8-Day North Coast of Spain Itinerary (including Rioja Wine Region)

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao & City Intro

Morning: Arrive at Bilbao Airport and pick up your hired car. Drive to your hotel in the city center and settle in.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Casco Viejo with its medieval streets, stopping for a quick bite of local pintxos at a bustling bar.

Evening: Stroll along the Río Nervión waterfront and enjoy dinner at a traditional Basque restaurant, tasting fresh seafood.

Day 2: Art and Culture in Bilbao

Morning: Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, admiring contemporary art and the building’s striking architecture.

Afternoon: Wander the Museo de Bellas Artes for a deeper look at Spanish paintings, followed by a stroll in the nearby Doña Casilda Park.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of “bacalao al pil-pil” at a riverside tavern, then soak up the nightlife in the Ensanche district.

Day 3: Coastal Drive to San Sebastián

Morning: Drive along the scenic Costa del Cantábrico, stopping at the cliffside viewpoint at Gorbea for panoramic photos.

Afternoon: Arrive in San Sebastián, stroll through the elegant Plaza de la Constitución and visit the historic Old Town (Parte Vieja).

Evening: Sample the city’s famous pintxos on a culinary tour in the bustling Barri Alde area.

Day 4: Beaches and Culture

Morning: Relax on the golden sands of La Concha, taking a swim or a leisurely walk on the promenade.

Afternoon: Visit the impressive San Telmo Museum for Basque history and art, then climb up to the Monte Igueldo for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant enjoying fresh “txangurro” and a sunset over the bay.

Day 5: Drive to Rioja – Logroño

Morning: Drive inland to the Rioja wine region, passing vineyards and rolling hills.

Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Logroño, visiting the cathedral and the lively Calle del Laurel for a tasting of local wines.

Evening: Dine at a traditional tavern, pairing local cheese with a glass of Rioja Gran Reserva.

Day 6: Wine Tour in Rioja

Morning: Tour the renowned Bodegas Marqués de Riscal for a guided wine tasting and a walk through its modern architecture.

Afternoon: Continue to Bodegas Ysios and enjoy a scenic vineyard walk, followed by a tasting of aged Reserva wines.

Evening: Return to Logroño for a relaxed dinner, tasting local tapas and the region’s signature dishes.

Day 7: Historic Burgers – Burgos

Morning: Drive to Burgos, stopping at the impressive medieval Burgos Cathedral with its stunning Gothic façade.

Afternoon: Explore the Monasterio de las Huelgas and the city’s historic Plaza Mayor.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of “cocido montañés” at a local restaurant and take a nighttime stroll along the River Arlanzón.

Day 8: Return to Bilbao & Departure

Morning: Drive back to Bilbao, stopping at the scenic coastal town of Santander for a short walk on the beach.

Afternoon: Return the rental car at the airport, reflecting on the journey.

Evening: Depart from Bilbao Airport, concluding your 8‑day adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – 2 hours – €64 (4 people)
• Museum of Fine Arts – 1.5 hours – €40 (4 people)
• San Telmo Museum – 2 hours – €48 (4 people)
• Marqués de Riscal Wine Tour – 2 hours – €120 (4 people)
• Ysios Wine tasting – 2 hours – €100 (4 people)
• Car rental (8 days) – – €400 (total)
• Fuel – – €150 (total)
• Accommodation (7 nights) – – €1,050 (total)
• Meals (8 days, 4 people) – – €960 (total)
• Entrance fees & other activities – – €200 (total)
• Overall Total – – €2,924

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day in the coastal town of Ribadeo for its beautiful beaches and the famous Playa de las Catedrales. To shorten the trip, you can combine the Bilbao and San Sebastián portions into a single base, staying in one city and taking day trips, which reduces accommodation costs and travel time.