Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport and take a taxi to the city centre. Check into your hotel and enjoy a quick coffee while strolling along the Ría de Bilbao waterfront.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, admiring its contemporary art collections and striking titanium architecture. Afterwards, wander through the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and sample local cider at a traditional tavern.
Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant, trying Basque specialties such as bacalao al pil‑pil, then enjoy a relaxed walk across the Zubizuri Bridge illuminated at night.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Euskotren train to San Sebastian (≈1 hour). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Stroll along the golden sands of Playa de la Concha, maybe rent a paddle‑board or simply relax on the promenade.
Evening: Experience the lively pintxos scene in the Parte Vieja (Old Town), hopping between bars for a taste of each chef’s signature bite.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride the funicular to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the bay and enjoy a nostalgic carousel ride.
Afternoon: Explore the bustling market of Mercado de la Bretxa and sample fresh seafood, then wander the charming streets of the Old Town.
Evening: Hike up to Monte Urgull to watch the sunset over the city, ending with a dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short bus ride to the coastal fishing village of Getaria. Visit the historic Balenciaga Museum celebrating the famed fashion designer.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch of grilled fish at the harbor, then explore the medieval streets and the Church of San Salvador.
Evening: Return to San Sebastian and unwind with a glass of local txakoli wine at a bar near the beach.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a hands‑on Basque cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional tortilla de patatas and perfect pintxos.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to the nearby Rioja Alavesa region for a wine‑tasting tour at a boutique winery, sampling both reds and the crisp white txakoli.
Evening: Return to San Sebastian and relax on Zurriola Beach, perhaps catching a surf lesson or simply watching the waves.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the coastal trail to Jaizkibel, enjoying sweeping ocean vistas and fresh mountain air (moderate difficulty).
Afternoon: Visit the San Telmo Museum to discover Basque history, art, and maritime heritage.
Evening: Treat yourself to a dinner at the Michelin‑starred Arzak (or similar), savoring innovative Basque cuisine.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs in the boutique stores of Donostia’s city centre and enjoy a final coffee at a terrace café.
Afternoon: Catch the Euskotren train back to Bilbao Airport, allowing ample time for check‑in.
Evening: Board your flight home, carrying memories of the Basque coast’s flavors, sights, and warm hospitality.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider extending your stay to explore the lush interior of the Basque Country, such as the medieval town of Vitoria‑Gasteiz or the scenic coastal village of Zumaia. For a tighter schedule, skip the Rioja wine day and replace it with a half‑day visit to the historic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe lighthouse, which can be reached in a shorter excursion from San Sebastian.