Day 1 (Friday)            ARRIVE BILBAO

Arrival transfer from Bilbao airport to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 2 (Saturday)        EXCURSION TO THE BASQUE COAST

After breakfast depart at 0900 for a half day tour visiting Barakaldo, Sestao, Portugalete and Getxo, with its famous Bridge of Biscay. Continue to pass through the imposing Castle of Butron towards San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Mundaka to enjoy the beauty views of the Urdaibai Reserve of Biosphere, afterwards, continue to Guernika, visit the Assembly House.Afternoon, panoramic sightseeing tour of Bilbao and a walking tour into the old quarter visiting the most typical streets and sites. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 3 (Sunday)          EXCURSION TO SAN SEBASTIAN & BIARRITZ

After breakfast depart at 0900 for Biarritz, once the most attractive area and beach of the zone, visit the old port and the Virgin on the Rock. Following the rough coastal road continue to Saint Jean De Luz, a lovely small village on the French Basque coast. Drive to Hondarribia, medieval fortress and typical fishermen village. Afterwards, transfer on a boat from Hendaya to Hondarribia across the Txingudi (natural reserve) bay. In the afternoon arrive to San Sebastian, the most beautiful city in the Basque Country, panoramic city sightseeing with magnificent views from “Monte Igueldo” and a walking tour into the historical quarter. Free time before returning to Bilbao in the evening. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 4 (Monday)         EXCURSION TO VITORIA & LA RIOJA ALAVESA

After breakfast depart at 0900 for a full day excursion to the capital city of the Basque Country, Vitoria, and to the La Rioja Alavesa well known for its wine area. Drive southward to Vitoria for a panoramic tour of the city and a short walking tour into the centre. Vitoria-Gasteiz, city rich in heritage. its very well preserved medieval Old Town, declared Monumental Complex, its gothic design and its narrow streets, as well as important medieval and Renaissance buildings. Afterwards, continue towards the wine region of La Rioja Alavesa to the medieval, charming and monumental village of Laguardia, full of history with ancient walls and magnificent wineries. Walking tour and visit a traditional winery with tasting of wines. By mid-afternoon, on the way back to Bilbao, pass through Elciego to contemplate the magnificent architectural work of Frank Gehry at the “Marques de Riscal” Winery. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 5 (Tuesday)        EXCURSION TO SANCTUARY OF LOYOLA & GETARIA & SAN SEBASTIAN

After breakfast depart at 0900 driving eastward to the province of Gipuzkoa, pass Eibar, Elgoibar, Azkoitia, reach the Sanctuary of Loyola. Visit the shrine of harmonious proportions, built in XVII/XVIII C. Continue via Azpeitia, to the coast by Zumaia, reach Getaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano with its arch Catrapona, Parish Church of San Salvador (XV C.), a Gothic gem, fishing port and village. Afterwards, continue passing by Zarautz, tourist reference since the XIX C. Its 2500 meters long magnificent beach, the longest of Gipuzkoa, and the old town with its picturesque streets of cosmopolitan ambiance. Later, arrive to San Sebastian for a panoramic City Tour. Time free for independent lunch. Walking tour into the historic old city and return back to Bilbao. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 6 (Wednesday)   EXCURSION TO ELORRIO-OÑATI & SANCTUARY OF ARANTZAZU

After breakfast depart at 0900 for half day tour into the most traditional inner Basque Country. Drive towards the area of Durango, capital of the region, medieval structure and beginning of the Gorbea Natural Park that still keeps flock of sheep and traditional manufacture of cheese as one of its activities. Urkiola natural park, Wuthering heights, splendid forests and legends of witches. Enter the valley of Durango- Atxondo, stop in Elorrio, characterized by its palaces and manor houses of stone and carved stonework. Then, arrive to Oñati, the most elegant and monumental village of the province of Gipuzkoa, with the oldest University of the Basque Country. Then, head up a road between the cliffs to reach the most important sanctuary of Gipuzkoa, the Shrine of Our Lady of Arantzazu, a compendium of the best contemporary Basque art, by the Franciscan order. Visit and contemplate the building and magnificent views. Return at 1400. to Bilbao. Balance of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Bilbao.

 

Day 7 (Thursday)       DEPART BILBAO

After breakfast transfer to the airport. END OF SERVICES.