Vitoria, in the Basque Country, offers more than just beautiful streets and lively pintxos bars. It’s a fantastic base for exploring nearby highlights, especially if you love mixing culture with a touch of adventure. We’re particularly fond of the Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum tour because it combines a walk through a dynamic city with a visit to one of Spain’s most iconic modern museums. It’s perfect for art lovers or anyone wanting a taste of the Basque Country’s vibrant urban scene. Another favorite is the Excursion to Vitoria, La Rioja, and wine tasting at a Laguardia winery, which combines medieval town strolls with wine tasting, making it ideal for those who enjoy history, food, and wine. For those seeking a broader day out, this full-day trip offers a rich mix of cultural and culinary experiences.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top tours, highlighting what makes them unique, how they fit different interests, and practical advice to help you choose the right one.
1. Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum From Vitoria
For around $272 per person, the Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum tour offers a compelling blend of art, architecture, and city exploration. This 6-hour small group tour is highly rated, with reviews praising its balance of culture and personalized service. The tour includes a walking tour of Bilbao—a city that effortlessly blends old and new—and culminates with a visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. If you’re a fan of modern art or striking architecture, this tour is a standout because the Guggenheim building itself is worth the trip, with Frank Gehry’s design often described as a sculptural masterpiece.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the small group size (max 8 people), which ensures a more intimate experience, and the availability of a private option if you prefer exclusivity. Solo travelers are also welcome, with check availability. The walking component lets you see Bilbao’s lively streets, with plenty of opportunities for photos and local insights. The Guggenheim Museum hosts both temporary exhibitions and iconic sculptures, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Bottom Line: If art, architecture, and city life are your priorities, this tour offers incredible value and a memorable half-day experience that showcases Bilbao’s modern charm.
2. Excursion to Vitoria, La Rioja, and wine tasting at a Laguardia winery
Spanning 7 to 11 hours, this full-day excursion is a fantastic choice for anyone eager to combine cultural sightseeing with wine tasting. It begins with a visit to Vitoria’s well-preserved medieval quarter, where cobblestone streets and historic buildings create a charming backdrop. Then, you’ll head to Laguardia, a small village surrounded by vineyards, known as the capital of Rioja Alavesa. The tour includes a visit to a traditional winery where you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting—a real treat for wine enthusiasts.
The itinerary offers some flexibility, with two starting points and a leisurely pace that allows for free time in Vitoria and Logroño. Walking through Laguardia’s medieval streets, you’ll see ancient walls and enjoy scenic views over the vineyards. The wine tasting is a highlight, with guides sharing insights into Rioja wine production—an experience often described as “unforgettable” by previous participants.
This tour is best suited for those who appreciate history, food, and wine, and who want a relaxed yet enriching day. The logistical detail of a coach ride makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the scenery without stress.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded day of exploring historic towns and savoring local wines, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable experiences.
3. Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum From Vitoria
The Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum tour is a standout choice if you’re looking for a cultural fix in a short time. It’s designed for travelers who want to see a major city’s highlights without committing to a multi-day stay. The tour includes a walking tour of Bilbao, giving you a sense of the city’s lively streets, architecture, and local neighborhoods. The visit to the Guggenheim Museum is a must-see, not just for its art collections but for Gehry’s daring design, which has become a symbol of Bilbao’s regeneration.
This tour’s private option and small group size make it feel personalized, and reviews consistently rate it 5/5. The inclusion of a guide ensures you learn about the city’s transformation from an industrial port to a cultural hub. The duration is just enough to enjoy the city’s main attractions without feeling rushed.
If you’re an art lover or interested in architecture, this tour offers excellent value. The 6-hour duration is perfect for a morning or afternoon outing, and availability varies, so booking ahead is wise.
Bottom Line: Ideal for art and architecture enthusiasts looking for a lively city experience in a compact time frame.
4. Excursion to Vitoria, La Rioja, and wine tasting at a Laguardia winery
For those interested in a comprehensive taste of northern Spain’s cultural and culinary heritage, this full-day tour is a top pick. The itinerary covers Vitoria’s medieval quarter, then moves on to Logroño for more exploration and free time, before heading to Laguardia for a walk through its medieval streets and a wine tasting at a traditional Rioja winery.
This tour stands out because it offers a combination of historical sightseeing and wine tasting, with guides sharing stories about the region’s viticulture. The bus rides between locations provide scenic views of the Basque Country and Rioja landscapes—an extra layer of enjoyment. Guests have praised the well-paced schedule and the chance to sample local wines directly at a producer’s facility.
This experience suits travelers who want to learn about Rioja wines, explore medieval towns, and enjoy a relaxed day with plenty of free time for photos and strolling. It’s a good value considering the length and inclusions and is especially recommended for culinary travelers.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine lovers and history buffs wanting a full-day immersion in the Basque and Rioja regions.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities and interests. If you love art and architecture, the Bilbao & Guggenheim tour is your best bet, especially if you only have a half-day. If you prefer history and wine, the excursion to La Rioja offers a full day of cultural and culinary delights. For a shorter city experience, the Bilbao tour provides a focused dose of Bilbao’s highlights.
Budget and time also matter: the Bilbao & Guggenheim tour offers a fixed price for a half-day, while the wine and town tour is longer but provides more diverse experiences. Both tours are suited for different tastes—art and city lovers versus wine and medieval town enthusiasts.
Booking early is wise, especially for the popular Bilbao & Guggenheim tour, which has limited spaces. Check availability and consider your travel style to pick the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Vitoria is a versatile base for exploring the Basque Country’s art, history, and food scene. The Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum tour is perfect for art lovers wanting a quick, impactful visit, while the wine tasting excursion is ideal for those who savor culinary adventures and medieval towns. Both options deliver memorable experiences, especially if booked in advance.
For a compact city day with a focus on modern art, go for the Bilbao & Guggenheim tour. If you’re eager to combine sightseeing with wine tasting, the Rioja trip will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Spain’s flavors and history. Whatever your interest, Vitoria’s surrounding region offers enough variety to ensure your trip is both enjoyable and enriching.
