7‑Day Adventure: London – Bilbao – San Sebastian

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Morning: Depart London on a direct flight to Bilbao (≈2 h). Arrive mid‑morning and transfer to the Gran Hotel Domine for check‑in.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Casco Viejo, sampling local pintxos, then visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum with its striking contemporary art exhibitions.

Evening: Dine at La Viña del Ensanche for traditional Basque dishes, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Nervión River before retiring to the hotel.

Day 2: Journey to San Sebastian

Morning: Check out of the Bilbao hotel and take a scenic train to San Sebastian (≈1 h 15 min). Arrive and settle into the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina.

Afternoon: Explore the elegant Old Town (Parte Vieja), tasting a variety of pintxos at renowned bars such as Bar Nestor.

Evening: Walk along the golden sands of Playa de la Concha at sunset, then enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s Restaurant Arzak.

Day 3: Highlights of San Sebastian

Morning: Take the funicular to Monte Igueldo for panoramic city views and a nostalgic amusement park ride.

Afternoon: Visit the San Telmo Museoa to discover Basque history and art, followed by a leisurely lunch at La Cuchara de San Telmo.

Evening: Return to the Old Town for a pintxos crawl, ending the night with a glass of txakoli at Bar Txepetxa.

Day 4: Coastal Day Trip to Getaria & Hondarribia

Morning: Board a short bus ride to the fishing village of Getaria, famed for its fresh seafood and the Balenciaga Museum.

Afternoon: Continue to the charming border town of Hondarribia, wander its colorful marina, and enjoy a seaside lunch at Restaurant Alvaro.

Evening: Return to San Sebastian, relax at the hotel, and savor a quiet dinner at the hotel’s terrace restaurant.

Day 5: Beach & Surf at Zurriola

Morning: Head to Zurriola Beach for a surfing lesson with a local instructor, suitable for beginners.

Afternoon: Sunbathe on the sand, explore the beachfront promenade, and grab a light lunch at Bar Zeruko.

Evening: Unwind with a sunset walk along the promenade, then enjoy tapas at Casa Urola before returning to the hotel.

Day 6: Culture and Relaxation

Morning: Visit the San Sebastián Aquarium to see marine life from the Bay of Biscay.

Afternoon: Tour the elegant Palacio de Miramar and its beautiful gardens, then relax with a coffee at the nearby Café de la Concha.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a farewell dinner at the Michelin‑starred Restaurant Akelarre, followed by a nightcap at the hotel bar.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to San Sebastian Airport for the return flight to London (≈1 h 45 min flight).

Afternoon: Arrive in London, concluding the Basque adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Flight London → Bilbao (round‑trip) – 2 h each way – £150
• Train Bilbao → San Sebastian – 1 h 15 min – £30
• Gran Hotel Domine (1 night) – 1 night – £120
• Hotel Maria Cristina (2 nights) – 2 nights – £480
• Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (3 nights) – 3 nights – £360
• Guggenheim Museum entry – 2 h – £16
• San Telmo Museoa entry – 2 h – £12
• Balenciaga Museum (Getaria) – 1 h – £8
• Surf lesson at Zurriola – 2 h – £45
• San Sebastián Aquarium – 2 h – £15
• Meals (average £35 per day × 7) – 7 days – £245
• Local transport & transfers – 7 days – £60
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – – £100
• Total Estimated Cost – – £1,571

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the wine region of Rioja, just a short train ride from Bilbao. For a shorter trip, omit the Getaria‑Hondarribia day and spend an additional relaxed day on San Sebastian’s beaches, reducing accommodation costs by one night.