Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa. Fine meals.

Explore the Picos de Europa with a Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao

This full-day private 4WD tour from Bilbao to the Picos de Europa offers an intimate and flexible way to experience one of Spain’s most stunning natural parks. For $659.83 per person, the tour provides approximately 8 to 11 hours of exploration, with private transportation, personalized stops, and fine meals included. The tour is ideal for those seeking an authentic, leisurely way to see the highlights of the park, with a focus on local culture and scenery.

A distinctive feature of this tour is that it is completely private, meaning only your group participates, and the guide customizes the experience based on weather and your interests. It also includes Fuente De cable car tickets, offering a memorable ascent with panoramic views. The tour begins with hotel pickup in Bilbao, making logistics straightforward. While the tour is praised for its stunning vistas and delicious food, travelers should note that the total duration can vary, and some stops involve moderate walking or sightseeing.

Key Points

• Private, personalized group experience for a more relaxed day of sightseeing
• Includes Fuente De cable car tickets for breathtaking mountain views
• Taste local cuisine with meals, snacks, and tapas included throughout the day
• Flexible itinerary that adjusts to weather and your preferences
• Hotel pickup in Bilbao simplifies start logistics
• Approximately 8 to 11 hours of scenic exploration and cultural stops

Starting the Day with Bilbao’s Iconic Guggenheim Museum

The tour kicks off with a pickup at your preferred location in Bilbao around 9:00 am. The first stop is at the world-famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where no admission fee applies. This quick 10-minute stop offers a chance to appreciate the museum’s striking architecture from the outside and take some initial photos before heading into the countryside.

While the museum itself is not part of the itinerary’s core experience, it sets a cultural tone for the day. The guide might share some stories about Bilbao’s modern art scene, but the focus remains on the natural beauty awaiting just beyond the city.

Scenic Drive through Desfiladero de La Hermida

Next, the tour proceeds along the winding road of Desfiladero de La Hermida, a scenic gorge that starts in Panes and finishes near Potes. This 40-minute drive features several off-the-beaten-path stops where the group can stretch, take photographs, and enjoy the landscape. The Desfiladero is known for its dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, providing plenty of opportunities to admire the rugged mountain scenery without long walks.

This part of the journey offers a glimpse into the area’s natural richness, with the chance to capture memorable photos in quiet, picturesque spots. The stops are brief but highlight the beauty of this less-traveled route.

Discovering Potes and Sampling Local Flavors

The tour includes a visit to Potes, a charming village at the foot of the mountains. Here, the group can enjoy a snack and a drink in the town before heading up into the heights of the Picos de Europa. This stop lasts about an hour and offers a taste of local life in the small mountain village, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture.

Following this, around 1:00 pm, the guide takes the group to Hotel Rebeco, where the Fuente De cable car tickets are used for a five-minute ascent to 1,823 meters. The cable car ride is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the park’s dramatic peaks and valleys. From the top station, travelers are treated to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Spain.

Exploring the Heart of Picos de Europa National Park

After the cable car experience, the tour dedicates about 6 hours to exploring the most scenic and notable areas of the park. The exact locations visited depend on weather conditions and group preferences, but the guide ensures the most impressive sights are covered. Expect to see towering cliffs, lush forests, and possibly wildlife, all set against the backdrop of the park’s immense natural beauty.

This flexible section allows for a personalized experience, whether focusing on panoramic viewpoints, hiking, or simply absorbing the landscape from various vantage points. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you visit the most photogenic and meaningful spots.

Time in Sotres and Arenas de Cabrales

A highlight of the afternoon includes a visit to Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa, where the group spends about an hour exploring. The quaint village offers a peaceful atmosphere and authentic mountain life. Parking the 4WD nearby, travelers can stroll through the streets and enjoy the mountain air.

Later, there’s a quick 30-minute stop in the small village of Arenas de Cabrales in Asturias. Known for its traditional charm, this stop provides another opportunity for photos and a brief visit to a local village that reflects the area’s rustic character.

Relaxing in Laredo or Nearby for Dinner

As the day winds down, the tour guides may drive toward Santillana del Mar and then towards Santander. If time permits, a stop for dinner in Laredo or a nearby village is possible, with an included option to enjoy “pinchos and tapas”, or finger foods, in select locations. For those who prefer, an option to have a snack or sandwich in the mountains is available, depending on the group’s preference.

Practical Details and Inclusions

The entire experience is designed for comfort and convenience. The tour includes meals—a main lunch in one of the best local restaurants, snacks, and alcoholic beverages—making it easy to enjoy local flavors without extra planning. All entrance fees to cultural sites and museums are covered, and a personal photographer is available to capture moments along the way.

The Fuente De cable car tickets are included, adding a memorable ascent to the mountain heights. The tour is priced at $659.83 per person, offering a combination of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and delicious food. Travelers should note that the tour is private, allowing for a tailored experience, but the total duration can range from 8 to 11 hours.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour suits those who value personalized exploration and are interested in a mix of scenery, local food, and cultural stops. It’s a good fit for travelers who don’t mind a full day on the road but prefer an intimate, private experience over large group tours. The inclusion of the Fuente De cable car and flexible itinerary makes it especially appealing for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

However, travelers should be prepared for a long day with various stops—some brief, some requiring moderate walking—and they should be comfortable with the altitude gained via cable car. The tour’s success depends on good weather, as the views are a key highlight.

Final Thoughts on the Picos de Europa Private Tour

This full-day private 4WD adventure from Bilbao offers an engaging way to see the spectacular landscapes of Picos de Europa with the benefit of personalized service and local culinary delights. The inclusion of cable car tickets and meal options enhances the experience, making it a well-rounded day out.

While the pace can be flexible, the length of the day and variety of stops mean it’s best suited for those prepared for a full, active day. The private nature of the tour makes it a good choice for families, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic and relaxed exploration of northern Spain’s most impressive natural park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but some stops involve moderate walking. The private nature allows adjustments based on your group’s needs.

Are meals and snacks included?
Yes, the tour includes a main meal at a top restaurant, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. There’s also an option to have a sandwich in the mountains if preferred.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience depends on good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather will result in either a new date or a full refund.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The itinerary adjusts based on weather and group preferences, ensuring you see the most impressive sights under favorable conditions.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
The Fuente De cable car ride and the panoramic views from the top station are the most memorable parts, complemented by the scenic drives and cultural stops.

Can I book this tour for a specific group size?
Yes, this is a private tour, designed exclusively for your group, whether it’s a small family or a group of friends.

Is transportation included?
Absolutely, private 4WD transportation is included for the entire day, making travel between stops comfortable and hassle-free.