48 hours of avant-garde and history
Vitoria-Gasteiz + Bilbao
Just 45 minutes from each other by motorway, these two distinct yet complementary cities offer different ways of experiencing the Basque Country. Vitoria-Gasteiz invites you to enjoy a friendly and approachable green city where you can explore the medieval old town, its green areas and its culinary culture at a more leisurely pace. Bilbao, for its part, is cosmopolitan and innovative, a city whose character is shaped by its contemporary energy, its industrial heritage and its cuisine.
This tour is a chance to explore culture, heritage and local life across two cities, each with its own distinctive character.
DAY 1: VITORIA-GASTEIZ, history and nature just a step away
The first day invites you to enjoy Vitoria-Gasteiz at a leisurely pace, exploring the close connection between the city and its green areas. The morning begins in Salburua Park, where you can explore part of the Green Ring – a network of paths that works its way around the city through wetlands, meadows and wooded areas – on foot or by bike.
On the tram ride back to the city centre, the Mercado de Abastos is the perfect stop to discover the local produce and the region’s culinary traditions. In the Ensanche district, with its bars, restaurants and local shops, we can stop for refreshment and soak up the urban atmosphere before continuing on our way.
In the afternoon, we can take a stroll through the historic centre, known as the “Medieval Almond”, following the pattern of its streets up to the highest point, where the Cathedral of Saint Mary stands. It’s well worth booking a guided tour to explore the interior of the cathedral and climb the tower, which offers one of the best views of the city. Right next to the cathedral, the Plaza de la Burullería is a must-visit spot steeped in medieval charm.
DAY 2: BILBAO, focusing on its estuary and industrial legacy
Bilbao reveals itself step by step, caught between the memory of what it once was and the energy of what it is today. On this second day, the estuary serves as the guiding thread of a tour that provides an insight into the transformation of a city that looks to the future without compromising its character. On its banks, the city's industrial past, the elegance of the Ensanche (Central Business District), its contemporary architecture and its most happening spots connect with the town’s most authentic history.
The walk begins in the Old Town – Zazpikaleak – the heart of the city where Bilbao first began to take shape over 700 years ago. Its streets invite you to wander between Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, the Church of San Antón, Arenal Park and the Arriaga Theatre, taking in traditional shops, lively bars and an unmistakable atmosphere. In this setting, the refurbished Euskal Museoa Bilbao is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to explore the identity, traditions and cultural heritage of the Basque Country.
The experience continues at the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks, where the traditional market atmosphere is still very much alive and you can discover the local culinary culture with its quality produce and artisan goods, gastrobars, pintxos and other finger food offerings. Following the estuary, Abandoibarra, the Paseo de la Memoria, the bridges, the outdoor sculptures and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showcase the remarkable urban transformation of a creative, cosmopolitan city that is open to the world.
In the afternoon, the pace slows down at the Albia Gardens, Campo Volantín and Doña Casilda Park – spaces that reveal a greener, more elegant and peaceful side to Bilbao. The day ends with a funicular ride up to Artxanda, another of the city’s green lungs, from where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view.
