Tour Overview
Embark on "The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive" tour and explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of northern Spain. Begin your journey in Bilbao, where you can marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum and other architectural wonders. Continue to Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, known for its neo-classical cathedral and the famous San Fermin festival. Your adventure then takes you to Logroño, the heart of the renowned wine-producing region of La Rioja, where you can savor the local flavors. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour with unlimited mileage and comprehensive car hire options, staying in superior 4-star accommodations. This tour offers a perfect blend of arts, culture, and scenic drives, making it an ideal short break for those seeking to discover the rich heritage and beauty of Spain's northern regions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL BILBAO / CAR PICK UP
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Collect your car upon arrival at the airport and drive to your first hotel accommodation in Bilbao.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 2 : BILBAO
Location: Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Zubizuri Bridge, Bilbao, Iberdrola Tower, Bilbao, Deusto University, Bilbao, Paraninfo of the Basque Country University, 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)
Location: Bilbao, Pamplona, Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary, Pamplona, Citadel Park, 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)
Location: Logroño, Vitoria, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, Vitoria, Cathedral of Santa Maria, 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
The tour includes car hire with options for Opel Corsa or Ford Focus, unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and airport/city surcharge.
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 in the tour package.
-
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
Day 1, 2 Bilbao:
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 4*
- Car Group Category B = Seat Ibiza or similar
- Car Group Category C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes car hire options such as an Opel Corsa or Ford Focus, with unlimited mileage, super collision damage waiver, vehicle theft protection, and applicable local taxes.Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights of superior accommodation in Spain, with stays at the Silken Indautxu in Bilbao and F&G Logroño in Logroño, both offering 4-star comfort and amenities.Accommodation options
Day 1, 2 Bilbao:
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Indautchu or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 4*
- Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
- Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of car can I hire for the self-drive tour?
You can hire a car from Car Group B, such as an Opel Corsa or similar, or from Car Group C, such as a Ford Focus or similar.
-
What is included in the car hire for the tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and an airport/city surcharge.
-
Are there any age restrictions for drivers on this tour?
Yes, drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.
-
What should I do if I need to return the vehicle earlier than planned?
If you return the vehicle earlier than the agreed drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund you for any unused days.
-
What are the accommodation options during the tour?
In Bilbao, you will stay at a superior hotel category such as Silken Indautchu or similar 4-star hotel for the first two nights. In Logroño, you will stay at a superior hotel category such as F&G Logroño or similar 4-star hotel for the next two nights.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 4 breakfasts.
-
What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings during the tour?
Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
-
What should I do in case of an accident or theft involving the rental car?
Accident or theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident.
-
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
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Monday - Friday
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Thursday - Monday
Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 21, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026Monday - Friday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Jan 21, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Thursday - Monday
Jan 22, 2026 - Jan 26, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 28, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jan 25, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Monday - Friday
Jan 26, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 27, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Jan 28, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Thursday - Monday
Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 04, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
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.
The Northern Gateway, Self-Drive
5 Days Starting and ending in Bilbao, Spain
Visiting: Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Zubizuri Bridge, Bilbao, Iberdrola Tower, Bilbao, Deusto University, Bilbao, Paraninfo of the Basque Country University, Bilbao, Pamplona, Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary, Pamplona, Citadel Park, Pamplona, Logroño, Laguardia, Elciego, Haro, Vitoria, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, Vitoria, Cathedral of Santa Maria Vitoria ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
643026
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
26-75
