Relaxed 10-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao to Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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!

Discover a day packed with a charming, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a detailed, and a picturesque in Bilbao. Begin your sightseeing with Artxanda Funicular. This increasingly popular tramway is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Guggenheim Museum, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Bilbao, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Puppy. This frequently visited art installation is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most interesting attractions.

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

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 Bilbao.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Spain!

Day 3 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!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Bilbao, including a park, a church, an art installation, a tramway and much more! Start your adventure at Europa Parkea. This beloved park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala located in Bilbao for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Etxebarri Parkea. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Zubizuri. This art installation has a visually striking appeal. For a change of pace, head to Furnicular Bottom Station. As one of the most curiosity-inducing attractions in Bilbao, this tramway is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

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 new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bilbao 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 Gaztandegi taberna, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café Bar Bilbao, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Laga jatetxea. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect 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 a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your 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.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Burgos Province today.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bilbao and set your GPS to Burgos Province. 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 1 hour 44 min. Upon reaching Burgos Province, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to Burgos Cathedral, a popular church that everyone visiting Burgos Province should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Mirador Del Castillo. This instagrammable observation deck is one of the most worthwhile attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Castillo De Burgos, a historic castle, popular among locals as well as travelers.

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 the food culture in Madrid 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 an extraordinary dining experience at DiverXO, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Smoked Room is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Madrid. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Paco Roncero. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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.

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

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

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

Get ready for a day filled with a charming, a scenic, a breathtaking, a photogenic, a history-steeped, and a remarkable in the charming city of Madrid. Your adventure starts at Great Pond Of El Retiro, a captivating local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is El Retiro Park. This iconic park is known for its stunning appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Madrid's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Crystal Palace. This awe-inspiring art installation offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía is also worth visiting, along with Casa De Campo. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Alhambra, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurante Alabaster? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Madrid.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Madrid. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Jazz Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, España Building provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 1862 Dry Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Madrid, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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!

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Madrid, featuring a gorgeous, a visually striking, a historically significant, a charming, and a majestic. Start at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a wondrous stadium in the city. Then, head to Puerta De Alcalá and soak in the ambiance of this romantic monument.

There are many interesting places to see in Madrid and when you are ready for more, go to Círculo De Bellas Artes. This is one of the city’s most captivating spots. After exploring the cultural center, visit the interesting Thyssen-bornemisza Museum. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the globally renowned Museo Del Prado, a globally renowned museum in the city.

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!

Exploring the food culture in Madrid 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 Areia, a top-rated dining spot in Madrid. If you're in the mood for something new, try La MaMá Restaurante, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sacha Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Madrid.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Madrid’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Spain.

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

Day 7 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!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Madrid allows for both. Start by heading to Parque Del Oeste. This interesting park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Temple Of Debod, a romantic monument, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Plaza De España, a famous public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the timeless Royal Palace Of Madrid. Round off your day at Zoo Aquarium De Madrid, another gem in Madrid with eye-catching features to discover.

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.

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 Madrid, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Make sure to reserve a table at Taberna Mozárabe, an iconic dining spot in Madrid. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurante Lakasa, a popular restaurant in Madrid. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Lambuzo, a hidden gem nestled in Madrid. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Spain. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Spain tomorrow with new energy.

Day 8 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Spain is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. You’ll stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with a charming, an awe-inspiring, an instagrammable, a respected, and a symbolic in Madrid. Begin your sightseeing with Main Square. This world-famous public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Market Of San Miguel, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Madrid, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Matadero Madrid. This interesting cultural center is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Las Ventas, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Spain at Vitoria-Gasteiz. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Zabala in Vitoria-Gasteiz by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Zabala offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious contemporary menu. If you're looking to mix things up, La Riojana Restaurante offers an enticing alternative with its varied 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.

Keep the evening going at Soho Vitoria-cocktail Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Taberna Txustarra, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Aldapa Taberna, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 9 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.

Set your GPS to Urkiola and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Urkiola beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Urkiola Parke Naturala, an often recommended national park that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

After soaking in Urkiola’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Guernica. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 40 min. When you arrive in Guernica, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Casa De Juntas De Gernika, a frequently visited historical landmark that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sukarrieta. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Head to Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba, an interesting nature reserve in Sukarrieta. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Bilbao. 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at El Globo taberna, a top-rated dining spot in Bilbao. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Barraca jatetxea, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurante Pentxo. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bilbao.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Bilbao. The bars in Bilbao make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Spain!