Exploring Bilbao and Madeira: A 10-Day Solo Adventure from the UK

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain on April 14, 2025

10:00AM

Arrive in Bilbao

Fly directly from Birmingham to Bilbao for a smooth start to your adventure.
EUR120, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Iruña

Enjoy a traditional Basque meal at this iconic café, popular for its tapas and charming atmosphere.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Old Town (Casco Viejo)

Wander through the narrow streets of Bilbao’s historic district full of culture, shops, and local sights.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Mina

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant that offers modern Basque cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
EUR75, 2 hours
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Day 2: Museum Day

Bilbao, Spain on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bihotz Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Their homemade pastries and coffee are a must-try.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Guggenheim Museum

Discover contemporary art at this iconic building. Its architectural beauty is as impressive as the art it houses.
EUR16, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Perro Chico

Enjoy creative dishes inspired by Basque flavours, perfect for refuelling after a busy morning.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along the Nervión River

Take a leisurely walk along the river while enjoying views of the city and the Guggenheim.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Asador Etxebarri

This renowned restaurant is famous for its grilled dishes. Be prepared for a unique dining experience.
EUR85, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to San Sebastián

San Sebastián, Spain on April 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at La Maison du Pain

Delight in freshly baked bread and pastries before heading to San Sebastián.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to San Sebastián

Catch a bus to this beautiful coastal city known for its beaches and gastronomy.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore La Concha Beach

Relax and soak in the sun at one of Europe’s most picturesque beaches.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar Nestor

Indulge in the famous Basque pintxos with a local twist in a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Old Town

Stroll through narrow streets and visit local shops, tasting more pintxos along the way.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Return to Bilbao

Head back to Bilbao and enjoy dinner in your favourite restaurant from earlier in the trip.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner at Café Iruña

Revisit this charming café for a nightcap and one last taste of traditional Basque cuisine.
EUR20, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Porto

Porto, Portugal on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasteleria Goytino

Enjoy a sweet pastry and coffee to start your travel day.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Fly from Bilbao to Porto

Catch a short flight to Porto, enhancing your adventure with a taste of Portugal.
EUR100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Explore this vibrant market filled with local foods, perfect for a fresh and lively lunch experience.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check into accommodation

Drop your belongings and freshen up before exploring.
EUR50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ribeira District

Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, taking in the scenic views and atmosphere of Porto.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Taberna da Ribeira

Try traditional Portuguese dishes at this quaint restaurant located in the heart of Ribeira.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Madeira

Madeira, Portugal on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at a local café

Start your day with a delicious Madeiran breakfast, featuring local bread and fresh fruit.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly to Madeira

Enjoy a beautiful flight over the Atlantic Ocean to the stunning island of Madeira.
EUR150, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Funchal, Madeira

Explore the charming capital of Madeira known for its botanical gardens and stunning views.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado dos Lavradores

Experience the local market with fresh produce and specialities, a fantastic place for lunch.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Botanical Gardens

Discover exotic plants and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and coast.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante do Forte

Enjoy an exquisite dining experience with stunning views, offering a taste of madeiran cuisine.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 6: Adventure Day in Madeira

Madeira, Portugal on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Poço da Ribeira

Taste the local breakfast options accompanied by a refreshing fruit juice.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Pico do Arieiro

Experience breathtaking views and stunning landscapes on a day hike to one of Madeira's highest peaks.
Free, 5-6 hours

3:00PM

Late Lunch at Restaurante Arriero

Refuel with local flavours featuring Madeiran dishes in a cozy atmosphere post-hike.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Funchal’s Historic Centre

Take a leisurely tour of Funchal's history, architecture, and beautiful streets.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at A Casa do Vizinho

Savor authentic local meals and familiar drinks while enjoying a warm atmosphere.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Leisure Day in Madeira

Madeira, Portugal on April 20, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pastelaria Bolo do Caco

Enjoy the renowned local bread with garlic butter and an espresso for a perfect morning.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk

Feel the adrenaline rush at one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Trio

Dine on fresh seafood amidst a lovely terrace overlooking the ocean.
EUR35, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at one of Madeira's beautiful beaches.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at O Barqueiro

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and tantalising seafood specialities to end your day.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 8: Culinary Day in Madeira

Madeira, Portugal on April 21, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café do Mercado

Savor fresh fruit and Madeiran delicacies at this delightful café.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Take a Cooking Class

Learn to cook traditional Madeiran dishes in this interactive culinary class.
EUR60, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Emprata

Enjoy dishes made with ingredients you learned to cook during your class in a lovely atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Madeira Wine Cellars

Explore how the famous Madeira wine is made and indulge in a tasting session.
EUR20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol

Dine at this splendid restaurant located in a stunning position with unbeatable views and delightful dishes.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return to Porto

Porto, Portugal on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to Porto.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Fly from Madeira to Porto

Take a scenic flight back to Porto to enjoy some last-minute sights.
EUR150, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Casa da Mariquinhas

Experience traditional Portuguese cuisine at this quaint eatery that is rich in character.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Free Time for Shopping

Spend your afternoon browsing local shops and markets for souvenirs.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante DOP

End your journey on a high note with an elegant meal showcasing local flavours in a sophisticated setting.
EUR60, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return Home

Porto, Portugal to Birmingham, UK on April 23, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at this iconic café, known for its historic decor.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight from Porto to Birmingham

Catch your flight back to the UK after a wonderful trip.
EUR100, 2.5 hours
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