Home > Mediterranean > Spain > Bilbao >

Highlights of Bilbao
Bilbao Shore Trip - Highlights of Bilbao
 



Private Bilbao shore excursion to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Frank Gehry designed building that draws over 1.3 million visitors a year, followed by a driving tour of the city's modern architecture and, time allowing, a stop in the old town. 4 hours.

4 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Bilbao
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Included: Guggenheim Museum
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
SBILB-01


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $460 Per Person
3 People - $364 Per Person
4 People - $280 Per Person
5 People - $230 Per Person
6 People - $196 Per Person
7 People - $190 Per Person
8 People - $198 Per Person



Port / City*:


Month*:


Day*:


Year*:


Pick Up Time*:


Pick Up Location*:


Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Guggenheim Museum & Bilbao Shore Excursion

This half day Bilbao shore trip centers on the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao's most visited attraction, followed by a driving tour of the modern city.

Bilbao is the capital of Biscay (Vizcaya in Spanish), one of the three Basque provinces of Spain. The city's origins trace back to a historic port in what is now the Arenal, a few steps from the Casco Viejo, or Old Town. Bilbao first became a destination for visitors when the railway to the coastal town of Getxo opened in 1872, but tourism took off after the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened in 1997. The museum now draws more than 1.3 million visitors a year.

Your tour starts at the museum, and the time you spend there depends on your interests: an express visit runs about an hour, though most guests end up spending closer to two. Afterward, the rest of the tour is shaped by how much time is left. Thanks to its history and location between mountains and sea, Bilbao mixes architecture, tradition, and industry in a way few Spanish cities do, so you might spend the remaining time on a driving tour past the city's modern buildings, or on a stroll through the old town.

At the end of the tour, your guide returns you to the pier.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Bilbao
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Vehicle with English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Included: Guggenheim Museum

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Resources

Port of Bilbao . Official Website

Bilbao Turismo . Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Guggenheim Museum transform Bilbao?
Before 1997, Bilbao was better known as an industrial port city than a destination. The museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry with a titanium clad exterior, became a symbol of the city's revival and now draws more visitors each year than Bilbao's population.
What is Las Siete Calles?
Las Siete Calles, or the Seven Streets, refers to the seven original cobbled streets that made up Bilbao's walled medieval town, now the heart of the Casco Viejo.
Is the Guggenheim open every day?
The museum is closed on Mondays, except during July and August, when it opens daily.
Can we choose how long we spend at the museum?
Yes. Most guests spend about two hours inside, but you can visit at your own pace; the rest of the tour is adjusted based on how much time you use.

Also Available:

›Bilbao Old Town and the Hanging Bridge - This private shore excursion visits the old town of Bilbao, called Casco Viejo. You enjoy a drive through the modern city to see some of the modernist architecture and then you head to Gexto to see the famous Hanging Bridge (Vizcaya Bridge). A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.
›Guernica, Bermeo and Txakoli Wine - Tour visits a very typical Basque fishing village along with another village which has a special place in the hearts of the Basque people. Then you end the tour with a visit to Txakoli winery. A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›


Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 5 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Bilbao June 14, 2026
Reviewer: Suzanne M from Seaside Park, New Jersey  
To maximize our port time on a recent Mediterranean cruse, we decided that private, guided tours were a must. So, after research, travel agents advise and reading reviews, I chose Private Shore Trips. It did not disappoint! Super easy to book, response time was immediate. Although we didnt get the Mercedes, vehicles were clean, comfortable late model types.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Bilbao August 10, 2025
Reviewer: Travel Agent Margie from Margie�s Travelrite, Monroe Township, NJ  
The tour was fabulous, the guide was terrific with a wealth of knowledge. We will definitely recommend the tour and the guide (Eshter). Thanks for helping. The cruise has been great.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Bilbao May 3, 2025
Reviewer: Ken H from Wichita Falls, TX  
The Bilbao guide was very personable, and her English was good. We enjoyed Bilbao although we did not get to tour the Guggenheim solely because the couple we were with were not up to it. The tour in Bordeaux was even better - primarily the trip to St. Emilion. Our driver took us to a wine broker who gave us a very interesting tour of a small vineyard and wine making and storage facilities. Upon our return to Bordeaux, we met a sweet young guide who gave us a walking tour of a small part of Bordeaux. Her English was pretty good and we enjoyed the tour although we didnt cover much of the city.

Was this review helpful to you?

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Bilbao September 8, 2024
Reviewer: Travel Agent - Maureen H from Beatty Group International  
Our Bilbao excursion was great. We were only sorry that our ship didnt have a longer stay as we would have loved to see more. Our guide - Sergio- was excellent. You had mentioned that we would have a mini bus for about 12 pax, so imagine my surprise when they showed up with a full size bus!! I have been very impressed with your service and the extremely quick response to all of my e-mails and will be sure to recommend you to the other agents in our office.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Bilbao July 26, 2024
Reviewer: Betty L from Miami, FL  
My friends and I have returned from our trip to Spain, and I just wanted to drop this note to thank you for all your help in setting up our shore excursions. We had a wonderful time on our vacation, and all the tours which we booked through Private Shore Trips were fantastic.  They were on point with their communication and we never had any problems finding our tour guides. The guides were also very friendly and knowledgeable. The transportation vehicles which were assigned to our group were very comfortable as well. I highly recommend your company to anyone who is interested in setting up a shore excursion.

Was this review helpful to you?