Day 13 - Rioja to Bilbao to San Sebastian

Up and out of the accommodation by 8 am, the car needs to be dropped off at the Bilbao Airport by 10.30. Ade said that it's a 90 minute drive, but when I plug it into the phone and say 'avoid tolls', it says 2 hrs. That's still okay - it leaves a bit if wriggle room! The tolls would cost us about $35 euro - almost $70 aud. Spain road tolls are some of the most expensive in the world.

The county side we travel through is pretty nice, over the mountains and through some national parks.

With a fuel stop and an error of 2 in the navigation 🙈, we made it to the airport unscathed at 10.36. It's always a relief to drop a hire car back in one piece. It was then a 30 minute bus ride into Bilbao. The only plan is to go and see (not go into unfortunately - we don't have the time) the Guggenheim Museum, the 'Puppy' (made of flowers), the old town and to sit and eat some pintxos and drink some wine. Pintxos are like tapas, but usually served on a piece if bread.

We walk along the promanade of the Nervión River, it's all very beautiful and everyone, including the locals are out for Sunday afternoon. Ade had done some research and had a couple of food places picked out.

We arrive at the first one which is on a very busy square. There are no seats to be found, people are sitting around on the steps or just standing and eating and drinking. Ade had to brave the crowds again to get served and we found a small bench to stand at. It was all very loud and festive.

Then we moved onto the next one! It wasn't any quieter.

We wandered around, slowly heading back towards the bus station for our transfer to Donostia San Sebastian, an hour and 15 minute trip.

We got to our accommodation at about 7, and had a short settle in, before heading out to check the place out. Everyone obviously lines up to watch the sunset! There was plenty of activity on the beach, surfing and a few volleyball matches. We headed over the river and into the old town for a look.

Then it was back home for an early(ish) night. It's been a long day! We are booked in to do a 3 hr bike tour tomorrow (and thanks to Kate, it's on e bikes 😊).