A Self-Drive Supercar Journey Across Spain

Your private transfer transports you to the Hotel Akelarre, spectacularly overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Enjoy a day at leisure to acquaint yourself with the amenities of our luxurious hotel. Tonight’s dinner takes place within our hotel’s Akelarre Restaurant, which holds three Michelin stars.

This morning, Your World experiences offer insights into the cultural and culinary aspects of the region:

— Attend a cooking class at our hotel, witnessing practical demonstrations of how the hotel’s meals are designed and prepared. 

— Those looking to explore the city can join a half-day tour visiting famous sites, such as La Concha Bay; La Bretxa central market; the Romantic Area, with its prestigious Old Casino and Buen Pastor Cathedral. Our tour will be punctuated by stops at the best bars and cafes to sample the local fare, including pinxtos, the small tapas-like dishes. 

You are, of course, welcome to head out on your own, independent explorations. 

This evening, we gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Here, we meet our local hosts, rally car champion, Lorenzo Granai, and professional racetrack driver, Fabio Mancini.

Self-Drive

Approximately 249 kms and 5 hours driving

Following breakfast, our expert supercar driver takes us through the specifics of our various supercars. We then take our place behind the wheel, leaving San Sebastián and heading inland. Winding our way along scenic roads, we pass the rocky peaks of Urkiola National Park, en route to Burgos. Our convoy of vehicles then pulls into a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Burgos. Enjoy free time this afternoon before we come together for dinner at our hotel, Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine.

A choice of Your World experiences showcases two distinct sides to Burgos:

— Head out on a tour of the city. The astonishing 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Burgos houses an awe-inspiring collection of ornate chapels. The tomb of El Cid, Spain’s national hero, is also located here. Close by, wander the ramparts of the Castle of Burgos, which offers staggering views of its surrounds. 

— Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wineries in Burgos and pay a visit to a local monastery.  

Try some of the regional dishes tonight at your choice of restaurant.

Self-Drive

Approximately 278 kms and 5 hours driving

Today, we continue our journey south to the capital, Madrid, driving across sections of the vast Valladolid valley. Along the way, we stop for lunch, before Madrid’s surrounding green hills signal our imminent arrival in the magnificent city. We check into the Principal Madrid, whose grand art deco facade takes pride of place along the city’s renowned Gran Via. Enjoy a free afternoon, exploring the shopping districts of this bustling metropolis. A wealth of options is open to us this evening, as we explore Madrid’s celebrated dining scene.

Choose from these Your World experiences for encounters with Madrid’s diverse cultural offerings:

— Take a private guided tour of the Prado Museum, spending quality time with its impressive collection of paintings by El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Goya. 

— Join a private guide and follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. The celebrated writer had an affinity for Madrid, whose bars and bullfighting inspired his writing. 

— For fans of the round ball game, join a pilgrimage to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. Enjoy a private tour of the stands, as well as the presidential box, the press room, dressing room, the player’s tunnel, and even spend time out on the pitch. 

Tonight, we reconvene for the rare opportunity to dine at the world’s oldest restaurant. Verified by Guiness World Records, Casa Botín was founded in 1725, and counted Hemingway among its regular clientele.

Self-Drive

Approximately 400 kms and 6 hours driving

Back behind the wheel, we continue south, this time with the city of Córdoba in our sights. Along the way, we pass through the wilderness of Sierra de Cardeña, a nature reserve whose fauna includes wolves and Iberian lynxes. On arrival in Córdoba, we acquaint ourselves with the charming Hotel Palacio del Bailío before beginning our explorations. Cross the Roman Bridge of Córdoba to admire the feats of the city’s bygone architects and engineers. The narrow alleyways of the Jewish Quarter then lead us to the Córdoba Synagogue. This evening, we take our places within a local restaurant to sample the local cuisine.

Your World experiences offer a choice of discovery this morning:

— Join our local hosts for a drive through the surrounding countryside. 

— Take a tour of the grand Mezquita. Admire its elaborate series of decorated archways and columns, which are mesmerising in their arrangement.

You may prefer to take the day at leisure.

This evening, we reconvene at Noor Restaurant, which boasts two Michelin stars. Led by Spain’s celebrated chef, Paco Morales, the restaurant’s dedicated team present the most flavoursome Andalusian cuisine for our enjoyment.