
San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 95 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria worth booking?
San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria is a 9-hour experience in Bilbao, Spain, from $86 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 95 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (95)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $86 per person
From Bilbao we will head towards the province of Gipuzkoa, passing through towns such as Eibar, Elgoibar and Azkoitia. We will reach the sanctuary of Loyola, where we will visit the birthplace of Ignatius of Loyola, the most famous figure in the area. We will continue our journey along the coast of Zumaia, arriving at the fishing village of Getaria, where we will visit its historic center. We will continue through Zarauz and finally arrive in San Sebastian where you will have free time to have lunch and enjoy one of the best gastronomies in the world. After lunch we will visit Mount Igeldo from where we will be able to se the amazing view of La Concha Bay.
What you get
About this experience
From Bilbao we will head towards the province of Gipuzkoa, passing through towns such as Eibar, Elgoibar and Azkoitia. We will reach the sanctuary of Loyola, where we will visit the birthplace of Ignatius of Loyola, the most famous figure in the area. We will continue our journey along the coast of Zumaia, arriving at the fishing village of Getaria, where we will visit its historic center. We will continue through Zarauz and finally arrive in San Sebastian where you will have free time to have lunch and enjoy one of the best gastronomies in the world. After lunch we will visit Mount Igeldo from where we will be able to se the amazing view of La Concha Bay.
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan
- Access to the Mount Igueldo by road
- Professional guide
- Access to the Sanctuary of Loyola
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Santuario de Loyola
Guided visit to the renowned Loyola Sanctuary, built around the historic tower house of the Loyola family, exploring its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Getaria Fishing Port
Guided walking tour through Getaria, a charming coastal village known for its fishing heritage and as the birthplace of renowned fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Stroll through its picturesque streets, immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy stunning seaside views, and have some free time to explore at your own pace.
45 minutes here
Zarautz
Scenic drive through Zarautz, home to the Basque Country’s longest beach and a world-famous surfing destination. Enjoy stunning coastal views as you pass through this vibrant seaside town.
Pass by without stopping
Donostia - San Sebastian
Guided walking tour through the beautiful old town of San Sebastián. Enjoy some free time for lunch in the city center, home to the world’s highest concentration of bars—perfect for tasting traditional pintxos. Conclude with a scenic panoramic drive up Monte Igueldo to admire the stunning views of La Concha Bay.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bilbao
Please go to the Bus Stop at Tourist Office located next to the Guggenheim Museum. Pick up time at 08.50am (departure time at 09.00am)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please go to the Bus Stop at Tourist Office located next to the Guggenheim Museum. Pick up time at 08.50am (departure time at 09.00am)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Servicios Turisticos Integrales
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- May be operated by a bilingual guide
- This tour will take place rain or shine
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 94 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
94 verified traveler reviews for San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great alternative to spending a night in San Sebastián
Really a great day. In particular, I appreciated learning more about Saint Ignatius Loyola and his origin story. There was plenty of time in San Sebastian for strolling around, eating, and just enjoying the city. The views on the final stop were unbelievable. Tour guide, Aitor, and the Driver were fantastic!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day, enjoyed learning about Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and had time to explore San Sebastián. We’re glad the breathtaking views and the excellent service from our team made your experience so memorable. We hope to welcome you again soon!
via Viator
Wonderful day in the Basque Region
A wonderful opportunity to explore and experience areas in the Basque region. The tour includes time at the Loyola sanctuary as well as some time in Getaria. The time in San Sebastián was just wonderful. We had a great driver (Flavi) and a superb guide (Aitor). Aitor had a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited. His recommendations for lunch and dessert in San Sebastián were spot on!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Basque region, from the Sanctuary of Loyola and Getaria to the beautiful city of San Sebastián. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Flavi and Aitor. They’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your experience so memorable. We hope to welcome you back to the Basque Country again soon!
via Viator
Great way to visit niche spots like Loyola and Getaria, not enough time in San Sebastian
I found the trip to be a great way to travel between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Loyola (incredibly austere and beautiful) and Getaria were unique, niche places to visit, which makes these day tours worthwhile. Only flaw is there really isn't much time in San Sebastian to do much of anything. So I think there should be less emphasis on this in description.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour, especially the visits to Loyola and Getaria. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions, as they help us continue improving our tours. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Well planned and paced.
Very pleasant tour with a very personable and helpful guide. Stephane. He was courteous and helpful to an old man with a cane making sure I kept up, advised me, in advance of any difficulties I might encounter with stairs and steep slopes.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to hear that Stéphane’s professionalism, attentiveness, and guiding skills made the experience comfortable and enjoyable for you.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour!
Excellent tour, outstanding guide, and wonderful driver made this a wonderful day. Stephane’s rich knowledge of the region. from the Loyola castle to San Sebastian’s history, was most impressive. I recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and had such a wonderful day. We also appreciate your comments about the guide’s knowledge and the driver’s service. Thank you for recommending the experience, and we hope to welcome you again in the Basque Country soon.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Servicios Turisticos Integrales, who run 18 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.4.
See everything Servicios Turisticos Integrales runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bilbao.
How much does San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria cost?
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Prices start at $86 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bilbao usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bilbao is not rushed.
Is San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 95 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bilbao, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bilbao can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bilbao and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bilbao within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bilbao?
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On Outty we rank every Bilbao experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local, Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local, Dragonstone, Mundaka and Guernica from Bilbao. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bilbao?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Included: Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan; Access to the Mount Igueldo by road; Professional guide; and Access to the Sanctuary of Loyola. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Please go to the Bus Stop at Tourist Office located next to the Guggenheim Museum. Pick up time at 08.50am (departure time at 09.00am) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bilbao. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao: Loyola Sanctuary & Getaria?
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Across 95 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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