AITOR DELGADO TOURS - BASQUE PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE — Local services in Bilbao

I don't usually write reviews, but I feel compelled to write this one—Aitor gave so much thought and care to my trip. I ended up booking with him twice and would do it again in a heartbeat—worth every penny.

In July, I had a rare month off between finishing medical residency and starting as an attending physician. I needed a trip to rest, reset, and rediscover joy in learning outside medicine. I planned a 10-day trip through Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, and decided to book a private guide. That's how I found Aitor.

From the moment I reached out, Aitor was responsive, curious, and already thinking about how to tailor the experience. What he crafted was nothing short of spectacular.

Day 1: We explored Gernika (town, museums, bomb shelter), Vitoria-Gasteiz (medieval quarter, museums, Jewish cemetery, incredible pintxos), Tower of Mendoza, and prehistoric megalithic structures. Aitor seamlessly wove in my personal identity—Jewish and LGBTQ+ history, but also my professional identity as a radiation oncologist. He launched into the history of tungsten—a metal discovered in the Basque Country that I work with daily in cancer treatment. Somehow, on a tour meant to give me space from medicine, he helped me rediscover why I fell in love with it. Day 2: Cantabrian caves (reserved months in advance—Aitor got me in!), Santillana del Mar, Altamira Museum, Las Monedas Cave, Cueva de El Pendo, and Gaudí's El Capricho. Standing in caves with 36,000-year-old art was surreal—one of my most powerful travel experiences.

Aitor doesn't just customize tours—he personalizes them. He finds the thread that makes it meaningful for you. For me, that thread was tungsten. I came wanting to escape work but left reminded of how much I love science, learning, and people. Truly, every time I think about tungsten in a linear accelerator, I'll remember the Basque Country and the unexpected moment I stopped wanting to escape my future and started to embrace it.

If you're considering Aitor—just do it! You won't be disappointed.

Eskerrik...

Basque Birthday Adventure with Aitor - best ever!! My maternal grandfather's family immigrated to America from the Basque Country years ago - so many, in fact, that not much was known except for the surname (Inda). I had always dreamed of visiting the Basque Country since I was a young girl but was unsure how to make this dream come true. Luckily, I was able to find Aitor Delgado, who helped me finally live out my dream as a special birthday present to myself.

I can truly say that I now feel like I have a friend in the family in my homeland and that I finally fee connected to my ancestors!

Aitor took great care to research my family name before my visit and to tailor our journey to places connected to my name - like Inda Mountain! Very exciting! He asked questions about what I would want to see most and since I wanted the real cultural experience, he found the ideal place for me to stay - Casa Rural Jesuskoa, which represents to me everything a traditional Basque Inn to be. It is even owned and operated by a Basque family that has once lived in the US before moving back home.

We travelled around the region through Zumaia, Getaria and over to the coast right across from the French side of the Basque Country. Everywhere we went, Aitor took great care to ensure that I was seeing everything I wanted to and learning as much about the local culture as possible. At one point, when I was feeling a little run down from international travel, he found an after hours pharmacy and made sure that I found what I needed to feel right as rain to continue on!

I cannot think of a better gift to have received for my birthday and I know that the reason this journey was so perfect was because of Aitor. He is so warm and friendly - everyone we met along the way was happy to see him again, as he enjoys a great relationship with the local business owners. He is an amazing asset when you are touring the Basque Country as he will truly be your friend. I am already planning a return visit later this year with the rest...

Having traveled around the world for many years and experienced countless day tours and guides, we can confidently say that this was the best tour we have ever had, and Aitor is truly exceptional.

Aitor is not only a consummate professional but also an incredibly knowledgeable guide, an engaging storyteller, and a proud Basque. Over the past two days, he has expertly guided us through the stunning regions of Navarra and Rioja, showcasing both well-known highlights and hidden gems. His ability to explain every detail with patience and enthusiasm made each location come alive for us.

Aitor’s dedication to providing a personalized experience was evident in every moment. When we expressed interest in seeing the Pyrenees, even though it was not part of the planned itinerary, Aitor immediately accommodated us. We joked about how relaxed the country’s border is and casually mentioned visiting France. Without missing a beat, Aitor cheerfully replied, “Yeah, why not? Let’s go to France,” and took us across the border. This spontaneous detour, despite being outside his working hours and requiring a long drive back on his own, added an unforgettable adventure to our trip.

He also took us to the most scenic spots, capturing breathtaking photos that we will cherish forever. He introduced us to the finest wines of the region, offering exclusive tastings that we would never have discovered on our own. His insider knowledge and local connections made our tour unique and unforgettable.

We have learned so much and enjoyed every single moment of this journey. Aitor’s passion for his homeland and his commitment to his guests’ enjoyment and education are truly remarkable. If we ever return to this beautiful region, we would not hesitate to seek out Aitor for another adventure.

Thank you, Aitor, for making this trip an extraordinary experience. Your expertise, warmth, and dedication have left a lasting impression on us. This was truly a trip...