Silversea Luxury Cruises A BILBAO

Become one with nature on this scenic and cultural hike and discover the heritage of this region preserved in an exceptional environment. Climb between coastal slopes towards the Gorliz Lighthouse and take the path between coastal oaks, heading east going up to the summit of Mount Ermua at 289m (948 feet).

Depart the pier in your motor coach for the scenic, 45-minute drive to Gorliz.

Gorliz

This community in the Basque Country of northern Spain provides many attractions such as the beach and nearby pine forest. Churches such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, founded in the 10th century and remodeled in 1781, and the church of Santa María (Andra Mari) also attract tourists.

The hiking route starts at the end of the beach near the Gorliz Astondo area. Here you can see a unique phenomenon in the Basque coast, a wide range of fossil dunes, formed by different overlays of the wind, which have dragged on for centuries. Continue to marvel the entire itinerary at different points of elements of a sculptural installation called "IBILBIDE", the work of artist Ibon Garagarza. Continue to climb between coastal slopes towards the protagonist element of this tour: the lighthouse Gorliz. Its white tower, with modern design, is 21m (69 feet) tall and is located on a stunning cliff of 165m (541 feet), making it the tallest lighthouse in the Cantabrian coast, with a range of nearly 47km (29 miles).

Down the road near the lighthouse admire the entire hillside pierced by an old coastal battery, which was installed in the 1930s and later used in the Civil War. From the lighthouse the tour continues taking the path between coastal oaks, heading east to the summit of Mount Ermua 289m (948 feet). Stop here to take in the amazing landscape that is before you and gaze upon the Island Billano.

Re-board your coach and return to the pier, approximately 45 minutes away.

Explore the history, art and architecture of Bilbao during this picturesque excursion to the Guggenheim Museum, and a walking tour through the Old Quarter.

Guggenheim Museum

Depart the pier and arrive in the heart of the city, proceed for a visit to the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. Built by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, this masterpiece in flowing titanium and limestone reflects Bilbao's heritage with its suggestion of maritime shapes and sails. The building is covered with over 35,000 titanium tiles and pieces of glass strategically placed to catch the natural light. After your guided tour, some free time is provided to explore the museum at your leisure.

Old Quarter

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the Old Quarter, or 'Casco Viejo', located on the right-bank of the Nervion River, an area which has undergone huge reconstruction following a devastating flood in 1983 and where many of the streets are now pedestrian. During your walking tour, see the 14th-century Gothic Cathedral, Arriaga Theatre, Plaza Nueva and the Bilbao Ria, which separates the old and new cities.

Some free time is also made available to browse the chic boutiques, perfume stores, cafes and restaurants at your leisure before commencing the approximate 45-minute drive back to the pier.

This accessible Bilbao shore excursion offer a wonderful day of experiencing some of the best highlights of this beautiful Basque town and the surrounding area. Explore the impressive Guggenheim Museum, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Old City and New Bilbao and see the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage renowned Puente de Vizcaya.

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the Bilbao cruise dock and head out on a short scenic drive to the landmark of Bilbao, the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Escorted by your tour guide, you will explore breathtaking design and spectacular exhibitions of modern and contemporary art inside the unique "titanium building" designed by Frank Gehry.

After your visit to the Museum, you will continue with a leisurely stroll through the Old City and New Bilbao. Admire beautiful, charming architecture along the way, including the famous Puente de Vizcaya. This impressive bridge is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it has been in service since its inauguration in 1893.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 3 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the picturesque beauty, history and architecture of the Basque Coast during this half-day excursion to Guernica. Along the way view the villages of Bakio and Bermeo, both colourful, coastal villages.

Scenic Drive and Bakio

Depart the pier for the approximate one-hour scenic drive along the coast of Vizcaya, which is highlighted by steep cliffs and isolated beaches. From here, pass through the beautiful Basque countryside dotted with secluded farmhouses en route to Bermeo, the provincial capital until 1602 and a charming fishing port. Along the way, pass by Bakio, a charming residential town that was once a popular resort for wealthy merchant families. This picturesque beach town surrounded by country lanes is where the sound of the traditional Basque music plays.

Bermeo

Approximately 45 minutes away you will arrive in Bermeo; proceed to the Old Quarter for a guided walking tour. Pass by the Gothic Church of San Francisco, the 18th-century Town Hall and the Neoclassical Church of Santa Maria. This picture-postcard village is famous for its fishing tradition, enjoy some pintxos at the marina and view the beautiful nearby beaches.

Guernica

Next, your drive continues for approximately 1 hour to Guernica. The town was founded by Count Tello in 1366 on a major river estuary where vessels could dock at the port of Suso. Best known as the scene of the April 26, 1937 bombing of Guernica by Germany, which inspired Picasso's painting Guernica. During your guided tour, see an historic villa, the Casa de Juntas, Vizcaya's House of Parliament, a symbolic oak tree, and the Park of Peace.

Your tour concludes with a typical lunch in one of the restaurants in Guernica before commencing the approximate 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the medieval charm of Laguardia and exquisite cellars of the Marques de Riscal during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Bilbao, Scenic Drive to Laguardia

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Laguardia. The capital of La Rioja Alavesa, Laguardia is bound by the mountains of Cantabria to the north and left bank of the Ebro to the south. The San Ginés River splits the districts of Elvillar and Laguardia in the east, and it is bound by Navaridas to the west. These geographic nuances provide this area with its particular landscapes and climate, which have clearly made a mark on its history and character.

Walled City of Laguardia

The medieval city of Laguardia, whose name is derived from Navarra's La Guarda (The Guardian), is surrounded by high cobblestone walls built during the 13th century. Laguardia is a completely pedestrian town because it houses a multitude of underground wine cellars. This town's main activity is viticulture, and, as a result of the area's microclimate and deep-rooted wine tradition, the highest quality Rioja Designation of Origin wines originate here. In addition, the most important Rioja Alavesa wine cellars are located in the surrounding area.

Marques de Riscal

Upon arrival in Laguardia, head to the unique cellars of the Marques de Riscal. One of the oldest coves in Rioja and owned by the Governor of 'La Cite du Vin', the Marques de Riscal dates from 1858 and subsequently grew in 1883. Here, a large-scale project was created with the special contribution of Canadian architect, Frank O. Gehry, who brings new life to the cellars with an exquisite blend of creative and tradition design elements. This Gehry-designed property also houses the hotel, landscaping and facilities of the Marques de Riscal Company; an exceptional setting for a unique and extraordinary experience in 'La Cite du Vin' (The Wine City). Surrounded by vines, the facilities retain the particular charm of their origins.

Cellar Visit and Wine Tasting, Walking Tour of Laguardia, Lunch

This 10.76-million square-foot (about one-million square-metre) complex is dedicated to the development, care and study of the wine. Upon arrival, proceed for a wine tasting at these stunning cellars, and develop the purest and most natural appreciation of this wine. Following your visit, take a guided stroll through the city, with a stop for lunch along the way. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and stairs to access the wine cellar. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. This tour is not recommended for children. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The driving distance between the pier and Laguardia is approximately two hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the splendid beauty architecture of San Sebastian during this picturesque excursion to the historic Old Town.

Scenic Drive and Mount Igeldo

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to San Sebastian, a charming, Belle Epoque resort built around a crescent-shaped bay. San Sebastian's inviting beaches and splendid architecture have been attracting visitors from all over the world since the mid-19th century, and this glamourous jewel of the Basque country still retains all of its splendour from an era when it served as a summer destination for royals. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at Mount Igeldo for breath-taking panoramic views overlooking Bahía de la Concha, and the surrounding coastline and mountains.

San Sebastian and Old Town

Upon arrival in San Sebastian, begin your guided walking tour of the Old Town. Highlights of the Old Town include the Plaza de la Constitution, Gothic-style San Vicente Church, the oldest in the city, Baroque-style Basilica of Santa Maria, Museo San Telmo, and more. Following your tour, ample free time is made available for shopping, lunch and independent exploration.

Re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the beautiful architecture of San Sebastian during this picturesque, full-day excursion to the historic Old Town.

Scenic Drive and Mount Igeldo

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to San Sebastian, a charming, Belle Epoque resort built around a crescent-shaped bay. San Sebastian's inviting beaches and splendid architecture have been attracting visitors from all over the world since the mid-19th century, and this glamourous jewel of the Basque country still retains all of its splendour from an era when it served as a summer destination for royals. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at Mount Igeldo for breath-taking panoramic views overlooking Bahía de la Concha, and the surrounding coastline and mountains.

San Sebastian and Old Town

Upon arrival in San Sebastian, begin your guided walking tour of the Old Town. Highlights of the Old Town include, among other, the Plaza de la Constitution, the Gothic-style San Vicente Church, the oldest in the city, the Baroque-style Basilica of Santa Maria and the Museo San Telmo. Following your tour, ample free time is made available for shopping and independent exploration.

Gourmet Meal at Mirador de Ulia

At the conclusion of your visit, drive to the Michelin restaurant Mirador de Ulia, where you will have the chance to sample a great selection of the top quality cuisine of the region.

Re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore Bilbao at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bilbao at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bilbao at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bilbao at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the production and flavours of the rare Txacoli wine during this picturesque, half-day winery tour and tasting excursion to a local Getaria winery.

Bilbao, Coast of Guipuzcoa, Getaria

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the village of Getaria. Located on the coast of Guipuzcoa, Getaria is renowned as the hometown of Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first seaman to sail around the world, as well as other notable seamen. The wineries in Getaria specialise in Txacoli wine, or Getariako Txacolina, which is only produced in this and surrounding villages.

Winery and Cellar Tour, Txacoli Wine Production, White Wine Tastings with Local Specialities

Upon arrival in Getaria, head for a tour of a local winery and cellar. Along the way, learn about the history and production of Getariako Txacolina wine. The main production at this vineyard is white wine, but this winery also produces a limited production of red grapes, which are used to produce rosé wine. Following your tour, proceed for a tasting of three different white wines accompanied by local specialities that include anchovies, tuna fish, cheese and sweet treats. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.