Contrasting Cities
Combine industrial, busy Bilbao with the traditional, seaside town and promenades of San Sebastian.
This nine-day holiday is designed to soak up the culture and flavour of the Basque Country’s beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine.
A visit to both Bilbao and San Sebastian highlights what is fascinating about this little-known corner of Spain, so often dismissed by many that head south from the ferry terminal or fly over on their way to the Costas or legendary Spanish cities.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Vibrant Pintxo Bars
Sample the tapas in the vibrant pintxo bars, pairing wines with bite-size regional specialities, and visit a Txacoli winery farm.
3
Coastal Walks
Accompanied by your guide, trek the dramatic scenery, cliffs and beaches of the Cantabrian coastline. Hire a bike.
Boutique Basque
Belle Epoque opulence at San Sebastian to designer accommodation in industrial Bilbao.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
With daily morning flights from London, you can be enjoying a lunch of grilled fish accompanied by local zesty wine, against the backdrop of the Cantabrian coast, all before siesta time. Then walk it off in the stunning landscapes of nearby national parks and mountains the next day.
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Day 1 -2
Bilbao
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Day 3
Bilbao - Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
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Day 4
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
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Day 5
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve - Getaria
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Day 6
Getaria
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Day 7
Getaria - San Sebastian
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Day 8 - 9
San Sebastian
Day 1 -2
Bilbao
Explore the city of Bilbao with your guide, discovering well-kept secrets of the local way of life. Visit the Guggenheim Museum.
Day 3
Bilbao - Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Visit the fascinating Guggenheim Museum.
Day 4
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Walk dramatic coastal landscapes and search for some incredible birdlife on the wetlands.
Day 5
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve - Getaria
Walk dramatic coastal landscapes and search for some incredible birdlife on the wetlands.
Day 6
Getaria
Visit charming fishing villages and dine on fresh seafood.
Day 7
Getaria - San Sebastian
Visit charming fishing villages and dine on fresh seafood.
Day 8 - 9
San Sebastian
Wander the seaside promenades of San Sebastian, sampling traditional pintxo tapas and Michelin standard food.
More Details
Visit Edgy Bilbao
Bilbao is the de facto capital of Basque Country and famed for the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked its revitalisation when opened in 1997. Take a guide to enhance your stay by offering you insights into the city and show you the ‘hard-to-find’ local way of life. We highly recommend we make table reservations for you in our suggested restaurants during your stay in Bilbao, as the cuisine is excellent and a highlight of this busy city.
Walking in Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
The area is full of exciting walks. Firstly in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, listed by UNESCO for its natural setting and outstanding beauty. The river Oka at the heart of the reserve creates wetlands and is home to some incredible bird life. The area also has a beautiful coastline including Laga Beach, popular with surfers. Secondly walk through the stunning landscapes of Urkiola Natural Park, ‘the place of the birch trees’.
If you want to learn more about the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a visit to the Urdaibai Bird Centre is a must. Besides being an excellent museum and a scientific research centre for birds, the centre is located in a privileged position within the reserve, showcasing incredible views of the surrounding marshland.
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Cantabrian Villages
Travel by road and stop at the local coastal villages. Getaria, a charming fishing village, where you can have freshly caught fish accompanied by the local white wine, txakoli. The village is wedged between two beautiful beaches with a small islet a short walk away. Continue to Deba for a beautiful coastal trek to Zumaia. Enjoy the incredible views of a wide variety of different landscapes. If the tide allows, go to the edge of the impressive cliffs where you can walk along with the spectacular sea cut platform where outcrops have given rise to beautiful cliffs. Get the camera at the ready!
Michelin Starred San Sebastian
Head to San Sebastián for a great culinary experience. A traditional resort town in the Bay of Biscay it’s traditionally known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, beaches framed by a picturesque bayfront promenade. More recently it is world-renowned for the restaurants helmed by innovative chefs. In its cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shops neighbour vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines with bite-size regional specialities.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,280 Per person
When to travel
June to September are the warmest and driest months in the Basque region of Spain although with plenty of rain year round the landscapes are always lush and green. During these months expect temperatures around the mid 20’s making it perfect for relaxing on the beach or doing some walking. Travel outside of July and August to avoid the holiday crowds.
Holiday Inspiration
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