The Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian

Bilbao, Spain

Follow the highway towards the east, into the province of Gipuzkoa. On the way to the Sanctuary of Loyola, you will be able to admire the areas of inner Basque Country, combined with rural valleys and industrial villages trapped in between mountains like the villages of Durango, Eibar and Elgoibar.

Arrive at the core of the province, and after the industrial village of Azkoitia, you will arrive at your first stop, the Sanctuary of Loyola, hometown of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Here you will visit the Basilica and the tower house where he was born and lived. Depending on the time, you may wish to attend a ceremony.

Next you follow the route towards the coast on the north, passing through Azpeitia. You will also pass through Zestoa, a famous natural spa village with healing waters that attracted the royalty of Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Later you will arrive to the coast at Zumaia, a beautiful village very much appreciated by Basque summer tourists. Following the coastal road you will arrive at your next stop, Getaria. A unique medieval fishing village and hometown of famous figures like captain Juan Sebastian Elcano (the first man to travel around the world by sea), and Cristobal Balenciaga, the famous designer.

Then you will pass by Zarauz, a beautiful tourist spot with the largest beach in the province of Gipuzkoa. You will arrive finally to San Sebastian where you will do a panoramic tour of the city. After lunch, you will do a walking tour into the old quarter visiting the most interesting streets and locations before returning to Bilbao 6:00pm approximately.

USD $101.81

Traveler Reviews

Review by: John B	September 2010
Our group of seven people thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke reasonably good English. She was very helpful.

Review by: Robert K, United States of America	March 2008
The guide was very friendly and easy to talk to. He had a strong understanding of the Basque history and culture. He was reasonably capable of answering questions without coloring events with his own personal opinion. We came away with a sense that we had gotten a good exposure to the Basque region and culture. We had a very personable and professional tour guide.

Review by: Patrick C, Ireland	October 2007
We could find no fault whatsoever with this tour. Our driver guide spoke very good English and was very knowledgeable of the area, and brought us to an excellent restaurant for lunch. I would have no hesitation in recommending Viator to anyone.