10 day itinerary for Basque Country, Lourdes And Barcelona

Itinerary

A 10-day adventure through the Basque Country, Lourdes, and Barcelona sounds like a fantastic journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and a bit of indulgence!

## Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Morning: Arrive in Bilbao. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Head to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The architecture is as stunning as the art inside! Grab lunch at a nearby café.
Evening: Stroll along the Nervión River and enjoy dinner in the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Try some pintxos (Basque tapas) at a local bar!

## Day 2: Bilbao to San Sebastián

Morning: After breakfast, take a bus or train to San Sebastián (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then head to La Concha Beach for some sun and relaxation.
Evening: Explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and indulge in a pintxos crawl. Don’t miss out on the famous Gilda (a skewer of olives, anchovies, and peppers)!

## Day 3: San Sebastián

Morning: Take a hike up to Monte Igueldo for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
Afternoon: Visit the San Telmo Museoa to learn about Basque culture and history.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant. Try the local seafood, especially the grilled fish!

## Day 4: Day Trip to Getaria and Zarautz

Morning: Rent a car or take a bus to Getaria (about 30 minutes). Explore this charming fishing village and visit the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum.
Afternoon: Head to Zarautz for lunch and enjoy the long beach. You can even try surfing if you’re feeling adventurous!
Evening: Return to San Sebastián for a relaxed evening. Perhaps catch a local music performance or enjoy a quiet night at a bar.

## Day 5: San Sebastián to Lourdes

Morning: Depart San Sebastián and head to Lourdes (about 2 hours by car or bus).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Take your time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Lourdes. Try some local French cuisine, perhaps a hearty cassoulet!

## Day 6: Lourdes to Barcelona

Morning: Spend the morning exploring more of Lourdes or take a short hike in the surrounding hills.
Afternoon: Depart for Barcelona (about 4 hours by train or bus). Check into your hotel upon arrival.
Evening: Head to La Rambla for a leisurely stroll and dinner. Enjoy some tapas and maybe catch a flamenco show!

## Day 7: Barcelona

Morning: Visit the Sagrada Familia. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines!
Afternoon: Explore Park Güell and enjoy the whimsical architecture of Gaudí.
Evening: Dinner in the Gothic Quarter. Try some paella or seafood dishes at a local restaurant.

## Day 8: Barcelona

Morning: Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) to admire more of Gaudí’s masterpieces.
Afternoon: Head to the Picasso Museum or the Fundació Joan Miró for some art appreciation.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the El Born neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great dining options.

## Day 9: Day Trip to Montserrat

Morning: Take a train to Montserrat (about 1 hour). Visit the stunning monastery and hike the surrounding trails for incredible views.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries and explore the area further.
Evening: Return to Barcelona and have a relaxed dinner. Perhaps try some churros with chocolate for dessert!

## Day 10: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you wonderful memories of the Basque Country, Lourdes, and Barcelona!

And there you have it! A delightful mix of culture, nature, and gastronomy awaits you on this journey. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and savor every moment. Safe travels! 🌍✈️