Madrid & Basque 10-Day Tour: Food, Culture & Scenery
14400
Overview
Discover the heart of Spain and the beauty of Basque Country on the 10-Day Tour Madrid and Basque Country. This multi-day bus tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of both worlds: the vibrant city life of Madrid and the stunning natural landscapes of Basque Country. This adventure offers a deep dive into the culture, gastronomy, and history of Northern Spain.
Travelers will explore iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a modern architectural marvel showcasing contemporary art. The tour also stops in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful beaches and delicious pintxos (Basque tapas). Explore the charming streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Basque Country, and indulge in the flavors of the La Rioja wine region. This comprehensive tour includes travel insurance, a bilingual tour director (English and Spanish), guided visits, train tickets between Madrid and Bilbao, 9 nights' accommodation, transportation in an air-conditioned luxury coach, daily breakfast, and tastings of pintxos and sweets.
The tour begins at Madrid Airport & Hotel and continues to Madrid, Bilbao, Bilbao & Basque Coast, Biarritz, San Juan de Luz & San Sebastian, San Sebastian, Bilbao (Return), Vitoria-Gasteiz & La Rioja, and Madrid (Return), finally ending at Madrid Airport (Departure). Please note that the tour excludes items of a personal nature and anything not specifically mentioned. This tour provides a comfortable and immersive experience for those looking to discover the diverse offerings of Spain and Basque Country.




Highlights
Explore Madrid and Basque Country: See the best of both worlds, from city sights to natural landscapes.
Taste Local Flavors: Enjoy pintxos in Barmeo and sweets in San Juan de Luz.
Travel in Comfort: Relax in an air-conditioned coach and stay in selected hotels.
Expert Bilingual Guide: Learn from a knowledgeable tour director in English and Spanish.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally had a positive experience, appreciating the comprehensive itinerary and knowledgeable guides. Some travelers found the pace quick and hotel locations less than ideal.

Travelers enjoyed the beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.
The tour director was knowledgeable and helpful.
The included food tastings were a highlight for many.
The comfortable transportation and accommodations were appreciated.
Some travelers felt that the pace was too fast.
A few found the hotels to be located far from city centers.
The Journey
Madrid Airport & Hotel
Your journey begins with a seamless arrival in Madrid. After being greeted at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel, setting the stage for a relaxing start. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps indulging in some initial exploration or simply unwinding before the adventures to come.
Madrid
Delve into the heart of Madrid with a panoramic city tour revealing its captivating history. From its medieval origins, tracing back to the Arabic fortress in the Barrio de la Morería, to the grandeur of the Hapsburg era with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture around Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Witness the regal splendor of the Bourbons at the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, and Puerta de Alcalá. Modern marvels like Gran Vía and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium showcase the city's contemporary dynamism. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
Bilbao
Journey from Madrid to Bilbao by train, arriving at the 'Puerta de Atocha' station and being transferred to your hotel. Bilbao, a city transformed by its iconic Guggenheim Museum and a thriving cultural scene, awaits your exploration. Settle in and prepare to discover the unique charm of this Basque metropolis.
Bilbao & Basque Coast
Uncover the industrial past and vibrant present of Bilbao with a tour along the estuary. Marvel at the Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before venturing along the coast, passing the fairytale Butron Castle. Experience the rugged beauty of Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and discover the dramatic islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famed from 'Game of Thrones'. The day continues with a visit to the fishing village of Bermeo and culminates in Gernika, steeped in history and Basque identity. A special pintxo tasting showcases the region's culinary prowess, followed by a guided walking tour of Bilbao's old town.
Biarritz, San Juan de Luz & San Sebastian
Experience the elegance of the French Basque Country with a guided visit to Biarritz, once a summer retreat for European royalty. Then, discover the charm of San Juan de Luz, a picturesque coastal town where you'll savor a typical local sweet. In San Sebastian, indulge in a free time to eat lunch in the old town before a guided walking tour and spectacular views from Mount Igueldo, offering breathtaking vistas of the Bay of La Concha.
San Sebastian
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak in the beauty of San Sebastian. Wander along La Concha beach, explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town) with its pintxo bars, or simply relax and savor the city's refined atmosphere. San Sebastian's blend of stunning scenery, culinary excellence, and cultural richness makes it a truly unforgettable destination.
Bilbao (Return)
After a leisurely morning in San Sebastian, depart for Bilbao in the afternoon. Settle back into your hotel and prepare to continue your Basque Country explorations. Bilbao offers a dynamic mix of modern architecture, historical sites, and a thriving culinary scene.
Vitoria-Gasteiz & La Rioja
Discover Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Euskadi, with a panoramic visit and walking tour through its historic quarter. Indulge in a tasting of traditional Basque sweets before venturing into the Rioja wine region. Admire the sea of vineyards and charming towns, including Laguardia, one of La Rioja's most beautiful villages. Enjoy a guided visit to a traditional winery with wine tasting, immersing yourself in the world of Spanish wine. The evening is yours to explore Vitoria at your own pace.
Madrid (Return)
Enjoy free time in Vitoria-Gasteiz before transferring to the Bilbao train station for your journey back to Madrid. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, ready to reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable moments of your Basque Country adventure.
Madrid Airport (Departure)
Conclude your journey with a transfer to Madrid airport, carrying with you cherished memories of Spain and the French Basque Country. Bid farewell to this captivating region, knowing that its beauty, history, and culture will linger long after your departure.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes travel insurance, a bilingual tour director throughout the journey (English and Spanish), guided visits and panoramic city sightseeing as per the itinerary, train ticket Madrid – Bilbao - Madrid (tourist class), 9-night accommodation at selected hotel class, transportation in air-conditioned luxury coach, tasting of typical Pintxos in Barmeo and typical sweets in San Juan de Luz, transfers as per itinerary, and daily breakfast. It excludes items of a personal nature and anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions. Specific pickup and drop-off details will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Hot Tip
Travelers suggest packing comfortable shoes for walking tours and exploring the cities. Also, be prepared to try new foods and embrace the local culture.