Holidayys.com Logo

Private Day trip to San Sebastian from Bilbao

Donostia-San Sebastian8 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Hotel pickup

About this experience

** Use code MULTITOUR10DISC FOR 10% discount at check out if you book more than 1 activity

Use code KID5PERCENTDISC FOR 5% discount at check out if there are kids.

Use code KIDMULTITOUR15 for 15% discount at check out if you book more than one activity and there are kids***

**Per person price goes down as the number of people in the group increases***

If you're thinking about exploring Bilbao, a fantastic idea is to take a Private Day Trip to San Sebastian—it's super close and just a short car ride away. Our private driver guide will pick you up right from your hotel or the airport in Bilbao, and off we go for a scenic drive, with breathtaking views and charming hillsides on the way. Once we arrive, your driver guide will show you around, starting with a panoramic view to take in the stunning sights of this beautiful beach town. During this driving tour , there will be several stops for you to take photos, such as at Monte Igueldo, where you can capture a wonderful panoramic view of the city, or at the Peine del Viento, the famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida along the city's coastline.

But, in addition, this tour combines the driving tour with a guided walking tour through the city. Alongside your local expert guide, you will stroll through the Old Town of San Sebastian, discovering its history, squares, and most emblematic buildings.

San Sebastian is like a hidden gem, surrounded by the crescent-shaped La Concha beach and embraced by two hills that give you incredible views of both the ocean and the city below. It's not just a pretty face; every September, the city hosts a big international film festival! But the traditional charm is always there, especially in the old town (casco viejo), where the streets are like a maze and are home to some of Spain's best pintxos bars (that's Basque for 'tapas').

San Sebastian used to be a fancy vacation spot for famous people like Queen Isabel II and Franco, and you can still feel that glamour today. The city has held onto its classy past while proudly showing off its Basque identity. So, get ready for a day filled with beauty, history, and delicious food.

Next available dates

What’s included

  • Private car, van or minibus depending on group size.
  • Expert driver-guide (for groups 8 or larger, you will have a minibus with a driver and a local guide for 2 hours in destination)
  • 2-hour private walking tour in San Sebastian.
  • City map with the route
  • Briefing our driver - guide with your travel preferences and requests
  • A list of personal recommendations to continue enjoying the city on your own.
  • Convenient pick-up at your hotel. Indicate it at check out.

Not included

  • Tips and gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry / admission fee

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Summary of our itinerary

    Please see a summary of the areas we covered during this tour. An array of plazas and streets will be included that are not listed to simplify. Please understand that this is very flexible and the guide may adapt the itinerary based on your needs or preferences. You will start with a pick up at your hotel in Bilbao, 1h and 15 minutes drive to San Sebastian (Bilbao is 63 miles away from San Sebastian), stop at view point in San Sebastian and panoramic tour by car with several stops, 2h walking tour of San Sebastian, introduction to pintxos and free tieme for lunch and walk around. Return to Bilbao and be dropped off at your hotel.

  2. 2

    DRIVING TOUR IN SAN SEBASTIAN

    We will make stops so that you can get off to admire it better and take photos if you wish.

  3. 3

    Monte Igueldo

    Monte Igueldo, located in San Sebastian is a scenic hill renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. The summit offers a breathtaking vantage point to admire the cityscape and the picturesque coastline. Perched atop the hill is a charming lighthouse, adding to the area's allure. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Monte Igueldo is a perfect destination for those seeking a serene escape and unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

  4. 4

    Comb of the Wind

    The Comb of the Wind is a famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, created in 1976. This iconic artwork consists of three massive steel structures embedded into the rocks along the coastline. Facing the powerful waves of the Bay of Biscay, the sculptures create a mesmerizing interplay of art and nature. Visitors often enjoy the dramatic setting and the sound of crashing waves, making it a unique and memorable spot in San Sebastian.

  5. 5

    Miramar Palace / La Concha Beach

    Miramar Palace is a historic palace in San Sebastian set against the backdrop of lush gardens overlooking the Bay of La Concha. Built in the 19th century, it combines neogothic and English cottage-style architecture. La Concha Beach, adjacent to the palace, is one of Europe's most renowned urban beaches, known for its crescent shape and golden sands. The beach offers a stunning panorama of the city and surrounding hills, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. With its scenic beauty and cultural significance, the Miramar Palace and La Concha Beach are integral parts of the charm that defines San Sebastian.

  6. 6

    WALKING TOUR IN SAN SEBASTIAN

    The driver guide will park in a central location to begin the guided walking tour through the old part of San Sebastian.

  7. 7

    August 31 Street

    The "Calle 31 de Agosto" in San Sebastian is a well-known street in the historic center of the city. This street is renowned for hosting various shops, restaurants, and stores, making it a lively and popular area among both residents and tourists. Its central location also makes it an integral part of the experience of exploring the charming Old Town of San Sebastian. Beyond being just another street in Donostia, the 31 de Agosto Street in San Sebastian holds a unique significance. It stands as the sole survivor from the city's devastation around two centuries ago.

  8. 8

    Constitution Square

    Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución) in San Sebastian is a historic and iconic square located in the heart of the Old Town. Surrounded by colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies, it has served various purposes over the years, from being a bullring in the past to its current use as a lively meeting place.

  9. 9

    Bretxa Market

    Bretxa Market, also known as Mercado de la Bretxa, is a vibrant market located in the heart of San Sebastian. It is a bustling marketplace offering a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and other local products. The market provides visitors with a sensory experience, allowing them to explore and appreciate the rich culinary offerings of the Basque Country. With its lively atmosphere and diverse selection, Bretxa Market is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of the region's gastronomy.

  10. 10

    Gipuzkoa Square

    Gipuzkoa Square, situated in the heart of San Sebastián, stands out as one of the city's most emblematic locations. The square features a notable sculpture of the pianist and composer José María Usandizaga, along with a petite meteorological pergola and a substantial clock-table crafted from white marble. A vibrant, flower-adorned clock adds a splash of color to the surroundings. Across from the square stands the headquarters of the Gipuzkoa regional council.

  11. 11

    Cathedral in San Sebastian

    The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, or Catedral del Buen Pastor in Spanish, is a prominent religious landmark in San Sebastian, Spain. Constructed in the late 19th century, the cathedral features a neo-Gothic style with influences of the French Gothic Revival. The cathedral stands as an architectural gem in the city, with intricate details and a commanding presence against the San Sebastian skyline. We will exclusively explore and appreciate the cathedral's exterior.

  12. 12

    Free time for Pintxos

    With our guide's recommendations, you'll have the opportunity to savor the city's rich gastronomy at your own pace and enjoy some leisure time to stroll around.

Good to know

Difficulty
Easy
Languages
British English
Start times
09:00 · 10:00

Know before you go

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water, hat, sunscreen in the summer

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 168 hours before the experience starts.

  • Cancel within 72h of the start time: 100% charge.
  • Cancel within 168h of the start time: 50% charge.

Day Tours and Day Trips

Traveler reviews

Be among the first to review this experience.

From AED 1,627 per person