exoticca_logo

Travel Agent Support:
+44 20 4571 6769

Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:

Phone

Monday-Friday 10 am - 19 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Lowest fares of 2024 | Hurry, limited spots!

Black Friday

picture-icon

View 10 photos

A toast-worthy Basque experience

Spain in 6 Days, 5 Nights in Destination

From

£ 1,289

£ 899

/person

-30%

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

A captivating self-guided journey through Spain's Basque Country and La Rioja region. From Bilbao to the medieval charm of Laguardia, enjoy vineyard tours in Haro, and discover coastal treasures like San Sebastián.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Bermeo
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Bilbao
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Gaztelugatxe
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Gernika
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Getaria
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    La Rioja
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    San Sebastian
  8. map-pin-check-icon
    Santuario de Loyola
  9. map-pin-check-icon
    Zarauz

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until March 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 570

  4. Add up to 1 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+44 20 4571 6769

abta_iconatol_icon

Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

Itinerary

Start in Bilbao with its iconic Casco Viejo. Journey to Haro, La Rioja's wine capital and visit some wineries. Explore Laguardia, discover Loyola's basilica, coastal gems like Zumaia and Getaria, and elegant San Sebastián. Visit Getxo's Hanging Bridge, Butrón Castle, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and the scenic Mundaka. Explore Gernika's historic sites before returning to Bilbao.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Bilbao

arrow-icon

Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain? Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport, ready for your flight* to Bilbao. Touch down in Bilbao, a city with a delightful blend of contemporary art and traditional Basque culture, highlighted by the iconic Guggenheim Museum and the charming Casco Viejo. The city's vibrant food scene, featuring pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, is a gastronomic adventure not to be missed. 

Self-transfer to your hotel** and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.), you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

**Airport transfer in Bilbao is not included. You will have the option to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Abando or similar
tripadvisor rating

905 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: Bilbao - La Rioja - Bilbao

arrow-icon

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey begins towards La Rioja. The route showcases mountainous landscapes until reaching the Meseta with its oak and beech forests.

 

Our first stop will be Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja, where you’ll visit CVNE, a century-old and iconic winery in the area. Enjoy a guided tour through its essential spaces, including the barrel room designed by the legendary architect Gustave Eiffel. Pass through the underground cellars and enjoy a wine tasting.

 

Afterwards, take a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Haro, including a visit to the Plaza de la Paz. Then, continue through the Barrio de la Estación de Haro, which has the largest concentration of century-old wineries, and head to the beautiful medieval village of Laguardia. In Laguardia, stroll through its picturesque streets, as it is a famous town in the Rioja Alavesa known for its Historic Monumental Ensemble and magnificent wineries. Visit a small traditional winery to learn about the wine-making processes from a family perspective.

Before returning to Bilbao, you’ll have time for lunch (not included). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Abando or similar
tripadvisor rating

905 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full-day tour of La Rioja with winery visits

Moderate

See more

3rd Day: Bilbao - Santuario de Loyola - Getaria - Zarauz - San Sebastián - Bilbao

arrow-icon

After breakfast at the hotel, your adventure begins as you head to the interior of Guipúzcoa, passing through Eibar, Elgoibar, Azkoitia, and Loyola. In Loyola, stop to visit its harmoniously proportioned sanctuary, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, where you can see the spectacular Basilica and the tower house where Saint Ignatius was born.

Continue through Azpeitia, heading towards the coast via Zumaia, and then proceed along the coast to Getaria. Here, you will have free time to explore this beautiful fishing village, situated on the hillside of a very fertile mountain, with its Catrapona Arch, a medieval passageway beneath the church with a sailors' chapel, the Parish Church of San Salvador (15th century), which is a gem of Gothic art, its fishing port, narrow streets, and typical bars and restaurants.

Afterwards, travel to Zarauz, a traditional enclave and tourist reference point since the 19th century. You will then arrive in San Sebastián, where you will have a comprehensive panoramic tour to appreciate all its promenades, La Concha beach, and ascend to Igueldo, which overlooks the entire bay. Also, take a walking tour through the Old Town.

Before returning to Bilbao, you’ll have time for lunch (not included). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Abando or similar
tripadvisor rating

905 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full-day tour of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz, and San Sebastián

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Bilbao - Bermeo - Gernika - Gaztelugatxe - Bilbao

arrow-icon

After breakfast at the hotel, your journey continues along the right bank of the estuary, with views of the industrial towns of Barakaldo, Sestao, and Portugalete on the other side. Upon reaching Getxo, stop briefly at the famous Hanging Bridge, where those who wish can go up to enjoy the magnificent views from above (entrance fee not included).

Continue past the impressive Butrón Castle, with its 45-metre height, and through Mungia. From here, head to the coast to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a beautiful hermitage perched on a rock and surrounded by the sea. Stunning landscapes that some will even recognise as having served as the setting for episodes of series such as Game of Thrones.

Next, follow the coast to the typical fishing village of Bermeo, where you will stop to explore. Afterwards, continue along the coast to Mundaka, where you can enjoy its beauty and the magnificent views of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

The tour proceeds to the iconic town of Gernika to visit its famous Casa de Juntas and its historic Tree. Return to Bilbao through the interior of Bizkaia, with beautiful landscapes along the way. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Important: the order of the activities to be carried out may vary according to the day of arrival.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Abando or similar
tripadvisor rating

905 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full-day tour of the Basque Coast

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Bilbao

arrow-icon

After breakfast at the hotel, you have a free day to enjoy at your own pace. You might visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, a modern architectural marvel housing contemporary art. Or stroll through the vibrant Casco Viejo, the old town, where you can explore charming streets, historic churches, and lively markets. You can also take a relaxing walk along the Nervión River to the Zubizuri Bridge, enjoying the scenic views and the city's unique blend of old and new. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Abando or similar
tripadvisor rating

905 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Bilbao - UK/Ireland

arrow-icon

After breakfast at the hotel,* sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport** for your flight back to the UK/Ireland.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

 

**Airport transfer in Bilbao is not included. You will have the option to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Select a day to go to next step

plane-icon
user-icon
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025

Categories Available:

superior

From £ 899

Selected

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
check-icon

Accommodation: 5 Nights

Included activities

Included

Full-day tour of La Rioja with winery visits

Included activity for day 2 in La Rioja

A perfect day for wine lovers! You'll stop in Haro to visit CVNE, a century-old winery. After that, you'll enjoy a walking tour of the historic centre before heading to the village of Laguardia to visit another family-run winery.

Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

This tour operates on Mondays only.

more information
Included

Full-day tour of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz, and San Sebastián

Included activity for day 3 in Santuario de Loyola

An exciting day awaits as you visit Loyola and its sanctuary. Continue through Azpeitia towards the coast, passing through Zumaia and Getaria. Afterwards, travel to Zarauz and then arrive in San Sebastián for a panoramic tour.

Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

This tour operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.

more information
Included

Full-day tour of the Basque Coast

Included activity for day 4 in Bermeo

Time for some North Sea breeze! Travel to Getxo and visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Follow the coast to Bermeo and continue to Mundaka to enjoy its magnificent views. Finish in Gernika to learn about its historical significance.

Duration 07:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

This tour operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

more information

The price includes

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Bilbao; Bilbao - UK/Ireland.
  • 5 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels*.
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 5 breakfasts.
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Includes 3 tours: Visit to La Rioja and Wineries, Visit to the Basque Coast and Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian.
  • ATOL Protection.
  • Independent tour**.
    more information

Not included

Taxes, drinks and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

Airport transfers in Bilbao are not included in the program. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

*Hotel ratings in Spain are not governed by the same standards as those in other countries, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.

**In Bilbao you will not be accompanied by a guide.

The order of the itinerary may vary according to the date of arrival, as this is determined by the days on which the optional activities are operational.

 

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.

  • Visa

    Visa not required for stays of up to 90 days.

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Spanish

  • Electricity

    Type C & F 230V 50Hz

  • Health

    No vaccines required.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 1

  • Other useful information

    Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road in Spain.

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.spain.info/en/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.