Bilbao Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Bilbao Shore Excursions
Bilbao
Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 83.15
Bilbao
PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 355.49
Bilbao
Bizkaia, Route of the Coast. Unforgettable corners to enjoy by the sea.
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 93.99
Bilbao
Private 4-hour City Tour of Bilbao with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 611.66
Bilbao
Private Tour San Sebastian & Getaria Fishing Village From Bilbao
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 451.89
Bilbao
The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 126.53
Bilbao
The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 119.30
Bilbao
Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 120.51
Bilbao
Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 42.18
Bilbao
Bilbao Highlights 3-hour E-Bike tour: Small Group or Private Tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 59.05
Bilbao
Bilbao: Guggenheim Like Never Before: VIP Access. Small Group.Top
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 114.48
Bilbao
Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 30.91
Bilbao
Biarritz, Saint Jean De Luz & San Sebastian
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 84.35
Bilbao
Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián from Bilbao
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 84.35
Bilbao
Enjoy the Coast of Biscay
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 106.04
Bilbao
Semi-Private Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao
Duration: 8 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 361.52
Bilbao
Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 295.24
Bilbao
Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 289.21
Bilbao
Gaztelugatxe Access, Bermeo & Gernika guided tour from Bilbao
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 72.30
Bilbao
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Private Tour
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 306.08
Bilbao
Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 3.60
Bilbao
Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika with Txakoli
Duration: 11 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 59.05
Bilbao
Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 90.38
Bilbao
San Sebastián, Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria Day Trip from Bilbao
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 90.38
Bilbao
Bilbao Food Tour – Basque Gastronomy Experience
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 115.68
Bilbao
Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 96.40
Bilbao
Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside)
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 72.30
Bilbao
Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 180.76
Bilbao
Bilbao: Excursion to San Sebastian, Hondarribia, Hendaye and Getaria
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 65.07
Bilbao
Bilbao Private Walking Tour with a Local
Duration: 2 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 57.84
Related destinations to Bilbao
What should first-time visitors know about a Bilbao port call?
Visitors new to the city will find a compact, walkable port area and an efficient public transport network that links the city centre with the riverside and museum district. Organised options or self-guided plans both work well for limited time in port; for concise itineraries many people prefer organised departures labelled as Bilbao shore excursions which focus on the Guggenheim, Casco Viejo and a brief riverside walk. Allow time for transfer, security checks and a relaxed return to the ship to avoid rushing.
Which top attractions should I prioritise in Bilbao?
A short list of must-sees helps visitors cover highlights efficiently: the Guggenheim Museum’s contemporary architecture and collections, Bilbao’s old quarter (Casco Viejo) with its arcaded streets and churches, the riverside Promenade and Mercado de la Ribera market. Tram or river taxi links these spots closely and are time-efficient for port calls. Several guided options are available under the banner of Bilbao tours which combine skip-the-line access and local commentary, while independent visitors can pace themselves to savour each landmark without feeling hurried.
Should I choose a half-day or full-day visit?
Choosing between a half-day and a full-day visit depends on priorities and ship schedule. A well-planned half-day concentrates on the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo plus a riverside stroll, suitable when turnaround time is tight. Full-day options allow excursions to nearby coastal scenery, additional museums and a relaxed tapas lunch. Many operators advertise streamlined Bilbao shore excursions for half-day formats while full-day independent itineraries reward slower exploration and side trips to Mount Artxanda or coastal towns for scenic sequences and extra cultural depth.
How does Bilbao reflect Basque culture and history?
Bilbao’s heritage blends industrial history with Basque culture and contemporary renewal. Key cultural stops include the Archaeological Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, neighbourhoods shaped by shipbuilding and metallurgy, and the urban regeneration around the Guggenheim. Walking with a knowledgeable guide reveals local stories, Basque language influences and the civic evolution from heavy industry to services. Small group Bilbao tours often highlight these contextual narratives and point out lesser-known heritage sites, while guidebooks and museum audio guides provide alternatives for visitors preferring solitary exploration.
Where can I find nature and scenic views near Bilbao?
Green spaces and coastal views are close to the city, offering pleasant contrasts with Bilbao’s urban art and architecture. Short drives or public transport access Mount Artxanda for panoramic city and river vistas, while the Estuary and Paseo de Abandoibarra provide riverside promenades and modern landscaping. For a coastal taste, nearby Sopelana and Plentzia feature cliffs and sandy beaches. Many itineraries marketed as Bilbao shore excursions combine short nature stops with cultural highlights, allowing visitors to enjoy both built and natural scenery within a single port-day schedule.
What food and drinks should I try in Bilbao?
Basque cuisine is a highlight of any visit, with pintxos bars in Casco Viejo offering small, flavourful bites ideal for sampling many dishes. Markets such as Ribera sell local produce, seafood and cheeses while restaurants present seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. A tapas crawl or a guided tasting makes trying regional specialities easier for time-limited visitors. Some led experiences labelled Bilbao tours include curated food stops and cultural explanation, though independent walkers can also follow local recommendations to assemble an affordable and authentic eating itinerary.
What level of activity is required for typical excursions?
Activity levels vary across options, from gentle strolls in the historic quarter and riverside promenades to hill climbs and more energetic coastal walks. Urban exploration typically involves cobbled streets and short stair sections that require steady footwear and moderate mobility. Those seeking higher exertion can add Mount Artxanda hikes or coastal cliff paths to their day. Many providers advertising Bilbao shore excursions specify approximate walking distances and terrain to help passengers choose, and alternatives exist for lower-mobility visitors who prefer transport-based sightseeing.
How accessible is Bilbao for travellers with mobility needs?
Accessibility across Bilbao varies by site but many main attractions have made significant improvements. The Guggenheim and newer riverside areas offer step-free access, lifts and adapted facilities; older narrow streets in Casco Viejo may present uneven paving and occasional steps. Transport hubs and some river taxis provide accessible boarding, though assistance should be arranged in advance for port transfers. Check individual operator information and local Bilbao tours for up-to-date accessibility statements, and consider mobility equipment rental or pre-booked vehicles if adaptations are essential for a comfortable visit.
When is the best time of year to visit Bilbao during a cruise?
Weather in Bilbao is mild but variable; spring and early autumn generally offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer heavy rains than winter. Summer brings warm days and lively street life, though peak cruise season can mean larger crowds and higher local demand for transport and restaurants. Short port calls scheduled in shoulder months can balance good weather with lighter visitor numbers. Passengers looking to avoid congestion should check cruise timetables and consider booking Bilbao shore excursions that match quieter time slots or early-morning departures.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore independently?
Deciding between guided outings and going independent depends on priorities: guided trips save time, provide local context and manage logistics, while independent exploration offers flexibility and often lower costs. For short port calls guided options quickly orient visitors but limit personal pacing; independent travellers can linger at markets or follow personal interests if time permits. Many people mix approaches — a guided museum visit plus self-guided riverside wandering. Practical considerations include language, mobility, and ticket access, which are commonly addressed by organised Bilbao tours but also manageable with research and local transport use.
Which cruise lines visit Bilbao?
Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages will all visit Bilbao this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Bilbao in 2026?
Bilbao will be visited by Independence Of The Seas, MSC Virtuosa, Disney Fantasy, Nieuw Statendam, Celebrity Eclipse, Sapphire Princess, Emerald Princess, Regal Princess, Norwegian Dawn, Azamara Quest, Norwegian Star, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Nautica, Carnival Miracle, Scarlet Lady, Oceania Insignia, Oceania Marina, Sky Princess, Carnival Legend, MSC Magnifica, Celebrity Apex, Liberty of the Seas, Disney Dream and Valiant Lady.