Bilbao – Rioja Alavesa – San Sebastian

Discover the Basque Country (Premium Tour) - NC11

Northern Spain Fly-drive or Ferry-drive
7 Nights From £1,250
Classic car tours
Food tours
Motorbike tours
Tour Highlights
  • Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’

  • Great wines and stunning scenery in La Rioja Alavesa

  • Lovely beaches and scenic cliffs along the Basque coast

  • San Sebastian - most Michelin stars per capita

  • Wonderful architecture ancient & modern

  • World class gastronomy throughout

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7 Nights From £1,250
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Overview

Long recognized for its exquisite and innovative cuisine, and more recently famous for the amazing Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Euskadi (or the Basque country) has much to offer. With their own, totally unique language and distinct culture it’s said by some that the Basques are perhaps the Aborigines of Europe, dwelling in these valleys since Cro-Magnon times.

Tour Highlights
  • Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’

  • Great wines and stunning scenery in La Rioja Alavesa

  • Lovely beaches and scenic cliffs along the Basque coast

  • San Sebastian - most Michelin stars per capita

  • Wonderful architecture ancient & modern

  • World class gastronomy throughout

Don’t miss the Belle Époque elegance of San Sebastian, on its glittering bay, with the most Michelin stars per-capita in Europe. And Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’, which has flourished since the building of the magnificent Guggenheim.

Head south to La Rioja Alavesa, the Basque part of the famous wine region, and explore the delightful, hilltop villages and sample some of the finest wines Spain has to offer.

Holiday Code: NC11


Itinerary

Day 1 to 3– Bilbao & the Basque Coast

  • Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes

  • Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial

  • Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations

  • Charming villages of Guernica, Mundaka and Lekeitio

  • Head for the hills, great walking just near the city

Day 1 to 3 – Bilbao & the Basque Coast


Days 6 & 7– San Sebastian / Donostia

  • Countless pintxos in the old quarter or anywhere you can!

  • Hondarribia's old town and delightful fisherman's quarter

  • Sensational beaches in the city and along the coast

  • Monte Igueldo funicular for exceptional panoramic views

  • Flysch rock formations on the beach in Zumaia

Days 6 & 7 – San Sebastian / Donostia

& why not...

  • Go your own way, the tour can be tailor-made to suit your time and travel arrangements

  • Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry

  • or more economical options if you're on a budget

  • If you want more time in the North, take a look at our Camino del Norte - NC1

  • Add a stop on the Basque Coast, head west towards Asturias and Galicia

  • or discover the western Pyrenean Valleys of Navarra

  • Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!

& why not...


Map


What's Included

  • Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)

  • Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)

  • or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (vehicle + 4 berth outside cabin, exclusive use)

  • Guide to Northern Spain

  • Restaurant guide covering all regions en-route

  • Instructions to find all accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Flights – but we are able to advise

  • One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)

  • The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point

    • extra driver, child seats, GPS

  • Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges

  • Local tourist taxes (where applicable)


Travel Details

Getting There

A circular itinerary best accessed by flying into the Basque Country (Bilbao - Biarritz), though there are alternative connections to other northern airports.

Please bear in mind when planning your trip that hire cars must be returned to their country of origin. It is therefore convenient to fly into and back from airports within the same country. See your flight options in the table below:

PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.

Ferry: If you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package - see timetables below:


Flight Options

Choose your preferred UK airport and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.

Getting Around

For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.

For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.


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Our Expert Touch

Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.

You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.

Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...

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Why choose Caminos

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About us

With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.

Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.

Call us - we’d love to hear from you!

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About our tours

Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.

Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.

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Peace of Mind

We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.


We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.