The North Trail, Self-drive
7 Days Starting and ending in Bilbao, Spain
Visiting: Bilbao, San Sebastián, La Concha Beach, El Peine del Viento, Igueldo Hill, Pamplona, Logroño, La Rioja, Laguardia, Elciego, Haro, Burgos, Burgos Cathedral, Miraflores Charterhouse, Santander
Tour operator:
Tour code:
50153
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
26-75
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The North Trail, Self-drive" tour and explore the captivating northern coast of Spain at your own pace. This self-drive adventure begins and ends in the vibrant city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Journey through the renowned wine region of La Rioja with a stay in Logroño, and discover the Gothic splendor of Burgos with its UNESCO-listed cathedral. Experience the elegance of Santander, a city known for its stunning bay and aristocratic charm. Enjoy the freedom of unlimited mileage with your choice of car, and relax in comfortable accommodations each night. With six breakfasts included, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, allowing you to uncover the hidden gems of Spain's northern landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL BILBAO
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Collect your car upon arrival at the airport. Explore Bilbao. 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 - SAN SEBASTIÁN - LOGROÑO (265km - 3hrs)
Location: Bilbao, San Sebastián, La Concha Beach, El Peine del Viento, Igueldo Hill, Pamplona, Logroño
Accommodation Name: F&G Logroño or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, hop into your car and drive to San Sebastian. Continue to the seaside cosmopolitan city of San Sebastian and explore this fabulous city. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade at La Concha beach to the sculpture named ‘El Peine del Viento’ from renowned artist Eduardo Chillida. ake the funicular up to the top of Igueldo hill for a panoramic view over the city (not included) and try the famous Basque “pintxos” (tapas/snacks) in one of the many bars in the old town. In the afternoon, continue to Pamplona, where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Logroño.
Day 3 : LOGROÑO
Location: Logroño, La Rioja, Laguardia, Elciego, Haro
Accommodation Name: F&G Logroño or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, step out into the streets of Logroño and go discover its monumental legacy by losing yourself through its charming old town. This city that embraces the banks of the river Ebro has historically been a stop-by location, being at the crossroads of many important routes. While you’re at it, head out to explore the gorgeous wine country of La Rioja. Drive up to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of its famous bodegas, some of which boast spectacular architecture, around Elciego or Haro.
Overnight in Logroño.
Day 4 : LOGROÑO - BURGOS (135km – 1.5hrs)
Location: Logroño, Burgos, Burgos Cathedral, Miraflores Charterhouse
Accommodation Name: Abba Burgos or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, depart towards Burgos. Learn about the city’s fascinating history as you stroll through the winding streets and alleys of the old quarter, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent hilltop castle. Dedicate some time to admiring its stunning Gothic cathedral, a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. Make your way to the city’s eastern outskirts and pay a visit to the Miraflores Charterhouse, a wonderfully-preserved Gothic monastery belonging to the Carthusian order, which hosts a priceless collection of religious artifacts.
Overnight in Burgos.
Day 5 : BURGOS - SANTANDER (185km - 2.10hrs)
Location: Santander
Accommodation Name: Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eat up your breakfast at the hotel to replenish your energy for a drive back to Santander. 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, 19th-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces and spectacular bay – considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world! There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino.
Overnight in Santander.
Day 6 : SANTANDER - BILBAO (100km - 1.15hrs)
Location: Santander, Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast and before departing to Bilbao stroll around Santander. There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 7 : DEPARTURE BILBAO
Location: Bilbao
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Bilbao after breakfast at the hotel and drive back to airport to drop off the car. You'll be told the return procedure and exact designated area by a Rent a Car Company when you pick up the car on arrival day. 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.
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 & 6 Bilbao:
- Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Abba Burgos or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
- Car Group Category B = Seat Ibiza or similar
- Car Group Category C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour offers the convenience of car hire with options like the Opel Corsa or Ford Focus. Enjoy unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver, Vehicle Theft Protection, and applicable local taxes. The tour begins and ends in Bilbao, providing flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of comfortable accommodation in Spain, staying at standard hotel categories. In Bilbao, relax at the Silken Indauchu or similar 4-star hotel. In Logroño, unwind at the F&G Logroño or similar 3-star hotel. In Burgos, stay at the Abba Burgos or similar 4-star hotel, and in Santander, enjoy the Silken Rio Santander or similar 4-star hotel.Accommodation options
Day 1 & 6 Bilbao:
- Standard Hotel Category = Silken Indauchu or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Abba Burgos or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = Silken Rio Santander or similar 4*
- 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 meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation options include staying at Silken Indauchu or similar 4* in Bilbao, F&G Logroño or similar 3* in Logroño, Abba Burgos or similar 4* in Burgos, and Silken Rio Santander or similar 4* in Santander.
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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.
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What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Spain. Visitors should avoid wearing 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.
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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
