GUGGENHEIM and BASQUE COAST - Private Cultural Adventure

San Sebastian , Spain

GUGGENHEIM and BASQUE COAST - Private Cultural Adventure

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(15 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A tour of a section of Basque Highway 101 through the greatest hits of the Basque coast (Did someone say “Dragonstone”?), arriving at the titanium museum that put Bilbao on the map.

Available options

GUGGENHEIM and BASQUE COAST - Private Cultural Adventure

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private tour

Driver/guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

The French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote: “Gernika is the happiest town in the world. Their affairs are governed by a board of peasants that meets under an oak tree and always makes the fairest decisions ”. And here we go, to the city bombed by Nazi planes in 1937 that inspired one of the most well-known paintings in the world, Picasso’s mural-sized “Guernica”. We will visit the city and, of course, the tree under which the (we hope) “fairer decisions” are made.

Memorize this name: ‘Urdaibai’ and try to pronounce it well (it’s not easy, we know) because you won’t forget it. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Urdaibai is a large estuary at which mountains, rivers, the sea and large stretches of sand come together. Depending on the tide and time of day, the landscape (and the dozens of birds that inhabit it) may be radically different.

Stop 3

We’ll also stop at Mundaka, a hot spot on the world's ‘surfaris’ routes: its beach has one of the most (possibly the most) perfect waves on the planet, with a left-hand break. At the fronton of this adorable fishing village, we’ll challenge you to a Basque pelota match - the real thing, played with bare hands and a ball that looks like stone.

Some call it “Dragonstone,” but its name is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet connected to the ground by a line of 241 stairs and crowned by a hermitage. Gaztelugatxe became ultra-famous after appearing in the Games Of Thrones series disguised as Dragonstone: Though the 'castle' is a CGI effect, everything else (dizzying cliffs, sharp rocks, flocks of birds, the noise of the sea ...) is rabidly real .

Stop 5

The people of Bilbao have always claimed that their city was the capital of the world. When the Guggenheim museum opened in 1997, that prophecy came true and the building became an architectural phenomenon whose influence has spilled over into the rest of the city. The people of Bilbao say that the museum is actually the “doghouse” of Puppy, the iconic statue that welcomes you at the entrance (Basque ironic mode on). We’ll get to know the building and its main works of contemporary art.

What's not included

Food, drinks and tickets, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessibility is extra paid - contact for details

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

About San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful shell-shaped bay and calm waters. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

The Parte Vieja is the historic heart of San Sebastian, filled with narrow streets, charming plazas, and traditional pintxo bars. It's a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere and enjoy local cuisine.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of San Sebastian and the surrounding coastline. The hill is accessible by a historic funicular and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature 2-3 hours €3.50 for the funicular ride

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pintxos

Small, savory bites typically served on bread, featuring a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, and cheeses.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Bacalao al Pil Pil

Codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and parsley, a classic Basque dish.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking in the surrounding hills Sunbathing on the beaches Strolling along the promenade Visiting museums and galleries Exploring the historic old town Swimming Kayaking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit San Sebastian for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are at their most inviting, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Basque, Spanish
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Sebastian is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

San Sebastian Airport • 20 km from city center
Bilbao Airport • 100 km from city center

By train

San Sebastian Station

By bus

San Sebastian Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in San Sebastian is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gros Antiguo

Day trips

Hondarribia

25 km • Half day

A charming coastal town with a historic old quarter, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to explore Basque culture and history.

Biarritz

50 km • Full day

A glamorous coastal town in France known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and upscale atmosphere. It's a great destination for a day trip from San Sebastian.