Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive tour through the enchanting northern coast of Spain, exploring the vibrant cities of Bilbao and Santander. Begin your journey in Bilbao, a city renowned for its architectural marvels like the Guggenheim Museum and the bustling Mercado de la Ribera. Savor the traditional Basque pintxos, a culinary delight that embodies the region's rich gastronomy. Venture to the elegant city of Santander, where the stunning bay and aristocratic charm await. Discover the historic towns of Santillana del Mar and Comillas, each offering a glimpse into Spain's artistic heritage. With comfortable accommodations and a choice of car hire options, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Spain's cultural and natural beauty. Enjoy the freedom of unlimited mileage and the assurance of comprehensive car insurance as you traverse this picturesque region. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL BILBAO
Location: Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Zubizuri Bridge, Bilbao, Alhóndiga, Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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: Santander, Santillana del Mar, Altamira Neocave and Museum, Comillas, El Capricho
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
The tour includes car hire with unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and airport/city surcharge.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Flights
National or International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Insurance
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are not included.
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Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
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Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.
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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. ...more ...less
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
Day 1,2 & 5 Bilbao:
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
- 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
Travel at your own pace with a self-drive tour, featuring car hire options like the Opel Corsa or Ford Focus. Enjoy unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver, and Vehicle Theft Protection, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey through Spain.Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels, with stays at the Silken Indauchu in Bilbao and the Silken Rio Santander in Santander, or similar. Experience comfort and elegance in these well-appointed hotels during your self-drive tour.Accommodation options
Day 1,2 & 5 Bilbao:
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
- 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
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What type of car can I hire for the self-drive tour?
You can hire a car from Car Group B, such as an Opel Corsa or similar, or from Car Group C, such as a Ford Focus or similar.
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What is included in the car hire for the tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and an airport/city surcharge.
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Are there any age restrictions for drivers on this tour?
Yes, drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.
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What should I do if I need to report an accident or theft during the tour?
Accident or theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Santander?
Santander is known for its elegant and beautiful cityscape, with the sea and mountains continually present. It has an aristocratic atmosphere, 19th-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces, and a spectacular bay considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
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What is the significance of Guernica on the tour?
Guernica is famous for Picasso's well-known black and white painting. It is a small town that you will visit during the tour.
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What is the tradition of 'pintxos' in the Basque Country?
Pintxos are a symbol of Basque gastronomy, consisting of original, tasty tapas or snacks usually accompanied by a small glass of beer (zurito) or wine (txikito). It is more than just food; it is a tradition.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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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.
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive
6 Days Starting and ending in Bilbao, Spain
Visiting: Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Zubizuri Bridge, Bilbao, Alhóndiga, Bilbao, Guernica, San Sebastián, La Concha Beach, El Peine del Viento, Igueldo Hill, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Altamira Neocave and Museum, Comillas, El Capricho ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
49907
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
26-75
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
