7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Santander, Bilbao, and Pamplona and surrounding area

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in Spain. With 1 night left in Vitoria-Gasteiz, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Get ready for an exciting day in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a nature reserve, a museum, a public square, a church and much more! Begin your adventure at Salburua. This is a worthwhile nature reserve you should not miss. Another must-see is Artium Museum, a frequently visited museum in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Nueva Square. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Plaza Virgen Blanca, another of the hamlet’s notable attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, a culturally significant place of interest in the hamlet.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Zabala, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional contemporary menu. Alternatively, experience a taste of Vitoria-Gasteiz at Bar Txiki, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Burgos Province and Villaescusa. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Santander. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Vitoria-Gasteiz on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Puente De Santa María is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this stunning monument before continuing your journey. Burgos Cathedral is your next stop. This interesting church is one of the best-rated sights in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Mirador Del Castillo. This instagrammable observation deck is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Cabarceno Natural Park.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Santander. Santander offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Umma, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Agua Salada, a local favorite known for its delightful contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning contemporary and traditional foodies seeking culinary excellence.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kings Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Grog is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Hygge Cocktail offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Santander and Portugalete. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites in Santander. Begin your sightseeing with Plaza Porticada. This locally appreciated public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Mercado Del Este, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Santander, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Centro Botin. This captivating art gallery is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Palacio De La Magdalena, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Vizcaya Bridge is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bilbao, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bilbao's best restaurants.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Mina in Bilbao by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Mina offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative and seasonal menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Zortziko, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Etxanobe Atelier, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative menu.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Boss Bilbao, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Stromboli Taberna offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Zuberoa Taberna. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 5 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Bilbao and San Sebastian. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pamplona, where you will stay for 1 night.

Federico Moyúa Enparantza is must-visit sightseeing destination and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Guggenheim Museum, an astonishing museum building, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a mesmerizing park, also available for your discovery today.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Pamplona. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Pamplona. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at El Merca'o, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Europa is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Pamplona. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Rodero. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Krawill stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Montblanc offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Vermutería Río is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Say good night to Pamplona and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Pamplona and Olite/Erriberri. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Pamplona is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square, a stadium, a monument, a historical landmark, a palace and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the well-known Castle Square and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Plaza De Toros De Pamplona, a standout stadium that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Monumento Al Encierro, one of the city’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the well-known Citadel Of Pamplona. When you're finished at the historical landmark, Royal Palace Of Olite awaits your visit. This palace is a romantic highlight on today's itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Vitoria-Gasteiz offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Vitoria-Gasteiz. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at La Escotilla, an iconic dining spot in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Cafetería El Pregón, a popular restaurant in Vitoria-Gasteiz. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of El Corte Inglés, a hidden gem nestled in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Head back to your accommodation in Vitoria-Gasteiz and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!