history and resilience of the Basque people in Gernika. With a knowledgeable guide and convenient transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.