7-Day Northern Spain Self-Drive Tour from Bilbao

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1ARRIVAL BILBAO⌄

   Collect your car upon arrival at the airport. Explore Bilbao. Although the capital of the autonomous region of Euskadi – also known as the Basque Country – is Vitoria, the port city of Bilbao is, in fact, the largest of all Basque cities. The renewal of this industrial city has been continuous since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, with various projects designed by famous architects, including a new tram system, a subway system designed by Sir Norman Foster, a pedestrian bridge, the Zubizuri bridge by Santiago Calatrava, a jagged glass-fronted public health building, and the reconversion following the indications of well-known designer Philippe Starck of a disused warehouse turned into a public multifunction building, the Alhóndiga. Overnight in Bilbao.

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*

2. 2BILBAO - SAN SEBASTIÁN - LOGROÑO (265km - 3hrs)⌄

   After breakfast at the hotel, hop into your car and drive to San Sebastian. Continue to the seaside cosmopolitan city of San Sebastian and explore this fabulous city. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade at La Concha beach to the sculpture named ‘El Peine del Viento’ from renowned artist Eduardo Chillida. ake the funicular up to the top of Igueldo hill for a panoramic view over the city (not included) and try the famous Basque “pintxos” (tapas/snacks) in one of the many bars in the old town. In the afternoon, continue to Pamplona, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Logroño.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*

3. 3LOGROÑO⌄

   After breakfast at the hotel, step out into the streets of Logroño and go discover its monumental legacy by losing yourself through its charming old town. This city that embraces the banks of the river Ebro has historically been a stop-by location, being at the crossroads of many important routes. While you’re at it, head out to explore the gorgeous wine country of La Rioja. Drive up to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of its famous bodegas, some of which boast spectacular architecture, around Elciego or Haro. Overnight in Logroño.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*

4. 4LOGROÑO - BURGOS (135km – 1.5hrs)⌄

   After breakfast at your hotel, depart towards Burgos. Learn about the city’s fascinating history as you stroll through the winding streets and alleys of the old quarter, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent hilltop castle. Dedicate some time to admiring its stunning Gothic cathedral, a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. Make your way to the city’s eastern outskirts and pay a visit to the Miraflores Charterhouse, a wonderfully-preserved Gothic monastery belonging to the Carthusian order, which hosts a priceless collection of religious artifacts. Overnight in Burgos.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Corona de Castilla or similar 4*

5. 5BURGOS - SANTANDER (185km - 2.10hrs)⌄

   Eat up your breakfast at the hotel to replenish your energy for a drive back to Santander. Santander is, without a doubt, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain. Both the sea and the mountains are continually present in this city, captivating you with its aristocratic atmosphere, 19th-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces and spectacular bay – considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world! There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino. Overnight in Santander.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*

6. 6SANTANDER - BILBAO (100km - 1.15hrs)⌄

   Enjoy your breakfast and before departing to Bilbao stroll around Santander. There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino. Overnight in Bilbao.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*

7. 7DEPARTURE BILBAO⌄

   Bid farewell to Bilbao after breakfast at the hotel and drive back to airport to drop off the car. You'll be told the return procedure and exact designated area by a Rent a Car Company when you pick up the car on arrival day. Catch your departure flight back home.

   Meals: Breakfast