North Trail Through Santander

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1 : ARRIVAL SANTANDER - BILBAO (100Km - 1h 20)

Stop At: Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, Carretera del aeropuerto, s/n, 39600 Maliaño, Cantabria, Spain
Collect your car upon arrival at the airport by heading to the Arrival hall and meeting an OK Rent a Car representative. Then climb into what will be your mode of transportation for this holiday and drive to your first hotel accommodation in Bilbao.
Overnight in Bilbao
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Ercilla or similar 4*

Day 2: Day 2 : BILBAO

Stop At: Ercilla Hotel, Ercilla Kalea, 37, 39, 48011 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you explore Bilbao. Although the capital of the autonomous region of Euskadi – also known as the Basque Country – is Vitoria, the port city of Bilbao is, in fact, the largest of all 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 following the indications of well-known designer Philippe Starck of a disused warehouse turned into a public multifunction building, the Alhóndiga.
Overnight in Bilbao
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Ercilla or similar 4*

Day 3: Day 3 : BILBAO - SAN SEBASTIÁN - PAMPLONA (185Km - 2h 30)

Stop At: Abba Reino de Navarra Hotel, Calle de Acella, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
After breakfast at the hotel, hop into your car and drive to San Sebastian. Continue to the seaside cosmopolitan city of San Sebastian and explore this fabulous city. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade at La Concha beach to the sculpture named ‘El Peine del Viento’ from renowned artist Eduardo Chillida. Take the funicular up to the top of Igueldo hill for a panoramic view over the city (not included) and try the famous Basque “pintxos” (tapas/snacks) in one of the many bars in the old town. In the afternoon, continue to Pamplona, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Pamplona
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Abba Reino de Navarra or similar 4*

Day 4: Day 4 : PAMPLONA - LOGROÑO (100 Km – 1h 30)

Stop At: Hotel FG Logroño, Av. Viana, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the city of Pamplona. Visit the elegant Neoclassical cathedral Royal Saint Mary. Stroll through the Citadel Park, then follow the route that the bulls run along during the world-famous San Fermin festival and have a drink at the classy Café Iruña. Then it’s back into the car and continue towards Logroño, capital of the wine-producing region of La Rioja. En route, make a stop at the small town of Puente de la Reina and also at Estella, both of which are on the mystical pilgrimage trek known as the Way of St. James. Spend the night at Logroño.
Overnight in Logroño
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*

Day 5: Day 5 : LOGROÑO

Stop At: Hotel FG Logroño, Av. Viana, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
After breakfast at the hotel, step out into the streets of Logroño and go discover its monumental legacy by losing yourself through its charming old town. This city that embraces the banks of the river Ebro has historically been a stop-by location, being at the crossroads of many important routes. While you’re at it, head out to explore the gorgeous wine country of La Rioja. Drive up to the hilltop town of Laguardia and visit one of its famous bodegas, some of which boast spectacular architecture, around Elciego or Haro.

Overnight in Logroño
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = F&G Logroño or similar 3*

Day 6: Day 6 : LOGROÑO - BURGOS (130 Km – 1h 30min)

Stop At: Hotel Corona De Castilla, Ctra. Zamora, KM 2, 37184 Villares de la Reina, Salamanca, Spain
After breakfast at your hotel, depart towards Burgos. Learn about the city’s fascinating history as you stroll through the winding streets and alleys of the old quarter, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent hilltop castle. Dedicate some time to admiring its stunning Gothic cathedral, a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. Make your way to the city’s eastern outskirts and pay a visit to the Miraflores Charterhouse, a wonderfully-preserved Gothic monastery belonging to the Carthusian order, which hosts a priceless collection of religious artefacts.
Overnight in Burgos
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Corona de Castilla or similar 4*

Day 7: Day 7 : BURGOS - SANTANDER (180 Km – 2h)

Stop At: Abba Santander Hotel, Calle Calderón de la Barca, 3, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Eat up your breakfast at the hotel to replenish your energy for a drive back to Santander. Santander is, without a doubt, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain. Both the sea and the mountains are continually present in this city, captivating you with its aristocratic atmosphere, 19th-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces and spectacular bay – considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world! There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the 19th century, the city used to be a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino.

Overnight in Santander
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Abba Santander or similar 3*

Day 8: Day 8 : DEPARTURE SANTANDER

Stop At: Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, Carretera del aeropuerto, s/n, 39600 Maliaño, Cantabria, Spain
Bid farewell to Santander after breakfast at the hotel and drive back to airport to drop off the car. You'll be told the return procedure and exact designated area by a Rent a Car Company when you pick up the car on arrival day. The Rent a Car company shuttle service will transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your departure flight back home.
Breakfast included
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.