This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive" tour and explore the vibrant Basque region of Spain at your own pace. Begin your journey in Bilbao, where you can marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum and other architectural wonders. Drive through the scenic landscapes to Pamplona, famous for its San Fermin festival and neo-classical cathedral. Continue to Logroño, the heart of La Rioja wine country, and savor the rich flavors of local bodegas. Discover the medieval charm of Vitoria, the Basque capital, with its historic Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Enjoy the comfort of superior 4-star accommodations and the freedom of unlimited mileage with your self-drive car hire, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Bilbao: Enjoy this Basque city, seeing the famous Guggenheim Museum and other sights and attractions.
Logroño: Explore the capital of La Rioja and visit this important wine-producing area.
Pamplona: See the capital of Navarre and its neo-classical cathedral.
Walk through the Citadel Park in Pamplona and follow the route that the bulls run during the San Fermin festival.
Explore the wine country of Rioja, including the hilltop town of Laguardia and famous bodegas around Elciego or Haro.
Visit Vitoria, the capital of the Basque country, and its medieval city centre, including Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Itinerary
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Accommodation Name: Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
Collect your car upon arrival at the airport and drive to your first hotel accommodation in Bilbao.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 2
:
BILBAO
Bilbao, Spain
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you explore Billbao. Although the capital of the autonomous region of Euskadi - Basque Country - is Vitoria, the port city of Bilbao is, in fact, the largest of the 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 under the orders of well-known designer Philippe Starck of a disused warehouse turned into a public multifunction building, the Alhóndiga. Other notable structures include the Iberdrola tower, by Cesar Pelli, Deusto University’s new library by Rafael Moneo and the Paraninfo of the Basque Country University by Alvaro Siza.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 3
:
BILBAO – PAMPLONA – LOGROÑO (250km – 3hrs)
Bilbao, Spain
Location: Bilbao, Pamplona, Logroño
Accommodation Name: F&G Logroño or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pamplona. . Visit the elegant neo-classical Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary. Walk through the Citadel Park, than follow the route that the bulls run during the San Fermin festival and have a drink at the classy Café Iruña. Continue towards Logroño, the capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja.
Overnight in Logroño.
Day 4
:
LOGROÑO
Location: Logroño, Laguardia, Elciego, Haro
Accommodation Name: F&G Logroño or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Logroño and its monumental legacy walking through the old town. Also we recommend today to explore the wine country of Rioja. Drive to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of the famous bodegas, some of them with the spectacular architecture around Elciego or Haro.
Overnight in Logroño.
Day 5
:
LOGROÑO – VITORIA – CAR DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE BILBAO (145km – 2hrs)
Bilbao, Spain
Location: Logroño, Vitoria, Bilbao
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel departure towards Vitoria, the capital of the Basque country. It has a medieval city centre in which you will find countless places of that show off the essence of the city, such as Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and historic buildings like the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Drop off the car in Bilbao. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.
What's Included
Car Hire
Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, including unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Car Hire Options
Car hire options include Opel Corsa or similar for Car Group B and Ford Focus or similar for Car Group C.
Insurance Coverage
The car hire includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD) and Vehicle Theft Protection (STP).
Taxes and Surcharges
Applicable local taxes (VAT) and airport/city surcharge are included.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
Flights
National or International flights are not included.
Insurance
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are not included.
Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fee, young driver surcharge, one way fees, petrol refueling charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance coverage in Gibraltar are not included. ...more ...less
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin.
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48hours of incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Bilbao:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Logroño:
Superior Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group Category B = Seat Ibiza or similar
Car Group Category C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, choosing between a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, including unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights' accommodation in superior hotels, with stays at Silken Indautchu or similar 4* in Bilbao for the first two nights, and F&G Logroño or similar 4* in Logroño for the last two nights.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Bilbao:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Logroño:
Superior Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Check out our Q&As
What type of car is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes a car hire with options such as a Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 4 nights' accommodation in superior hotels, with stays at Silken Indautchu or similar 4-star hotels in Bilbao for the first two nights, and F&G Logroño or similar 4-star hotels in Logroño for the last two nights.
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 4 breakfasts.
What are some of the key attractions visited during the tour?
Key attractions include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the neo-classical Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary in Pamplona, and the wine country of Rioja, including the hilltop town of Laguardia and famous bodegas around Elciego or Haro.
What is the policy on returning the rental car early?
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
What are the requirements for drivers on this tour?
Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year. Non-EU citizens must present an international driver's license along with the original from their country of origin.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Reviews of this operator
Maria R
Very informative tour
05-Dec-2022
Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.
Andrew W
Great Scenery
08-Aug-2022
Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful
Sandra F.
Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)
15-Nov-2022
We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!
...more ...less
Grace B
Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better
16-Oct-2022
Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!
...more ...less
Steve G
Excellent Volcano and Village Tour
17-Nov-2022
Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!
Destination Services Spain requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services spain charges.
Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 17 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 9 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Continue towards Logroño, the capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"},{"title":"Day 3: BILBAO – PAMPLONA – LOGROÑO (250km – 3hrs)","name":"Pamplona","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pamplona. . Visit the elegant neo-classical Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary. Walk through the Citadel Park, than follow the route that the bulls run during the San Fermin festival and have a drink at the classy Café Iruña. Continue towards Logroño, the capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.812526","lng":"-1.645775"},{"title":"Day 3: BILBAO – PAMPLONA – LOGROÑO (250km – 3hrs)","name":"Logroño","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pamplona. . Visit the elegant neo-classical Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary. Walk through the Citadel Park, than follow the route that the bulls run during the San Fermin festival and have a drink at the classy Café Iruña. Continue towards Logroño, the capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.46272","lng":"-2.444985"},{"title":"Day 4: LOGROÑO","name":"Logroño","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Logroño and its monumental legacy walking through the old town. Also we recommend today to explore the wine country of Rioja. Drive to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of the famous bodegas, some of them with the spectacular architecture around Elciego or Haro. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.46272","lng":"-2.444985"},{"title":"Day 4: LOGROÑO","name":"Laguardia","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Logroño and its monumental legacy walking through the old town. Also we recommend today to explore the wine country of Rioja. Drive to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of the famous bodegas, some of them with the spectacular architecture around Elciego or Haro. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.553507","lng":"-2.584105"},{"title":"Day 4: LOGROÑO","name":"Elciego","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Logroño and its monumental legacy walking through the old town. Also we recommend today to explore the wine country of Rioja. Drive to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of the famous bodegas, some of them with the spectacular architecture around Elciego or Haro. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.514961","lng":"-2.618546"},{"title":"Day 4: LOGROÑO","name":"Haro","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Logroño and its monumental legacy walking through the old town. Also we recommend today to explore the wine country of Rioja. Drive to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of the famous bodegas, some of them with the spectacular architecture around Elciego or Haro. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Logroño.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"42.576872","lng":"-2.85023"},{"title":"Day 5: LOGROÑO – VITORIA – CAR DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE BILBAO (145km – 2hrs)","name":"Logroño","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at your hotel departure towards Vitoria, the capital of the Basque country. It has a medieval city centre in which you will find countless places of that show off the essence of the city, such as Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and historic buildings like the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Drop off the car in Bilbao. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.</p>","lat":"42.46272","lng":"-2.444985"},{"title":"Day 5: LOGROÑO – VITORIA – CAR DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE BILBAO (145km – 2hrs)","name":"Vitoria","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at your hotel departure towards Vitoria, the capital of the Basque country. It has a medieval city centre in which you will find countless places of that show off the essence of the city, such as Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and historic buildings like the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Drop off the car in Bilbao. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.</p>","lat":"42.853187","lng":"-2.673242"},{"title":"Day 5: LOGROÑO – VITORIA – CAR DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE BILBAO (145km – 2hrs)","name":"Bilbao","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at your hotel departure towards Vitoria, the capital of the Basque country. It has a medieval city centre in which you will find countless places of that show off the essence of the city, such as Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and historic buildings like the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Drop off the car in Bilbao. Return procedure and exact designated area will be adviced by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.</p>","lat":"43.26338","lng":"-2.934812"}]
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