Guided tour

From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe and Gernika Tour

Guided tour

From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe and Gernika Tour

Likely to sell out

From US$ 69.71 per person

Likely to sell out

Learn more about the history of the Basque Country on a trip to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe from Bilbao. Visit some of the local villages and get some free time to climb to the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Spanish, English

Experience

Itinerary
  • getyourguide-logo-icon.svg

    Pickup location:

    Bilbao

  • Van

    (50 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

    Free time (120 minutes)

  • Van

    (30 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Bermeo

    Visit (45 minutes)

  • Van

    (25 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Gernika

    Visit (45 minutes)

  • Van

    (35 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Bilbao

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights
  • Get magnificent views of the Bay of Biscay from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
  • Learn more about the history of the Basque Country and its people
  • Visit the historic town of Gernika and see the famous oak tree
Full description
Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Bilbao, and then get back to nature on a trip to the amazing rock islet of Gaztelugatxe, located on the coast of Bizkaia just 35 kilometers from Bilbao city center. Arrive at the viewpoint and get 2 hours of free time to explore independently. Use the time to climb to the 10th-century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where you can touch the bell of the chapel three times and make a wish. Soak up the stunning views of the Bay of Biscay before traveling to Bermeo to take a walking tour of the charming fishing village. Continue to the historic town of Gernika, site of one of the first aerial bombings by Nazi Germany, and visit the Casa de Juntas (Assembly House) with the famous Tree of Guernica that symbolizes the traditional freedom of the people.
Includes
  • Transportation
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Lunch
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

bus stop at tourist office located next to the Guggenheim museum. Pick up time at 08:50am (departure time at 09.00am)

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water

Know before you go

  • There are 241 stairs if you want to climb to the top of the rock, so wear comfortable shoes
  •  Children from 2 to 12 years old get a 50% discount but must be accompanied by at least 2 adults
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 148 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.4/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.7/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

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Star rating:

Stefan was highly knowledgeable and answered our questions well. He navigated well between Spanish and English for the various people on the tour. Great recommendations on things to buy (or not), eat and drink, without a hard sell. He was very careful to truly explain the challenge of the hike up to the church at Gaztelugatxe, how much time it would take, how not to get lost, etc. He explained the history, especially of the strengths of the Basque people. I very much enjoyed learning about the Basque claim for a democracy and the oak tree. Know I know why the symbol of Biskaia is an oak leaf. He also knew about climate and nature and why the eucalyptus forests are different here from those in California. All in all, the perfect mix of history, knowledge, practical advice and humor. I've been on several tours and Stefan was up there, near the best. I'm so glad I went on this tour.

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May 19, 2023

This was such a cool experience, and I'm so happy I participated in this excursion. The guide, Stephan was very friendly and shared a wealth of knowledge. I recommend wearing good, comfortable walking shoes and bringing water! It was a little more physically challenging than I had assumed, but very much worth it!

June 6, 2022

Stephan was an absolutely fantastic guide - very nice man, very funny and very knowledgeable about history and the Basque culture. This was one of the best trips of stay in the Basque country and we have learnt so much from him. We are also thankful to Stephan for his recommendations for places to eat for the best Pintxo's and the fantastic Txakoli wine! You were right! Eskerrik asko Stephan - you're the best! From Stephanie and the Egyptian Maori

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February 1, 2020

Product ID: 154125