Experience inland Gipuzkoa with an Oñati and Arantzazu Sanctuary tour from San Sebastian that blends heritage, contemporary art and spirituality amid green valleys and limestone peaks.

The journey begins in Oñati, a monumental town known for its charm, where the University of Sancti Spiritus stands as a jewel of Basque Renaissance architecture beside the Church of San Miguel, Plaza de los Fueros and noble palaces that reveal centuries of history. As you walk its cobbled streets, your local guide will share anecdotes, curiosities and glimpses of everyday life in a community that preserves its identity among traditional farmhouses.

The route continues to the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, an emblem of devotion and artistic innovation poised on the mountainside. According to legend, the Virgin appeared to the shepherd Rodrigo de Balzategi on a thornbush, inspiring his astonished words “Arantzan zu?”. Over the centuries, the Franciscan friars turned this remote place into a destination for pilgrims and a beacon of Basque creativity.

The tour includes a brief break for a light lunch (not included) and time to explore the meaning of the legend while discovering the work of major Basque artists whose architecture and sculptures converse with the rugged landscape. Breathtaking views and peaceful corners encourage reflection. Return to San Sebastián with memories shaped by art, history and nature thanks to a leisurely experience with private transport and a bilingual guide.