Relaxed 12-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao to Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bilbao. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bilbao. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bilbao!

Set out on a day brimming with a charming, an awe-inspiring, an instagrammable, a detailed, and a peaceful. Start at the locally appreciated Artxanda Funicular, a romantic tramway in Bilbao. Next, go to Guggenheim Museum.

After visiting Artxanda Funicular and Guggenheim Museum, take time to explore Bilbao's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Puppy. This breathtaking art installation offers a unique experience. Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao is another noteworthy stop. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, one of the most eye-catching places to visit in Bilbao.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bilbao. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bilbao that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Spain more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bilbao to find the best options for you!

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bilbao, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Start your culinary exploration in Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Zortziko, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Spain.

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bilbao, and meet locals along the way!

Today’s agenda in Bilbao includes a park, a church, an art installation, a tramway and much more! Europa Parkea is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, an up-and-coming church, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Etxebarri Parkea, a visually striking park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Bilbao. If you’re looking for more, Zubizuri is also a locally renowned attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Furnicular Bottom Station, a locally appreciated gem to see in the city.

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Savor the flavors at Gaztandegi taberna, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Café Bar Bilbao beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Laga jatetxea. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bilbao tonight.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Bilbao and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Burgos Province. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Madrid, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Bilbao, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Burgos Province. Your travel time is around 1 hour 43 min.

Make your way to Puente De Santa María, a worthwhile monument that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Burgos Cathedral, a visually striking church that stands out in the city. Next, visit Mirador Del Castillo, an intriguing observation deck that offers a unique experience.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Madrid in this laid-back road trip in Spain. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Madrid has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Madrid by reserving a table at DiverXO. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Smoked Room, renowned for its delectable contemporary dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Paco Roncero, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Madrid.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Yambala. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Cafe Madrid provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Madrid!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Madrid, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a visually striking, a history-steeped, a romantic, a beautiful, a gorgeous, a remarkable, and a culturally significant. Whether you decide to explore Madrid on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Museo Del Prado is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. El Retiro Park is your next stop. This globally renowned park is one of the best-rated sights in Madrid.

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 Crystal Palace. This instagrammable art installation is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Great Pond Of El Retiro and Las Ventas.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Spain more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Madrid offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Madrid has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Alhambra, a highly-rated dining destination in Madrid. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurante Alabaster, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Madrid this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Madrid.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Jazz Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, España Building offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook 1862 Dry Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Spain!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Madrid. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Madrid. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Madrid!

Immerse yourself in Madrid’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Temple Of Debod. This romantic monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the masterful features of Plaza De España, a must-visit public square in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Royal Palace Of Madrid, a timeless palace. For a change of scene, check out Casa De Campo, known for its picturesque features.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Spain. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Madrid, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Don’t miss out on dining at Areia, a top-rated dining destination in Madrid. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La MaMá Restaurante, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sacha Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Madrid this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Madrid, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Madrid, and meet locals along the way!

Today’s route brings a charming, a scenic, a gorgeous, a visually striking, a heritage-rich, and a culturally significant. The first attraction of today is Parque Del Oeste. This locally renowned park is a mesmerizing place to see in Madrid. Continue your discovery at National Archaeological Museum, a heritage-rich museum with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Madrid, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Puerta De Alcalá. This spectacular monument offers a majestic encounter with Madrid. Thyssen-bornemisza Museum is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Madrid.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Madrid. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Madrid that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Spain more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Madrid to find the best options for you!

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

Make sure to book a table at Taberna Mozárabe, a popular restaurant in Madrid. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Madrid at Restaurante Lakasa, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Lambuzo. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Madrid tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Spain.

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Spain promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Madrid and drive in the direction of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Madrid, including a public square, a food market, a museum, a stadium and much more! Start your day at Main Square. This romantic public square is a world-famous place to see in Madrid. Then, wander over to Market Of San Miguel. If photogenic sites excite you, this food market will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía. This standout museum is a favorite among visitors.

Madrid offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a world-famous spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Vitoria-Gasteiz by reserving a table at Zabala. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional contemporary menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Riojana Restaurante, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Vitoria-Gasteiz and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Soho Vitoria-cocktail Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Taberna Txustarra offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Aldapa Taberna provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Madrid can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Spain!

Day 9 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Vitoria-Gasteiz, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Vitoria-Gasteiz, including a park, a public square, a church, a museum and much more! Start your day with a visit to La Florida. This curiosity-inducing park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Plaza Virgen Blanca, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Vitoria-Gasteiz on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Nueva Square, one of the city’s most underrated public square. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria and Artium Museum.

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Vitoria-Gasteiz offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at VITTORIABAR club, a top-rated dining spot in Vitoria-Gasteiz. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bar Txiki, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Zaldiaran. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 11 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the hamlet of Urkiola and end it in the town of Getxo. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Spain.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Urkiola. This drive usually takes around 33 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Urkiola Parke Naturala, a beloved national park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sukarrieta. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba, a popular nature reserve in Sukarrieta. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sukarrieta and set your GPS to Bermeo. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 31 min. Upon reaching Bermeo, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to San Juan De Gaztelugatxe Hermitage, an intriguing church in Bermeo. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

In the city of Bilbao, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Spain.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bilbao, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at El Globo taberna, a highly-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Barraca jatetxea, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante Pentxo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!