13-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao traveling west to Santander, Leon, Avila, Madrid, and Valladolid

1 / 88
Photo of ribera market in the spanish city Bilbao.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Explore the best of Spain on a remarkable 13-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Bilbao, Santander, Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, Cabezón de la Sal, Rionansa, Leon, Salamanca, Avila, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Burgos Province, and Portugalete.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Spain. You will spend 2 nights in Bilbao, 2 nights in Santander, 1 night in Leon, 1 night in Avila, 5 nights in Madrid, and 1 night in Valladolid. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Spain. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bilbao, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Spain on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Spain. El Retiro Park and Main Square are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bilbao, Santander, Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, Cabezón de la Sal, Rionansa, Leon, Salamanca, Avila, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Burgos Province, and Portugalete, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Spain today!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Bilbao

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in
Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Bilbao - Arrival day
  • More
  • Zubizuri
  • More

Say hello to Bilbao! Your exciting road trip through Spain is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Bilbao for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Bilbao is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bilbao. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 13-day road trip in Spain!

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 108 km, 1 hour 48 min

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Puppy
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • Parque Etxebarria
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bilbao are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Santander
  • More

Drive 168 km, 2 hours 36 min

  • Cabarceno Natural Park
  • Cave of Altamira
  • National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
  • Natural Monument of the Sequoias of Monte Cabezón
  • Cueva El Soplao
  • More

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Spain with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Santander, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, Cabezón de la Sal, and Rionansa.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Santander and your accommodation.

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

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

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Santander
  • León
  • More

Drive 274 km, 3 hours 5 min

  • Plaza Porticada
  • Mercado del Este
  • Plaza Pombo
  • Palacio de la Magdalena
  • Botin Centre
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Santander. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Leon, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Leon. Leon 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leon, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • León
  • Ávila
  • More

Drive 314 km, 3 hours 23 min

  • Catedral de León
  • Plaza del Grano, León
  • Roman bridge of Salamanca
  • Salamanca Cathedral
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Leon and Salamanca. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Avila, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Avila. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Avila and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Spain.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6

  • Ávila
  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 133 km, 1 hour 52 min

  • Plaza Mercado Chico
  • Ávila Cathedral
  • Walls of Ávila
  • Royal Basilica of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
  • More

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Spain includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Avila and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Madrid, where you'll spend 5 nights.

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

Madrid is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

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

Read more
Day 7

Day 7

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 152 km, 2 hours 47 min

  • San Martin's Bridge
  • Puerta de Bisagra
  • Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo
  • Alcázar of Toledo
  • Alcantara Bridge
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Madrid, where you have 4 nights left to stay.

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

Madrid is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 9 km, 59 min

  • Main Square
  • Market of San Miguel
  • Great Pond of El Retiro
  • El Retiro Park
  • Crystal Palace
  • More

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Madrid is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Madrid.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Read more
Day 9

Day 9

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 13 km, 59 min

  • Museo del Prado
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
  • Gran Vía
  • Malasaña
  • More

You have 2 nights left in Madrid. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Madrid. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Read more
Day 10

Day 10

  • Madrid
  • More

Drive 19 km, 1 hour 3 min

  • National Archaeological Museum
  • Puerta de Alcalá
  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Casa de Campo
  • La Latina
  • More

You’ll stay in Madrid for 1 night.

A visit to La Latina is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

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

Read more
Day 11

Day 11

  • Madrid
  • Valladolid
  • More

Drive 211 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Royal Palace of Madrid
  • plaza de España
  • Temple of Debod
  • Alcázar of Segovia
  • Aqueduct of Segovia
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 11 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Madrid and Segovia. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Valladolid, where will spend 1 night.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Valladolid. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Read more
Day 12

Day 12

  • Valladolid
  • Bilbao
  • More

Drive 311 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Puente de Santa María
  • Arco de Santa María
  • Burgos Cathedral
  • Vizcaya Bridge
  • More

On day 12 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Burgos Province and Portugalete are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bilbao, where you will stay for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bilbao. Check in and relax 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 Bilbao. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Read more
Day 13

Day 13

  • Bilbao - Departure day
  • More
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • More

Day 13 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!

Read more

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in Spain

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.