Discover the charm of northern Spain on a small group tour that explores the historic city of Pamplona and the stunning Olite Royal Palace. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll venture through Pamplona’s picturesque Old Town, taking in the iconic Cathedral and lively Plaza del Castillo. After a delectable lunch, the tour continues to the 15th-century Olite Royal Palace, a magnificent Gothic structure renowned for its intricate architecture and panoramic views. With a maximum of 8 participants, this immersive experience offers an intimate glimpse into the rich Basque culture. What secrets and surprises might this tour unveil?

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In Bilbao.

Key Points

Pamplona and Olite Royal Palace in Small Group Tour, Lunch Included - Key Points

  • Explore Pamplona’s Old Town, including the Cathedral and Plaza del Castillo, with a local guide and learn about the Pamplona Running of the Bulls festival.
  • Visit Vitoria, the modern Basque capital, to experience its blend of medieval and contemporary architecture and lively plazas.
  • Tour the 15th-century Olite Royal Palace, a showcase of Basque architectural prowess, and gain insights into the lives of Navarre’s former royalty.
  • Enjoy a delicious included lunch as part of the tour package, along with round-trip transportation.
  • Experience a personalized small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants for a more intimate and engaging exploration of Basque Country.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day exploration of the Basque Country beyond the popular destination of San Sebastian.

Travelers will begin their journey in Pamplona, where a local guide will lead them on a stroll through the city’s Old Town, showcasing its unique architecture and captivating history.

The tour then moves to Vitoria, the capital of the Basque Country, allowing visitors to experience its modern side.

Included in the tour are round-trip transportation, a lunch, and a visit to the Olite Royal Palace, providing a well-rounded experience of the region’s cultural and historical highlights.

Inclusions and Details

Although the tour includes round-trip transportation, a local guide, and lunch, the highlight is the visit to the Olite Royal Palace, with its ticket price covered in the cost.

Travelers can also enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout the day. The small group tour has a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, including infants as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Booking requires a minimum of 2 people, though single bookings may be confirmed.

With a perfect 5-star rating across multiple platforms, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Basque Country beyond San Sebastian.

Exploring Pamplona’s Old Town

Stepping into Pamplona’s Old Town, visitors are immediately captivated by its rich architectural tapestry, where centuries-old buildings stand as silent witnesses to the city’s storied past.

With a local guide leading the way, guests uncover the stories behind the ornate facades, exploring the grand Cathedral of Pamplona and the medieval Plaza del Castillo.

The guide’s commentary brings to life the city’s role in the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, an iconic festival that has drawn thrill-seekers from around the world.

As the tour winds through the charming streets, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Pamplona’s enduring cultural heritage and the Basque influences that have shaped its unique identity.

Visiting Vitoria, the Basque Capital

After exploring the historic charms of Pamplona’s Old Town, the tour proceeds to Vitoria, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country. Visitors are immersed in the modern side of the Basque region, experiencing its unique architecture, lively plazas, and bustling city life. A highlight is the guided walk through the city center, showcasing Vitoria’s blend of medieval and contemporary elements. The tour also includes a visit to the Olite Royal Palace, a stunning example of Basque architecture and history.

Vitoria Highlights
Vibrant City Center Lively Plazas
Blend of Old and New Olite Royal Palace
Unique Architecture Basque Culture

Experiencing Olite Royal Palace

Situated in the charming town of Olite, the 15th-century Olite Royal Palace stands as a captivating testament to Basque architectural prowess.

Visitors can explore this stunning palace, which features:

  1. Intricate Gothic-style facades adorned with elaborate carvings and ornate windows.
  2. Beautifully decorated halls and chambers that transport visitors back to the grandeur of the medieval era.
  3. The palace’s iconic towers, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  4. Insights into the lives of Navarre’s former royalty, who once called this palace their home.

The inclusion of the Olite Royal Palace ticket in the tour ensures travelers can fully enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of the Basque region.

Small Group Size and Accessibility

The tour’s small group size, capped at a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. This allows the guide to adapt the tour to the group’s interests and needs.

The tour is also accessible to most travelers, with infant seats available. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Travelers must meet a minimum booking requirement of 2 people, though single bookings can be confirmed. The tour’s small group size and accessibility cater to a wide range of travelers, providing a unique and immersive exploration of Pamplona and Olite Royal Palace.

Reviews and Ratings

With a perfect overall rating of 5.0 stars based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, the tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

According to the customer reviews:

  1. Participants praised the knowledgeable local guide who provided insightful commentary on the tour.
  2. Travelers were delighted by the opportunity to explore the charming Basque towns of Pamplona and Vitoria.
  3. The inclusions, such as lunch and transportation, were highlighted as excellent value for money.
  4. Several reviewers noted the small group size, which allowed for a more personalized and intimate experience.

No reviews rated the tour below 5 stars, underscoring the consistently high level of satisfaction among those who’ve experienced this immersive Basque Country adventure.

What to Expect on the Tour

Although the tour encompasses both the historic city of Pamplona and the modern capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria, the experience begins with an exploration of Pamplona’s charming Old Town. Accompanied by a local guide, visitors will stroll through the winding streets, admiring the architecture and learning about the city’s intriguing history. After Pamplona, the tour moves on to Vitoria, where travelers can expect to witness the Basque Country’s contemporary side. Throughout the day, included in the tour package are a delicious lunch, round-trip transportation, and even alcoholic beverages.

Highlights Includes
Explore Pamplona’s Old Town Local guide
Visit Vitoria, the Basque capital Lunch
See the Olite Royal Palace Round-trip transportation
Small group tour (max 8 travelers) Alcoholic beverages
Start time: 9:00 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites. Customers can inquire with the tour provider about customizing the tour to include more destinations within the Basque Country region, which may incur an additional cost.

Is There a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Option Available?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options upon request. Travelers should simply notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their needs are accommodated.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows guests to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, the tour is non-refundable. Changes to the booking can be made with advance notice.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t specifically offer senior or student discounts. However, they may provide group discounts for larger parties or special packages that could result in savings. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour operator about any available promotions.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Travelers can customize the tour to focus on their specific interests. The tour provider is flexible and willing to accommodate requests, such as spending more time at certain sites or adding additional stops within the tour’s overall itinerary.

Recap

This small group tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic charm of Pamplona and the impressive Olite Royal Palace. With a local guide leading the way, travelers can enjoy the Basque culture while enjoying a delicious lunch. The intimate group size ensures a personalized experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the treasures of this region.