Private Guggenheim Bilbao & Basque Coast Tour from San Sebastian
Description
A tour of a section of Basque Highway 101 through the greatest hits of the Basque coast (Did someone say “Dragonstone”?), arriving at the titanium museum that put Bilbao on the map.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote: “Gernika is the happiest town in the world. Their affairs are governed by a board of peasants that meets under an oak tree and always makes the fairest decisions ”. And here we go, to the city bombed by Nazi planes in 1937 that inspired one of the most well-known paintings in the world, Picasso’s mural-sized “Guernica”. We will visit the city and, of course, the tree under which the (we hope) “fairer decisions” are made.
Memorize this name: ‘Urdaibai’ and try to pronounce it well (it’s not easy, we know) because you won’t forget it. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Urdaibai is a large estuary at which mountains, rivers, the sea and large stretches of sand come together. Depending on the tide and time of day, the landscape (and the dozens of birds that inhabit it) may be radically different.
We’ll also stop at Mundaka, a hot spot on the world's ‘surfaris’ routes: its beach has one of the most (possibly the most) perfect waves on the planet, with a left-hand break. At the fronton of this adorable fishing village, we’ll challenge you to a Basque pelota match - the real thing, played with bare hands and a ball that looks like stone.
Some call it “Dragonstone,” but its name is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet connected to the ground by a line of 241 stairs and crowned by a hermitage. Gaztelugatxe became ultra-famous after appearing in the Games Of Thrones series disguised as Dragonstone: Though the 'castle' is a CGI effect, everything else (dizzying cliffs, sharp rocks, flocks of birds, the noise of the sea ...) is rabidly real .
The people of Bilbao have always claimed that their city was the capital of the world. When the Guggenheim museum opened in 1997, that prophecy came true and the building became an architectural phenomenon whose influence has spilled over into the rest of the city. The people of Bilbao say that the museum is actually the “doghouse” of Puppy, the iconic statue that welcomes you at the entrance (Basque ironic mode on). We’ll get to know the building and its main works of contemporary art.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from different locations is possible for an extra charge.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessibility is extra paid - contact for details
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Reviews(15)
It’s a great way to see the Basque coast and the Guggenheim museum plus learn a lot about the Basque culture.
I had an amazing time touring the Guggenheim in Bilbao. My favorite building and I finally got to see it! Xabier was very knowledgeable and friendly. He also was my guide for a Pintxos tour around Bilbao. He showed me through the new and old city. He had lots of interesting gems of knowledge. We ended in his favorite locate spots. The next day Ernes drove me from Bilbao to San Sebastian. We made many stops on the scenic route in a few small villages. I had the best Pintxos on that journey! The next day Ernes pick me up for a tour of San Sebastian. I feel like we covered most of the city and it made me comfortable to venture out on my own and explore. Definitely a great experience!
What a beautiful way to discover the Basque Country :) From the Guggenheim and Bilbao’s pintxos scene to the coastal villages on the way to San Sebastián, it sounds like you experienced many different sides of this region in just a few days. We’re really happy Xabier and Ernes helped make everything feel personal, relaxed and easy to explore, especially giving you the confidence to continue enjoying San Sebastián on your own afterwards. And honestly, scenic drives with surprise pintxos stops are one of the best ways to travel around here ;)
Fantastic day trip—just the right amount of time at each of the four major stops. Guide Jan was excellent—very knowledgeable and very efficient.
This was the best tour we have had in Europe. Daniel was wonderful. Our guide Daniel, was nice, well informed, kept the perfect pace, and was a pleasure to spend the day with. The car was very nice. Loved the stops along the way and the Guggenheim visit and lunch.
I want to give 10 stars to Ikusnahi (Curiosity) Tours - and Tour Designer - Ernes. From the architecture and wonders of the Guggenheim to the incredible San Sebastian and Hondarribia, we didn't leave a stone unturned. Hiking up to monasteries, city-biking around cities, e-biking up and down mountain ranges, and walking the beaches of the French Basque countryside, the views, history, geography and conversation were never-ending. We ate incredible Pintxos, toured the lush Rioja wineries and tasted the delicacies of the land, from fabulous Basque cuisine to a Cider House and Food Club. Don't forget to drink Txakoli and Glorioso! And have a cooking class with Chef Bendur- you will be proud of what you cook - and eat! We were lucky enough to see an epic football game against friendly rivals Bilbao and San Sebastien! (San Sebastien 3-0!). *A note about Ernes- he is incredibly knowledgeable, always happy, very accommodating and loves his country from the outside in and the inside out. His teams, including Mikhail and Anya, are all professional and great to be with, no matter which tour, activity or adventure you are on. Thanks again for a memorable and unforgettable experience, we can't wait to return! Pam & Steve, Toronto, Canada
We had a fabulous tour with Markel a/k/a Mark. He was a fount of information and history. We peppered him with questions about history, politics, sport, literature and net flix. We traveled from San Sebastián to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim with several scenic spots along the way. It was a great trip and we all learned a lot. Eskerrik Asko
Great day trip from San Sebastián. Luis was a great guide with lots of information on the area and tips on places to eat and drink.
Markel was a great guide, we learned so much about the Basque culture! This company was great and would highly recommend.
If you want an awesome insider's experience book Ikusnahi Tours. Ernes (the founder) was a brilliant guide. We had so much fun exploring villages where only locals go. The last stop was in Bilbao to visit basque Guggenheim museum. The buliding from outside is really eye catching ! Ernes went above and beyond in following up with different recommendations. Five stars ✨
Dear Barbora, thanks so much for a great review! We are flattered to hear that you had a great experience in the Basque Country and that you were able to visit a Museum that was long time on you: TO DO LIST 🙌 When you're back to SS make sure to get in touch and hopefully this time it will be a bit longer trip - there is so many places to discover! All the best,
Ernes an excellent guide, what I liked the most is that he was flexible with the itinerary and schedules, the tour very nice and capped with the visit to the Guggenheim. The super clean and comfortable car. I would definitely book a tour with them again!
Kaixo Ana, muchísimas gracias por la reseña. Nos alegra mucho que os haya gustado tanto la experiencia de la Costa Vasca y el Museo Guggenheim. Tenéis toda la razón: Ernes es un profesional y conoce todos los secretos del Pais Vasco 😉 Muchas gracias!
