Bilbao to San Sebastian

Itinerary

Days 1

Welcome to Bilbao! Arrive at the Bilbao airport and transfer to The Artist Grand Hotel.

Enjoy a guided visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Led by an in-house art specialist, this private tour brings the museum’s world-class architecture and contemporary masterpieces to life — offering insight into both the building’s design and its collection. Later we’ll have a guided tour of the city, including the riverside promenade, Old Town, Cathedral, and Plaza Nueva. Our group welcome dinner will be at a Bilbao favorite.

Day 2

After checking out of our hotel, we’ll discover contemporary Basque art through an exclusive private visit to the studio of renowned artist Iñigo Manterola, located just 30 minutes from San Sebastián. Iñigo will personally share insights into his artistic journey, inspiration, and creative process. The visit will conclude with a refined standing cocktail featuring five gourmet pintxos and two desserts paired with champagne — a Michelin-level culinary complement to this immersive, intimate journey into the mind and work of one of the Basque Country’s most celebrated artists.

Later, we’ll check into Villa Soro, a grand mansion house in the heart of San Sebastian. This will be the perfect base from which to indulge in everything the city has to offer.

The 19th century heritage of Villa Soro is evident from the moment you step through the doors. An imposing marble floored hallway leads to an atmospheric wood paneled bar and several cozy lounges complete with fireplaces and sumptuous sofas. A sweeping oak staircase leads to the traditional rooms in the main house. Indulge in locally sourced aperitivo and regional wines in one of the hotel lounges or outside on the terrace overlooking landscaped gardens. Designed by a Royal Palace gardener, the grounds of Villa Soro create a peaceful oasis in the center of the city. Just outside the hotel gates, it’s a short walk from the Old Town of San Sebastian with its wide sandy beaches and streets brimming with renowned tapas bars and Michelin starred restaurants. Our group dinner will be at Baso Taberna.

Day 3

On the Edge Hike (optional):

This 2–3 hour guided hike has one big climb at the beginning followed by small ascents & descents. It’s a unique trail with stunning views of the sea and coastline the entire way. We’ll start in San Sebastian before going through the woods and out onto the coastal path, which is part of the Camino de Santiago. Then we will wind down to a picture-perfect little port before taking the water taxi across for an optional swim followed by a drink and pintxo.

Back in San Sebastian, we’ll have a special outdoor guided art experience, inspired by the ever-changing light of the city and its rich palette of colors — from dramatic skies and deep ocean blues to the city’s unique interplay of landscape and architecture. We’ll enjoy an interactive art experience, including a cultural and personal introduction featuring references to Basque artists. Celebrate the essence of San Sebastian by creating your own small painting, exploring ideas of representation, technique, and inspiration through an open, enjoyable, and relaxed artistic dialogue.

Finally, we’ll continue the guided city tour with a focus on the Parte Vieja (Old Part), the heart of San Sebastian. We’ll experience the best side of San Sebastián's exciting pintxo scene, visiting a variety of different bars to sample highlights from simple classics to extraordinary bites.

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Day 4

A Day in La Rioja: Exploring Wineries and Wine Tastings

With our exclusive wine guide, we’ll take a stunning route to the wine region in the heart of Rioja, with a visit to the 11^th century walled town of Laguardia, with honey-colored stone and cobbled streets. Beneath the town is a maze of underground tunnels and caves, where we'll visit a secret cellar for our first taster. Next, we'll head to the sun-drenched valley for a wine tasting in a small & unique boutique winery. At our third Bodega, the stunning architecture equals the wow of the wine. We’ll finish in a special family-run vineyard with a personal touch for a deliciously different Rioja tasting session accompanied by lunch with stunning views overlooking the vines.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 5

The Final Flysch (Zumaia-Deba) is a beautiful 3-hour hike, with stunning coastal scenery and great swimming spots along the way. We’ll step back in time and see history in the making with the iconic rock formations, where sixty million years ago, two tectonic plates crashed together creating the Basque Coastline. From the water’s edge we’ll wind our way over the green valleys, through meadows, and over incredible cliffs. Then we’ll head down to the cobbled streets of Getaria, a small but mighty Basque port steeped in history from the birthplace of Balenciaga to sailing stories of Elkano. For lunch we’ll have a “fresh as it gets” seafood feast at Balearri.

On our way back to San Sebastian, we’ll visit Chilida Leku – an open-air museum displaying the sculptures of Basque artist Edwardo Chillida.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

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Day 6

On the Train Track Trail, we’ll explore the countryside on mountain bikes, along an easy (mostly flat) path. A short distance from San Sebastian yet deep in the Basque countryside, we’ll ride through meadows, tunnels, and woods along the river. There will be plenty of time for breaks, and even a quick dip in the river if you wish. We’ll finish with a traditional Basque snack alongside the river.

Next, we’ll have a classic, 4-course lunch at a Local Sideria (Cider House). We’ll see the inner workings of the Sideria and have the chance to drink the cider straight from the barrels. It will be harvest season -- the perfect time to do this!

Back at our hotel, we’ll have a Happy Hour hosted by Eguzki Soro Bar. We’ll share pictures and celebrate the week’s experiences! (Plan next adventure?)

Dinner will be on your own

Day 7