Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe from San Sebastian
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy an unforgettable Dragonstone tour from San Sebastian, visiting the iconic hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where the Cantabrian Sea crashes against cliffs and cinematic views await.
Continue along the coast to Bilbao for a stroll through the Old Town and estuary, where seafaring heritage meets striking architecture. Pause for traditional Basque pintxos and drinks at a local lunch.
The day ends with a guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum, tickets and audio guide included (if option selected), showcasing contemporary masterpieces in Frank Gehry’s landmark building.
With private transport, a local guide, and a relaxed pace allowing photos, pintxos, and insider tips, this tour blends nature, history, and world-class art—a perfect full-day journey from Donosti / San Sebastian linking Gaztelugatxe and Bilbao.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children and infants must be accompanied by an adult.
Small group: Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
We strongly recommend to bring sport shoes and a spare Tshirt in case you want to climb the stairs all the way to the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage.
Small group: A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required. If the minimum group for carrying out the activity would not be reached, an alternative date or full refund would be offered. If your booking was below this number we will contact you at least 2 days in advance to inform you in case the minimum group size was not covered by this stage. Please feel free to contact us anytime to confirm the total amount of bookings for your tour date.
Bilingual group: This tour operates with a minimum of 4 adults. Individual bookings or groups of fewer than 4 people are welcome and may be joined with other travelers to reach the required minimum.
Bilingual group: If the minimum number of people required (4) to operate the tour is not reached, Local Experts Tours will contact you 3 days before the start date to inform you of the situation and offer alternatives.
Bilingual group: This tour has a maximum of 50 participants and will be operated bilingually, simultaneously in English and Spanish.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Important: At all times, the advice given at access points must be followed, and the measures and recommendations established by health authorities should be respected. It is recommended to check the weather forecast for the day of the visit (Euskalmet) and to follow the authorities' recommendations in case of extreme weather events. On days with an orange alert and to avoid health incidents, it is advised not to hike up to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage during the affected hours. In any case, it is recommended to take self-protection measures, such as wearing comfortable and suitable footwear, protecting yourself from the sun, and staying properly hydrated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
10:30am Hike through the route of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Bilbao
1:00pm Arrival in Bilbao, walk through the Old Town (Arenal, Barria Square, Theater Arriaga and La Ribera Market) and lunch
What‘s Included
Local guide
Guggenheim Museum tickets (exception: Bilingual group (no tickets) option)
Transportation in a private vehicle with A/C
Lunch (included just in small tour option)
Gaztelugatxe tickets included for all tour options
Hotel Pick up and Drop off
Rain clothes and umbrellas
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Bilingual group (no tickets)
Guggenheim ticket not included: You will have time to explore and discover Bilbao during this time.
Gaztelugatxe tickets included
Pick up at the meeting point: Meet your tour guide and the transport at the meeting point.
Transportation for this tour may be by bus or minivan
Language: This tour is bilingual (English + Spanish)
Small group (English)
Tickets: Guggenheim Museum and Gaztelugatxe entrance included.
Pickup included
Bilingual group (with tickets)
Guggenheim tickets included
Gaztelugatxe tickets included
Pick up at the meeting point: This tour option departs from a specific meeting point.
Vehicle: The vehicle used for this tour depends on demand, and could be a bus or minivan.
Important information: Our tour leader speaks Spanish and English simultaneously. Travellers speaking both languages are welcome.
Small group (Spanish)
Tickets: Guggenheim Museum and Gaztelugatxe entrance included
Pickup included
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun and informative day!
Matthew B,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Paul, was excellent. He was prompt, informative and ensured we had a good time. The hike to Gatztelugatxe is not for the faint of heart, and he ensured everyone was safe and able to enjoy the hike. Lunch in Bilbao was great and our time at the Guggenheim was sufficient to enjoy all of the exhibits. Thanks to Paul for making it a great day!
Great small tour with Paul!
386matthewb,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was a fantastic guide. He was punctual, polite and very informative. Although it was raining on the day of our trip, he made sure we all stayed as dry as possible and ensured our safety on the hike to Gaztelugatxe. We had great local dishes for lunch that Paul recommended and finished with a trip to the Guggenheim. Paul was really wonderful and our whole family enjoyed the trip!
WOW! What a fantastic tour.
Natalie B,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Alby was outstanding. He knew the area on the drive and gave us great insight into the Basque culture and even taught us a few words! The hike was incredible. When we arrived in Bilboa he did not disappoint when we stopped for lunch. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone.
5 out of 5?! 6 out of 6 at a minimum!
SusanR1907,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul deserves a six out of six at least! His English is great and he communicated with us prior to the trip And throughout our excursion. He is obviously well studied in the history and culture of the area and provided us with a lot of great insights. He is professional, thoughtful, respectful, and very accommodating. Also, I felt very comfortable with his driving ability. I highly recommend him!
Fun thorough excursion
Marketlover,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide very excellent. Very good lunch. Hike very difficult but beautiful surroundings Bilbao and Guggenheim great Thank you
Guggenheim visit
Curious754170,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible architecture and thought provoking art displays. Larger than life. The inside and outside are incredible. Use the audio guide.
Great Basque Tour
Luanne S,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great day on this full day tour! We were picked up at our hotel in San Sebastián then about an hour drive to begin our tour at Gatzelugatxe. We were able to walk most of the way down to see it and take photos of the beautiful area. It is a challenging steep walk! Unbeknownst to our guide, the entrance to the park was timed, so a bit limited on time as we had to keep with the rest of our schedule for the day.* We then headed to Bilboa, had a nice lunch and a walking tour of the old town and city. Our tour guide, Alby, was very friendly and informative of the history. Ended the afternoon at the Guggenheim museum. We walked around the outside of the building with our guide, then toured the inside on our own. Alby gave us plenty of time to see the modern art exhibits then met up to head back to San Sebastián. I would highly recommend this tour which highlights the Basque area, also because of the small group and personable guide! *Note: if you are interested in spending more time at Gatzelugatxe, I suggest you book it as a single tour. It is a challenging, steep hike down and back requiring good shoes and water! And possibly trekking poles!
Enjoyable
Matt1948,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alby was an outstanding guide with a huge knowledge and understanding of the Basque Country. Great day enjoyed by the whole tour
Trip is worth it
O7249TNmichaelf,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was great. Albi was a great tour guide and gave us lots of interesting information. Only 3 stops but the scenery is wonderful along the way. Gaztelgatxe was a challenge to get all they way to the top and back. You have great views that are well worth it if you don't go all the way. The Guggenheim is unique While the amount of time there is short it is more than adequate for a worthwhile visit.
Great day in the Basque Country!
Patricia O,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very easy to book. We liked the size of the group and Alvy, our tour guide, was very friendly. We thought that the tour was fairly priced! Gazteligatxe is was a beautiful spot, be prepared to burn some calories!
Related Experiences
Operated by Local Experts Tours