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Madrid, Basque country itinerary help

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We are family of 3, planning to visit Spain in late June -ealry July for about 11 days. We are flying into Madrid and then thinking to go to Basque country. Main place we are very interested in staying is San Sebastian.
1. Is Bilbao worth to stay 1 night for Guggenheim museum or much more to do that better stay more than 1 night?

2. Planning to spend 3 nights in San Sebastian, is it good or too long?
3. Then onto Saint Jean de luz and Biarritz, are those good to stay 2 nights or is it too long? I have heard Bayonne is better than Biarritz?
4.As far as I have researched, it seems like flying to Bilbao from Madrid seems best for us since we are thinking of getting flight back to states on same day of traveling back to Madrid from Bilbao. But any other suggestions would be appreciated too.
5. We are thinking to rent a car to travel around Basque country including France, is rental car from Spain allowed to travel to France? or is there additional fee or restriction?

Thank you for all your advice.

Posted by
2596 posts

Donostia/San Sebastián is definitely worth 3 nights with a daytrip to the castle-crowned town of Hondaribbia on the Spanish-French border.
Bilbao has a lot to see and dine on in its medieval city center near the Guggenheim. Two nights would be well spent in Bilbao. High-speed Renfe trains from Madrid reach Bilbao in 4:40.
You’ll definitely benefit from a car rental in Basque Country. You can then spontaneously stop off at interesting locations and towns you see en route to your next destination. You’ll also be able to get around more quickly as the train & bus service in Basque Country can be infrequent to many of the smaller towns. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rioja wine country outside of Bilbao and maybe the gigantic castle of Olite—about two hours from Bilbao and 90 minutes from San Sebastián.
For car rentals, check what is available at www.AutoEurope.com. They have cars available at Bilbao’s and Donostia/San Sebastián’s Airports.
Hertz does allow you to drive into France as long as you declare that is your plan before you pick up the keys. There may be a nominal surcharge. Donostia/San Sebastian’s airport is right by Hondaribbia on the border between Spain and France, so you can also pick up your car there.
The consensus seems to be that St. Jean de Luz and Bayonne have more of interest than Biarritz does.
You might find the small French Basque towns of Ainhoa and Espelette interesting to visit from St. Jean de Luz or Bayonne.
Remember to get an International Driver’s Permit ( IDP) from your nearby American Automobile Association office ahead of your trip. They now are legally required to drive in Spain and France as they translate your U.S. Driver’s license so it’s valid while you’re in Europe.
You can check airfares at www.Skyscanner.com. With a multi-city airline ticket, you could fly into Madrid and fly back from Bilbao or vice versa.
Have a great trip!

Posted by
8461 posts
  1. Yes, Bilbao is well worth a couple nights stay, for the Guggenheim, as well as the maritime museum, the city, and some good food.
  2. Yes, San Sebastian is worth several nights, nice beach, a few sights, but the Pintxos bars are off the hook if you are a foodie.
  3. Can't speak to the French side
  4. To be honest, flying in and out of Madrid makes the most sense, direct flights, sure if cost makes sense, go with that. The only problem is that while fast trains in Spain make things efficient, the Basque region is not served well by train.
  5. Crossing the border is not usually a problem, but let your rental company know, and do not rent in Spain expecting to drop off in France.

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