Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe from San Sebastian
Description
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. Enjoy traditional Basque pintxos and drinks as a midday lunch (not included in the total price for the bilingual group). 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, this tour blends nature, history, and world class art, making it a perfect full day journey from Donosti / San Sebastián linking Gaztelugatxe and Bilbao.
Tour Options
Itinerary
10:30am Hike through the route of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
1:00pm Arrival in Bilbao, walk through the Old Town (Arenal, Barria Square, Theater Arriaga and La Ribera Market)
3:30pm Access to the Guggenheim Museum (with audio guide). Ticket is included (if option selected).
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up at any hotel/apartment of your convenience in San Sebastian. Please provide name and address. After booking we will send you a confirmation email (the bilingual group does not inlcude this service).
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
- 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.
- If there are children included in the booking, three days before the tour we will contact you by email to confirm their weight and height and to select the appropriate child seat for the car.
- A minimum of 2 adults is required, among all bookings, for the tour to go ahead (minimum of 4 adults for the bilingual group option). 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.
- Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Reviews(205)
We booked the private tour and were driven to Guatelugatxe, Bilbao, and back to our hotel. The tour guide provided tickets and paid for a delicious lunch at a place that trains future chefs. The hike was at the beginning and it was very strenuous because of the hill going back to the meeting point. Our guide provided water and paper towels to dry ourselves with after the hike and before lunch. Lunch was incredibly delicious and we never would have found the place we went to. Right after lunch, we headed to the Guggenheim and had close to two hours to explore. Our guide was delightful and very sweet to us. The price was a bit steep (500 for both me and my husband) but it was a guaranteed smooth day trip which is something we needed especially for the hike.
Album was the perfect guide! Not too chatty but very knowledgeable and put you at ease. Pick up and ride was great. The Guztelugaxte walk was extremely steep and hard so bare this in mind and potentially just view from the view point or half way up to save your legs. We were late back to the van as we struggled to get back up but Abby was great and offered us water and ponchos for the rain. We had a lovely lunch as a group in Bilbao that I didn’t realise was included and allowed us to try new local dishes in a chill environment and not have to fumble with the order. We got a moderate amount of time in the Guggenheim if that’s your sort of thing but I think I would have preferred time to just explore Bilbao so we will be back. A great trip and full on day!
The visit to Dragonstone/Gaztuelgaxte was beautiful. And the walking tour of Bilbao was fun and informative. Beautiful trip!
Tour guide was excellent in providing lots of information about Bilbao, Gaztelugatxe, and Guggenheim. He was attentive and very kind. I did find it strange he didn't ask my kids' names or even ask where we were visiting from, but perhaps he was more focused on informing us during the tour. The tour itself was great. One thing to note is that the hike to Gaztelugatxe is on a dirt path for about an hour, so wear closed toed shoes. The hike then back up to the car is about 40min and quite steep and you climb at least 800+ vertical feet. On hot days, do not forget water, hat and a fan. We were dripping sweat at the end and our legs were shaky. We only had about 45min at Guggenheim - would've loved a little more time there. Overall it was a very good tour and would book again.
We enjoyed the experience a lot. Everything was well organized and the van was comfortable. Our guide, Alby, was very kind and attentive throughout the entire tour. He was always willing to answer questions and make sure the group enjoyed the experience. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was what I liked the most. It is an impressive place and it is definitely worth visiting. The Guggenheim Museum is also a highly recommended stop. You just have to consider that the visit to the museum is quick; if your intention is to go through all the exhibitions calmly, it might be better to visit it on your own. But if what you are looking for is to get to know Bilbao and its main attractions in a single day, this tour is a very good option.
On the whole a very positive experience. On booking I did not realise what was involved in visiting Gaztelugatze, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone. Far too demanding on such a hot day. Guide was very accommodating, as others felt the same. Not enough free time in Bilbao . Guggenheim was a very good experience
We had to do a late minute cancel as bags were lost and we had nothing to wear. The company was not helpful with trying to rearrange or do a different tour. They just kept my $1000.
Paul was outstanding. We were looking for a visit to the Guggenheim and an overview of the Bilbao area and Paul delivered. The biggest bonus was the hike to Dragon Rock which we loved. Stunning views!!!
Gilles Cavalleto was out guide. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and helpful throughout the tour. A perfect tour if visiting San Sabastian
My wife and I had a great time on the Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao and Guggenheim tour! Our guide Gilles picked us up at our Hotel then lead us to Gaztelugatxe and took is to a excellent restaurant in Bilbao for a 3 course lunch that really hit the spot after the morning climb. Highly recommend this tour!
