Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao
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10 best Northern Spain tours from Bilbao
Compiled by
MelissaBilbao travel expert at TourRadar
- Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive
- The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive
- Bilbao: Gateway to the Basque Country
- Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
- Camino de Santiago
- A Taste of Northern Spain: Catalonia and the Basque Country
- Hiking the High Trails of the Picos de Europa
- Marvels of Northern Spain
- Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- Northern Spain Explorer (New)
This 535km circular route from Bilbao takes in Northern Spain's best sights. Drive from Guggenheim Museum to Guernica (40km), then San Sebastián (190km), Santander (100km), and Santillana del Mar (105km). Complete insurance and 24/7 assistance included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bilbao, Gernika-Lumo, San Sebastian, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,339
10% Off- NZ$1,205You save $134
From Bilbao Airport, travel to Pamplona (250km) to visit the Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary. Pass through La Rioja's picturesque wine country (3 hours) to Logroño, before returning via Vitoria (145km, 2 hours) to Bilbao, covering key Northern Spanish landmarks in 5 days.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bilbao, Pamplona, Logrono, Vitoria Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $983
10% Off- NZ$884You save $98
Duration 5 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastián, Argüero Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
10% Off- NZ$399
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very enjoyable and would like to go again.”
richard, traveled in September
Your 11-day adventure starts in Bilbao at Hotel Barceló Nervión and concludes in San Sebastian. The route spans 12 destinations including Santillana del Mar, Picos de Europa, and coastal towns like Zumaia, with comfortable transfers throughout Northern Spain.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Picos de Europa National Park, Bulnes, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Sotres, Fuente De, ZumaiaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
10% Off- NZ$5,270
Savor pintxos in San Sebastian after leaving Bilbao, then head to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Cross the Pyrenees into Spain through Roncesvalles, continuing through Pamplona, Burgos, and León. The adventure culminates at Santiago de Compostela's cathedral, with a final coastal stretch to Finisterre lighthouse.
Duration 13 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Estella, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, Leon, AstorgaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 25+ Operator Caspin Journeys From
10% Off- NZ$11,830
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Getaria, Monte Igueldo, La Rioja, Laguardia, Pamplona, Obanos, Zaragoza, MontserratSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $4,970
20% Off- NZ$3,970You save $1,000
From Bilbao, transfer to Arenas de Cabrales before trekking through Picos National Park. The path leads through Covadonga, Sotres, and medieval Potes, with technical descents to Poncebos and Llanes, before returning to Bilbao via Oviedo.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Covadonga, Sotres, Espinama, Potes, Bulnes, Poncebos, LlanesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
20% Off- NZ$2,748
Duration 9 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 19+ Operator Firebird Tours From
20% Off- NZ$10,572
Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organised and easy to follow on "Ride with GPS". Accomodation was good and our bags were transported efficiently.”
Hugh, traveled in June
Cyclists depart from Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, covering 302km over 8 stages to Ribadesella. Cross the UNESCO-listed Puente Vizcaya bridge to Castro Urdiales, then follow the coast through Santoña, Santander, and San Vicente de la Barquera, with daily rides averaging 40km on well-marked coastal routes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Santona, Santander, Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera, Llanes, Ribadesella Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French Operator IberoCycle Tours From
20% Off- NZ$2,127
Setting out from Bilbao's port district, the route winds through San Sebastian's coastal beauty and La Rioja's wine country. Take in Pamplona's historic center and Zaragoza's Mudéjar architecture before reaching Montserrat's monastery and ending in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Laguardia, La Rioja, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Montserrat, Barcelona Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
20% Off- NZ$3,950
What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao
What's the typical length of tours starting in Bilbao exploring Northern Spain?
Most Northern Spain tours departing from Bilbao run between 5 to 8 days with 8-day trips being the standard choice. The Northern Spain Explorer includes key stops at Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum and the historic Casco Viejo followed by visits to San Sebastian and local wine regions. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 8-day format was perfect to see the highlights while not feeling rushed between destinations."
What are the most popular first-day activities for tours starting in Bilbao?
First day activities in Bilbao usually begin with a walk through the Casco Viejo followed by time at the Guggenheim Museum. Many groups start their journey with local Basque pintxos at places like Café Iruña or browse the Mercado de la Ribera market. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "Starting with the Guggenheim and old town walk was the perfect introduction to understanding Bilbao's transformation from industrial port to cultural hub."
Which areas of Bilbao do most tours use as their starting point?
Tours typically gather in Bilbao's center with hotels near Plaza Moyua such as the Silken Indautxu Hotel or Occidental Bilbao serving as meeting points. From these locations groups can easily reach the historic Casco Viejo the Abandoibarra district and the Guggenheim Museum. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The central location made it easy to explore Bilbao's main sights before the tour officially began."
What are the transportation options from Bilbao Airport to the tour starting points?
Most tour packages include transfers from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to city center hotels a journey of about 20 minutes. Travelers can also take the airport bus to Plaza Moyua or catch a taxi at the terminal. The Northern Spain Explorer notes that "airport transfers on arrival day are included if arriving at Bilbao Airport which is around 20 minutes from the central meeting points."
What kind of accommodations can I expect when starting a tour in Bilbao?
Tours based in Bilbao generally book guests into 4-star properties like the Silken Indautxu Hotel or Occidental Bilbao. These centrally located hotels put visitors within walking distance of the Guggenheim Museum and historic areas. As one TourRadar traveler reports: "The Silken Indautxu provided the perfect base for exploring Bilbao with comfortable rooms and easy access to the tour meeting points."
What's the best time of year to start a tour from Bilbao?
The main tour season runs May through October with the busiest period from June to September when weather conditions are best. Looking at Northern Spain Explorer schedules most departures happen in May June September and October to avoid peak crowds while enjoying mild weather. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Starting our tour in September meant comfortable temperatures for walking and exploring Bilbao's outdoor attractions."
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