Northern Gateway Exploration Self-Drive
New
This 5-day tour starts and ends in Bilbao, offering a fantastic blend of urban renewal, history, and wine country charm. You’ll explore Bilbao’s striking architecture and cultural landmarks, including the Guggenheim Museum and innovative city designs. Then it’s on to Pamplona to walk the famous San Fermin bull run route and enjoy its elegant cathedral. The journey continues to Logroño, where you’ll wander the old town and visit renowned Rioja wineries in picturesque villages like Laguardia and Elciego. The trip wraps up with a stop in Vitoria, the Basque capital, known for its medieval centre and vibrant plazas.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
BilbaoEnds
BilbaoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
SpainPassengers
€712.50
€214.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 10 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 10 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Bilbao
On arrival at Bilbao airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in the city. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in Bilbao. Overnight accommodation is in Bilbao.
Day 2 - Bilbao
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, despite Vitoria being the regional capital. Since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, Bilbao has undergone significant transformation, blending its industrial heritage with modern architecture. We visit key landmarks including the Zubizuri pedestrian bridge by Santiago Calatrava, the innovative subway system designed by Sir Norman Foster, and the Alhóndiga cultural centre, a former warehouse redesigned by Philippe Starck. Other notable sites include the Iberdrola Tower by Cesar Pelli, Deusto University’s new library by Rafael Moneo, and the Paraninfo of the Basque Country University by Álvaro Siza. Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 3 - Bilbao - Pamplona - Logroño
After breakfast, we drive to Pamplona to visit the elegant neo-classical Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary. We then take a stroll through Citadel Park before following the route taken by the bulls during the San Fermín festival. You can enjoy a drink at the stylish Café Iruña, a local favourite. Afterwards, we continue to Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja wine region, where we stay overnight.
Day 4 - Logroño
After breakfast, explore Logroño’s old town on foot, taking in its rich architectural heritage and lively streets. We also recommend a drive through the Rioja wine region today. Visit the hilltop town of Laguardia and tour one of the renowned bodegas, or explore the striking winery architecture found around Elciego or Haro. Return to Logroño for your overnight stay.
Day 5 - Logroño - Vitoria - Bilbao
After breakfast, we leave for Vitoria, the Basque Country’s capital. Here, we explore the medieval city centre, including Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria, which capture the city’s character. Later, we return to Bilbao to drop off the car. The rental company will provide details on the return procedure and designated drop-off location when you collect the vehicle.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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