Day 1 - Exploring the Old Town
9:00 AM - Gasteiz Street (Kalea), Bilbao:
Start your day by taking a morning stroll through Gasteiz Street in Bilbao. This lively street is lined with traditional Basque buildings and offers numerous cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick breakfast.
10:00 AM - Guggenheim Museum Bilbao:
Head over to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Explore the contemporary art exhibits and marvel at the stunning architecture of this world-renowned museum. Spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the art and culture.
12:30 PM - La Ribera Market, Bilbao:
For lunch, make your way to La Ribera Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here, you'll find an array of fresh local produce, seafood, and pintxos (Basque tapas). Enjoy a delicious meal, sampling various delicacies from different stalls.
2:00 PM - Bizkaia Bridge, Getxo:
After lunch, take a short drive to Getxo and visit the Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a ride on the unique hanging gondola, known as the "Puente Colgante," which connects the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas.
4:00 PM - San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo:
Continue your journey towards Bermeo and visit the captivating San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This small islet features a charming hermitage perched on the top of a rocky cliff. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the top and soak in the breathtaking views of the Basque coastline.
6:30 PM - Barrio Húmedo (Old Quarter), Vitoria-Gasteiz:
End your day by exploring the Barrio Húmedo in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the historic Old Quarter known for its narrow streets filled with bars and restaurants. Unwind with a refreshing drink and indulge in some traditional Basque cuisine in this lively district.
Google Maps Link for Day 1:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Bilbao,+Gasteiz+Street/Vitoria-Gasteiz,+Barrio+H%C3%BAmedo/Bilbao,+Guggenheim+Museum/Bilbao,+La+Ribera+Market/Getxo,+Bizkaia+Bridge/Bermeo,+San+Juan+de+Gaztelugatxe
Day 2 - Natural Beauty and Gastronomy
9:30 AM - Urkiola Natural Park, Durango:
Start your day with a visit to Urkiola Natural Park, located near Durango. This picturesque park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the famous Anboto Mountain. Explore the serene surroundings and enjoy a peaceful morning amidst nature.
12:30 PM - Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo:
Head to Atxondo for a gastronomic experience at Asador Etxebarri, a renowned restaurant famous for its wood-fired grill. Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring the finest Basque cuisine, prepared using traditional cooking techniques.
3:00 PM - Bermeo Fishermen Museum, Bermeo:
After lunch, make your way to Bermeo and visit the Bermeo Fishermen Museum. Learn about the rich maritime history of the Basque region and gain insights into the lives of local fishermen. The museum exhibits a fascinating collection of fishing tools, models, and artifacts.
5:00 PM - San Pedro Atxarre, Bakio:
Head towards Bakio and visit the beautiful San Pedro Atxarre beach. Relax on the golden sands, take a dip in the Cantabrian Sea, or explore the surrounding cliffs. Enjoy the tranquility of this hidden gem and unwind amidst nature.
7:30 PM - Arima Basque Gastronomy, Bilbao:
End your day with a delightful dinner at Arima Basque Gastronomy in Bilbao. This restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Basque cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. Savor the flavors of the region and indulge in a memorable dining experience.
Google Maps Link for Day 2:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Durango,+Urkiola+Natural+Park/Atxondo,+Asador+Etxebarri/Bermeo,+Fishermen+Museum/Bakio,+San+Pedro+Atxarre/Bilbao,+Arima+Basque+Gastronomy
Day 3 - Cultural Heritage and Wine Tasting
10:00 AM - Vitoria-Gasteiz Cathedral, Vitoria-Gasteiz:
Start your day with a visit to the Vitoria-Gasteiz Cathedral, a splendid example of Gothic architecture. Explore the interior of the cathedral, admire the intricate details, and learn about the history and significance of this religious site.
12:00 PM - Bodega Marqués de Riscal, Elciego:
Embark on a wine adventure by visiting Bodega Marqués de Riscal in Elciego. Take a guided tour of the winery and discover the process of wine production. Enjoy a wine tasting session, sampling some of the finest Rioja wines produced in the region.
2:30 PM - Artium Museum, Vitoria-Gasteiz:
Visit the Artium Museum in Vitoria-Gasteiz, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by both local and international artists. Explore the diverse exhibits and gain insights into the modern art scene of the Basque region.
4:30 PM - Santa María Island, Mundaka:
Head towards Mundaka and take a ferry to Santa María Island. This small island is a nature reserve and home to a wide variety of bird species. Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst the natural beauty, observe the wildlife, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding area.
6:30 PM - Casco Viejo (Old Town), Bilbao:
End your day by exploring the Casco Viejo, the charming Old Town of Bilbao. Wander through the narrow streets, visit local shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district. Don't forget to try some pintxos, the famous Basque tapas, at one of the traditional bars.
Google Maps Link for Day 3:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Vitoria-Gasteiz,+Cathedral/Elciego,+Bodega+Marqués+de+Riscal/Vitoria-Gasteiz,+Artium+Museum/Mundaka,+Santa+María+Island/Bilbao,+Casco+Viejo