Basque Coast Day Trip, Bilbao

Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers, this day trip loops north from Bilbao to include some of northern Spain's most dramatic coastal scenery and important cultural sites. You'll start with a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 10th-century hermitage and "Game of Thrones" filming location, and continue to the surfing hotspot of Mundaka, surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Wrap things up with a stroll around Gernika, where you'll learn about Basque autonomy and the Spanish Civil War as you visit the town's symbolic oak tree and stand before a powerful mural of Picasso's "Guernica."

Your day trip starts in the morning with a pick-up at your Bilbao hotel. Join the rest of your small group in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and set off north toward the coast, winding through scenic countryside as your guide reveals fascinating details about the area. After about 45 minutes, it's time for your first stop overlooking San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 10th-century hermitage (called Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Euskara) set atop a small islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and a dramatic series of 241 steps. "Game of Thrones" fans might recognize this iconic site as Dragonstone.

Grab some incredible photos of the islet before you continue 30 minutes east through the coastal forests of the UNESCO-listed Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve to Mundaka. This charming town sits at the estuary of the Río Urdaibai, and it's become world-renowned for its surfing. Follow your guide along the pier as you watch the waves roll in, then continue through the town to learn about its ecological, historical, and political significance. You'll also have time to break for lunch (not included) to sample some of the region's celebrated seafood; your guide will be happy to share recommendations for a great local spot. 

The final leg of your journey takes you south as you loop back toward Bilbao, trading the coastal views for the Basque Country's agricultural inland. Your destination is Gernika, a village that sits on fertile land inhabited since prehistoric times. In 1937, it became the site of one of the Spanish Civil War's most symbolic tragedies, when German and Italian planes opened fire on the village on a busy market day. The scale of destruction and civilian casualties shocked the world and inspired many artists, most famously in Picasso's powerful "Guernica." 

Though many sections were rebuilt, the flourishing town is still filled with Basque history. Your guide will lead to important sites like the Gernikako Arbola, an oak tree that has served as a symbol of freedom to the Basque people since medieval kings pledged to honor local law under its branches. Through the centuries, the ancient tree has been replanted using acorns from its predecessors, with the latest rebirth in 2015. You'll also visit the Museo de la Paz de Guernica, with exhibits based around the theme of peace, and see a life-sized mural of Picasso's "Guernica." Your day ends back in Bilbao around 3 pm.