7-Day Northern Spain Self-Drive Tour from Bilbao, Santander

About this activity

The northern regions of Spain are often less visited by tourists and mostly unknown to foreign visitors. However, the north of Spain boasts some of the most fascinating places in the country: from amazing mountainous landscapes to charming beaches. Here you’ll find friendly people, top-notch gastronomy and expansive nature reserves. This sevent-day tour takes you to some of the finest places in Spain for an incredible northern adventure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Bilbao: Discover this famous Basque city and see the famous Guggenheim Museum and other sites and attractions

Logroño: Explore the capital of La Rioja and get to know this important wine-producing area

Burgos: Admire the imposing Gothic cathedral and the magnificent Miraflores Carthusian Monastery

Santander: Without a doubt, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain

Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Art Tours Car Tours Road Trip

At a glance

Duration: 7 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–3
Operated by: Destination Services Spain

Ages: Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Applicable local taxes (VAT)
Included: Vehicle theft (STP)
Included: Full-Full petrol rate
Included: Supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels)
Included: Basic and Super Collision Damage Waiver (CDW, SCWD)
Included: Unlimited mileage
Included: CAR HIRE
Included: Breakfast
Included: 6 nights' accommodation
Included: Road assistance 24-hour telephone service

Not included

Not included: Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry
Not included: drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme
Not included: Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the included section
Not included: National or International flights
Not included: All types of insurance except of mentioned rent-a-car insurance.
Not included: Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable)
Not included: Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity
Not included: NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
Not included: Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving
Not included: Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap,
Not included: luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle
Not included: Damage to the engine through negligence
Not included: Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition
Not included: Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Not included: Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period
Not included: are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle.
Not included: In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge
Not included: Each additional driver fee
Not included: Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc)
Not included: No insurance cover in Gibraltar.

Itinerary

Day 1 · ARRIVAL BILBAO

Stop 1

12 hours

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.

Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*

Day 2 · BILBAO - SAN SEBASTIÁN - LOGROÑO (265km - 3hrs)

Logrono

12 hours

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.

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

Day 3 · LOGROÑO

Logrono

12 hours

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.

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

Day 4 · LOGROÑO - BURGOS (135km – 1.5hrs)

Burgos

12 hours

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.

Standard Hotel Category = Corona de Castilla or similar 4*

Day 5 · BURGOS - SANTANDER (185km - 2.10hrs)

Santander

12 hours

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.

Standard Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*

Day 6 · SANTANDER - BILBAO (100km - 1.15hrs)

Bilbao

12 hours

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.

Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*

Day 7 · DEPARTURE BILBAO

Stop 1

12 hours

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Santander Airport

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin.
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
What do I need to bring? Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.

Options

Double Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group B

Double Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group B

Pickup included
Single Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group B

Single Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group B

Pickup included
Triple Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group C

Triple Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group C

Pickup included
Triple Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group B

Triple Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group B

Pickup included
Double Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group C

Double Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group C

Pickup included
Single Room | Standard Hotel Category | Car Group C

Single Room | Standard Hotel

Car Group C

Pickup included