From Bilbao: Elorrio, Oñati, and Sanctuary of Arantzazu Tour

Set out on a captivating 5-hour tour from Bilbao that explores the rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country. You’ll visit the enchanting towns of Elorrio and Oñati, as well as the stunning Sanctuary of Arantzazu, all with the guidance of a professional. Along the way, you’ll uncover historical architecture, family crests, and medieval town features, enjoying the region’s remarkable legacy. With transportation, lunch, and an affordable price, this tour promises a rewarding experience for those eager to discover the Basque Country’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• A 5-hour guided tour that takes visitors through the cultural and historical highlights of the Basque Country, including the towns of Durango, Elorrio, Oñati, and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.
• The tour provides an immersive experience in the region’s architectural and cultural heritage, with stops at historic buildings, universities, and scenic landscapes.
• Highlights include exploring family crests and traditional Basque architecture in Elorrio, and visiting the stunning Sanctuary of Arantzazu with its unique architectural design.
• The tour is priced at $64.76 per person and includes transportation, a professional guide, and lunch.
• Flexible cancellation policy with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does this tour from Bilbao entail?

It’s a 5-hour journey that takes you to rural villages, historical buildings, and breathtaking landscapes of the Basque Country. The price starts at $64.76 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Transportation is by bus/coach, and the tour includes stops in Durango, Elorrio, Oñati, and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

Highlights include discovering traditional architecture, visiting the oldest university in the Basque Country, and experiencing the unique Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

The tour also includes a professional guide, transport to all destinations, and a lunch.

Highlights of the Tour

This tour from Bilbao promises to immerse visitors in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Basque Country. Travelers will discover rural villages, palaces, and historical buildings, including the oldest university in the region – Sancti Spiritu University. In Elorrio, they’ll explore the town’s family crests and traditional architecture. Oñati offers medieval tower houses and a beautiful town hall. The highlight is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, a stunning architectural site surrounded by nature. The tour includes guided visits, transportation, and lunch, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

| Destination | Key Attraction | Duration | Highlights |

|————-|—————-|———-|————|

| Elorrio | Traditional architecture and family crests | 1 hour | Explore the rural town’s heritage |

| Oñati | Medieval tower houses and town hall | 1 hour | Experience the region’s history |

| Sanctuary of Arantzazu | Unique architectural site | 45 minutes | Marvel at the stunning surroundings |

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at the bus stop at the tourist office next to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, where participants gather at 8:50 am for a 9:00 am departure.

The first stop is Durango, where guests have 30 minutes to explore the historic town.

Next, the tour travels to Elorrio for a 1-hour guided tour of the village’s family crests and traditional architecture.

The third stop is Oñati, where guests visit the medieval tower houses and the beautiful town hall during a 1-hour guided tour.

The final destination is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, which is explored during a 45-minute guided tour.

1. Explore the historic town of Durango

2. Discover the family crests and traditional architecture in Elorrio

3. Visit the medieval tower houses and town hall in Oñati

Exploring Elorrio

Why is Elorrio known for its family crests and traditional architecture?

The small village of Elorrio boasts a rich history and well-preserved buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries. Visitors are captivated by the ornate family crests adorning the town’s stone houses and palaces. These emblems showcase the noble lineages that once thrived here.

The narrow, winding streets are lined with structures displaying the distinctive architectural styles of the Basque Country, from half-timbered to baroque. Exploring Elorrio is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage and the lives of its past residents.

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Discovering Oñati

After exploring the charming village of Elorrio, the tour takes visitors to the historic town of Oñati.

Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Oñati offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past.

Visitors can:

1. Marvel at the stunning town hall, a prominent landmark featuring intricate stone carvings and Gothic-style windows.

2. Wander through the winding streets lined with traditional tower houses, some dating back to the 16th century.

3. Visit the Sancti Spiritu University, the oldest university in the Basque Country, and discover its well-preserved Renaissance-era buildings.

The guided tour provides an insightful understanding of Oñati’s captivating history and heritage.

Visiting the Sanctuary of Arantzazu

Where does the tour next take visitors? The final stop on the tour is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu. This unique architectural site sits amidst stunning natural surroundings. Visitors will enjoy a 45-minute guided tour to explore the sanctuary.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Architecture | The sanctuary features a striking modern design by the acclaimed architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza. |

| Surroundings | The sanctuary is nestled in a picturesque valley with breathtaking mountain views. |

| History | The sanctuary has a long history dating back to the 15th century, when a miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary occurred here. |

The tour provides a fantastic opportunity to take in the unique spiritual and natural wonder of the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes a professional guide to accompany visitors throughout the day, as well as transportation to all the destinations. Lunch is also provided, ensuring a satisfying midday break.

Plus, the tour offers:

1. A 50% discount for children aged 2 to 12, making it an affordable family-friendly option.

2. A "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing flexibility in payment.

3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for travelers.

With these inclusions and pricing options, the Elorrio, Oñati, and Sanctuary of Arantzazu tour offers an excellent value for the money.

Important Details to Note

Travelers interested in this tour should be aware of a few important details.

The tour departs at 9:00 am from the bus stop at the tourist office next to the Guggenheim Museum. Pickups are available, but must be arranged in advance.

The tour departs at 9:00 am from the bus stop at the tourist office next to the Guggenheim Museum. Pickups must be arranged in advance.

Children aged 2-12 receive a 50% discount, but they must be accompanied by two adults.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 9 reviews, with high marks for value for money.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, and a pay-later option is available for booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to modify the itinerary, duration, and activities based on your interests and needs. You’ll need to contact them directly to discuss the customization options.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing customers flexibility in their plans. Customers can reserve now and pay later as well, providing convenient booking options.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour includes a lunch, but there’s no mention of any dietary restrictions being accommodated. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the tour provider to inquire about their options prior to booking.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour for this experience. The supplier offers private tours, which may incur additional fees. To inquire about a private tour, simply contact the tour provider directly.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can contact the tour provider to inquire about extending the tour or adding additional stops to the itinerary to personalize their experience.

The Sum Up

This captivating 5-hour tour offers a rich immersion in the Basque Country’s cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the enchanting towns of Elorrio and Oñati, as well as the stunning Sanctuary of Arantzazu, with guided tours highlighting historical architecture, family crests, and medieval features. Priced at $64.76 per person, the tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and lunch, providing an affordable opportunity to discover the region’s treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: