Road Trip from Northern Spain to Portugal:
10-Day Luxury Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bilbao – Private Airport Pickup,
Stay at Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao 5*,
Guggenheim Visit

Suggested Stay: Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

This sleek, five-star hotel sits directly across from the iconic Guggenheim Museum, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing the shimmering curves of titanium like a living art piece. The interiors, designed by Javier Mariscal, blend modern luxury with sculptural flair. The rooftop terrace is also a hidden gem that is perfect for slow breakfasts with a view or an aperitif at golden hour.

Midday – Seamless Arrival

A private driver will greet you at the airport (Bilbao, San Sebastián, or Biarritz) for a comfortable ride into the city. Upon arrival at the hotel, a chilled welcome drink awaits. You can then take a moment to refresh before sinking into the city’s rhythm.

Afternoon – Guggenheim & Riverside Stroll

Ease into Basque Country with a private guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum where your art historian guide will open the doors to some of the world’s most thought-provoking modern works. Afterwards, you can opt for a slow walk along the Nervión River where you will pass by the museum’s famous Puppy and Maman sculptures. A scenic café along the riverside is the perfect place to sip on a glass of Txakoli, the region’s signature white wine.

Evening – A Taste of Modern Basque Cuisine

Dinner is a reservation at Nerua, the Guggenheim’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, Chef Josean Alija transforms humble Basque ingredients into poetic dishes served in a space that mirrors the museum’s architectural quiet. For those craving something more relaxed, opt for a private chef’s table at a hidden gem in Casco Viejo, paired with rare Rioja vintages.

Overnight: Bilbao

Day 2

Coastal Excursion to Getxo & Gaztelugatxe

Morning – Seaside Excursion to Getxo

After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver will whisk you to Getxo, a coastal town just 20 minutes away. Walk the scenic cliffs of Punta Galea, or cross the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge in a glass gondola suspended over the Nervión River. It’s the perfect balance of light exploration and panoramic beauty.

Afternoon – Gaztelugatxe: A Hidden Gem

Your next stop is a breathtaking landmark; Gaztelugatxe, a short drive from Getxo. This is a must-visit place near Bilbao where a private guide will lead you on a hike up to this tiny islet, perched on the wild coast and only accessible by a winding stone staircase. As you ascend, the stunning views of Biscay Bay will unfold before you, and you’ll reach the dramatic 10th-century chapel at the top.

Fun fact: This is an iconic spot that has appeared in Game of Thrones.

Evening – Cultural Entertainment or Rooftop Dining

Tonight, opt for an exclusive performance at the Teatro Arriaga, or unwind with dinner at the rooftop of your hotel. A live jazz duo plays softly in the background as you sip on aged Patxaran and watch the lights dance on the river.

Overnight: Bilbao

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

San Sebastián Day Trip & Michelin-Starred Dinner

Morning – Coastal Drive to Culinary Capital

Set off for San Sebastián, just 1.5 hours east, with your private driver-guide. Along the way, you’ll pass lush hills, dramatic sea cliffs, and charming fishing villages. Stop briefly at Zarautz for coffee by the beach.

Afternoon – Old Town Walk & Pintxos Safari

In San Sebastián, you’ll be met by a local host who will lead you through the atmospheric Parte Vieja. You’ll sample 5–6 of the city’s most storied pintxos bars, each one a lesson in Basque culture, from Txangurro (baked crab) to silky Idiazabal cheese.

Evening – Michelin Dining & Return

Cap off your day with an early dinner at Arzak or Akelarre, both holders of three Michelin stars. With sea views and legendary service, it’s a highlight of the journey. Return to Bilbao via a scenic night drive, the coastline lit by moonlight.

Overnight: Bilbao

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Scenic Drive to Santiago de Compostela via Ribeira Sacra,  
Stay at A Quinta da Auga Relais & Châteaux

Suggested Stay: A Quinta da Auga Relais & Châteaux

A Quinta da Auga is a boutique luxury hotel set within a restored 18th-century paper mill. Surrounded by rivers and gardens, it feels more like a countryside retreat than a city stay. Expect heritage architecture, serene spa facilities, and charming interiors filled with antiques, artwork, and soft classical music. Each morning begins with birdsong and fresh-baked Galician pastries; a quiet prelude to a destination steeped in tradition.

Midday – Scenic Drive from Bilbao

After breakfast and a relaxed morning departure, your private car will take you westward through the lush landscapes of Asturias and Galicia. The drive to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately 5.5 hours (around 550 km), with comfort stops and scenic views along the way. For an elevated experience, we can arrange an en route wine lunch in the Ribeira Sacra region  known for its terraced vineyards along river canyons.

Afternoon – Arrival & Spa Indulgence

By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at A Quinta da Auga, greeted with herbal tea and soft linen-scented towels. Let the fatigue of the road melt away with an optional thalassotherapy session or a signature couples massage at the hotel’s spa designed to restore and rejuvenate.

Evening – Gourmet Galician Welcome

Dinner tonight will be hosted in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Filigrana, a local favorite known for organic produce and coastal seafood. You’ll savor dishes like Galician octopus with paprika, aged beef from Rubia Gallega cattle, and traditional empanadas with a refined twist. Meals will all be paired with Albariño wines from nearby Rías Baixas. End your evening with a fireside digestif or a quiet garden walk under the stars.

Overnight:  Santiago de Compostela

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Santiago Cathedral Tour & Michelin Dinner

Morning – Private Tour of Santiago’s Historic Core

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll meet your private guide for an insider’s walking tour through Santiago’s UNESCO-listed old town. Your route will weave through cobblestone alleys, medieval plazas, and Romanesque facades that will culminate in a personalized visit to the Cathedral of Santiago, where centuries of pilgrims have gathered. Unlike typical tours, yours will include rooftop access and lesser-known cloisters for a more intimate view.

Afternoon – Pintxos, Produce & Plazas

Pause for lunch in the Abastos Market area, where tiny taverns serve updated versions of regional dishes like zamburiñas (Galician scallops) and tetilla cheese croquettes. Your guide may introduce you to a fourth-generation vendor or a local cheesemaker.

Evening – A Star-Studded Table

Tonight, a table awaits at Casa Marcelo, Santiago’s trailblazing Michelin-starred restaurant. With its open kitchen and counter-style seating, it blurs the line between kitchen and guest. This restaurant offers a tasting menu that fuses Galician tradition with Japanese precision. Dishes are dictated by the season and paired with biodynamic wines.

Overnight:  Santiago de Compostela

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Douro Valley Wine Retreat,
Stay at Quinta da Pacheca

As you leave Santiago de Compostela and begin your journey south, pause in Portugal’s wine-soaked Douro Valley, where green-terraced hills roll into misty river bends and vineyard estates offer a world of refined tranquillity. Your stay at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the region’s most iconic wine estates, adds elegance and authenticity to the journey. Here, you’ll unwind in luxury among the vines, savour estate-produced wines, and enjoy gourmet dining—making this a sensory interlude where time slows and flavours bloom.

Overnight:  Douro Valley 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Arrival in Lisbon & Private Alfama Tour,
Stay at the Palácio Príncipe Real

Suggested Stay: Palácio Príncipe Real

Nestled in one of Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhoods, this 19th-century mansion-turned-luxury hotel blends baroque charm with modern sophistication. With lush private gardens, hand-painted tiles, and white-glove service, it’s a sanctuary where every corner whispers exclusivity.

Midday – Scenic Arrival from the North

After your countryside retreat or direct drive from Santiago de Compostela, Lisbon welcomes you with its signature terracotta rooftops and sweeping river views. Your private driver will drop you at Palácio Príncipe Real for a smooth check-in and a refreshing welcome drink.

Afternoon – Private Alfama Tour

Wander the city’s oldest district with a private guided tour in Lisbon. As you wind through Alfama’s labyrinth of streets, you’ll discover secret viewpoints, hear haunting Fado stories, and visit hidden tile workshops. This is old-world Portugal at its finest.

Evening – Gourmet Rooftop Dinner & City Lights

We will gladly reserve a table for you at SEEN Lisboa or Belcanto, a Michelin-starred dining in Lisbon that boasts its skyline views and curated wine pairings. As the city glows below, you will toast to the journey you’ve just completed.

Overnight:  Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais + Evening Food & Wine Tour

Sintra & Cascais Coastal Escape

Your private driver will pick you up in the morning for an unforgettable journey to Sintra, a fairytale town nestled in lush hills. Your first stop is the Pena Palace, an enchanting 19th-century masterpiece with colourful towers and breathtaking views. Your guide will walk you through its opulent rooms and romantic gardens, sharing the fascinating history of Portugal’s royal retreat.

Next, you’ll visit the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, a mystical estate filled with gardens, underground tunnels, and esoteric symbolism. As you explore the Initiation Well, lush pathways, and hidden grottoes, your guide will reveal the secrets behind this architectural fantasy rooted in alchemy, Masonry, and myth. Afterward, enjoy free time in Sintra’s historic centre, where you can browse charming shops, admire traditional Portuguese architecture, and taste local delicacies like travesseiros and queijadas.

In the afternoon, your driver will take you along a scenic coastal route to Cascais, a sophisticated seaside town. Stroll through its elegant streets, visit the dramatic cliffs of Boca do Inferno, or relax by the marina with a fresh seafood lunch. As the day winds down, sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Lisbon, taking in the stunning ocean views along the way.

Night - Fado Dinner Show 

Spend an unforgettable evening immersed in the soulful sound of Fado, Portugal’s most iconic musical expression. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in an intimate setting while local singers and guitarists perform melancholic ballads that echo Lisbon’s deepest roots. 

Overnight:  Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Time Out Market, LX Factory, Farewell Sunset Cruise or Dinner

Morning – Mercado da Ribeira & LX Factory

Start the day at the Time Out Market, a culinary hotspot perfect for final gourmet souvenirs. Then, head to LX Factory, a repurposed industrial complex turned creative hub where you can score designer finds and enjoy gallery strolls. This is modern Lisbon.

Afternoon – Poolside Pause & Personal Time

Take the final hours to yourself. Lounge by the hotel’s secluded pool, browse the boutique shops of Príncipe Real, or enjoy a light lunch on a terrace with sweeping views of the Tagus River.

Evening – Farewell Cruise or Sunset Dinner

For your grand finale, choose between a private sunset sail on the Tagus River or a romantic dinner at Suba, perched atop a renovated palace. Either way, let your last moments in Lisbon mirror the journey itself; effortless and unforgettable.

Overnight:  Lisbon

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

Departure

It is time to bid farewell to the stunning Lisbon and prepare for your private airport transfer. You leave richer in experiences, emotions, and unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. As your flight takes off, relax and look out over the lagoons, feeling grateful for the wonders you’ve discovered. Promise yourself, “I’ll be back.”

Meals included: Breakfast