Guided Tours

The 7 best guided tours in Bilbao

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Guided tours in Bilbao

Bilbao is perhaps the most beautiful and interesting city in Northern Spain. It is brimming with history, exciting attractions to enjoy and tons of delicious food to try. Planning the perfect visit to Bilbao can be daunting, however. To this end, you might want to enlist the help of an expert local guide. 
In this article we have compiled the best tours available in the city of Bilbao, to help you get the most out of your visit. 

Top guided tours in Bilbao

The original gourmet gastronomic tour in Bilbao

Enjoy Bilbao cuisine like a local. This tour is basically a pub crawl in the old town of Bilbao with a local guide born and raised in Bilbao. 

The pintxo is the Basque version of the Spanish tapa and is taken accompanied by a typical drink (usually wine or small beer). The Basque people show their love for gastronomy with these delicious gourmet appetizers found throughout the city.

The pintxos can be very elaborate or simple, there is something for everyone. You will also taste some great wines on the tour.

You will try some of the well-known pintxos and some of the best-hidden gems as well. At the same time, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the Old Town or old part of Bilbao, which dates back to the 14th century.

 

Bike & Pintxos in Getxo (Bilbao Coast)

Another gastronomic experience, slightly outside of Bilbao’s city center. Enjoy the coastal landscapes, history and local culture of Bilbao while you ride down the beautiful Basque coast.

You will see UNESCO sites, unique landscapes, indulge in awesome pintxos and drinks. After the excursion, enjoy the rest of your day with complete freedom to explore this magnificent area. The Vizcaya Bridge, Portugalete, and Santurzi neighborhoods are just around the corner or bring your book and enjoy the day at the beach.

 

The sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastián

Depart from your centrally located Bilbao hotel and climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Enjoy the spectacular landscapes as you enter the rural province of Gipuzkoa, observing the contrast that the industrial towns make with the green valleys. Arrive at the picturesque Sanctuary of Loyola, a provincial gem that is home to Saint Ignatius of Loyola; Visit the beautiful Basilica and its old house before leaving for the next destination.

Follow the winding coastal road and pass through the village of Zestoa, an enclave famous for the medicinal qualities of its waters. Arrive in Getaria and disembark in the minivan to explore the impressive monuments of the medieval fishing village.

Next, admire the wonderful views of Zarauz in front of the beach on the way to the city of San Sebastián. Accompanied by your expert guide, complete a panoramic tour of the city to learn about its culture and history; Tour the charming old town and visit sights before returning to Bilbao in the early afternoon.

 

Day trip to San Sebastián and the Basque coast from Bilbao

San Sebastián and the Basque coast are known for their history and beauty, but experiencing all they have to offer in one day can be difficult. With a private tour, enjoy the undivided attention of your guide as you navigate the region’s highlights such as San Sebastián’s Old Town, La Concha Bay, Getaria, and Zumaia, with an itinerary that you can customize to your interests.

 

Historical tour of Bilbao

This guided tour will help you discover the deep history of the city of Bilbao. You expert local guide will take you through the most relevant portions of the city and explain how the city became the impressive metropolis that it is today. The tour is available in English and Spanish and takes about two hours.

 

Private Essential Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao

This excursion to the wonderful wine region of La Rioja will take you to visit an underground winery that is located below the historic Basque city of Laguardia that dates back centuries.

A visit to the traditional family winery is included to highlight the prestige and pinnacle of La Rioja winemaking. This estate produces a wine that is classified among the best 100 wines of La Rioja with more than 90 Parker points.

We will also guide you around the medieval city of Laguardia along with exterior views of some of the most architecturally significant wineries in La Rioja. In Laguardia, we will make a stop to enjoy a private guided tour inside the city walls and we will point out the historical places of interest. The tour begins and ends at your hotel/accommodation.

 

Private tour: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Greet your expert guide outside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and begin your tour admiring the museum’s eccentric exterior; Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the distinctive structure caused quite a stir among European architects upon completion. Capture photos next to the 12-meter sculpture of the Puppy, a colossal canine made entirely of flowers, and enter the museum.

Discuss your personalized itinerary, then listen as your knowledgeable and art-savvy guide turns your attention to some of the gallery’s most important masterpieces; See varied examples of art from a collection that spans the mid-20th century to the present day. Admire the aesthetics of art spread over three floors and appreciate the artistic lighting and creative arrangement of the exhibits.

Gain insight into the inspiration behind theatrical installations like Joseph Beuy’s Lightning with Stag in its Glare, and take a look at pieces by painting pioneers like Jenny Holzer, Richard Long, and Francesco Clemente. Learn stories of the antics of the famous artists of the Basque Country and see how the surrounding landscape has inspired some of the works.

After 1.5 hours of exploring, say goodbye to your guide and continue exploring the museum on your own if you wish.

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