Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao
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10 best Northern Spain tours from Bilbao
Compiled by
MelissaBilbao travel expert at TourRadar
- Northern Spain Explorer (New)
- The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive
- Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
- Hiking the High Trails of the Picos de Europa
- Camino de Santiago
- The North Trail, Self-drive
- A Taste of Northern Spain: Catalonia and the Basque Country
- La Rioja & Baskenland | Spanien | Geführte Radreise
- La Rioja & Basque Country guided cycling tour
- Basque Country and La Rioja by Bike
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 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- NZ$3,950
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Spain From $943
15% Off- NZ$802You save $141
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 up to 90 year olds Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$4,929
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 up to 90 year olds Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$2,688
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 up to 80 year olds Operator Caspin Journeys From
15% Off- NZ$11,364
The circular route starts and ends in Bilbao's vibrant center, covering 685km across Northern Spain. Highlights include San Sebastián (265km), Logroño's wine region (135km to Burgos), and Santander's coastal beauty (185km), before returning to Bilbao (100km).
Duration 7 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Logrono, Burgos, Santander Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,373
15% Off- NZ$1,167You save $206
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Getaria, Monte Igueldo, La Rioja, Laguardia, Pamplona, Obanos, Zaragoza, MontserratSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
15% Off- NZ$4,750
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Vitoria, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Laguardia, Pamplona, San Sebastian Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Terranova Touristik From
15% Off- NZ$4,574
The 231km circular route from Bilbao showcases Northern Spain's diverse landscapes. Key stops include Vitoria-Gasteiz's historic center, La Rioja's wine regions, and San Sebastián's coastal paths, with daily rides ranging from 24-48km through Basque Country.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Vitoria, Najera, Laguardia, La Rioja, Villabuena de Alava, Estella, Hondarribia, Monte Igueldo Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Terranova Touristik From
15% Off- NZ$4,679
This 8-day cycling adventure loops from Bilbao through Northern Spain's scenic routes. Cyclists ride to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, through La Rioja's vineyards, onto Pamplona via the Vías Verdes, and finally to coastal Hondarribia and San Sebastián before returning to Bilbao.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja, Laguardia, Pamplona, Hondarribia, San Sebastian Operated in Only: German Operator Gebeco From
15% Off- NZ$5,539
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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