A Private Luxury 11 Day Tour of Bilbao, San Sebastian and Barcelona

PRIVATE CULTURAL WALKING TOUR OF BILBAO

We cannot get acquainted with Bilbao in a better way than through its heart, that is, its Old Town. While accompanied by our local guide we will saunter nooks brimming with life and keeping the essence of this metropolis with their industrial and fishing traditions. Our cultural tour will be complemented with the gastronomic treasure of the region: its pintxos, a miniature piece of cuisine that was born being very simple and that the bars of the Basque Country were improving and complexifying in order to attract more customers to their bars. After such a delicious itinerary, we will discover the Bilbao’s most iconic building, the Guggenheim Museum, a glimmering titanium structure that looks more like a sculpture than a museum with which the architect Frank Gerhy called the world’s attention.

Accompanied by our host we will delve in both the whimsically unique pieces exhibited and the explanations about the grandiose building’s history. An all-around circuit in one of the country’s most inspiring buildings.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, and located in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. The museum was inaugurated on 18 October 1997 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, with an exhibition of 250 contemporary works of art.

PRIVATE BIKING EXPERIENCE WITH VIRGINA BERASATEGUI

Bilbao’s surroundings are a gift of nature which deserves being visited. And all the more if accompanied by a most special guide, Virginia Berasategui, one of the best known and successful sportswomen around: winner of several ironmans, gold medallist in many a World Triathlon and European Championship... all in all certifying her at the best Spanish female triathlete of all times. Such an extraordinary escort to enjoy an exclusive day’s adventure. After retirement from professional competition, Virginia devotes her time to share the beauty and charm of her land with the world, thus she has prepared a very special day for us: We will pedal along with her the area of Urdaibai, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the world’s most impressive natural spots. A unique and vital experience, transforming our life to the degree that we plan in advance with Virgina. She will guide us through the most beautiful corners of this cherished landscape which, to boot, will end with a tasting of “txacoli” wine and a delicious meal in one of the athlete’s favorite places.

This tour includes the services of a professional athlete as private host for your private biking experience with all required equipment (professional carbon bikes, high quality cycling jersey...). You will enjoy a visit to Txakoli winery with wine tasting and lunch will be included in a well known basque restaurant. We will also provide a vehicle for  any mechanical and traveler support.

BILBAO TO SAN SEBASTAIN VIA SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE

Today we will depart from Bilbao to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a magical coastal place literally “out of a movie” that we will visit with our local host. After breathing the sea breezes and touring the place, it will be time to cross the natural area of Urdaibai, an area declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984. After this route we will arrive at Guernika, a town full of symbolism for the Basque people that was disproportionately punished in the Spanish Civil War, a fact that inspired Picasso to complete the “Guernica”, the most famous painting of the 20th century, a masterpiece that portrays the horrors of war. We will visit this well-known town with our local guide who will help us understand why this town is a symbol of democracy and a pacifist icon today. After this visit, we will go to a fantastic baserri, a Basque farmhouse to enjoy the local gastronomy (lunch not included, only booking). Upon finishing lunch, we will face our last trip that will take us directly to our hotel in San Sebastian.

Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of the Bay of Biscay belonging to the biscayan municipality of Bermeo, in the Basque Autonomous Community. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque (or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in spanish), dedicated to John the Baptist, that late discoveries indicate might date back to the 9th century. With another small neighboring island, Aketx, they form a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio to Cape Matxitxako, on the Bay of Biscay.

Gernika is a town in the province of Biscay, in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain. The village is situated in the region of Busturialdea, in the valley of the Oka river. The river ends in an estuary that gives its name to the village of Guernika. Its mouth is known as the Urdaibai's estuary's heart.

San Sebastián is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. It’s known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, beaches framed by a picturesque bayfront promenade, and world-renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs. In its cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shops neighbor vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines with bite-size regional specialties.

This evening meet in the hotel lobby with your expert English-speaking guide. Embark on a Private Gourmet Pintxos Tour with food and drinks included. The tour will end late this evening, and you can make your way back to your hotel at your leisure.

Hotel Maria Cristina: República Argentina K., 4,, 20004 Donostia,, Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian

3 nights at Hotel Maria Cristina in a Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast

Overlooking the Urumea River, this grand belle epoque hotel dating from 1912 is 8 minutes' walk from La Concha Beach, a 10-minute walk from Gros train station and 7 minutes on foot from the elegant shops in the city center.

FREE TIME TO EXPLORE AND A PRIVATE SAILING EXPERIENCE ON THE COAST

Today you will have some free time at leisure to explore the city further. Later in the afternoon or early evening, you will enjoy a private 2-hour sailing experience along the coast with drinks on board.

Sailing on the Coast of Gipuzkoa: Sailing a boat across Donostia-San Sebastián is one of the many grand assets the Basque Country can offer. But it can get even better if we sail aboard a classical wooden vessel with an almost centennial history, which is nonetheless perfectly preserved. Aboard the iconic sailboat, and accompanied by two passionate local sailors bent on reclaiming and sharing their historical heritage, we will live an experience which goes beyond recreational outings. We will drop the mooring in San Sebastián’s dock in a unique boat, abrim with style, one of the best spots to enjoy the coast, its natural enclaves and shores, among which we find -of course- the Playa de la Concha, a customary contender in the “best beach in the world” lists. Once arrived we will moor our beautiful vessel to enjoy the most impressive sunset we will ever witness and forge the memory of this coast firmly in our minds.

PRIVATE TOUR FROM SAN SEBASTIAN TO BIARRITZ AND SAN JUAN DE LUZ

You will meet with an English speaking driver and expert guide at your hotel this morning for a morning tour to visit Biarritz and San Juan de Luz. The French south coast has been and is one of the most sought-after destinations among wealthy French people: fishing villages that have known how to adapt to the times, palaces where royalty used to spend the summer...Biarritz will be our first stop. This city was a vacation spot and home for French and later Russian royalty. A fishing and mainly whaling town became a place full of palaces and mansions. The local market, Old Port and The Virgin’s Rock are some of the locations we can enjoy. After that, a 30-minutes drive will take us to San Juan de Luz, the so-called “city of corsairs” with a population of around 13,000 inhabitants, stands out for its wooden architecture and its crescent-shaped bay. Having a walk down Gambetta Street and the promenade are a must. Finally, we will return to San Sebastián.

Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surf schools. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay.

PRIVATE TRANSFER TO SAN SEBASTIAN AIRPORT & TRANSFER FROM BARCELONA AIRPORT TO HOTEL

Meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel for a private transfer to San Sebastian airport for your independently booked flight. Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, you will be met by your driver holding a sign with your name on it and privately transferred to your city centre hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit sites not included in your touring in the coming days.

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites.

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateau: Carrer De Sant Sever, 5, 08002, Barcelona

4 nights at Hotel Neri Relais & Chateau in a Deluxe with Terrace inclusive of breakfast

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and surrounded by the old Jewish Quarter, the Hotel Neri occupies two historic buildings, one of them being a magnificent 12th century medieval palace, from which the old courtyard was recovered, and the sgraffito found, considered to be of the most important in the city.

PRIVATE HALF DAY GAUDI BARCELONA CITY TOUR

Strolling around Modernist Barcelona: No visit to Barcelona would be worth its while without closely tracing the work of its most illustrious architect and most famous representative of Catalan Modernism: Antoni Gaudí. Accompanied by a private expert guide we will visit the outside and inside of the Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica and the most recognized work of the Catalan genius which, despite being already World Heritage site, is still under construction and guaranteed to leave no one indifferent. We will crown the trip at the district of Gràcia, where we will stroll Park Güell, a wonderful expanse where the union between nature and art is crafted in front of our eyes, another masterpiece of Gaudí to enjoy in depth and discover its incredible trencadís mosaic technique. A unique place to bring the great Modernist tour to a close, a masterpiece that reveals Gaudi’s boundless imagination. Entrance is included to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with services of a vehicle and driver for up to 4 hours. 

The afternoon and evening are free to explore the city further at your leisure. 

PRIVATE GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR OF BARCELONA & PRIVATE TAPAS COOKERY EXPERIENCE IN THE EVENING

This morning we include a private guided bike tour of Barcelona with a local guide. Later in the day, you will enjoy a private cookery experience with an expert chef. 

Private Guided Bike Tour. There is only one way to enjoy all the jewels of Barcelona in a few hours without losing the contact with people, Barcelona atmosphere and the city essence... that’s in two wheels! Along this route, we will discover the most interesting areas and places of the Condal City, starting with the Olympic Port, at the heart of Barcelona’s colourful beach front. Hidden back streets, lively squares, Roman walls and medieval palaces in the old centre will be combined with spacious streets and its modernist architecture. Discover the Ciutadella Park, Antonio Gaudi’s famous masterpieces, Passeig de Gràcia, the Eixample and Raval neighbourhood, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta area... in a private bike route with expert guide. Services include an expert English speaking guide, bicycle rental with any necessary equipment.

Private Cookery Tapas Experience. An exclusive and private workshop of traditional Spanish cuisine is about the best way to introduce ourselves in the local gastronomic culture. To discover the processes, ingredients and ways of cooking the most famous dishes and tapas in Spain can be the most useful memory of our trip in order to surprise friends at home afterwards. In this experience, a private master chef will reveal to us the secrets of Spanish gastronomy and will help us create our own menú so that we, at the end, can taste the wonderful result. Esqueixada, a Esqueixada (a typical Catalan cod salad), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), fideua marinera (short and thin noodles with seafood) or the classic Catalan cream for dessert will be some of the protagonists of this delicious workshop. All this, in a downtown space surrounded by a diaphanous atmosphere inspired in New York essence. Delicious!

PRIVATE HALF DAY WINE EXPERIENCE

Wines, Rocks, Passion. At the heart of the Garraf Mountain Range, surrounded by nature and ploughed land arduously tilled across the generations, we find Can Ràfols dels Caus, a place with a simple philosophy: nature can give back what you gave to her. Start this exclusive visit accompanied by an expert host at the old farmhouse, which goes back to the XVIIth century, and be introduced to the creation and essence of Carlos Esteva, its head crafter. After a welcome drink in the old winery, we will stroll the vineyards and taste the final product of grapes in the place where they grow.

This will be followed by a magic moment: the earth will open itself to the next winery project which is integrated in the Garraf’s massif. This display of respect for the environment, and unique enclave of high landscape value, combines architecture linked to previous centuries with life underground. The winery, one of the most special and attractive of Europe, will leave no one indifferent while we trail through the wine-making process in its natural way led by gravity. This experience’s grand finale will be the combination of the three best wines accompanied by gourmet tapas using the best local produce.

PRIVATE DEPARTURE TRANSFER BARCELONA AIRPORT

You will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport.

We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.

All our suggested tours are created by locals, using years of country knowledge. It’s your tour though. That’s why any of our itineraries can be tailored to exactly suit your needs. And that might mean fitting it to your budget. Do you have a particular destination in mind, We can include any specific request, so please ask.

Please note that we can also use some or all 4-star hotels in great locations. We can adjust services to meet your wish list, your requirements and your budget.

The Cost for this Wonderful Private Tour to Spain as shown online based on 2 Guests sharing a room ranges from EURO €14495 - €14,995 per person sharing.

Utilising wonderful 4-star hotels in great locations, the price range will be from EURO €13395 - €13495

Please see below for complete list of included services.

Accommodation is included for 10 nights at the following hotels including breakfast.

Accommodation
Nts City                 Hotel - Room

3    Bilbao              Carlton Hotel Bilbao - Superior Room
3    San Sebastian Hotel Maria Cristina - Deluxe Room
4    Barcelona        Hotel Neri Relais & Chateau - Deluxe with Terrace

Transport (all private services)

• Private Arrival Transfer Bilbao Airport    
• Bilbao to San Sebastain via San Juan De Gaztelugatxe
• San Sebastian to Biarritz and San Juan De Luz    
• Private Transfer to San Sebastian Airport    
• Private Arrival Transfer Barcelona Airport    
• Private Transfer to Barcelona Airport

Services

• Private Cultural Walking Tour of Bilbao    
• The Guggenheim Museum    
• Private Biking Experience with Virgina Berasategui    
• Evening Private Pintxos Tour in San Sebastian    
• Private 2 Hour Sailing Experience on The Coast Of Gipuzkoa    
• Private Half Day Gaudi Barcelona City Tour    
• Private Guided Bicycle Tour of Barcelona    
• Private local chef & tapas dinner Barcelona    
• Private Half Day Wine Experience  

We also include hotel taxes and fees, (please note that city tax is payable locally) communication costs and the help of our local travel experts throughout your trip; 24/7.

What's Not Included

• Your flights to and from Europe
• Gratuities and tips to driver-guides and local guides
• Anything that we’ve not mentioned above

BOOKING: The proposal is subject to availability and subject to our terms and conditions available on request. To book we require a 30% deposit which is non-refundable as required to pre-book all services.  We accept payments by credit card or by bank transfer. The balance of your trip would be due by 60 days prior to travel.  We strongly suggest taking out travel insurance with your local broker or online provider.