Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive

The northern regions of Spain are often less spoiled by tourism and less known to foreign visitors, however, the north of Spain boasts some of the most fascinating places in the country - amazing mountainous landscapes to charming beaches, friendly people, top-notch gastronomy and expansive nature preserves. This tour takes you to some of the finest places to visit in Spain for an incredible northern adventure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

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

Pintxos: The symbol of Basque gastronomy. Original, tasty tapas/snacks usually accompanied by a small glass of beer (zurito) or wine (txikito). More than food, it is a tradition. 

Mercado de la Ribera (Bilbao): A charming produce market in the heart of the old town, alongside Bilbao’s estuary. Built in 1929 and covering 10,000 square metres, it is considered one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL BILBAO

Collect your car upon arrival at Bilbao airport and get ready for the city´s exploration. 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

Day 2: BILBAO – GUERNIKA – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (230km – 3hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the small town of Guernica, famous for Picasso’s well-known black and white painting. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade at La Concha beach to the sculpture named ‘El Peine del Viento’ from renowned artist Eduardo Chillida. Take the funicular (not included) up to the top of Igueldo hill for a panoramic view over the city. Return to Bilbao. 

Overnight in Bilbao.

Day 3: BILBAO – SANTANDER (100km – 1.5hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you explore this posh city. 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, its 19th-century buildings, its charming outdoor terraces, and its spectacular bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. There are several beaches and harbors on the northern side of the city and a quaint old quarter. In the 19th century, the city was a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats, and the upper class. The city still holds wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés, and a famous casino. 

Overnight in Santander.

Day 4: SANTANDER – SANTILLA DEL MAR – COMILLAS - SANTANDER (105km – 1.5hrs)

We suggest driving to Santillana del Mar after breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a bit of leisure time in Santillana del Mar, an exquisitely charming cobblestoned town. Use the opportunity to visit the famous Altamira Neocave and Museum, which is nearby (entrance not included). The museum showcases the work of one of the oldest cave paintings known to man, dating back 13,000 to 22,000 years. Continue to Comillas, which is a designated historic-artistic site. It has cobbled streets and squares with ancestral houses and some modernist buildings, like the stunning ‘El Capricho’, which was designed by Antoni Gaudi. Return to Santander. 

Overnight in Santander.

Day 5: SANTANDER – BILBAO (100km – 1.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive back to Bilbao. Try the famous Basque “pintxos” (tapas/snacks) in one of the many bars in the old town. 

Overnight in Bilbao.

Day 6: DEPARTURE BILBAO

Bid farewell to Bilbao! Drop off the car at the airport and catch your departure flight back home. 

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.