Basque Country Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
Basque Country Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: May-Aug
Bilbao to San Sebastián & Biarritz
Picture it: basking on a Basque beach. Sampling savory pintxos. Biking along the coastline from peaks to ports to pastures. Bring it to life on this family adventure by the sea and in the mountains of France and Spain.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in rich and colorful Basque culture, with its own language, customs and gastronomy
- Journey back in time on a hand-picked section of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, a World Heritage site
- Discover the glamorous beaches of dazzling Biarritz, once a vacation destination of the European aristocracy
- Surf with the pros in a fun-filled beginner's lesson at Pukas Surf Skola, one of the oldest surfing schools in Spain
- Hike, bike and kayak the rugged Basque coastline and explore ancient border watchtowers along the Jaizkibel coastal mountain range
StartBiarritz
EndBilbao
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Get to know the coastal city of Biarritz, dubbed the “queen of beaches and the beach of kings” • Follow quiet trails to the summits overlooking Ascain, taking in panoramic views of the coast and mountains • Linger over breakfast at our beachfront hotel, originally an estate gifted from Napoleon III to his wife, Eugénie • Bike as a family past sheep-dotted hills, quaint farmhouses and bucolic pastures • Kids visit the Navarre caves and famous "Village of the Witches" while parents cycle through emerald-colored hills • Kayak together through the sparkling waters of Saint-Jean-de-Luz Bay • Try your hand at pelote basque, a favorite regional pastime.
Nights 1-3
Rich in history and charm, this 19th-century oceanfront hotel has a grand design, spectacular views and an exceptional restaurant. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Take a scenic ride to Basque Country’s Spanish side • Soak up views of the surrounding waters as you walk • Hike through the Jaizkibel coastal mountains past 19th-century watchtowers, vestiges of the Carlist Civil Wars • Kids embark on an exciting nature adventure in a nearby forest • Sample local pintxos in San Sebastián, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene and high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants • You’re in one of Europe’s top surfing spots—care to give it a try? • Savor vistas of the sea from our hotel’s lovely terrace or pamper yourself at the spa • Walk a coastal portion of the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim’s route • Learn how to cook Spanish tapas on our final day together.
Nights 4-5
Set in the city center, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Urumea River, this elegant century-old hotel is just a short walk from sandy beaches.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Amid Basque country and the Pyrenees foothills, you can look forward to some great climbs and steep descents on our hike and bike rides. If you want a boost, e-bikes are available and we can flatten some of the more challenging portions of the routes with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable handling hilly terrain or hopping in the van for a lift.
While we always aim to get off the beaten path, this region is a popular coastal vacation spot for European tourists. You'll be among locals and fellow travelers when we visit towns, and there can be moderate car traffic on some of the country roads we bike on (cars in this area are very respectful of bikers).
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-3
Premiere Hotel
Rich in history and charm, this 19th-century oceanfront hotel has a grand design, spectacular views and an exceptional restaurant. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Set in the city center, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Urumea River, this elegant century-old hotel is just a short walk from sandy beaches.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
- Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture it's own line of kid's bikes.
- Features smaller wheels -- the perfect choice for kids.
- On our Family Trips, you'll find 20"" and 24"" bikes.
Included in your trip price
- For children up to 85 pounds
- Attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort!
- Ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
- Cannot be pulled by an e-bike.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
