Tailor-Made Luxury Trips to Bilbao
Experience Bilbao in effortless luxury with a custom itinerary designed just for you.
Bilbao is where contemporary creativity meets deep-rooted Basque tradition — a city of world-renowned architecture, cutting-edge cuisine, and stunning natural surroundings. Avelia Travel specializes in luxury travel to Bilbao, offering tailor-made trips that balance cultural immersion with ease and elegance. Your dedicated travel planner for Bilbao will design an itinerary shaped entirely around your interests, whether that means private tours of the Guggenheim, vineyard visits in the nearby countryside, or indulgent culinary experiences.
An Artistic Soul with a Northern Edge
Bilbao is a city that surprises. Tucked between green mountains and the Bay of Biscay, it blends avant-garde creativity with Basque tradition, Michelin-starred cuisine with casual pintxos, and cutting-edge museums with centuries-old streets. Here’s how we help you experience it all—seamlessly and in style.
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Private architecture tour of the Guggenheim Museum with after-hours access
Exclusive boat cruise along the Bilbao estuary with champagne on board
Chauffeured day trip to the Rioja Alavesa wine region with private tastings
Private tour of the Azkuna Zentroa cultural center and design-forward spaces
Scenic helicopter ride over Bilbao and the Basque coast
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Chef-led pintxos crawl through the Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Private cooking class featuring traditional Basque recipes
Michelin-starred dining at restaurants like Nerua or Mina
Vineyard lunch in Rioja with wine pairings and local specialties
Custom market-to-table experience with a local chef
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Insider access to the Guggenheim’s rotating exhibitions
Walking tour of Bilbao’s historic quarter and Santiago Cathedral
Visit to the Fine Arts Museum with a private art historian
Day trip to San Sebastián for its culinary and coastal beauty
Visit to Getaria: home of fashion icon Balenciaga and seaside charm
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Day trip to Gaztelugatxe and the Basque Coast’s hidden coves
Hike the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, ending with a countryside lunch
Explore charming fishing villages like Bermeo and Mundaka
Sunset sail on the Bay of Biscay with gourmet snacks and drinks
Relaxing spa day in a countryside boutique retreat
A Glimpse into Tailor-Made Travel in Bilbao
Each journey to Bilbao can be shaped around your unique interests. Below are a few ideas to spark inspiration — from culinary weekends to week-long escapes. We’ll tailor everything just for you.
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Wander the Guggenheim Museum with a private guide
Sip txakoli wine with a sommelier-led tasting at a coastal vineyard
Explore the Casco Viejo on a pintxos tour with a local chef
Enjoy a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant with curated wine pairings
→ Love this style? Let’s tailor your Bilbao experience → Start Planning
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Settle into your luxury hotel with views of the Nervión River
Stroll the historic streets of Getxo and visit boutique art studios
Day trip to San Sebastián for seaside elegance and gourmet dining
Visit the Guggenheim and Museum of Fine Arts with expert-led access
Unwind at a modern spa with Basque-inspired treatments
→ Love this style? Let’s tailor your Bilbao experience → Start Planning
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Dive into the city’s transformation on a private architectural walk
Visit Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim and Santiago Calatrava’s Zubizuri bridge
Enjoy a sunset cruise on the river with cava and views of the skyline
→ Love this style? Let’s tailor your Bilbao experience → Start Planning
Looking to include Bilbao as part of a longer journey?
→ View our sample itineraries combining Bilbao with San Sebastián, La Rioja, and more
When to Visit Bilbao
Bilbao moves to a quiet, confident beat — with spring mists, sun-drenched summers, and crisp, golden autumns each setting the stage for a different kind of luxury. Whether you’re after art, cuisine, or coastal escapes, here’s how the seasons shape the experience.
🌸 Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (March to May)
A wonderful time to explore Bilbao, especially for art and food lovers. The Guggenheim’s exhibitions rotate during these months, and mild temperatures make it ideal for strolling through the Old Town or dining al fresco. Expect light rain — but also lush green hills and fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August)
While not as hot as southern Spain, Bilbao’s summer sees highs around 77–82°F (25–28°C), with long daylight hours. Coastal day trips to Getxo or San Sebastián are popular, and major festivals like Aste Nagusia in August bring the city to life. Book early for summer travel, as it’s a peak season.
Autumn (September to November)
Perhaps the best-kept secret. The weather remains pleasant through September, with harvest festivals and wine season in full swing — perfect for pairing a trip with a visit to nearby La Rioja. Museum visits, wine tastings, and gastronomic experiences shine this time of year.
Winter (December to February)
Bilbao’s mild winters are ideal for cultural escapes. Expect highs in the 50s°F (10–15°C), with fewer tourists and cozy culinary experiences in focus. It's a great time to enjoy Michelin-starred dining, spas, and museum-hopping in peace.
Want a bigger picture of Spain’s seasons?
→ Explore our guide to the best time to visit Spain ›
Tailor Your Bilbao Experience with Avelia
Prefer a relaxed pace or a packed itinerary? Need hotel reservations, private guides, or help with every detail? That’s what we’re here for. Our custom travel planning service ensures everything is built around you — from start to finish.
Why Avelia
Planning a trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why Avelia — founded by Ramin Jafari — takes a boutique approach, with personalized service, honest advice, and a focus on your needs.
🧳 Tailored Service – Every trip is handcrafted to match your unique preferences.
📍 Local Expertise – We go beyond the tourist attractions to uncover the hidden gems only locals know.
🏨 Curated Stays – We handpick only the finest hotels that meet our rigorous standards for luxury and comfort.
📞 Dedicated Support – From your first inquiry to your return flight, our team is with you every step of the way.
🌱 Thoughtful Travel – We prioritize sustainability by working with local partners and recommending lower-impact experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a custom trip with Avelia Travel cost?
Every trip we create is completely personalized. We charge a one-time planning fee based on the level of detail and customization required. If you decide to book, this fee is credited toward your total trip cost.
Q: Do I have to book a full itinerary, or can I just get help with hotels?
We’re flexible. Some clients come to us for hotel recommendations and bookings, others for full, tailor-made itineraries. Whether you need just one element or the whole journey designed, we’re happy to help.
Q: Is Avelia Travel the right fit for my trip?
If you’re looking for a custom-designed travel experience with personal service, local insight, and high-end touches — yes. We’re ideal for travelers who want to outsource the logistics and enjoy a trip built entirely around them.
What’s Included in Your Tailor-Made Journey
Every Avelia itinerary includes the essentials — beautifully arranged around your pace, interests, and style.
🏨 Luxury Hotels – Elegant stays chosen just for you
🚘 Private Transfers – Seamless transport throughout your journey
🌟 Tailored Experiences – Unique activities, from VIP tours to countryside escapes
🍷 Dining Reservations – From Michelin-starred tables to hidden gems
📲 Local Support – Personal assistance whenever you need it
Explore More Destinations
Looking to expand your journey? Avelia Travel specializes in creating custom itineraries that span multiple destinations. Whether you’re seeking cultural exploration, coastal relaxation, or scenic escapes, we can design the perfect route for you.
It’s time to turn your dream vacation into reality!
Fill out the form and let’s begin crafting your perfect Bilbao experience. We’ll reach out within 1–2 business days to schedule a complimentary call and discuss your vision.