Cheap One-Week Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander traveling south to Valladolid, Madrid, and Vitoria-Gasteiz
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Kickstart an unforgettable journey with this 8-day cheap road trip in Spain, tailored for travelers on a budget. Explore Santander, Cueto, Valladolid, Segovia, Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Madrid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Portugalete, and Bilbao, where every turn is a new discovery.
Explore Spain for less and on your own terms. This customizable and cheap Spain travel package promises an exhilarating 8-day adventure. We'll introduce you to many famous and affordable vacation spots in the country.
Stay comfortably at a top-rated budget hotel for 2 nights in Santander, 1 night in Valladolid, 3 nights in Madrid, and 1 night in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Dine with locals at popular restaurants and bars across Spain and get a taste of the people’s hospitality and authentic food. We'll help you have an unforgettable road trip experience in Spain at the lowest price!
On arrival in Santander, you'll pick up your rental vehicle. From there, you'll begin your journey to the best and cheapest places to travel to in Spain. Spain offers a wealth of world-class natural and scenic beauty you wouldn't want to miss!
During your cheap holiday in Spain, the choice of accommodation is entirely yours. Enjoy the freedom to select the ideal budget-friendly stay that perfectly matches your needs. Rest assured, your affordable accommodation will provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration and discovery.
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 affordable holiday package includes everything you need for a fantastic 8-day vacation in Spain. We'll offer you cheap flights and arrange your hotel reservations for 7 nights. We'll also provide you with the best budget rental car in Spain with CDW insurance.
You can customize your Spain travel plan for a more personalized holiday experience. Choose from popular and competitively-priced tours and tickets in Spain and add your picks to your itinerary. For example, get cheap tour tickets to uncover the stories behind Spain's famous sights. Or, try out some of the most fantastic excursions. There's no better way to add more culture and inspiration to your trip!
Booking this cheap holiday package in Spain offers you many perks. You'll get 24/7 travel support. In addition, you'll have access to a step-by-step guide in our mobile app. Here, you'll find all your travel documents organized in one place.
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Spain with this cheap holiday deal! The best and most affordable tours in Spain fill up fast, so book your adventure today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Santander - arrival day
- Santander - Arrival day
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Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Santander and begin your adventure in Spain.
More than a city in Spain, Santander is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You’ll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.
Santander 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 Mercado Del Este or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Santander is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.
After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Restaurante la Mayor, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Santa & Co is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Marcello Restaurante, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.
Kings Pub is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Grog is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Hygge Cocktail, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.
Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 2 – Santander, Cueto, and Valladolid
- Santander
- Cueto
- Valladolid
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Drive 263 km, 3 hours 6 min
- Llamas Park
- Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
- Botin Centre
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Day 2 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Cueto and Santander. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Valladolid, where you'll stay for 1 night.
Today’s agenda in Santander includes a maritime museum and an art gallery. Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico is must-visit maritime museum and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Centro Botin, a popular art gallery, located just a leisurely stroll away.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cueto, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Cueto, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Llamas Park is a locally appreciated park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picturesque features before continuing your self-guided tour to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a breathtaking art gallery that’s well-regarded in the area.
While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Valladolid has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Valladolid on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.
As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Valladolid offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Panoramix, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Esgueva, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Largo Adiós provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 3 – Valladolid, Segovia, Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, and Madrid
- Valladolid
- Segovia
- San Ildefonso
- Madrid
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Drive 230 km, 3 hours 8 min
- Alcázar of Segovia
- Segovia Cathedral
- Aqueduct of Segovia
- Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso
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On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Segovia and Real Sitio de San Ildefonso. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Madrid, where you'll stay for 3 nights.
When you’ve had your share of Valladolid, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Segovia. Your travel time is around 1 hour 21 min.
Begin your journey at Alcázar Of Segovia and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Segovia Cathedral, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Aqueduct Of Segovia, a culturally significant monument.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Segovia and set your GPS to Real Sitio de San Ildefonso. 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 17 min. Upon reaching Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Take your self-guided tour to Royal Palace Of La Granja Of San Ildefonso, a locally renowned palace that everyone visiting Real Sitio de San Ildefonso should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Madrid. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Madrid, relax and restore your energy at your preferred affordable place to stay.
When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Madrid has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bar Yambala is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cafe Madrid. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Spain. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Spain!
Day 4 – Madrid
- Madrid
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Drive 8 km, 37 min
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Museo del Prado
- El Retiro Park
- Great Pond of El Retiro
- Crystal Palace
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Day 4 means another chance to make the best memories in Madrid. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Madrid and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 2 nights left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, a stunning, an eye-catching, a respected, a majestic, a scenic, and a detailed. 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. Puerta De Alcalá is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking monument before continuing your journey. Museo Del Prado is your next stop. This timeless museum 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 El Retiro Park. This eye-catching park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Great Pond Of El Retiro and Crystal Palace.
Make your vacation in Spain more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Spain and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.
Savor the culinary delights of Madrid, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.
After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Alhambra, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Restaurante Alabaster, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.
Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Jazz Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. España Building is another great place to hang out and unwind. If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit 1862 Dry Bar, offering the perfect setting to unwind and savor the evening.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 5 – Madrid
- Madrid
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Drive 13 km, 46 min
- Western Park
- Temple of Debod
- plaza de España
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- El Retiro Park
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Day 5 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Madrid, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Madrid, with 1 night to stay in the area.
Immerse yourself in Madrid’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Parque Del Oeste. This mesmerizing park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Temple Of Debod, a must-visit monument 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 Plaza De España, a spectacular public square. For a change of scene, check out Thyssen-bornemisza Museum, known for its visually striking features.
Make your vacation in Spain more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Spain and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.
Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Madrid. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.
Discover the heart of Madrid through its culinary scene, starting with Areia. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try La MaMá Restaurante, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Sacha Restaurant, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.
Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!
Day 6 – Madrid and Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Madrid
- Vitoria-Gasteiz
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Drive 356 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Main Square
- Market of San Miguel
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- El Retiro Park
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On day 6 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 1 destination: Madrid. You'll stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Madrid allows for both. Start by heading to Main Square. This iconic public square provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Market Of San Miguel, a standout food market, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Palace Of Madrid, a world-famous palace. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Vitoria-Gasteiz offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.
Savor the culinary delights of Vitoria-Gasteiz, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.
After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Mano lenta jatetxea, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. La Riojana Restaurante is another great hotspot for culinary gems.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Soho Vitoria-cocktail Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Taberna Txustarra offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Aldapa Taberna is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
A road trip vacation in Madrid can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Spain!
Day 7 – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Portugalete, Bilbao, and Santander
- Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Portugalete
- Bilbao
- Santander
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Drive 194 km, 2 hours 59 min
- Vizcaya Bridge
- Federiko Moiua enparantza
- Zubizuri
- Guggenheim Museum
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
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Day 7 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 2 wonderful destinations — Portugalete and Bilbao. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Santander, where you'll be spending 1 night.
After soaking in Vitoria-Gasteiz’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Portugalete. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 5 min. When you arrive in Portugalete, it's time to take a break from the road.
Head to Vizcaya Bridge, an interesting monument in Portugalete. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bilbao. This car ride takes around 21 min.
Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Zubizuri, a culturally significant art installation that stands out in the town. Next, visit Guggenheim Museum, a top-rated museum building that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a nearby park, which is highly recommended by other travelers.
While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Santander has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Santander on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.
Discovering the culinary wonders of Santander is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Little Bobby after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.
Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!
Day 8 – Santander - departure day
- Santander - Departure day
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- Plaza Porticada
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Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Santander.
Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting Santander’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.
One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Santander is the remarkable Plaza Porticada. This public square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,321 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Santander.
If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Santander, consider a top-rated restaurant like Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. El Sol is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Restaurante Posada Del Mar, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Santander.
You’ll then say farewell to Santander. 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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