Santander Trip Overview
The northern regions of Spain are often less visited by tourists and mostly unknown to foreign visitors. However, the north of Spain boasts some of the most fascinating places in the country: from amazing mountainous landscapes to charming beaches. Here you’ll find friendly people, top-notch gastronomy and expansive nature reserves. This eight-day tour takes you to some of the finest places in Spain for an incredible northern adventure.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 days
* Starts: Santander, Spain
* Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Santander, Cantabria, Spain
The northern regions of Spain are often less visited by tourists and mostly unknown to foreign visitors. However, the north of Spain boasts some of the most fascinating places in the country: from amazing mountainous landscapes to charming beaches. Here you’ll find friendly people, top-notch gastronomy and expansive nature reserves. This eight-day tour takes you to some of the finest places in Spain for an incredible northern adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL SANTANDER – BILBAO (100km – 1h20)
Pass By: Santander, Santander, Cantabria
Collect your car upon arrival at the airport by heading to the hall and meeting a representative. Then climb into what will be your mode of transportation for this holiday and drive to your first hotel accommodation in Bilbao. Overnight in Bilbao. Accommodation: 4* Ercilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Ercilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 2: BILBAO
Pass By: Bilbao, Bilbao, Province of Vizcaya, Basque Country
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you explore Bilbao. Although the capital of the autonomous region of Euskadi – also known as the Basque Country – is Vitoria, the port city of Bilbao is, in fact, the largest of all Basque cities. The renewal of this industrial city has been continuous since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, with various projects designed by famous architects, including a new tram system, a subway system designed by Sir Norman Foster, a pedestrian bridge, the Zubizuri bridge by Santiago Calatrava, a jagged glass-fronted public health building, and the reconversion following the indications of well-known designer Philippe Starck of a disused warehouse turned into a public multifunction building, the Alhóndiga. Overnight in Bilbao. Accommodation: 4* Ercilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Ercilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 3: BILBAO – SAN SEBASTIÁN – PAMPLONA (185km – 2h30)
Pass By: Pamplona, Pamplona, Navarra
After breakfast at the hotel, hop into your car and drive to San Sebastian. Continue to the seaside cosmopolitan city of San Sebastian and explore this fabulous city. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade at La Concha beach to the sculpture named ‘El Peine del Viento’ (‘The Comb of the Wind’) from renowned artist Eduardo Chillida. Take the funicular up to the top of Igueldo hill for a panoramic view over the city and try the famous Basque “pintxos” (tapas/snacks) in one of the many bars in the old town. In the afternoon, continue to Pamplona, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Pamplona. Accommodation: 4 *Abba Reino de Navarra Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Abba Reino de Navarra Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 4: PAMPLONA – LOGROÑO (100km – 1h30)
Pass By: Logrono, Logrono, La Rioja
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the city of Pamplona. Visit the elegant Neoclassical cathedral Royal Saint Mary. Stroll through the Citadel Park, then follow the route that the bulls run along during the world-famous San Fermin festival and have a drink at the classy Café Iruña. Then it’s back into the car and continue towards Logroño, capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja. En route, make a stop at the small town of Puente de la Reina and also at Estella, both of which are on the mystical pilgrimage trek known as the Way of St. James. Spend the night at Logroño. Overnight in Logroño. Accommodation: 3* FG Logroño Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: FG Logroño Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 5: LOGROÑO
Pass By: Logrono, Logrono, La Rioja
After breakfast at the hotel, step out into the streets of Logroño and go discover its monumental legacy by losing yourself through its charming old town. This city that embraces the banks of the river Ebro has historically been a stop-by location, being at the crossroads of many important routes. While you’re at it, head out to explore the gorgeous wine country of La Rioja. Drive up to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of its famous bodegas, some of which boast spectacular architecture, around Elciego or Haro. Overnight in Logroño. Accommodation: 3* FG Logroño Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: * FG Logroño Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast bas
Day 6: LOGROÑO – BURGOS (130km – 1h30)
Pass By: Burgos, Burgos, Province of Burgos, Castile and Leon
After breakfast at your hotel, depart towards Burgos. Learn about the city’s fascinating history as you stroll through the winding streets and alleys of the old quarter, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent hilltop castle. Dedicate some time to admiring its stunning Gothic cathedral, a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. Make your way to the city’s eastern outskirts and pay a visit to the Miraflores Charterhouse, a wonderfully-preserved Gothic monastery belonging to the Carthusian order, which hosts a priceless collection of religious artefacts. Overnight in Burgos. Accommodation: 4* Corona de Castilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Corona de Castilla Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7: BURGOS – SANTANDER (180km – 2h)
Pass By: Santander, Santander, Cantabria
Eat up your breakfast at the hotel to replenish your energy for a drive back to Santander. Santander is, without a doubt, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain. Both the sea and the mountains are continually present in this city, captivating you with its aristocratic atmosphere, 19th-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces and spectacular bay – considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world! There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino. Overnight in Santander. Accommodation: 3* Abba Santander or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Abba Santander or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 8: DEPARTURE
Pass By: Santander, Santander, Cantabria
Bid farewell to Santander after breakfast at the hotel and drive back to Santander airport to drop off the car. You will be told the return procedure and exact designated area by OK Rent a Car when you pick up the car on arrival day. The shuttle service of the rental company will transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your departure flight back home. Breakfast included
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
