San Sebastian, Basque Country

Eight days - Barcelona and northern Spain by car

Pick up your hire car in Barcelona and travel to the north of Spain. Visit San Sebastian and Bilbao in the Basque Country, but also walk through the historic cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. In addition, the route traverses the majestic Pyrenees mountains, exploring the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park before returning to the city.

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  • Day 1: Barcelona


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    Port of Barcelona, Catalonia

    Arrival at Barcelona El Prat airport. From there, you can take the most convenient type of transport (taxi, train, metro or bus) to the city centre. Don't miss the Gothic Quarter, Gaudí's famous architecture (his most famous works are the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá), the promenade of La Rambla and the neighbourhood of El Born. Spend the night in Barcelona.

  • Day 2: Barcelona - Zaragoza


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    Zaragoza, Aragón

    In the morning, you can finish your visit to Barcelona. Towards midday, leave the city lights and drive to Zaragoza (3 hours by car), capital of the Aragon region and melting pot of Jewish, Roman, Christian and Islamic cultures. Visit the beautiful Cathedral-Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Aljafería Palace, one of the best preserved Arab architecture outside Andalusia, examples of Mudejar art such as the church of La Magdalena, the church of San Gil or the church of San Miguel. Night in Zaragoza.

  • Day 3: Zaragoza - Pamplona - San Sebastian


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    Pamplona, Navarra

    Today, head towards the Basque Country, to the city of San Sebastian (a two and a half hour drive). On the way, stop off in Pamplona, which is world famous for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín fiestas, which take place in July. Outside of the festive season, the city is a quiet place with cobbled streets and a wonderful historic city centre. Visit the Castillo Square, the Navarrería Fountain, the Paseo del Redín and the city walls. Night in San Sebastian.

  • Day 4: San Sebastian and Hondarribia


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    Tourists in San Sebastian, Basque Country

    Also known as Donostia, this city is a prestigious destination for high-end cuisine, with a large number of Michelin stars. Eating in one of the city’s premium restaurants is a unique experience. Beyond the food, visit the old town, enjoy La Concha beach, climb Mount Urgull for panoramic views and discover the Miramar Palace. If you have the time, drive 23 kilometres (30 minutes) to the French border and visit the charming town of Hondarribia, which is known for its seafaring tradition. Get lost in its streets and don't forget to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Puerta de Santa María and the Plaza del Obispo. Night in San Sebastian.

  • Day 5: Day trip to Bilbao


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    Guggenheim in Bilbao, Basque Country

    Drive along the spectacular coastline of the Basque Country to Bilbao (just over an hour away). The city is also famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants. Take a cultural tour of the old town and visit the famous Guggenheim Museum. On the way to Bilbao, you can also choose to stop in the colourful coastal town of Bermeo, the surfer's paradise of Mundaka, the charming islet of San Juan de Gaztelugaxte or the village of Lekeitio. Night in San Sebastian.

  • Day 6: Bilbao - Pyrenees (Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park)


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    Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Aragón

    Leave the coast today and head for the majestic Pyrenees mountains, which run through the Spanish regions of Catalonia, Aragon and Navarre. The most famous spot in the Aragonese Pyrenees is the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, a World Heritage Site, and you can stay in one of the villages surrounding the park. Bilbao - Torla: 324 kilometres, a three hour and 40 minute drive Bilbao - Boltaña: 333 kilometres, a three and a half hour drive Bilbao - Bielsa: 374 kilometres, a four hour and 15 minute drive On the way, you can also make a stop in the Pyrenean town of Jaca. Night in the Pyrenees.

  • Day 7: Pyrenees (Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park)


    Head to the national park known for its spectacular scenery, beautiful lakes and wildlife. Night in the Pyrenees.

  • Day 8: Pyrenees - Barcelona


    Today, head back to Barcelona (three and a half hours away). Take the road to Barcelona El Prat airport to catch your flight home.