The Essential Basque Country

This full-day tour begins in Bilbao and takes you by private car through the landscapes, towns and cultural memory of Basque Country — from industrial past to prehistoric art, from coastline to forest. You start at the Bizkaia Bridge in Getxo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of the region’s industrial legacy. From there, continue inland to Guernica, the town made famous by Picasso's legendary anti-war painting - find out how the area was impacted by the Civil War. Next, the road turns coastal. You'll visit fishing villages and dramatic viewpoints along the Bay of Biscay — beaches beloved by surfers and headlands featured in Game of Thrones. A seasonal Basque lunch highlights local flavors. Later, the magical Bosque de Oma where trees are adorned with paintings, awaits, as do the Santimamiñe caves, home to prehistoric art. End the day with txakoli tasting overlooking vineyards, as your guide helps reflect on how each stop brought you closer to Basque Country's unique spirit.

The Basques are among Europe’s earliest known inhabitants, with evidence suggesting people lived here over 200,000 years ago. This deep history makes the Basque Country unique within Spain and much of Europe. It’s most clearly seen in the Basque language, whose origins remain a mystery even to linguists. This full-day trip through the Basque countryside and along the Bay of Biscay brings you closer to that long, proud history. Your experience is enriched by a host deeply knowledgeable about the region’s culture, art, and post-industrial evolution. At each stop, history reveals itself through physical traces — a cave wall, a war-damaged town square, a transporter bridge still in use. You’ll meet local experts — like the guide at the winery — who bring their own perspectives to the story. This is the Basque Country as it’s understood by those who live here and offered to you through their lens.

M'Angel creates experiences that dive deep into Bilbao’s urban renewal and explore the dynamic landscapes and diverse heritage of Euskadi, enriched by both academic insight and local expertise. She’s passionate about cultural heritage, wrote her thesis on Basque cinema, studied art and film in England, and completed a master’s degree in Brussels. In 2020, she contributed to scenario design for the Bilbao Urban Regeneration Process. She loves sharing her interest in art, architecture, Basque culture, and the Guggenheim effect, among other topics. Alongside being a local host, M'Angel actively participates in cultural events and is always exploring new culinary and outdoor experiences.

The weather in this region can shift quickly, so check the forecast before you go. Bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes for walking.