San Sebastian-Barcelona-Madrid

Two years ago, we opted for the train from Madrid to Bilbao, then rented a car for the Bilbao/San Sebastian area, then flew Vueling Air to Barcelona, so I don't have specific recommendations for June 17/18. But . . .

Be aware that San Sebastian (Donostia to locals) has lots of parking garages, and depending on where you park and where your AirBnB is located, you may get in some of that hiking just getting to and from your car! And the parking rates aren't cheap, but perhaps your AirBnB has arrangements that avoid the garages.

Also, you've got some top restaurant plans already, but a few kilometers south of Donostia, in Lasarte-Oria, is Restaurant Martin Berasategui, a 3-Star Michelin dining paradise. Probably the best meal of my life!

If you plan on dinner at Tickets (we really enjoyed ours), be sure to get your online reservation made as soon as it's possible - but you probably already knew that :-)

Consider a possible visit to Girona, a wonderful town an easy 1-hour drive or train ride northeast of Barcelona.

In Madrid, the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum is a MUST. Have a great trip!

I liked Akelare in San Sebastian, but it's quite expensive (about $400 for the two of us for lunch), and I don't think that I would do it again. Still, one of the five best restaurants in the world, so it might be a worthwhile "bucket list" item. The tapas in San Sebastian are about as good (varied, creative and tasty) as anywhere else I've been, so pinxhos in old town are a must. Never thought I would like foie gras until I had it there.

Barcelona is fun, but beware of pickpockets. Also, after a stroll down Las Ramblas and visits to the marketplace and all of the Gaudi sites, there wasn't a lot more to do there, though the tapas and paellas were good there. I think there was a very good Picasso museum in Barcelona (I remember that there was a great one in Malaga, so I might have them confused, but I'm pretty sure we went to a good one in Barcelona.) If it were me, I'd plan for a little more time in Madrid. "Must sees" there are the Prado Museum (most of a day) and the Royal Palace (about 3-4 hours). A drink in the Plaza Mayor and at least one evening of tapas. The other museums and the Park Retiro are also fun visits.

"Barcelona is fun, but beware of pickpockets. Also, after a stroll down Las Ramblas and visits to the marketplace and all of the Gaudi sites, there wasn't a lot more to do there"

ha ha ha ha ha

What a reply. There wasn't a lot more to do there?

Please, anyone reading this thread totally ignore this person. The OP is correct, there is a ton to see and do.,

I would train Madrid - Bilbao on the 17th. Pick up your hire car here on the 18th after a visit to the Guggenheim. Drop off your car and stay over in Pamplona on the 21st.

just over 2 weeks to go and we are beyond ready. Thanks to all for the recommendations. They will surely come in handy!

Spain is a very exciting destination. Try not to lock yourself in to an itinerary too much but let yourself go with the flow as you discover things along the way.
Barcelona, once you have done Las Ramblas and Gothic move out to areas such as Poble Sec and experience the different non touristy side. It is a walking city but do watch out for pick pockets especially when boarding or alighting the Metro. I use Aborigens
for day trips and highly recommend them.

Same for Madrid there is so much off the tourist track.

San Sebastian, make sure you go of a long walk around the beaches to walk off the fantastic food.

In all places the night life is fantastic smoke sure you have a siesta.

I am sure you will find that you haven't allowed enough time in any of your destinations.

Driving takes long than you think

I'm with Hoc - you need to allow more time in Madrid. If you take a day trip to Toledo, you only have one day to "do the museums, mercados, and sites". I have been there four times now and haven't come close to seeing everything I want to.

I can't plan your trip for you, but here is something I think you should really consider. If you do indeed drive from San Sebastain to Barcelona, You might think about two stops along the way - Pamplona and Zaragoza. Each requires several days to really explore, but one full day is still worth it!

Everyone, thank you so much for the feedback. I will definitely take much of your tips to heart, although ultimately much of my itinerary (days in Donostia, Barca, and Madrid) are set. Will incorporate your tips....will try to leave early from San Sebas, and definitely hit Pamplona and Zaragoza (and maybe Huesca). Will absolutely let all know how the trip goes. Thank you!