Basque Country Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Biarritz to San Sebastián & Bilbao
Picture it: basking on a Basque beach. Sampling savory pintxos. Biking along the coastline from peaks to ports to pastures. Bring it to life on this family adventure by the sea and in the mountains of France and Spain.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $6,299 - $6,699/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in rich and colorful Basque culture, with its own language, customs and gastronomy
- Journey back in time on a coastal section of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
- Stroll with your family along the white-sand beaches of Biarritz, once a vacation destination of the European aristocracy
- Surf with the pros in a fun-filled beginner’s lesson at Pukas Surf Eskola, one of the oldest surfing schools in Spain
- Hike, bike and kayak the rugged Basque coastline and explore the Jaizkibel coastal mountain range
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Biarritz Airport & Travel Details
- Get to know the coastal city of Biarritz, dubbed the “queen of beaches and the beach of kings”
- Follow quiet trails to the summits overlooking Ascain, taking in panoramic views of the coast and mountains
- Linger over breakfast at our beachfront hotel, originally an estate gifted from Napoleon III to his wife Eugénie
- Bike as a family past sheep-dotted hills, quaint farmhouses and bucolic pastures
- Kids visit the Navarre caves and famous “Village of the Witches” while parents cycle through emerald-colored hills
- Kayak together through the sparkling waters of Saint-Jean-de-Luz Bay
- Try your hand at pelote Basque, a favorite regional pastime.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Rich in history and charm, this 19th-century oceanfront hotel has a grand design, spectacular views and an exceptional restaurant. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Take a scenic ride to Basque Country’s Spanish side
- Soak up views of the surrounding waters as you walk
- Hike through the Jaizkibel coastal mountains past 19th-century watchtowers, vestiges of the Carlist Civil Wars
- Kids embark on an exciting nature adventure in a nearby forest
- Sample local pintxos in San Sebastián, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene and high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants
- Learn how to cook Spanish tapas at a private cooking lesson
- Savor vistas of the sea from our hotel’s lovely terrace, or pamper yourself at the spa
- Walk a coastal portion of the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route
- On your last morning in Basque Country enjoy one of Europe’s top surfing spots.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Set in the city center, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Urumea River, this elegant century-old hotel is just a short walk from sandy beaches.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bilbao Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
Hiking routes wind through varied terrain, including rocky coastal paths along rugged cliffs and secluded coves, forested trails with roots and occasional loose rock, and open pastures and grassy meadows crossing small streams. Some sections follow dirt service roads. Terrain is hilly, particularly along the coast. Flat, paved walks through towns are also offered as easier options. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Kid-friendly options are available for both activities. Routes are shorter with minimal elevation gain. Biking happens primarily on bike paths or in dedicated bike lanes, and hiking on gentler, less technical trails. Alternate kids' activities are offered on days with longer or more demanding routes.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
