Itinerary
- Day 1
Bilbao
Pick up your rental car at Bilbao airport and spend the day getting to know Spain's largest Basque city. Bilbao's transformed significantly since the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997, and you'll see modern architecture everywhere from the distinctive Metro system to the Zubizuri bridge and the Alhóndiga cultural center. There's a lot to take in on this first day, so you might want to grab lunch somewhere central and just walk around getting your bearings before settling into your hotel.
Optional Activities
- Explore Guggenheim Museum
- Visit modern architectural landmarks (Metro system, Zubizuri bridge, Alhóndiga)
- Walk through city neighborhoods
Landmarks/POIs Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Zubizuri Bridge Alhóndiga - Day 2
Bilbao
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Guernica, the historic town known from Picasso's famous painting. You can walk along La Concha beach and check out the 'El Peine del Viento' sculpture by Eduardo Chillida while you're there. If you're up for it, take the funicular up Igueldo hill for views across the area, then head back to Bilbao for dinner. The whole trip takes a few hours of driving, so plan your timing accordingly.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Drive to Guernica
- Stroll along La Concha beach promenade
- View 'El Peine del Viento' sculpture by Eduardo Chillida
Optional Activities
- Visit Guernica Picasso Museum
- Take funicular up Igueldo hill for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Guernica La Concha Beach El Peine del Viento Igueldo Hill - Day 3
Bilbao to Santander
After hotel breakfast, drive to Santander on Spain's northern coast. It's an elegant city built around a beautiful bay with nice beaches and 19th-century architecture throughout. You'll find aristocratic charm in the harbors, old quarter, grand palaces, and seaside promenades where you can grab lunch at one of the historic cafés. There's also a famous casino if you're interested. Spend the afternoon wandering and getting a feel for the place before the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Drive to Santander
- Explore city attractions
Optional Activities
- Visit beaches and harbors
- Explore old quarter
- View 19th-century palaces and architecture
- Visit famous casino
Landmarks/POIs Santander Bay - Day 4
Santander
After breakfast, drive to Santillana del Mar, a medieval town with cobblestoned streets that feels frozen in time. Stop by the Altamira Neocave and Museum to see ancient cave paintings from 13,000 to 22,000 years ago. From there, head to Comillas, a historic village with charming streets and ancestral houses where you can walk around and have lunch. You'll also see 'El Capricho', an impressive modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudí. Drive back to Santander for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Drive to Santillana del Mar
- Leisure time in Santillana del Mar
- Visit Comillas
- View 'El Capricho' by Antoni Gaudí
Optional Activities
- Visit Altamira Neocave and Museum (entrance not included)
Landmarks/POIs Santillana del Mar Altamira Neocave and Museum Comillas El Capricho - Day 5
Santander to Bilbao
After breakfast, drive back to Bilbao for your final day. Spend time trying 'pintxos', the traditional Basque tapas and snacks, by hopping between the many bars in the old town. This is a real culinary tradition here, so you'll be sampling local food and drinks at different spots throughout the afternoon and evening. It's a fun, relaxed way to experience how locals actually eat in the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Drive back to Bilbao
Optional Activities
- Try Basque 'pintxos' (tapas/snacks) in old town bars
- Day 6
Bilbao
Return your rental car at Bilbao airport and head through to catch your departure flight. You'll wrap up your exploration of Basque Country with all the experiences from the past few days. Make sure you have enough time before your flight to turn in the car without rushing.
