5-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian to Pamplona and Bilbao and surrounding area
Description
Included
Description
Explore the best of Spain on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through San Sebastian, Pamplona, Olite/Erriberri, Bilbao, and Villaescusa. This road trip itinerary in Spain seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Spain takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in San Sebastian, 1 night in Pamplona, and 1 night in Bilbao. 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 got you covered.
Upon arriving in San Sebastian, 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. Guggenheim Museum and Cabarceno Natural Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through San Sebastian, Pamplona, Olite/Erriberri, Bilbao, and Villaescusa, 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, accommodation, 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!
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Day 1 – San Sebastian - arrival day
- Donostia / San Sebastián - Arrival day
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- Miramar Palace
- More
Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach San Sebastian and pick up your car. You’ll stay in San Sebastian for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
San Sebastian is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Miramar Palace or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in San Sebastian. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. 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 book a table at Polka San Sebastián, a popular restaurant in San Sebastian. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of San Sebastian at ALABAMA CAFÉ slow Food - Healthy Food, 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 Bar Antonio. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to San Sebastian tonight.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Txiki Taberna Donosti, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Taberna Barun offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Gorriti Taberna. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!
Day 2 – San Sebastian and Pamplona
- Donostia / San Sebastián
- Pamplona
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Drive 88 km, 1 hour 50 min
- Gipuzkoa Plaza
- Beach of La Concha
- Alderdi Eder Parkea
- Aquarium
- Peine del Viento XV
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - San Sebastian. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pamplona. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s route brings an instagrammable, a charming, a picturesque, a gorgeous, and a detailed. The first attraction of today is Gipuzkoa Plaza. This interesting public square is an eye-catching place to see in San Sebastian. Continue your discovery at Beach Of La Concha, an awe-inspiring beach with stories to tell.
As you stroll around San Sebastian, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This interesting park offers an idyllic encounter with San Sebastian. Aquarium 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 San Sebastian.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Pamplona, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Pamplona. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Experience a symphony of flavors at El Merca'o in Pamplona by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, El Merca'o delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious traditional cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Europa, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Rodero, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Krawill, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Montblanc is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Vermutería Río offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!
Day 3 – Pamplona, Olite/Erriberri, and Bilbao
- Pamplona
- Olite/Erriberri
- Bilbao
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Drive 247 km, 3 hours 23 min
- Plaza de Toros
- Castle Square
- Taconera
- Citadel of Pamplona
- Royal Palace of Olite
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Pamplona and Olite/Erriberri, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bilbao. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Pamplona is home to plenty of attractions that offer an instagrammable, a historically significant, a romantic, a breathtaking, a peaceful, a detailed, and a grand! Start at Plaza De Toros De Pamplona, an interesting stadium that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Castle Square, enchanting visitors with its instagrammable appeal. Continue your exploration at Taconera. This park is one of the city’s most beloved spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Pamplona at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Citadel Of Pamplona.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pamplona, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Olite/Erriberri. This drive usually takes around 35 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Spend your afternoon discovering Royal Palace Of Olite, an interesting palace known for its awe-inspiring features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bilbao. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bilbao's best restaurants.
Begin 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.
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.
Say good night to Bilbao and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!
Day 4 – Bilbao, Villaescusa, and San Sebastian
- Bilbao
- Villaescusa
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Drive 296 km, 3 hours 37 min
- Federiko Moiua enparantza
- Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
- Guggenheim Museum
- Cabarceno Natural Park
- More
On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Bilbao and Villaescusa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in San Sebastian, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Just a short distance away is Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, a visually striking museum that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Guggenheim Museum, one of the city’s most top-rated spots that you shouldn’t miss.
Villaescusa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bilbao behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 11 min. Villaescusa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Head to Cabarceno Natural Park, an astonishing safari park in Villaescusa. Explore its gorgeous features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in San Sebastian. San Sebastian offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in San Sebastian. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Start your culinary exploration in San Sebastian by securing a reservation at Arzak. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Kokotxa, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.
Day 5 – San Sebastian - departure day
- Donostia / San Sebastián - Departure day
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- Cristina Enea parkea
- Peine del Viento XV
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Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of San Sebastian before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting San Sebastian’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Spain.
Discover a day packed with a romantic, a peaceful, an enchanting, and a picture-perfect in San Sebastian. Begin your sightseeing with Cristina Enea Parkea. This beloved park is one of the top attractions in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in San Sebastian.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider SSua Arde Donostia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to San Sebastian. 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!
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