Basque Country, the Essence of the North – Pamplona, San Sebastian & Bilbao
Discover the Heart of Northern Spain: Basque Country, Pamplona & San Sebastian
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, world-class gastronomy, and stunning landscapes of Northern Spain on this exclusive 5-day escorted tour. Designed specifically for Irish travellers who appreciate comfort and culture, this journey takes you to the very essence of the Basque Country and Navarre.
We have designed this itinerary to be as relaxing as it is enriching. You will unpack just once, enjoying a four-night stay in a high-quality 4-star hotel in the historic city of Pamplona. From this comfortable base. Private excursions will bring you to the elegant coastal beauty of San Sebastian, the architectural marvels of Bilbao, and the medieval fairytale of Olite.
What to Expect on Your Basque Adventure
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the famous “Running of the Bulls” route without the crowds, taste authentic Pintxos by the sea, and stand before the titanium curves of the Guggenheim, all with the peace of mind of an expert Irish tour leader and local guides.
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What's Included
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes expert
- Return direct flights Dublin to Bilbao
- All Airport taxes
- 10kg carry on bag per person plus prebooked seat
- Return airport transfers
- 4 nights bed and breakfast in a 4 star hotel in Pamplona
- Welcome dinner at the hotel
- Guided tour of Pamplona
- Guided tour of Bilbao
- Guided tour of San Sebastian
- Entrance Tickets – Olite Castle, Pamplona Cathedral, Pamplona Bullring, Mount Igueldo Funicular – San Sebastian
- The assistance of our local tour guide
- The assistance of a tour leader
Please note, all of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. They are not suitable for people with walking difficulties and/or limited mobility.
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao & Welcome to Pamplona
Your journey begins with a direct flight from Dublin to Bilbao. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our tour leader and local guide. Sit back and relax on your transfer to Pamplona, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra. Your home for the next four nights is a centrally located 4-star hotel, placing you right in the heart of this cultural hub.
This evening, get to know your fellow travellers during a delicious Welcome Dinner at the hotel—the perfect introduction to the warm hospitality and traditional cuisine of the region.
Day 2: The Fairytale Castle of Olite & Pamplona’s Historic Charm
After breakfast, we travel to the medieval town of Olite. Here, we visit the breathtaking Royal Palace of Olite, once the residence of the Kings of Navarre. With its fairytale turrets, stone arcades, and hanging gardens, it is one of the most impressive Gothic palaces in Europe.
We return to Pamplona for an afternoon guided tour of the city’s most iconic sights. We will explore the lush Citadel Park and Taconera Gardens before walking the world-famous Running of the Bulls route, from Santo Domingo Street to the Bullring (entrance included). We also visit the majestic Cathedral of Santa María la Real and finish at the lively Plaza del Castillo. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps finding a cozy bar to try your first local pintxos (Basque tapas).
Day 3: Bilbao – Art, Architecture & The Guggenheim
Today is dedicated to Bilbao, the dynamic cultural capital of the province of Biscay. Our full-day excursion begins with a guided walking tour of the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), wandering through its famous “Seven Streets,” admiring the Santiago Cathedral, and visiting the bustling Ribera Market.
We will stroll along the Nervión River to view the futuristic Zubizuri Bridge and the showstopping exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. While entrance to the museum is optional, the architecture alone is a masterpiece to behold. You will have free time in the afternoon to shop, explore the museum inside, or relax in one of Bilbao’s stylish riverside cafés before we return to Pamplona.
Day 4: San Sebastian – The Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea
Prepare for a day of breathtaking beauty as we drive across the Basque landscape to the coast. San Sebastian is widely considered one of the most elegant seaside cities in Europe and a global culinary capital.
We start with a ride on the Funicular up Mount Igueldo, offering unforgettable panoramic views over the horseshoe-shaped La Concha Bay. Our tour continues through the Old Quarter and along the promenade to see the famous Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) sculptures. The afternoon is free for you to soak up the atmosphere—why not take a stroll along the golden sands of La Concha beach or indulge in lunch at a Michelin-star-quality restaurant?
Day 5: Farewell to Navarre
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Pamplona. Take some time for last-minute shopping, a leisurely coffee in the square, or a final walk through the old town walls. We then transfer to Bilbao airport for our return flight to Dublin, bringing your Basque adventure to a close.
Secure Your Place on This Tour
Space is limited on this popular itinerary. Book now to guarantee your spot on this journey through the Essence of the North.
To be part of this great tour or for more information, call us on Dublin (01) 294 1000
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Booking Remarks
Booking deposit €300Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement applies
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
SW
Good to Know
Please note, all of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. They are not suitable for people with walking difficulties and/or limited mobility.Itinerary
Pamplona, Spain
Travel to Bilbao – Transfer to Pamplona
We depart Dublin on our direct flight to Bilbao. On arrival we will be welcomed by our tour leader and local guide before being transferred to our 4 Star hotel in Pamplona, where we will be based for the next four nights. Pamplona is the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, a thriving cultural hub with a beautifully preserved Old Town and vibrant bar and restaurant scene. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant — a warm introduction to Navarra’s hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Olite & Pamplona Highlights
Today, we depart by coach to Olite, one of Navarra’s most charming medieval towns. Visit the impressive Royal Palace of Olite, once home to the Kings of Navarre. Stroll through cobbled streets, stone arcades, and picturesque courtyards.
Return to Pamplona for a guided afternoon tour. Explore the Citadel Park, Taconera Gardens, and follow the Running of the Bulls route from Santo Domingo Street to the Bullring. Visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Real and end the tour at the lively Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city.
The evening is free to relax and enjoy pintxos (basque tapas), so some shopping, or visit the local cafés.
Bilbao, Spain
Full-Day Excursion: Bilbao – Art, Architecture & Tradition
Today we will visit Bilbao, the modern and cultural capital of Vizcaya. We will enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) with its traditional “Seven Streets,” Santiago Cathedral, and Ribera Market. Walk along the Nervión River to see the Zubizuri Bridge and admire the exterior of the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Entrance to the Guggenheim Museum is optional. You can then enjoy free time in the afternoon for an individual visit, shopping, or a relaxing break at one of Bilbao’s stylish cafés. Bilbao is a lively walkable city with a unique mix of cutting edge architecture, Basque culture and exceptional food.
Return to Pamplona in the evening.
San Sebastián, Spain
Full-Day Excursion: San Sebastián
Today, we depart by coach for a beautiful drive across the Basque landscape towards the coast, to the city of San Sebastian. San Sebastian is often considered one of the most alluring cities in the world and the culinary capital of Spain due to its high concentration of Michelin starred restaurants. It is one of Europe’s most elegant seaside cities, famous for La Concha Bay, its Old Quarter, and the Peine del Viento sculptures by Chillida. We will take the Funicular ride up Mount Igueldo for breathtaking panoramic views. After a short tour you will have the afternoon free to soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful city.
Return to Pamplona in the evening.
Bilbao, Spain
Pamplona – Bilbao Airport
Our day of departure. We will have the morning free in Pamplona to enjoy some last minute shopping, a leisurely lunch, or a relaxing coffee before we depart for Bilbao airport for our return flight to Dublin.
Please note that this is our planned itinerary but sometimes due to circumstances outside our control we may have to alter it slightly.
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