Luxury One-Week Relaxed Spain Self-Drive Road Trip Vacation With Itinerary from Santander to Bilbao
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Experience luxury in Spain on a stress-free 8-day road trip adventure to Santander, Monte, Cueto, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Bilbao. Indulge in upscale hotels and gourmet dining amidst the stunning landscapes of Spain, where luxury and relaxation are redefined.
Spain offers the ultimate luxury holiday experience for anyone up for an unforgettable adventure, including couples, families, solo travelers, and friends.
Your exclusive luxury holiday package will bring you to the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned itinerary, you will stay 4 nights in Santander and 3 nights in Bilbao, experiencing a stress-free luxury vacation in Spain.
Finding the perfect luxury lodging is going to make your vacation in Spain feel truly special. The home for your 8-day luxury holiday will be only the most exclusive 5-star hotels in Spain. You will choose from the best selection of luxury hotels and places to stay, all conveniently located along your carefully planned self-drive route.
Upon arriving in Spain, you will collect the luxury rental vehicle of your choice. We will provide you with the best car rental for the entirety of your 8-day luxury self-drive holiday, including CDW insurance. From there, you will drive off at a relaxed pace to discover some of the best travel destinations in Spain.
Throughout your exclusive vacation in Spain, you will get to experience some of the best attractions and activities offered in the country. Each moment promises to be filled with unforgettable memories and unique experiences.
Between attractions and activities, you will have plenty of time to stroll along the best shopping streets and markets in Spain. We recommend you take the opportunity to explore the shopping experiences available to you in Santander. Here you can find unique souvenirs to preserve the memory of your relaxed luxury holiday in Spain.
This exclusive travel plan is designed to include everything you need to have the best vacation in Spain. By booking this luxury holiday package, you can avoid spending hours researching and planning your 8-day road trip in Spain. Let the experts figure out the details, so you can focus on enjoying.
To deliver the best experience possible, we make it easy for you to customize each day of your luxury holiday in Spain before and after booking. Our flexible trip planning means you will be able to explore Santander, Monte, Cueto, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Bilbao at your own pace.
Book with us to get access to 24/7 personal travel support throughout your entire journey. Enjoy a step-by-step guide in our easy-to-use mobile app, including all travel documents for your exclusive getaway to Spain.
The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your luxury vacation package in advance. Select a date and start planning your relaxing luxury holiday in Spain today!
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Day 1 – Santander - arrival day
- Santander - Arrival day
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- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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Your relaxed luxury holiday in Spain begins as soon as you reach the city of Santander, your home for 3 nights. There, you’ll pick up the luxury rental vehicle of your choice and set off on a relaxed drive to discover Spain.
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 Paseo Marítimo De Santander or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Tonight, you will be treated to a stay at one of the best luxury hotels in Santander. We have picked out three of the most exclusive luxury lodging and hotel options for you to choose from.
After exploring the unique sights of Spain, savor a delicious meal or get refreshed with a drink. We’ve gathered the most recommended restaurants and bars in the city of Santander for you so you can browse their menus in advance and make a reservation.
Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurante la Mayor, an iconic dining spot in Santander. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Santa & Co, a popular restaurant in Santander. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Marcello Restaurante, a hidden gem nestled in Santander. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Kings Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Grog is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Hygge Cocktail also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise a toast to the start of your relaxed 8-day luxury vacation in Spain and look forward to more fantastic days to come!
Day 2 – Santander and Monte
- Santander
- Monte
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Drive 12 km, 45 min
- La Maruca
- Catedral de Santander
- Plaza Porticada
- Botin Centre
- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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On day 2 of your luxurious vacation in Spain, you’ll start and end your day in Santander, but spend most of the day exploring attractions outside of the city. After a long day of sightseeing, you'll drive back to Santander, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.
Set out on a day brimming with a gorgeous, a photogenic, a historically significant, a profound, a grand, and a noteworthy. Start at the worthwhile Catedral De Santander, a grand church in Santander. Next, go to Plaza Porticada.
After visiting Catedral De Santander and Plaza Porticada, take time to explore Santander's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Mercado Del Este. This instagrammable market offers a unique experience. Centro Botin is another noteworthy stop.
Set your GPS to Monte and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 12 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Monte beckons with new experiences!
Begin your journey at La Maruca and explore the romantic features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Santander and your accommodation.
In Santander, delicious dining experiences are never far from reach. Take your pick and consider whether you need to book a table in advance.
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Umma, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Agua Salada, a local favorite known for its delightful contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning contemporary and traditional foodies seeking culinary excellence.
Continue your lively evening at Little Bobby, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.
Raise your glass and toast to another relaxing day of your luxury holiday in Spain!
Day 3 – Santander and Cueto
- Santander
- Cueto
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Drive 16 km, 59 min
- Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
- Playa de Mataleñas
- Llamas Park
- Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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On day 3 of your stress-free luxury holiday in Spain, you will explore the surroundings of Santander. You have 1 night left in Santander, giving you enough time to explore the region.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Santander today. One of the most up-and-coming attractions included on the itinerary is Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. This picture-perfect maritime museum will help you start your sightseeing on top.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Santander and set your GPS to Cueto. 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 12 min. Upon reaching Cueto, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. Spend some time admiring the awe-inspiring features of the art gallery before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Playa De Mataleñas. This curiosity-inducing beach is a traveler-favorite in the village. Not far away, you’ll also find Parque De Mataleñas. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park. Next, continue your journey to Llamas Park, a frequently visited park.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Santander.
Discover a world of culinary delights in Santander, where top-notch dining experiences await at every corner. Consider whether you need to make a reservation in advance to secure a table at your preferred restaurant.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? El Sol offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Santander.
Enjoy an amazing evening in Santander, and get ready for more fantastic days to come on your relaxed luxury vacation in Spain!
Day 4 – Santander, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Elorriaga, and Bilbao
- Santander
- Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Bilbao
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Drive 233 km, 3 hours 17 min
- La Florida
- Plaza Virgen Blanca
- Plaza España
- Santa Maria Cathedral
- Parque Salburua
- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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On day 4 of your relaxed luxury holiday in Spain, wonderful attractions await. Today you have the opportunity to discover 2 remarkable destinations — Vitoria-Gasteiz and Elorriaga. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 3 nights.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Vitoria-Gasteiz today.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Santander to Vitoria-Gasteiz may take around 2 hours without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
La Florida is a beloved park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Plaza Virgen Blanca, an enchanting public square that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Nueva Square, an eye-catching public square. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, a culturally significant and truly unique church.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Vitoria-Gasteiz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Elorriaga. This drive usually takes around 7 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Salburua, an increasingly popular nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.
Tonight, you will stay at one of the best luxury hotels in Bilbao. We have selected the perfect options for you to have the loveliest experience in Bilbao.
After a long day of discovering the unique quirks of Spain, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely meal or enjoy a refreshing drink. We’ve gathered the most recommended dining and drinking spots in Bilbao so you can check out the menus and make advance reservations.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Mina, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and seasonal menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zortziko is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Bilbao. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Etxanobe Atelier. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Boss Bilbao, known for its inviting atmosphere. Stromboli Taberna is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Zuberoa Taberna provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Relax and enjoy an amazing evening in Bilbao, and get ready for more fantastic days to come on your relaxed luxury vacation in Spain!
Day 5 – Bilbao
- Bilbao
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Drive 3 km, 48 min
- Albiako Lorategiak
- Zubizuri
- Artxandako funikularra Geltokia
- Puppy
- Guggenheim Museum
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On day 5 of your relaxed luxury holiday across Spain, you'll continue your adventures in the city of Bilbao. You'll explore Bilbao, taking breaks from the road for some sightseeing. At the end of day, you'll dine at some of Bilbao's best restaurants and bars conveniently located close to your accommodation, making the most of your remaining 2 nights in the area.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bilbao, featuring a charming, a mesmerizing, an instagrammable, a culturally significant, and a detailed. Start at Albiako Lorategiak, an underrated park in the city. Then, head to Zubizuri and soak in the ambiance of this remarkable art installation.
There are many interesting places to see in Bilbao and when you are ready for more, go to Furnicular Bottom Station. This is one of the city’s most often recommended spots. After exploring the tramway, visit the intriguing Puppy. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the extraordinary Guggenheim Museum, an extraordinary museum building in the city.
There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Spain that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Bilbao has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour.
Treat yourself after a day of exploration. Make a reservation at the finest dining and drinking spots in Bilbao.
Make sure to reserve a table at Café Iruña, an iconic dining spot in Bilbao. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Iturriza Taberna, a popular restaurant in Bilbao. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Antxoa Taberna, a hidden gem nestled in Bilbao. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Raise a toast to another stress-free day of your luxury holiday in Bilbao, Spain and seize the opportunity to truly relax.
Day 6 – Bilbao
- Bilbao
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Drive 36 km, 1 hour 42 min
- Artxanda Funicular
- Parque Etxebarria
- Bilboko Donejakue katedrala
- Pagasarri
- Puppy
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Day 6 of your luxury road trip in Spain grants you another day to experience Bilbao. You will continue your laid-back luxury holiday in the best possible way - by discovering the best sights and most exciting activities. You'll then conclude your adventure at one of finest restaurants in Bilbao, fully indulging in the 1 night you have in the city.
Today’s agenda in Bilbao includes a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Artxanda Funicular is must-visit tramway and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Europa Parkea, an often recommended park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Etxebarri Parkea, a visually striking park, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Bilbao. If you’re looking for more, Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala is also a worthwhile attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Pagasarri, a frequently visited gem to see in the city.
You can learn more about Bilbao today by going on a tour. Bilbao offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.
After a long day of discovering the unique quirks of Spain, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely meal or enjoy a refreshing drink. We’ve gathered the most recommended dining and drinking spots in Bilbao so you can check out the menus and make advance reservations.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Gaztandegi taberna, a highly-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're eager to try something different, consider Café Bar Bilbao, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Laga jatetxea. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.
Go over your photos from the day, raise a toast, and rest your tired legs. A new adventurous day of your relaxed luxury road trip in Spain awaits!
Day 7 – Bilbao and Santander
- Bilbao
- Santander
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Drive 100 km, 1 hour 34 min
- Federiko Moiua enparantza
- Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
- Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao
- Euskalduna Zubia
- Puppy
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On day 7 of your relaxed luxury road trip holiday in Spain, you will have the opportunity to experience Bilbao, 1 of the most vibrant destinations in the country. You’ll stay in Santander for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bilbao, featuring a picture-perfect, a romantic, a peaceful, a stunning, and a heritage-rich. Start at Federico Moyúa Enparantza, a worthwhile point of interest in the city. Then, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic museum.
There are many interesting places to see in Bilbao and when you are ready for more, go to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This is one of the city’s most locally renowned spots. After exploring the park, visit the locally appreciated Itsasmuseum Bilbao. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the underrated Euskalduna Zubia, an underrated sightseeing destination in the city.
As the day is coming to an end, it's time to make your way to your home for the night. On this day of your exclusive holiday, you will stay at a luxury hotel in Santander. With a variety of popular luxury lodging options available in the city, you'll have the opportunity to select the perfect retreat to unwind and pamper yourself in style.
After a day filled with travel and exploration, we recommend you treat yourself to a meal or a drink at the finest restaurants and bars in Santander. Savor the local cuisine and relax as you recount the day's experiences.
Don’t miss out on dining at Cadelo Restaurante, a top-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cervecería Kiss, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Santander this evening.
Enjoy an amazing evening in Santander, and get ready for more fantastic days to come on your relaxed luxury vacation in Spain!
Day 8 – Santander - departure day
- Santander - Departure day
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- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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Today is the last day of your 8-day relaxed luxury holiday in Spain and it’s soon time to start your journey home. This is your chance to get one last glimpse of Santander before saying goodbye.
Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in Santander’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Spain.
Make the most of what's left of your luxury vacation and head out to the stunning Ascensor Río De La Pila. This extraordinary tramway and attraction is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 1,896 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Santander.
Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Santander or just grab something light to keep you going.
If you're eager to try something different, consider La Bombi, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You will then say farewell to Santander and begin your journey home. We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome home, with unforgettable memories and incredible photos from your relaxed luxury holiday in Spain in your luggage!
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