Private San Sebastian: Basque Coast & Countryside Tour and City Transfer (San Sebastian to Bilbao or vice versa)
San Sebastian, Spain
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Private San Sebastian: Basque Coast & Countryside Tour and City Transfer (San Sebastian to Bilbao or vice versa)
San Sebastian, Spain
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Are you travelling between Bilbao and San Sebastian or vice versa? Get the most out of your transfer by joining us for a private road trip around the beautiful Basque region and its stunning coastline as you travel between cities. Bewitching natural landscapes, prehistoric caves, historic towns and glorious cheese and wine await you in an area of Spain that has remained untouched for centuries. You cannot really say that you have been to Basque country if you’ve not experienced its natural wonders: colourful fjords, lush forests and tidal rivers or tasted its many culinary delights. If you’re looking for a travel hack, they don’t come much better than this — this will be a transfer you’ll never forget!
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Highlights
- Turn your journey between Bilbao and San Sebastian (or vice versa) into an adventure through the glorious Basque countryside in a comfy 7-seater vehicle with A/C
- Enjoy enchanting coastal views and natural panoramas as you breathe in the fragrant forest air
- Learn about local Idiazabal cheese and the bubbly white wine that has all Basques weak at the knees, txakoli
- Understand the historical significance of Gernika and find out why it is closely linked to the Andalusian artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso
- See San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a magical chapel located on a small island that featured in Game of Thrones
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Schedule details
- Duration: Depends on your schedule / up to 8 hours
- Meeting point:
Pick-up can be arranged from your hotel or the airport
- Starting time: Various
- Ending point:
Drop-off can be arranged at your hotel / apartment
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation, tolls.
Exclusions: Entry tickets for the Guggenheim Museum (if applicable), lunch stop on the way, additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Rejoice in the breathtaking views of Basque country, an ancient land full of mystery. This tour is perfect for travellers who are looking for something more than just your average bus/taxi transfer between two cities. Instead of just driving down the motorway we’ll take you into the heart of the region so you can experience local life for yourself. On this awesome road trip, we’ll take the scenic route and make several stops to give you a taste of some of the most enchanting and significant spots in the area. By the time you reach your destination, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Basque history and the way of life here as well as a taste for some of the area’s best gourmet offerings!
You choose the pick-up and drop-off city, depending on your requirements. We can pick you up from your accommodation or from the airport in either Bilbao or San Sebastian.
Let us suppose your private tour starts in San Sebastián. Once your guide has picked you up, you’ll head towards Zarautz, a wealthy enclave that has attracted the rich and powerful ever since a certain queen began vacationing here. Its beautiful beach and water dunes will make you want to take a dip!
From Zarautz we’ll head towards Getaria, the spiritual home of txakoli wine. In this charming historical village, you’ll learn about the production and curiosities of this exclusive white wine, which is undoubtedly the pride and joy of the Basque people.
Next up, Zumaia will welcome you to its gorgeous geopark which faces the Bay of Biscay. Its unusual rock formations allow you to ‘read’ information about the Earth from thousands of years ago. If time allows, a walk by the shrine of San Telmo and the cliffs can easily be arranged.
Later on, we’ll knock on the door of a local cheese maker. If they are in, we will be able to pop-in and purchase a very special sheep’s cheese that has won many local and international gastronomic competitions. It is said to be one of the best 50 food products in the world, so it would be crazy not to try it while you’re here!
Coming up next is the historical town of Gernika, which is probably the most important stop on our Basque Coast experience. The village became a symbol of peace and endurance to the people of the region after it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. The bombardment inspired many artists and thinkers, including Pablo Picasso. We will stop to hear the tales of this terrible event, which are crucial to help your understanding of the local community and to find out why the oak tree of Gernika is so significant.
If you feel like having lunch, we can arrange for an authentic lunch stop in one of the small towns on our route, to give you the opportunity to taste the world-renowned local gastronomy.
After restoring some energy, you’ll be ready to visit one of the most notoriously beautiful places along the coast of Biscay: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. From the most perfect viewpoint (we'll help you find it!), you’ll be able to photograph this idyllic place and take a moment to let the breathtaking view sink in while you listen to the quirky superstitions that surround the village bell.
Our final destination will be the avantgarde city of Bilbao, the main economic engine of the Basque Country but also an intrepid, artsy and modern metropolis that is rising up the ranks of Europe’s top city break destinations. As we start to get close, your guide will give you all the latest tips on what to see, do and munch on in the city.
A trip to Bilbao would not be proper without a visit to the world-famous Guggenheim. We can organise this for you too but it would need to be a morning visit (the entrance fee will be at your own expense and is not included in the tour price). So if your tour starts in Bilbao, we can head straight over to the gallery. If we start in San Sebastian, then we will make our way to the Guggenheim first and then take the tour in reverse.
Our Basque Coast tour offers the discerning traveller a chance to maximise their city transfer and gain a slice of culture, history and local life while on the road. We suggest you join us immediately, if not sooner!
Suggested route options (please just ask if you wish to customise your itinerary) :
San Sebastián-Donostia > Zarautz > Getaria > Zumaia > Gernika > Mundaka > San Juan de Gaztelugatxe > Bilbao
Bilbao > San Juan de Gaztelugatxe > Mundaka > Gernika > Zumaia > Getaria > Zarautz > San Sebastián-Donostia
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation, tolls.
Exclusions: Entry tickets for the Guggenheim Museum (if applicable), lunch stop on the way, additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Casual dress is fine
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher.If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours.
Additional Information: This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Closure of sites: This tour doesn't include entrances to sights.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@sansebastianurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +34 639 267 948
Email address: info@sansebastianurbanadventures.com
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