Explore the stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country on this comprehensive tour from Santander. Discover the iconic hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, stroll through the vibrant streets of Bilbao’s Old Town, and marvel at the contemporary art and striking architecture of the renowned Guggenheim Museum. With flexible booking options and a focus on local cuisine, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey through one of Spain’s most captivating regions. Uncover the secrets that await and embark on an adventure like no other.

Key Points

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Key Points

  • Tour package departs from Santander and includes visits to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and the Guggenheim Museum.
  • Duration of the tour is 10 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Highlights include climbing 241 steps to the Basque hermitage, exploring Bilbao’s Old Town, and admiring the Guggenheim Museum’s modern architecture.
  • Visitors can experience Basque culture, scenic coastal views, and local cuisine during the tour.
  • The tour is priced from $53.79 per person and offers options for reservation and payment.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour package offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and the vibrant city of Bilbao itself.

The tour departs from Santander and saves up to 16%, priced from $53.79 per person. The 10-hour duration includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include a guided tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Town, and admission to the Guggenheim Museum, known for its contemporary art and Frank Gehry’s iconic architecture.

Itinerary and Activities

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins at the Estación Marítima, where you will board a bus/coach for the 2-hour journey to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Upon arrival, they’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the famous Basque hermitage, take photos, and follow a guided tour. After, the group will travel 1 hour to Bilbao, where they’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, explore at their leisure, and grab a bite to eat. The final stop is the Guggenheim Museum, with 2 hours for a guided and self-guided tour of the iconic modern architecture and art exhibits.

| Start Location | Activities | Duration |

|—————-|————|———–|

| Estación Marítima | Bus/coach to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe | 2 hours |

| San Juan de Gaztelugatxe | Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour | 1.5 hours |

| Bilbao | Bus/coach, Break time, Guided tour, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing | 3 hours |

| Guggenheim Museum | Visit, Guided tour, Self-guided tour | 2 hours |

Highlights and Attractions

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Highlights and Attractions

The tour includes several highlights and attractions that make it a comprehensive experience.

Visitors can look forward to having their entry tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe managed, exploring the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and embarking on a guided walking tour of Bilbao’s historic Old Town.

Key attractions include:

  • Climbing the 241 steps to the Basque hermitage at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, featured in Game of Thrones, and ringing the bell for good luck

  • Admiring the renowned modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum and its impressive contemporary art exhibitions

  • Discovering Bilbao’s vibrant culture and local life, including pintxos tastings in the charming Old Town.

Cultural Significance and Experience

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Cultural Significance and Experience

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao offer visitors a unique cultural experience that immerses them in the rich heritage and modern artistry of the Basque region.

The Basque region offers visitors a unique cultural experience, blending rich heritage and modern artistry at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

The famous Basque hermitage, featured in Game of Thrones, challenges visitors to climb 241 steps to reach the top and ring the bell, rewarded with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.

In Bilbao, the tour explores the city’s vibrant culture and local life, including the chance to savor traditional pintxos in the lively Old Town.

The Guggenheim Museum’s iconic architecture and contemporary art exhibitions cap off an immersive Basque adventure.

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Meeting Point and Requirements

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Meeting Point and Requirements

The meeting point for this tour is the bus stop in front of the Maritime Station on Antonio López Street.

Participants will need to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes for the day’s activities.

Pets aren’t allowed, with the exception of service animals.

The tour guide will provide city recommendations throughout the day to help make the most of the experience.

Key items to remember:

  • Bring passport/ID

  • Wear comfortable shoes

  • No pets allowed (service animals permitted)

  • Expect tour guide recommendations

Explore San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Explore San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

Situated along the rugged Basque coastline, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe captivates visitors with its dramatic beauty.

This iconic hermitage sits atop a small island, connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge. Adventurous travelers must ascend 241 steps to reach the hermitage, where they can ring the historic bell for good luck.

The views from the top are breathtaking, overlooking the crashing waves and lush green landscapes.

After exploring the hermitage, visitors can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the site’s cultural significance and its connection to the popular TV series, Game of Thrones.

Discover Bilbao’s Old Town

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Discover Bilbaos Old Town

After exploring the captivating San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the tour continues to Bilbao’s vibrant Old Town.

The guide leads the group on a walking tour, showcasing the city’s rich history and local culture. Highlights include:

  • Strolling through the charming Seven Streets, a maze of narrow alleyways lined with shops, bars, and pintxos (Basque tapas) restaurants.

  • Admiring the impressive Bilbao Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 14th century.

  • Crossing the iconic Arriaga Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Nervión River and the city’s skyline.

The tour provides ample time to take in Bilbao’s lively atmosphere and savor the local cuisine.

Uncover the Guggenheim Museum

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - Uncover the Guggenheim Museum

Leaving the lively streets of Bilbao’s Old Town behind, the tour then takes visitors to the iconic Guggenheim Museum.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s striking titanium and glass structure is a work of art itself.

Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive collection of contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists.

The guided tour provides insights into the museum’s exhibitions, while allowing ample time for self-guided exploration.

The guided tour offers insights into the museum’s exhibitions, allowing for self-guided exploration at your own pace.

With its iconic architecture and world-class art, the Guggenheim Museum offers a captivating cultural experience that complements the day’s earlier adventures.

FAQ

From Santander: San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, and Guggenheim Museum - FAQ

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size required for the tour. Participants can book individually, and the tour will run regardless of the number of people signed up. The tour accommodates both solo travelers and larger groups.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities?

The tour’s itinerary and activities are pre-set, but travelers can’t customize them. However, the tour guide provides city recommendations to help guests personalize their experiences during free time in Bilbao.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Food Options Available?

The tour doesn’t provide any specific dietary options, but the guide can suggest local restaurants in Bilbao that cater to various dietary needs. Guests are free to explore the city’s culinary scene during the break time.

Are There Discounts or Special Rates for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounted rates for students with valid ID, and seniors aged 65 and above. Customers can save up to 16% on the regular price by booking in advance.

Can I Store My Luggage or Belongings During the Tour?

The tour operator does not provide luggage storage during the tour. Participants are advised to bring only essential items and keep their belongings with them throughout the day. Larger bags or suitcases may not be allowed on the bus.

Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Basque Country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Visitors will witness the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, stroll through Bilbao’s charming Old Town, and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Guggenheim Museum. With flexible booking options and a focus on local cuisine, this comprehensive experience promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Basque region.

You can check if your dates are available here: