Private tour in Bilbao Aitor D

Off the beaten path Private Tour by Basque Countryside

5.0

(6) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Aitor D.

5.0

Guide rating

181

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

Discovering the soul of the Basque people is not simply a journey — it is an experience of life, culture, and identity. I would be delighted to help you take a small part of that spirit back home with you. My name is Aitor (pronounced “I-tour”). Many guests smile when they hear it, as if my name had somehow predicted my profession. In Basque tradition, Aitor is the legendary father of the Basques. I am certainly no mythological figure — but I am proudly Basque, born and raised in this remarkable land, and deeply passionate about sharing its culture and way of life. Over the years I have specialized in designing private, tailor-made cultural journeys for discerning travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the Basque Country. Through an extensive network within the region’s premium hospitality, gastronomy, and cultural sectors, I create experiences shaped around your interests, pace, and curiosity. Bilbao is often the perfect starting point. Walking through its historic streets reveals the proud and vibrant spirit locals call the botxera soul. Yet the Basque Country offers many dimensions within easy reach. You may wish to explore the dramatic coastline and fishing heritage of places such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the harbor town of Bermeo, the natural sanctuary of Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, or the elegant fishing village of Getaria. Others prefer discovering how history, nature, and Basque identity intertwine in places such as Gernika — immortalized by Pablo Picasso — or the spiritual beauty of the Sanctuary of Loyola. If time allows, I often recommend exploring other remarkable corners of the region: – Vitoria-Gasteiz, celebrated internationally for its harmony between medieval heritage, contemporary design, and sustainability. – Rioja wine region, where spectacular landscapes, medieval villages, and some of Spain’s most prestigious wines define the experience. – San Sebastian, a refined coastal city where gastronomy, elegance, and cultural life meet the Atlantic. – And the sophisticated charm of Biarritz and the French Basque Country, where Basque, French, and Spanish influences blend beautifully. I am an official tour guide accredited by the Basque Government, a member of the Association of Professional Guides of the Basque Country, and part of the luxury travel network Basque Luxury. Select according to what your souls asks of you. And if you have other ideas, we can begin designing a private journey shaped entirely around what inspires you most. Official Basque Tourism Guide License #GHP00022

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Aitor D.

Overview of your Bilbao tour

A very special tour in an area close to Bilbao, but with secrets still to have found even for many locals. A private tour to the Basque Country smaller towns where traditions and all ways of living still remain. Visiting 3 different Basque villages with incredible histories are to be heard. So small that the biggest village we'll visit on this tour has only 150 inhab! This private half day tour is organized to make a travel on time for you. We'll start by "Salinas de Añana", the oldest Salt Mine in the world (as salt was extracted here already 7, 000 years ago) and we'll go also to the medieval time to see a hidden castle and walk by a small forest to discover some caves where old Hermit Christian were living 1, 300 years ago. As my traveller Linda, from Unites States said: "Aitor is a great guide. He pays attention. He makes adjustments to his tours to fit client's interests. He is super prepared. Sends an email the night before with weather forecast and after the tour he shares the photos with you!"

Recent Reviews

Staci C.United States
August 2026

Perfecto!! This was definitely off the beaten path! It was nice to get away from the city and so lovely to see many small towns and villages throughout the countryside. So peaceful everywhere we went. Beautiful ever changing landscape. Unexpected surprises. Aitor is a fantastic guide!! He is super knowledgeable and answered so many questions. It is clear that he cares deeply about this area, the culture, and the land. He is very professional, kind, and friendly. What a wonderful day! I highly recommend this tour!!!

Janet A.United States
February 2023

All we could have asked for, and way more. We could only marvel at day's end at the wonderful, informative, efficient, friendly, fun, professional, responsive way that Aitor shared the day with us. He/his tour is a ten on a five point scale. Thank you!

William M.United Kingdom
December 2019

Aitor spent 10 hours with us for a 5/6 hour trip and delivered so much more than expected. Fantastic lunch in the middle of nowhere that we would never have found on our own. Salt mines and the highest waterfall in Spain. Amazing. Five stars plus.

Linda S.United States
October 2019

This was tour 2 of 5. Aitor is a great guide. He pays attention. He makes adjustments to his tours to fit what the client's interests are. He is super prepared. Sends an email the night before a tour with weather for the next day. Sends a link to Google photos of pictures he has taken during the tour. Adds special treats to a tour, such as visiting a local cheesemaker on her family farm. Aitor is a top 1% guide.

Robert U.United States
July 2017

The tour was customized for us and was great. Our guide Aitor was knowledgeable and a gracious host. Many thanks.

Christopher Q.United States
September 2016

Aitor is simply the best guide we have ever had, anywhere. Our trip to Spain would not have been the same without him. He knows the best hidden spots to eat amazing foods. Aitor went out of his way to take us to a village festival on this tour, which was a nice surprise. FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION!!!

Your Bilbao tour itinerary

Pick up in Bilbao or Vitoria (the order of the places can be modified according to weather conditions or availability of the places to visit) * Salinas de Añana. To visit the salt production area. We will see it from the outside and a small stop to see how they are producing salt since Roman times. * Valdegobia region. We will see the tower in Villanañe. * Eremitic caves of Valdegobia (to do it you need to go in the forest for about 2 kilometers with some slope and stairs). This stop can be done depending on weather conditions. * Mendoza tower view from outside, in the hearth of one of the hardest battles against Napoleon Bonaparte.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

Fully equipped berlina car with air conditioning as a complement to my services, which are tour guiding only. BIGGER VEHICLES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

What's included
Other: + My expertise private guide service + Detailed and friendly history details and explanations of this surprising area of the Basque Country. + Pick up and drop off from the hotel, port or airport of Vitoria or Bilbao. + All transport costs such as petrol, motorway, etc.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: All tickets of museums and sites are included
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Food and drinks. - Souvenirs, snacks or other items not detailed in the tour.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain

Anywhere in Bilbao city: Airport, Cruise Terminal, Port or City Center. Also possible to pick you up from other cities, (please specify your full address and I will let you know if it would mean any extra cost).

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Religious Sites
History
Tour reference number
38324
Languages
English
Spanish
Italian
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Bilbao best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the hidden gems of the Basque countryside near Bilbao. It's ideal for those interested in history, as you'll visit ancient salt mines, a medieval castle, and old villages with rich stories. The tour is also great for anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Aitor D., who can provide deeper insights into the area's traditions and way of life.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Bilbao be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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