Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao
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10 best Northern Spain tours from Bilbao
Compiled by
MelissaBilbao travel expert at TourRadar
- Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
- The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive
- A Taste of Northern Spain: Catalonia and the Basque Country
- The North Trail, Self-drive
- Best of Basque Country From Bilbao (Superior) - 7 days
- Marvels of Northern Spain
- The Massif Central - hut-to-hut Hike in the Picos de Europa 8 Days
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
- Enchanting nature and charming cities in northern Spain
- Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very enjoyable and would like to go again.”
richard, traveled in September
Your 11-day adventure starts in Bilbao at Hotel Barceló Nervión and concludes in San Sebastian. The route spans 12 destinations including Santillana del Mar, Picos de Europa, and coastal towns like Zumaia, with comfortable transfers throughout Northern Spain.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Picos de Europa National Park, Bulnes, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Sotres, Fuente De, ZumaiaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
- US$2,999
Duration 5 days Destinations Bilbao, Pamplona, Logrono, Vitoria Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $726
10% Off- US$653You save $73
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Getaria, Monte Igueldo, La Rioja, Laguardia, Pamplona, Obanos, Zaragoza, MontserratSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$2,990
The circular route starts and ends in Bilbao's vibrant center, covering 685km across Northern Spain. Highlights include San Sebastián (265km), Logroño's wine region (135km to Burgos), and Santander's coastal beauty (185km), before returning to Bilbao (100km).
Duration 7 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Logrono, Burgos, Santander Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $887
10% Off- US$798You save $89
Duration 7 days Destinations Bilbao, Bermeo, Biarritz, San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo, La Rioja, Vitoria, Laguardia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$2,790
Duration 9 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 19+ Operator Firebird Tours From
10% Off- US$6,230
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Fuente De, Picos de Europa National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
10% Off- US$1,834
The route stretches from Bilbao across Northern Spain through Puente La Reina and Laguardia. Moving through historic Burgos and León to Ponferrada's Templar Castle, before reaching Santiago de Compostela via Celtic O Cebreiro's traditional stone houses.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Puente la Reina, Laguardia, La Rioja, Jaca, Miraz, Burgos, Astorga, Molinaseca, Santiago de CompostelaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Just You From $3,062
6% Off- US$2,863You save $200
The iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao opens this 688km route through Northern Spain's highlights. The path leads from Santander's beaches through the Picos de Europa mountains to Santiago de Compostela, with stops in historic Oviedo and coastal A Coruña. Daily drives range from 74km to 274km, perfectly paced for sightseeing.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Ferreiros, Asturias, Miraz, Santiago de Compostela Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
6% Off- US$709
This 535km circular route from Bilbao takes in Northern Spain's best sights. Drive from Guggenheim Museum to Guernica (40km), then San Sebastián (190km), Santander (100km), and Santillana del Mar (105km). Complete insurance and 24/7 assistance included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bilbao, Gernika-Lumo, San Sebastian, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $829
10% Off- US$746You save $83
What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao
What's the typical length of tours starting in Bilbao exploring Northern Spain?
Most Northern Spain tours departing from Bilbao run between 5 to 8 days with 8-day trips being the standard choice. The Northern Spain Explorer includes key stops at Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum and the historic Casco Viejo followed by visits to San Sebastian and local wine regions. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 8-day format was perfect to see the highlights while not feeling rushed between destinations."
What are the most popular first-day activities for tours starting in Bilbao?
First day activities in Bilbao usually begin with a walk through the Casco Viejo followed by time at the Guggenheim Museum. Many groups start their journey with local Basque pintxos at places like Café Iruña or browse the Mercado de la Ribera market. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "Starting with the Guggenheim and old town walk was the perfect introduction to understanding Bilbao's transformation from industrial port to cultural hub."
Which areas of Bilbao do most tours use as their starting point?
Tours typically gather in Bilbao's center with hotels near Plaza Moyua such as the Silken Indautxu Hotel or Occidental Bilbao serving as meeting points. From these locations groups can easily reach the historic Casco Viejo the Abandoibarra district and the Guggenheim Museum. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The central location made it easy to explore Bilbao's main sights before the tour officially began."
What are the transportation options from Bilbao Airport to the tour starting points?
Most tour packages include transfers from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to city center hotels a journey of about 20 minutes. Travelers can also take the airport bus to Plaza Moyua or catch a taxi at the terminal. The Northern Spain Explorer notes that "airport transfers on arrival day are included if arriving at Bilbao Airport which is around 20 minutes from the central meeting points."
What kind of accommodations can I expect when starting a tour in Bilbao?
Tours based in Bilbao generally book guests into 4-star properties like the Silken Indautxu Hotel or Occidental Bilbao. These centrally located hotels put visitors within walking distance of the Guggenheim Museum and historic areas. As one TourRadar traveler reports: "The Silken Indautxu provided the perfect base for exploring Bilbao with comfortable rooms and easy access to the tour meeting points."
What's the best time of year to start a tour from Bilbao?
The main tour season runs May through October with the busiest period from June to September when weather conditions are best. Looking at Northern Spain Explorer schedules most departures happen in May June September and October to avoid peak crowds while enjoying mild weather. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Starting our tour in September meant comfortable temperatures for walking and exploring Bilbao's outdoor attractions."
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