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."

Northern Spain Tours from Bilbao

An adventure starting in Bilbao is a great way to see Northern Spain. We have 26 tours that range from 5 days up to 13 days. The most popular time for tours from Bilbao is June, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Northern Spain tours from Bilbao

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In-depth Cultural
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Very enjoyable and would like to go again."
richard, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo,Picos de Europa National Park,Bulnes,Las Arenas de Cabrales,Sotres,Fuente De,Zumaia,Deba,San Sebastian+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Yellowwood Adventures Ltd
From
US$3,134per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Pamplona, Logrono, Vitoria
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
15% Off
From $739
US$628per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Food & Culinary
A Taste of Northern Spain: Catalonia and the Basque Country
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bilbao, San Sebastian, Getaria, Monte Igueldo, La Rioja,Laguardia,Pamplona,Obanos,Zaragoza,Montserrat,Barcelona+6 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
15% Off
From
US$2,990per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
The North Trail, Self-drive
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bilbao, San Sebastian, Logrono, Burgos, Santander
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
15% Off
From $904
US$768per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Puente la Reina, Laguardia, La Rioja, Jaca, Miraz,Burgos,Astorga,Molinaseca,Santiago de Compostela,O Cebreiro,Samos,Melide,Fisterra+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Just You
9% Off
From $3,066
US$2,794per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Marvels of Northern Spain
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela
Age Range
Ages 19+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Firebird Tours
9% Off
From
US$6,230per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
The Massif Central - hut-to-hut Hike in the Picos de Europa 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Fuente De, Picos de Europa National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
ASI Reisen
9% Off
From
US$1,868per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Gernika-Lumo, San Sebastian, Santander,Santillana del Mar,Comillas+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
15% Off
From $844
US$717per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Leisurely Hiking Vacation in the Picos de Europa National Park 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Fuente De, Picos de Europa National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
English
Operator
ASI Reisen
15% Off
From
US$1,749per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Asturias ─ the special North of Spain
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, Lebeña,Covadonga,Oviedo,Leon,Astorga,Villafranca del Bierzo,O Cebreiro,Santiago de Compostela,Cape Finisterre,Porto+9 more
Country Region
Northern Spain
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Gebeco
15% Off
From
US$2,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Flights included
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Hiking & Trekking
Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa
4.6 (46 traveler reviews)
"It is a beautiful area. Also the cable car. Also the beautiful monastery."
Claire, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Sotres, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Bulnes, Potes,Fuente De,Poncebos+2 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern SpainCantabria & AsturiasPicos de Europa+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
15% Off
From
US$1,520per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Camino de Santiago
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,Roncesvalles,Pamplona,Estella,Santo Domingo de la Calzada,Burgos,Leon,Astorga,Ponferrada,Villafranca del Bierzo,O Cebreiro,Portomarin,Santiago de Compostela,Fisterra+13 more
Age Range
Ages 25+
Country Region
Northern SpainCamino de Santiago+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Caspin Journeys
15% Off
From
US$7,056per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bicycle
Basque Country to Asturias Self-Guided Cycling Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Well organised and easy to follow on "Ride with GPS". Accomodation was good and our bags were transported efficiently."
Hugh, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Santona, Santander,Santillana del Mar,San Vicente de la Barquera,Llanes,Ribadesella+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Northern SpainCantabria & Asturias+1 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French+3 more
Operator
IberoCycle Tours
15% Off
From
US$1,305per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bilbao: Gateway to the Basque Country
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Bilbao, San Sebastián, Argüero
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern SpainCantabria & AsturiasAsturias+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
15% Off
From
US$243per person
Price based on Shared Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
Hiking the High Trails of the Picos de Europa
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Bilbao, Santander, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Covadonga,Sotres,Espinama,Potes,Bulnes,Poncebos,Llanes,Oviedo+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Northern SpainCantabria & AsturiasPicos de Europa+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Yellowwood Adventures Ltd
15% Off
From
US$1,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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