PTG Tours · Escorted tour

The Railways Around Bilbao

The Railways Around Bilbao, a rail journey with PTG Tours

Depart 15 October 2026: Based in Bilbao, centrally located near the Old Town, tram, metro and railway, we will have time to discover the best of Bilbao as well as exploring other parts of the Basque Country.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bilbao

    Arrival in Bilbao

    Flights from Bristol (13:20) and Gatwick (09:40) direct to Bilbao, then coach transfer to the city-centre hotel. Overland by rail from St Pancras is also available, departing the day before with a night en-route in Hendaye. From Manchester, fly out the day before and back the day after, or via Madrid on the main tour days.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bilbao

    Vizcaya Transporter Bridge and Artxanda Funicular

    Metro to the suburbs to visit the Vizcaya Transporter Bridge, crossing the river on the gondola and taking a guided tour across the top of the bridge (reached by lift). Welcome lunch in a restaurant overlooking the bridge, then a ride on the Artxanda Funicular (opened 1915) for park views over the city.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao river cruise and Old Town

    Short tram ride to the pier for a two-hour cruise from the city centre to the river mouth and back, passing the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao FC's stadium and sailing under the Vizcaya bridge. Lunch break, then a guided walk around the Old Town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Bilbao

    Basque Railway Museum, Azpeitia steam train and Larreineta Cable Car

    Coach to the Basque Railway Museum at Azpeitia (narrow-gauge locomotives, carriages, trams, an ex-London Transport trolleybus and an operational steam crane), then a steam-hauled train along the 5km line to Lasao station and back. Lunch in a local restaurant, then return to Bilbao via the Larreineta Cable Car, rising to 400m for views over the city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bilbao

    Bermeo by train and coastal cruise

    Train along the Euskotren metre-gauge branch line to the fishing port of Bermeo, then a boat cruise towards Ogono, passing Mundaka, Laida beach, Laga Beach, the Caves of Ogono and Izaro Island, ending at Elantxobe before returning to Bermeo. Free time to explore Bermeo, including its old port and the option to visit the Ercilla Tower fishermen's museum. Return to Bilbao by train in the late afternoon.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Bilbao

    San Sebastian by train

    Euskotren train from just outside the hotel to San Sebastian (Donostia), travelling through open countryside and narrow river valleys alongside the River Deba. Free time to explore the resort city's bay and beach, with the option to ride the Monte Igueldo Funicular (running since 1912, considered the best-preserved funicular in Spain) for a viewpoint over the city. Return to Bilbao by train.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Bilbao

    Free day in Bilbao / optional Miranda de Ebro rail trip

    A free day to explore Bilbao's museums, art galleries and tram/metro/rail network. An optional morning trip on the RENFE broad-gauge line to Miranda de Ebro and back, over the mountains south of Bilbao, is led by the Tour Manager for anyone wishing one last scenic rail journey. Farewell dinner in the evening.

  8. Day 8

    Return to the UK

    Return to the UK by air from Bilbao airport. Overland and sea return options also available.

Included

  • All travel and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Good quality en-suite accommodation
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Services of our tour manager
  • Transport pass for the Bilbao area (tram)

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