From Bilbao: Mountains and Sea Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour from Bilbao takes travelers on an immersive journey through the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the Basque Country. From the historical monuments of Vitoria-Gasteiz to the unique Añana Salt Valley and the picturesque town of Balmaseda, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural, cultural, and historical highlights. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, participants can discover the iconic Vizcaya Bridge and experience the breathtaking vistas that range from rugged mountains to the shimmering sea. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to unveil the captivating wonders that await beyond Bilbao’s city limits.

Key Points

1. This full-day tour departs from Bilbao and explores historical monuments in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the unique Añana Salt Valley, and the iconic Vizcaya Bridge.

2. The tour includes guided visits, transportation, and a local lunch in Balmaseda, providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural, cultural, and historical highlights.

3. The tour duration is 10 hours, with the option to pay later and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

4. The meeting point for the tour is located next to the Guggenheim Museum, a convenient and easy-to-find starting point for the day-long adventure.

5. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This full-day tour from Bilbao has a duration of 10 hours and can be reserved now with the option to pay later. Customers also have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour highlights include visits to historical monuments in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Añana Salt Valley, and the Vizcaya Bridge. Travelers will also enjoy a lunch in Balmaseda.

The itinerary includes guided tours in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Añana Salt Valley, and Orduña-Urduna, as well as transportation and entrance tickets to the Añana Salt Valley.

English and Spanish-speaking guides will accompany the group throughout the tour, which departs from the Tourist Office Bus Stop located next to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include exploring the historical monuments of Vitoria-Gasteiz, discovering the unique Añana Salt Valley, savoring a local lunch in Balmaseda, and crossing the iconic Vizcaya Bridge.

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, you’ll embark on a guided tour to uncover its rich historical past.

Next, you’ll venture to the Añana Salt Valley, a captivating natural wonder where you’ll learn about the centuries-old salt extraction process.

After a delightful lunch in the charming town of Balmaseda, you’ll cross the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an engineering marvel.

This diverse itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, allowing you to learn about the region’s natural, cultural, and historical highlights.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a departure from Bilbao, traveling to the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz for a guided tour that explores its rich historical monuments.

Next, the group ventures to the Añana Salt Valley, where they’ll embark on a guided tour to learn about this unique natural wonder.

The journey then continues to Orduña-Urduña, where a brief guided tour highlights the town’s notable features.

After, the tour proceeds to Balmaseda for a leisurely lunch.

The final stop is the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, where visitors can marvel at this engineering masterpiece before returning to the starting point in Bilbao.

Inclusions

Included in the Mountains and Sea Tour are an English and Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, an entrance ticket and guided tour of the Añana Salt Valley, as well as a lunch with drinks.

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and seamless experience for participants. The knowledgeable guide will provide valuable insights into the tour’s highlights, while the transportation eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar routes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the unique Añana Salt Valley, learning about its history and significance. Plus, a delightful lunch with drinks is provided, allowing participants to refuel and enjoy the local cuisine.

The tour’s inclusions cater to the needs of the travelers, creating a memorable and enjoyable day.

• English and Spanish-speaking guide
• Transportation
• Entrance ticket and guided tour of Añana Salt Valley
• Lunch with drinks

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Meeting Point

Located next to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the TOURIST OFFICE BUS STOP serves as the designated meeting point for the Mountains and Sea Tour.

Participants will conveniently gather at this well-known landmark before embarking on their day-long adventure. The bus stop’s proximity to the Guggenheim makes it an easy-to-find location, ensuring a smooth start to the tour.

Travelers can expect clear signage and a friendly tour guide to welcome them and provide any necessary information. With the Guggenheim as a visual cue, participants can feel confident they’re in the right place to begin their exploration of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Añana Salt Valley, Orduña-Urduña, Balmaseda, and the iconic Vizcaya Bridge.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

After departing Bilbao, the tour first takes visitors to the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, where they embark on a guided tour lasting approximately one hour.

This regional capital of the Basque Country boasts a well-preserved Old Town, complete with:

• The Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa María
• The Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, a lively central square
• The Montehermoso Palace, a stunning Renaissance-era mansion
• The Árbol de Gernika, a symbolic oak tree representing Basque autonomy

Through this guided exploration, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the Basque people and their traditions.

Añana Salt Valley

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Añana Salt Valley, a unique geological formation where they embark on a guided tour lasting approximately one hour.

This captivating site, situated just a short drive from Vitoria-Gasteiz, showcases the rich history and importance of salt production in the Basque region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the centuries-old techniques used to harvest salt from the naturally occurring brine springs. They’ll explore the salt evaporation ponds and see the distinctive salt terraces, marveling at the intricate network of wooden walkways and aqueducts that have been used to manage the salt production for generations.

The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted connection to this invaluable mineral resource.

Orduna-Urduña and Balmaseda

From Añana Salt Valley, the tour then travels to the historic towns of Orduna-Urduña and Balmaseda.

In Orduna-Urduña, the group embarks on a 30-minute guided tour, exploring the town’s well-preserved medieval architecture and learning about its strategic importance during the Carlist Wars.

The journey then continues to Balmaseda, where the group enjoys a 75-minute lunch break at a local restaurant, savoring regional Basque cuisine and taking in the charming riverside setting.

The tour highlights in Balmaseda include:

• Strolling along the picturesque Nervión River
• Admiring the 14th-century Gothic bridge
• Visiting the historic market square
• Exploring the town’s charming Old Quarter

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. Typically, these types of full-day tours accommodate between 12-30 people to ensure a personalized experience. The exact group size may vary depending on the number of bookings for a particular departure date.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available for the Lunch?

The tour provider offers vegetarian and other dietary options for the included lunch. Guests should inform the tour staff of any dietary requirements when booking or at the start of the tour to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour company does not appear to offer an option to extend the tour duration beyond the standard 10 hours. The tour itinerary and inclusions are set, and there’s no mention of any add-on or extension options available.

Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Preferences?

The tour operators offer flexibility to customize the itinerary based on customer preferences. Travelers can work with the tour company to adjust the duration, activities, and sightseeing locations to fit their interests and needs.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

Yes, there is a discount for booking the tour in advance. The tour details indicate that customers can "Reserve now & pay later" and take advantage of "Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance."

Recap

This full-day tour from Bilbao offers an immersive experience in the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the Basque Country.

Participants will explore historical monuments, unique natural wonders, and picturesque towns, led by a knowledgeable guide.

With all necessary inclusions, this tour is an excellent way to discover the best of the region, from mountains to the sea.

You can check if your dates are available here: