7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian traveling west to Valladolid, Madrid, and Vitoria-Gasteiz

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 - Segovia and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Madrid. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Segovia and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Segovia beckons with new experiences!

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Alcázar Of Segovia, an astonishing castle that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Segovia Cathedral, where you can soak in the culturally significant surroundings. Next, explore Aqueduct Of Segovia, yet another world-famous place to see in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Segovia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This drive usually takes around 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make your way to Royal Monastery Of San Lorenzo De El Escorial, a locally renowned monastery that draws attention for its historic features.

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 Madrid. Madrid 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.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Madrid by securing a reservation at DiverXO. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Smoked Room, celebrated for its delectable contemporary 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 Paco Roncero, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Yambala, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Cafe Madrid also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Madrid. You have 1 night left in Madrid. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Madrid is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a monument, a park, a museum, a public square and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the astonishing Puerta De Alcalá. Just a short distance away is El Retiro Park, a serene park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Museo Del Prado, one of the city’s most globally renowned spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the impressive Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía. Last up on today’s itinerary is a public square. Make your way to Plaza De España for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Madrid.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Alhambra, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurante Alabaster beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Madrid tonight.

Keep the evening going at Jazz Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to España Building, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is 1862 Dry Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Madrid. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Madrid includes a public square, a food market, a palace, a stadium and much more! Main Square is must-visit public square and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Market Of San Miguel, a timeless food market, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Royal Palace Of Madrid, a visually striking palace, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Madrid. If you’re looking for more, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is also an iconic attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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

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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Vitoria-Gasteiz by booking a table at Zabala, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional contemporary menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Riojana Restaurante, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Soho Vitoria-cocktail Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Taberna Txustarra, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Aldapa Taberna likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Say good night to Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Bilbao and Portugalete. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in San Sebastian, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Bilbao’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bilbao, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Bilbao may take around 1 hour 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bilbao, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Guggenheim Museum. Then, head to Puppy. This up-and-coming art installation is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum. Next, continue your journey to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, an interesting park.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Portugalete. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Vizcaya Bridge, a locally renowned monument known for its historic features.

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

As you explore more of San Sebastian, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in San Sebastian. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Kokotxa. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

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