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Self Drive from Spain’s Basque Country to Cantabria

San Sebastian, Bilbao, Comillas & Santillana del Mar

Best time to Travel
May – Oct
Ideal length
7 nights
Perfect for
Couples
From (incl flights)
€1,999 pp

At a glance

  • International flights from Dublin to Biarritz and home from Bilbao.
  • Private airport transfer as well as 4 days’ pre-arranged car rental.
  • 7 nights’ luxury accommodation in San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santillana del Mar.
  • A privately guided gastronomic tour of San Sebastián, walking tour of Bilbao and a guided tour of the Cave of Altamira.
  • Days at leisure to explore the wonderful beaches and seaside towns of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera.
Let's plan your trip!

Introduction

The fairytale landscapes of Basque Country and Cantabria bring marvellously rewarding experiences amid the green meadows, mountain valleys and sandy shores of Northern Spain. Differing greatly from the rest of the mainland, northerners are known for their strong traditions, cultural pride and culinary geniuses.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Biarritz.

Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you over the border into Spain’s Basque Country. Arrive in the seaside resort of San Sebastián, where you’ll spend three nights in a luxury hotel overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

Discover the beating heart of Spain’s food scene.

The people of San Sebastián have a deep respect for their local produce. With your guide, explore the iconic Mercado de la Bretxa before heading for tasty pintxos at the famed bars of Gandarias, Bar Txepetxa and Ganbara.

Pintxos
Meet the masters of Basque cuisine.

Foodies will recognise the names that feature on the many Michelin-starred doors of San Sebastián’s restaurants. Allow us to reserve tables at the eateries of Basque maestros like Juan Mari Arzak, Eneko Atxa and Martín Berasategui.

Dine at the Michelin starred Eme Be Garrote restaurant
Pick up your rental car and drive to Bilbao.

The de facto capital of Basque Country, spend two nights in the heart of the old town. We’ll guide you to the best spots to explore in the skyscraper-filled downtown, home to trendy bars and eateries.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Witness the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum.

Spend the day in the company of your expert guide, exploring the contemporary masterpieces of the Guggenheim. Afterwards, continue to dynamic landmarks like The Azkuna Zentroa and the beautiful Casa Montero, commonly known as Casa Gaudí.

Guggenheim Museum
Drive through Cantabria’s beautiful countryside towards Santillana del Mar.

Arrive in the historic town, where you’ll spend three nights surrounded by Renaissance palaces, Romanesque churches and medieval ruins. There are also plenty of beaches nearby where you can spend the afternoon.

Cantabria's beautiful countryside
Set out for the coastal town of Comillas.

Set amid the traditional town buildings lies modernist architecture like Gaudi’s 19th-century El Capricho. We suggest heading to the beach in the morning, followed by an afternoon in Comillas and a seafood lunch at one of its beautiful restaurants.

El Capricho de Gaudi Comillas
Discover San Vicente de la Barquera.

Undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain, we suggest spending time exploring San Vicente’s beautiful fishing port. Where two long inlets are framed by the Picos de Europa mountainscapes, prepare for exceptional views.

San Vincente de la Barquera
Witness the World Heritage Cave and Museum of Altamira.

We’ll take you on a privately guided tour of Cantabria’s UNESCO Altamira Cave, considered the Sistine Chapel of rock art. Along with admiring the incredible engravings, we’ll take you on an insightful tour of the museum.

Altamira Cave
Drive to the international airport for your flight home.

Drop off your rental car and board your flight home. Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

Let's plan your trip!
Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Hotel Lasala Plaza

Hotel Lasala Plaza

Set in the heart of San Sebastián, Hotel Lasala lies within an elegantly restored building along Plaza Lasala. In contrast with its traditional exterior, interiors are stylishly decorated.

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Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Located in the heart of the old town lies the Hotel Tayko Bilbao. Set within a historic building overlooking Bilbao’s estuary.

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Hotel la Casa del Marques

Hotel la Casa del Marques

The former home of the first Marquis of Santillana del Mar, prepare for a luxury stay in the opulent 15th-century mansion of Casa del Marques.

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What people are saying

“I’ve been a customer of OROKO for the last 12 months and have booked family holidays, ski trips and short breaks. The whole experience is brilliant; you explain the type of holiday that you are hoping to have, without specifying necessarily where and the team will present you a series of ideas and options, all costed out. It takes away all the stress of planning a trip. On top of this, you receive a full itinerary, and all activities can be sourced in advance. I’m a big fan.”

Emmet & family – Abu Dhabi, Jan 2018 | Dubai, Apr 2018 | Tenerife, Dec 2018 | Skiing, Megève, Feb 2019

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