Pamplona & Olite Castle: Where History Meets the Present
Step into the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre with private guide
DISCOVER PAMPLONA AND OLITE
Pamplona is world-famous as the city of the Running of the Bulls. It just so happened that Ernest Hemingway dropped by during the San Fermín festival, and he was so captivated by the energy, emotion, and chaos of it all that he dedicated an entire novel to the experience — The Sun Also Rises (Fiesta).
Hemingway fell in love with the city and returned as often as he could, even run with bulls!
Pamplona Tours: Beyond the Running of the Bulls
Visit essential Pamplona
Pamplona is not just about adrenaline and festivals, it’s also a city rich in heritage.
Its Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with intriguing historic buildings. Some date back to the 13th century, and it’s not just the churches!
From Roman Pamplona to the Middle Ages, from the famous Running of the Bulls and its celebrations to traditional Navarrese wine and imposing military fortresses, I’ll guide you through my favorite spots, helping you discover Pamplona little by little, like unwrapping a special gift.
The Castle of Olite: great addition to your Navarre day
Complete your trip with a visit to the spectacular Royal Palace of Olite, also known as Olite Castle — a 15th-century architectural masterpiece once considered the most modern palace in Europe. This visit will transport you to the time of knights and noble ladies. Come and experience it for yourself!
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the San Fermín Running of the Bulls? I’ll gladly make it happen! I’ll book you a balcony seat for the encierro, tickets to the bullfight, and much more!
My tourists say
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Susan B.
17. June, 2025.
Emma was a delightful and informative tour guide. She was both cordial and knowledgeable while answering our many questions throughout the tour. She made the tour abundantly fun.
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William L.
10. May, 2025.
We had a great tour of San Sebastian with Emma. She was right there to meet us at the bus station. She was quite knowledgeable about the history and the influences that shaped many of its notable buildings in San Sebastian. As we walked through the streets, she talked about many of the historical figures that helped to create the city. From the cathedrals to the hidden park to the scenic bay front; it was a wonderful way to learn about such a beautiful and historical city.
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Michael R.
12. November, 2024.
Emma goes at your pace - my wife wasn't up for the tour so it was just my daughter and I and we were willing to keep a fast pace. Of course, the highlight of a walking tour is the Guggenheim and we got to view it from different visual perspectives while Emma told us all the intrigue relating to Bilbao being selected by the Guggenheim Foundation, its design and its construction. She mentioned the existing exhibitions and we went the next day. We would have overlooked the Fine Arts Museum without her recommendation. Other architecture is related to the ups and downs of Bilbao's economy and family wealth that went into grand homes as well as the municipal center that was once a wine warehouse - all interesting. With Emma, we even got to go on the Metro and how it was designed.
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Michael R.
10. November, 2024.
It is easy to just come to San Sebastian and head straight to the Old Town Pintxos bars (which are great.) Getting a sense of the city with her tour enhanced our appreciation for the city - architecture, history and things about the Basque personality. Emma has immersed herself in Basque culture and is a walking encyclopedia. The pace of the walk was just right.
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Sue M.
24. October, 2024.
Emma is a knowledgeable and engaging guide. We had a very entertaining morning in Bilboa.
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Dorothy (Dot) C.
4. August, 2024.
Emma planned a day that included the sights we’d expected and some we didn’t (really enjoyed riding the Vizcaya transport bridge). She and I walked the old city streets and the Guggenheim, while my husband who uses a walker preferred waiting and chatting with our driver. She was very knowledgeable and responsive both before and during our visit. Thank you, Emma!
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Marina S.
4. July, 2024.
Emma was a great guide! She made the tour very entertaining and gave us all the details we wanted from beautiful San Sebastián!
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Thomas K.
17. June, 2024.
Emma was outstanding!! She was organized extremely knowledgeable and was so very professional. She gave us so much information about our tour spots that was so helpful in learning so many details of each location. TBL has an expert for their many clients traveling to Bilbao who want expert guidance.
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Geoffrey P.
15. June, 2024.
This was an exemplary introduction to Bilbao by Emma on our first visit to this remarkable city. Her passion and understanding of the huge impact of the visionary siting here of the Guggenheim Museum shone through her three hour tour. Outstanding in every respect. Thank you!
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Anthony S.
19. April, 2024.
Emma provided us a very informative and enjoyable 3 hour private tour around the Bilbao highlights. She customized thetour to hit our particular interests and also provided great insights to appreciate the Basque historical and cultural aspects of this fine city. Overall, a great introduction to Bilbao. We all recommend her fully and would enjoy spending a few more hours seeing the city with her on a repeat visit.
William P.
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David J.
17. April, 2024.
We had a great tour of the old town of San Sebastián with Emma! It is a special place, and she is very knowledgeable about its history and culture. Our tour was very interesting and we enjoyed Emma and her enthusiasm for the area.
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William P.
22. October, 2023.
Emma did a great job of showing us Bilbao inspite of the rain. She has a pleasant personality, a dry sense of humor, and an obvious love of her city.
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Richard H.
20. September, 2023.
Emma was great! Five stars! Knowledgeable, precise and with a great sense of humor.
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Karen A.
3. September, 2023.
Emma was delightful and full of fun facts. We would recommend her highly. She made our few hours with her very enjoyable!
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Russell F.
1. August, 2023.
Emma gave us a great and comprehensive tour of Bilbao.
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Kenneth O.
8. June, 2023.
Very knowledgeable and organized guide. Comfortable vehicle and friendly driver. We enjoyed our tour.
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Uwe R.
3. June, 2023.
Our second tour with Emma took us to beautiful San Sebastian, where she was as pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly as she had been in Bilbao. I would strongly recommend to spend a day in San Sebastian while visiting Basque Country and would strongly recommend to let Emmas guide you.
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Jim K.
2. June, 2023.
Emma met us at the port and we embarked on a beautiful day in Bilbao. First stop was the Viscaya Bridge, a unique transporter for vehicles and pedestrians across the river. Totally unexpected. We walked through the market and she explained the unique architecture styles of Bilbao. Emma pointed out buildings as we made our way to the Guggenheim. We only intended to view from the outside but she encouraged us to visit the exhibitions. We did and truly enjoyed the Guggenheim inside and out! 5 stars to Emma!
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Judy L.
7. May, 2023.
If you are fortunate enough to book Emma you will not be disappointed. She is knowledgeable, speaks and understands several languages, is patient and fun.
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Gary V.
18. April, 2023.
Emma kept us informed before the Tour even started and met us at our Hotel. Amazed at the History information of San Sebastián with Emma very enthusiastic and passionate. It was very busy on a Saturday night but Emma managed to fit us in the busy bar areas and Restaurants. Enjoyed the food tasting something for everyone. Great Tour can see how Emma has done well as a guide for many years. Thanks
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Jeff F.
11. August, 2022.
Emma is a fantastic tour guide of San Sebastián. She is incredibly knowledgeable about architecture, food, history, wine, and the people of San Sebastián. My family was very pleased to spend a couple hours with her and highly recommend her as a guide.
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Lily C.
1. August, 2022.
Emma is an endless foundation of knowledge! During our time together, we learned so much about the architecture and the Basque culture. We walked through all the districts and even took a coffee and pastry break. We love that she shared some of her favorite food places and restaurants (they were all very good) and unlike other tour guides, she is not getting a kick-back for her referrals. She's very animated and made the tour fun for kids. Emma was also patient and took time to answer our questions.
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Kent S.
20. June, 2022.
Emma is fabulous! So knowledgeable about history, architecture, culture and so much more. Book a tour with her immediately if she is available!
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James S.
5. April, 2022.
Emma is the best guide you could possibly hire. She customized a uniquely personal day. She was open to modifying as the day went by. She is so knowledgeable and engaging. Wish I could giver her 10 stars.
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Claude C.
27. March, 2022.
What a wonderful tour and tour guide. Knowledgeable, fun and willing to tailor the tour to what we wanted to see. A wonderful person to spend the day with and highly recommended.
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Julie Ann A.
9. December, 2019.
Emma is very knowledgeable and energetic. She was very detailed in giving information, making sure that we won't missed anything. She speaks very good English and our group of different ages are comfortable with her.I'm happy that she was our guide.
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Fred B.
2. September, 2019.
Emma did a great job taking us through the Rioja region. She is knowledgeable and a super tour guide. It was a pleasure traveling with her. Our stop at the family run winery was our favorite stop on our entire trip. We also really enjoyed our lunch. Travel was comfortable in the van and our driver was great. I can highly recommend Emma to anyone interested in the Bilbao region.
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Bruce B.
11. June, 2019.
Emma was superb: she brought a lot of insight to the areas we visited and made sure we got to see everything we wanted. Hiking to Gaztelugatxe is a must for the able body and is a key reason you need to choose Emma. She was especially good at explaining different views that people held in the areas visited, which is one of the reasons why we like visiting different countries and appreciate the life experiences of people and their culture.
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Billy G.
26. May, 2019.
Emma provided an intelligent and insightful commentary with a thorough and nuanced introduction to the Basque country. Highly recommended.
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Ronald W.
16. December, 2017.
This is a Russian guide who speaks excellent English and Spanish. She is very up to what is in the area, the history, and what you want to see and do. I would use her again if in the area. Highly recommended
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Vicki D.
8. December, 2017.
Emma was a great guide. She was extremely knowledgable about the whole region. We started in Bilbao and then went to San Sebastian with her. On the way to San Sebastian she took us to a fantasic beach in Zumaia where some of the Game of Thrones was filmed. We're GOT fans, so that was a big treat as well as it being an amazing geological treasure. In San Sebastian, Emma brought us to a food bar where we were treated to some unbelievable cuisine! A fantastic voyage for our taste buds!! Thank you Emma!!
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Tom S.
4. November, 2017.
We saw Emma four days in a row in Basque Country and couldn't have asked for a better guide or a better introduction to this beautiful part of Spain. She constantly seemed to be bending over backwards to please and to provide surprises whether it was Eduardo Chillida's Wind Comb sculptures or a centuries-old wine cellar in Laguardia. By the time she and our driver let us off at the Bilbao Airport, we thought we had not only gotten history lessons and gastronomy insights, but new friends.
