Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
CAR HIRE INCLUDED:
Full-Full petrol rate
Applicable local taxes (VAT)
Basic and Super Collision Damage Waiver (CDW, SCWD)
Vehicle theft (STP)
Supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels)
Road assistance 24-hour telephone service
Breakfast
5 nights' accommodation
Unlimited mileage
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry,...
Drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the included section
National or International flights
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable)
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity.
NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving
Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers,
petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle
Damage to the engine through negligence.
Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs
Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility
of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received,
there will be an administration charge
Return to another office if the distance is greater than 300 km
Each additional driver fee
Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc).
No insurance cover in Gibraltar.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Day 1: Collect your car upon arrival at Bilbao airport and get ready for the city´s exploration.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
Day 1 ARRIVAL BILBAO
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Bilbao
12 hours
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)
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Bilbao
12 hours
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)
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Santander
12 hours
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)
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Santander
12 hours
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)
-
Bilbao
12 hours
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
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Bilbao
12 hours
Bid farewell to Bilbao! Drop off the car at the airport and catch your departure flight back home.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Madrid).
Additional Information
- 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.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
FAQs about 6 Days Bilbao and Santander Self drive from Bilbao
Can I cancel 6 Days Bilbao and Santander Self drive from Bilbao for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 6 days.
Where does it start?
Day 1: Collect your car upon arrival at Bilbao airport and get ready for the city´s exploration.
What's included?
- CAR HIRE INCLUDED:
- - Full-Full petrol rate
- - Applicable local taxes (VAT)
- - Basic and Super Collision Damage Waiver (CDW, SCWD)
- - Vehicle theft (STP)
- - Supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels)
- - Road assistance 24-hour telephone service
- Breakfast
What's not included?
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry,...
- Drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the included section
- National or International flights
- All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance
- Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable)
Operated by Destination Services Spain
