Discover the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Spain’s Basque Country on a day trip from Bilbao. Venture out to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic coastline with a medieval chapel perched atop a rocky outcrop, before exploring the vibrant seaside city of San Sebastian, renowned for its charming Old Town and picturesque beaches. This immersive experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Basque region’s captivating landscapes and vibrant urban centers, leaving you eager to uncover more of its hidden gems.
Key Points
- This day trip offers a guided tour from Bilbao to two iconic Basque Country destinations: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastian.
- The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, a professional guide, WiFi, and a provided lunch for a comprehensive and convenient experience.
- Visitors can explore the dramatic coastal landscapes of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, including hiking to the 10th-century chapel on 241 steps.
- The tour also provides a guided walk through the charming Old Town of San Sebastian, showcasing its stunning architecture and vibrant plazas.
- The tour is suitable for those with a moderate level of physical fitness, and the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.
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Overview of the Day Trip
The day trip from Bilbao takes visitors to two iconic destinations – the stunning natural wonder of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the charming coastal city of San Sebastian.
The tour includes WiFi, a professional guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle to transport you. You’ll get admission to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and a guided tour of San Sebastian. Lunch is also provided.
This full-day excursion allows you to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Basque Country.
With a maximum of 54 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.
The meeting point is conveniently located next to the Guggenheim Museum, and you’ll need to arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Meeting Point and Arrival Time
Guides can’t wait for late arrivals, so travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time at the meeting point next to the Puppy sculpture, across from the Guggenheim Museum.
This location is conveniently near public transportation.
While the tour is stroller-friendly, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Once at the meeting point, travelers can relax and enjoy the iconic Guggenheim Museum as they wait for the guide to arrive and begin the day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastian.
Confirmation of the booking will be provided at the time of booking, ensuring a smooth and organized start to the excursion.
Transportation and Accessibility
Once at the meeting point, travelers can relax and enjoy the iconic Guggenheim Museum as they wait for the guide.
The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the day trip, making the transportation comfortable and convenient.
While the tour is stroller-accessible, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness to participate in the excursion.
The meeting location is conveniently near public transportation, allowing easy access for those arriving by bus or metro.
Admission Tickets and Guided Tours
This day trip includes admission tickets to the historic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, allowing visitors to explore the iconic hermitage and surrounding natural beauty.
Plus, the tour provides a guided exploration of the charming city of San Sebastian, offering insider insights and a deeper appreciation for the local culture and landmarks. The professional guide will lead the group through the highlights of San Sebastian, sharing stories and pointing out must-see sights.
Whether you’re interested in the picturesque seaside town or the dramatic coastal landscapes, this excursion offers a well-rounded experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Admission and guided access are included, making it a convenient and enriching way to discover these two Basque gems.
Itinerary: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe
Visitors embark on a scenic hike to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small island connected to the mainland by a long stone bridge.
They’ll climb the 241 steps leading up to the hermitage, taking in stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea along the way.
At the top, they can explore the 10th-century chapel and admire the rugged, dramatic landscape. Guides provide historical context and insights about the site’s cultural significance.
After descending, guests have time to wander the picturesque trails and savor the tranquility of this natural wonder.
The day trip offers a chance to take in the captivating beauty and rich heritage of this iconic Basque landmark.
Itinerary: San Sebastian
After exploring the captivating San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the tour moves on to the vibrant city of San Sebastian, where guests embark on a guided tour of the city’s highlights.
The knowledgeable guide takes the group through the charming Old Town, showcasing its stunning architecture and lively plazas.
Visitors then head to the iconic San Sebastian beach, taking in the breathtaking views of the crescent-shaped bay.
The tour also includes a stop at Mount Igueldo, providing panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding Basque Country.
Throughout the experience, the guide shares fascinating insights into San Sebastian’s rich history and culture, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for this picturesque coastal gem.
Included Amenities and Extras
The day trip provides a comprehensive suite of amenities and extras to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for participants. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable transportation, while the admission ticket to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe grants access to this stunning natural wonder.
The tour includes WiFi access throughout the journey, allowing travelers to stay connected and share their experiences in real-time. A professional guide accompanies the group, providing insightful commentary and ensuring a well-organized itinerary.
Participants will also enjoy a guided tour of San Sebastian, exploring the city’s highlights. To top it off, a delicious lunch is included, allowing travelers to savor the local cuisine and further enjoy the Basque culture.
Pricing, Cancellation, and Confirmation
From the comprehensive amenities and extras, the pricing, cancellation, and confirmation details are equally important considerations for travelers.
The day trip is priced at $53.84 per person, offering a Lowest Price Guarantee to ensure customers receive the best value. Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts without any penalties.
Upon booking, customers will receive confirmation, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Whether it’s the reasonable pricing, flexible cancellation terms, or reliable confirmation, this day trip from Bilbao to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastian provides travelers with peace of mind and value for their money.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 54 travelers. The overview states that the tour has a "Maximum of 54 travelers", so the group size is limited to 54 participants.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a provided lunch. Consuming your own snacks and beverages is permitted, as long as they don’t disrupt the group experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour operator does not offer an option to extend the tour duration. The standard itinerary and schedule must be followed. However, travelers can explore San Sebastian further on their own after the guided portion of the tour ends.
Do You Offer Private or Customized Tour Options?
Yes, the tour provider offers private and customized tour options. Travelers can choose a private tour with a dedicated guide and flexible itinerary to meet their specific interests and needs. Private tours provide a more personalized experience.
What Is the Policy for Children on This Tour?
The tour accommodates children of all ages. Kids under 4 can join for free, while those 4-12 pay a reduced rate. The tour’s moderate physical activity level makes it suitable for families, though strollers are not permitted on the hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
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Recap
This day trip offers a captivating exploration of the Basque Country’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Visitors can hike to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, climb 241 steps to a 10th-century chapel, and enjoy stunning coastal views.
The tour then moves to the vibrant city of San Sebastian, where a guided exploration of the charming Old Town and iconic beach provides a well-rounded experience of both picturesque seaside town and dramatic landscapes.