Visiting:
Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, Zubizuri Bridge, Alhóndiga, Guernica, San Sebastián, La Concha Beach, El Peine del Viento, Igueldo Hill, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Altamira Neocave and Museum, Comillas, El Capricho
NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive journey through the picturesque northern coast of Spain with our "Bilbao and Santander" tour. Begin your adventure by collecting your rental car at Bilbao Airport, where you'll explore the vibrant city known for its architectural marvels like the Guggenheim Museum and the Zubizuri bridge. Enjoy the local Basque gastronomy with a taste of the famous pintxos at the Mercado de la Ribera. Travel to the historic town of Guernica, renowned for Picasso's iconic painting, and stroll along the stunning La Concha beach promenade in San Sebastián. Discover the charming cobblestoned streets of Santillana del Mar and visit the Altamira Neocave and Museum. In Comillas, admire modernist architecture, including Antoni Gaudi's 'El Capricho.' Enjoy luxurious stays in superior 4-star hotels in Bilbao and Santander, with the freedom of unlimited mileage and comprehensive car insurance. Conclude your cultural exploration back in Bilbao.
Highlights
Santander: One of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain.
Experience the iconic Pintxos, the symbol of Basque gastronomy.
Visit the charming Mercado de la Ribera in the heart of Bilbao's old town.
Explore Guernica, renowned for Picasso’s famous black and white painting.
Stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach promenade in San Sebastián.
Discover the cobblestoned charm of Santillana del Mar.
Visit the Altamira Neocave and Museum near Santillana del Mar.
Explore Comillas, a historic-artistic site with modernist buildings like Antoni Gaudi's 'El Capricho'.
Itinerary
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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)
Location: Bilbao, Guernica, San Sebastián, La Concha Beach, El Peine del Viento, Igueldo Hill, Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Location: Santander
Accommodation Name: Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Location: Santillana del Mar, Altamira Neocave and Museum, Comillas, El Capricho, Santander
Accommodation Name: Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Location: Santander, Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Bilbao
Bid farewell to Bilbao! Drop off the car at the airport and catch your departure flight back home.
What's Included
Car Hire
This self-drive tour includes car hire options such as Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Car Hire Options
Car hire options include Opel Corsa or similar for Car Group B and Ford Focus or similar for Car Group C.
Insurance Coverage
The tour includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD) and Vehicle Theft Protection (STP).
Taxes and Surcharges
Applicable local taxes (VAT) and airport/city surcharge are included.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
Flights
National or International flights are not included in the tour package.
Additional Insurance
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are not included.
Entry Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fee, young driver surcharge, one way fees, petrol refueling charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance coverage in Gibraltar are not included.
Requirements
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.
Please Note
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 48hours 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
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,2 & 5 Bilbao:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Santander:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS:
Car Group Category B = Seat Ibiza or similar
Car Group Category C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes car hire options such as Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including Silken Indauchu in Bilbao and Silken Rio Santander in Santander, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,2 & 5 Bilbao:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Santander:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS:
Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Check out our Q&As
What type of car is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes car hire options such as Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 5 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including Silken Indauchu in Bilbao and Silken Rio Santander in Santander, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 breakfasts.
What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include visiting Santander, known for its elegance and beauty, exploring the charming produce market Mercado de la Ribera in Bilbao, and seeing the famous Guernica painting by Picasso. Other highlights include the La Concha beach promenade in San Sebastián, the cobblestoned town of Santillana del Mar, and the Altamira Neocave and Museum near Santillana del Mar.
What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Bilbao, Spain.
What are the requirements for drivers on this tour?
Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year. Non-EU citizens must present an international driver's license along with the original from their country of origin.
What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include personal expenses, national or international flights, additional insurance except for the mentioned car insurance, entry visas, entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity, and certain car hire exclusions such as damage due to negligence, fines, and extra equipment like GPS or baby seats.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Reviews of this operator
Maria R
Very informative tour
05-Dec-2022
Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.
Andrew W
Great Scenery
08-Aug-2022
Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful
Sandra F.
Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)
15-Nov-2022
We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!
Grace B
Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better
16-Oct-2022
Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!
Steve G
Excellent Volcano and Village Tour
17-Nov-2022
Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!
Destination Services Spain requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services spain charges.
Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 17 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 9 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao</strong></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"},{"title":"Day 2: BILBAO – GUERNIKA – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (230km – 3hrs)","name":"Bilbao","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"},{"title":"Day 2: BILBAO – GUERNIKA – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (230km – 3hrs)","name":"Guernica","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.311373","lng":"-2.68084"},{"title":"Day 2: BILBAO – GUERNIKA – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (230km – 3hrs)","name":"San Sebastián","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.318237","lng":"-1.981705"},{"title":"Day 2: BILBAO – GUERNIKA – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (230km – 3hrs)","name":"Bilbao","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"},{"title":"Day 3: BILBAO – SANTANDER (100km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Santander","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Santander.</strong></p>","lat":"43.463635","lng":"-3.82264"},{"title":"Day 4: SANTANDER – SANTILLA DEL MAR – COMILLAS - SANTANDER (105km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Santillana del Mar","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Santander.</strong></p>","lat":"43.387333","lng":"-4.106609"},{"title":"Day 4: SANTANDER – SANTILLA DEL MAR – COMILLAS - SANTANDER (105km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Comillas","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Santander.</strong></p>","lat":"43.385619","lng":"-4.292254"},{"title":"Day 4: SANTANDER – SANTILLA DEL MAR – COMILLAS - SANTANDER (105km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Santander","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Santander.</strong></p>","lat":"43.463635","lng":"-3.82264"},{"title":"Day 5: SANTANDER – BILBAO (100km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Santander","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.463635","lng":"-3.82264"},{"title":"Day 5: SANTANDER – BILBAO (100km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Bilbao","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Bilbao.</strong></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"},{"title":"Day 6: DEPARTURE BILBAO","name":"Bilbao","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Bid farewell to Bilbao! Drop off the car at the airport and catch your departure flight back home. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"}]
