San Juan De Gaztelugatxe With Winery Visit and Lunch (From Bilbao)

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a stunning natural wonder nestled along the Basque coast of northern Spain. Visitors can embark on a guided tour from the nearby city of Bilbao, which provides an immersive experience at this iconic site. The tour includes a challenging yet rewarding climb up 241 steps to reach the hermitage, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. After exploring this architectural marvel, the adventure continues with a visit to a renowned local winery, where guests can savor the renowned txakoli sparkling wine and learn about traditional winemaking practices. But the journey doesn’t end there, as a delightful catered lunch completes this unique blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Bilbao.

Key Points

• This tour from Bilbao explores the Basque Country, including a visit to the scenic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage and a winery for txakoli wine tasting.
• Visitors can climb 241 steps to enjoy panoramic coastal views from the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, which was featured in "Game of Thrones".
• The tour includes private transportation, all necessary fees and taxes, and a guided tasting of txakoli sparkling wine at a local winery.
• Lunch and alcoholic beverages are catered for food and wine enthusiasts, enhancing the overall experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with a maximum group size of 7 travelers for personalized attention.

Tour Overview and Highlights

On this day tour from Bilbao, visitors can experience the captivating Basque Country.

They’ll visit the renowned San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, famous from the hit TV series "Game of Thrones." After climbing 241 steps up the rocky islet, they’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the coast.

Later, the tour includes a winery visit where they can sample the region’s delicious sparkling txakoli wine.

With private transportation and a small group size, the tour ensures a personalized and immersive experience, making it ideal for nature and wine enthusiasts.

The highlights also include all fees and taxes covered, as well as a delightful lunch.

Inclusions

The tour includes all the necessary fees and taxes, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Travelers will receive tickets to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, known for its appearance in the hit TV series "Game of Thrones."

Private transportation is provided throughout the day, making for a comfortable and convenient journey.

A visit to a local winery is also included, where guests can savor the region’s renowned txakoli sparkling wine during a guided tasting.

Lunch and alcoholic beverages are provided, catering to the needs of food and wine enthusiasts.

With these comprehensive inclusions, the tour offers an immersive exploration of the Basque Country’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where travelers embark on a 45-minute drive to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

Upon arrival, visitors spend 2 hours exploring the hermitage, climbing the 241 steps for scenic views over the Bay of Biscay.

After the visit, the tour returns to Bilbao, where the activity ends at the original meeting point.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy private transportation, as well as the included tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and all necessary fees and taxes.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup for the tour commences at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where travelers meet their guide at the red tourist bus stop in front of the Puppy sculpture.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, ensuring an early arrival at the day’s first destination, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This meeting location is convenient for those staying in Bilbao or arriving via the city’s public transportation.

The guide will be holding a sign to easily identify the tour group. Travelers are advised to arrive a few minutes early to allow for a timely departure, as the tour has a full itinerary planned for the day’s activities.

Additional Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this experience. The tour has a maximum group size of 7 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.

The experience is subject to availability, and confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, allowing ample time for planning.

Key details include:

• Tour not recommended for those with mobility or health issues
• Moderate physical fitness level required
• Small group size for personalized service
• Confirmation within 48 hours of booking
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

Reviews and Ratings

According to the information provided, this tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 5.0 rating from 6 reviews.

Five of the reviews are 5 stars, and one is 4 stars. The positive feedback highlights the engaging guide and the enjoyable experience despite bad weather.

This suggests the tour provides a memorable and worthwhile adventure, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time is also a convenient feature for travelers.

Exploring San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

The centerpiece of this Basque Country tour is the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny hermitage perched atop a steep, rocky islet. Visitors ascend 241 steps to reach the hermitage, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea.

The journey isn’t for the faint of heart, as the narrow path can be challenging. However, the effort is well worth it, as the hermitage’s history and scenic setting make for an unforgettable experience.

Key highlights include:

• Admiring the hermitage’s unique architecture and cultural significance
• Marveling at the rugged coastline and azure waters
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment after climbing the steps
• Capturing stunning photos to commemorate the visit
• Exploring the surrounding natural beauty and tranquility

Winery Visit and Wine Tasting

After exploring the stunning natural wonder of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the tour continues with a visit to a local winery.

Guests will enjoy a tasting of the region’s renowned sparkling txakoli wine. The winery tour provides an in-depth look at the traditional winemaking process, from grape harvesting to fermentation.

Travelers can sample the crisp, refreshing flavors that have made txakoli a beloved local specialty. The winery visit offers a chance to learn about the Basque Country’s rich wine heritage and appreciate the care and skill that goes into each bottle.

This experience complements the earlier outing, providing a well-rounded immersion in the cultural and natural treasures of the Basque region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Winery Visit?

The tour includes a visit to a local winery with a tasting of the region’s famous sparkling txakoli wine, though the exact duration of the winery visit is not specified in the overview details provided.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements if requested in advance. The provider offers a range of lunch options to cater to different dietary needs, ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the experience.

Is There an Option to Skip the Hike up to the Hermitage?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to skip the hike up to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage. Visitors must climb the 241 steps to reach the site. The tour doesn’t provide alternative transportation to the top.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops. While the standard itinerary focuses on San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the winery, the tour provider may be able to accommodate special requests for other sights or activities in the Basque Country.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts without penalty. This provides flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Recap

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the renowned txakoli winemaking region. Visitors can explore the iconic hermitage, indulge in a wine tasting, and savor a delightful catered lunch, creating a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy. It’s an ideal excursion for those seeking to enjoy the rich heritage and flavors of northern Spain.