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This program is a customized tour for 2 or more, based in San Sebastian (known locally by its Basque name, “Donostia”).
Since it’s conceived as a quick trip, we suggest you fly into the Donostia-San Sebastian airport at Hondarribia; that’s where we’ll reserve your rental car. We’ll also provide you with easy, detailed directions for driving to your hotel. If you’re arriving by train or car, let us know and we’ll adjust your plans accordingly.
You will need a car to get to Bilbao for your visit to the Guggenheim Museum– it’s a little over one hour away (again, we’ll provide you with a map and good route).
We don’t usually encourage travelers to get around town by car, and the best sightseeing in San Sebastian itself is all just a short stroll from your hotel. However, we do think a car is handy on this trip because in addition to your Bilbao visit there are some interesting things nearby that are most easily seen by car: a short drive to Chillida Leku, perhaps a trip up to a rustic Basque country sidrería, or maybe for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the coast.
Please let us know if you’d rather we arranged a private driver for you (for an additional fee).
Enrolled participants receive background information about Donostia and Bilbao including details about your hotel, your guide who will meet you there, and restaurants.
a customized tour for 2 or more, based in Granada – the trip starts and ends at your boutique hotel in the old city.
You will not need (or want) a car in Granada – we provide transportation for the country cooking class excursion and lead the walking and tapas tours in the city. This is a walk-able city, although for those who prefer or need to ride, rest assured it is easy to get taxis and minibuses around town (though please note these are not included in your tour price).
While we are happy to arrange a private driver transfer from the airport or train station for you (for an additional fee), we have found that taxis from the airport are practical and reasonable, there whenever you arrive. The airport is 30 minutes from the center of the old city (about 25 Euros) and the train station is in town, 10 minutes (about 8 Euros).
Enrolled participants receive background information about Granada including details about your hotel and your guide who will meet you there.
The Closest Airport
The Donostia-San Sebastian Airport is about 15 miles, 20 to 30 minutes, from your hotel in the town of Hondarribia. We’ll supply you with directions once you’re registered.
The airport is small, but handles a good number of direct flights from cities across Spain and Europe.
One alternative: if you find a good deal into Biarritz, France, it is only about 30 miles away.
By Train
Donostia-San Sebastian is well connected to other Spanish and European cities by rail, though not yet by the new AVE high speed trains. (However, if you are coming from France you can take the high-speed TGV to Hendaye at the French border, then the local Eusko train line into Amara Station in Donostia-San Sebastian.) Trains from Madrid (a 5 hour ride) and Barcelona (6 to 8 hours) generally are scheduled on into Irún, at the French border after stopping at San Sebastian’s main train station, Estación del Norte (a Gustave Eiffel design, 1881).
Information in English about train schedules and rates for travel around Spain is available from RENFE, the Spanish railway.
Driving and Car Rentals
You will need a car for your Guggenheim Bilbao day, and may find it handy for other short jaunts on this trip. This trip includes a rental car and in most cases we will book for car pickup and return at the San Sebastian-Donostia airport in Hondarribia. If you’re arriving some other way let us know.
If you are interested in renting a car for touring the Basque Country or beyond before or after your “Guggenheim in Context” experience, let us know and we can arrange it for you. We can also arrange private transportation through the region. (But please note, these are arrangements are not included in the tour price.
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