Tour Summary

Madrid, one of the world’s great capitals, has a cosmopolitan population but there are important differences: it’s centuries old palaces, squares and works of art have largely escaped the ravages of war; it also mirrors of the passionate identities of the 13 provinces that stretch from the mountains of the north to the deserts of the south.
After four days, we move on to La Rioja where the wine and culinary arts have established a reputation unsurpassed in Spain.

The first three days are spent discovering Madrid, both the Old Madrid, Los Austrias, and the newer Bourbon city, founded in the 18th century following the War of Spanish Succession in the area known as the Prado (meadow). In the old city, you will see the lavish Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, the scene of the inquisition, a massive square decorated by small bars and restaurants around its perimeter.

The Bourbon city tour starts with a visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful statues, the Goddess Cybele in her chariot. She stands imperially at the head of the tree lined Paseo Del Prado. From there, you can saunter to any of the great art museums - the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofia and others.

The third day takes you to the Roman city of Toledo. A melting pot of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures, the city is concentrated around serpentine streets rich in history, art and architecture.

No visit to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the world’s largest building, El Escorial, built in 1563. A fabulous treat - literally! It is at once a royal palace, a church, museum, monastery, art gallery and mausoleum of the kings of Spain.

The last three days are spent discovering the joys of La  Rioja, its wine and gastronomic heritage. We start with a tour of the Dinastia Vivanco, the largest wine museum in the world. Then on to chateau-styled wineries, boutique and avant-garde producers; some well-established, some making a name for themselves; some in idyllic rural settings, some in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountains and one underground in a fortress city. There will be wine tastings, tapas and pinchos tours, traditional dining on regional specialities said to be the finest in Spain.

The tour will take you to Haro, where elegant wine mansions meet lively pavement cafés, Laguardia, a medieval town encircled by ramparts, and finally, Logroño with its broad boulevards.

You will eat at the finest restaurants and dine on the gourmet specialities of the region. In Rioja you will experience a unique combination of fine local produce and a heritage of haute cuisine. The difference is something to savour! The wines will be specially chosen by experts to compliment the food. In Rioja, you will also get a chance to pick your way through the infinite delicacies of tapas and pinchos

To mention just one of our selected hotels,  Los Agustinos hotel, in Haro, is a protected building built around a quiet courtyard. You will enjoy the luxury of a spacious en suite room with all modern amenities.

In Logroño, you will stay at the Hotel Marques De Vallejo in the elegance of a de luxe en suite bedroom. The hotel is in the historic centre of the city, an easy stroll from the best tapas and pinchos in Northern Spain.

PLACES:  Haro is a graceful town on the banks of the River Ebro. It has a lively old quarter where elegant wine mansions meet lively pavement cafés. Logroño, the region’s capital, has wide boulevards reminiscent of Bordeaux from where the émigré wine makers came. Laguardia is a  medieval hilltop city with encircling ramparts, towers and fortified gateways. Its narrow cobbled streets are flanked by bodegas and tapas bars.

FOOD: Just as the wines of Rioja have a unique character, so does the regional gastronomy. Some say the food here is more sophisticated and varied than anywhere else in Spain. So, as you dine in fine restaurants, tapas bars and the famous gastronomic societies of Rioja, it will dawn on you how Rioja’s food and wine really is a marriage made in heaven.

Itinerary

DAY ONE- Madrid

Arrival in Madrid Airport. You are welcomed and escorted by our Representative to our carefully selected hotel in our vehicle. Evening at your leisure

DAY TWO- Madrid

We will start our day with a private guided tour of main Madrid attractions including the Retiro Park, Moncloa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alcala, Palacio de la Zarzuela, Austrian district and Cibeles. Private guided visit of the magnificent Royal Palace, former residence of several Spanish Kings.

Lunch around the Plaza Mayor, full of little bars and restaurants (lunch not included) 

After lunch we will continue with our private guided visit of some of the most Internationally museums in Madrid: Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofia Museum. Our guide will advise about which museum to see subject to your clients preferences. Two museum entrances included.

DAY THREE- Madrid-Toledo-Madrid

Day Excursion To Toledo

Private full day guided excursion to Toledo (entrances included and lunch not included)
                               
Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the“city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues.
 
Our guide will inform and advise of any Performances (Musicals, Zarzuela or Opera) held at the famous Teatro Real.  (not included in price)

DAY FOUR- Madrid- El Escorial- Haro

We will visit to one of the biggest buildings in the world and declared by Unesco world heritage: The Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Built by Juan de Herrera and ordered by the Spanish Monarch , Felipe II in the 16th century to commemorate the Battle of San Quintín. With more than 4.000 rooms, the simplicity of its lines focuses all the attention on the harmony of its courtyards, fountains, cloisters and towers.

Private transfer to Haro in La Rioja to start our 4 nights wine-culture adventure.Check-in in our Historic-design Hotel in Haro. Welcome drink in the spectacular courtyard. Free evening

DAY FIVE- Haro  

Extraordinary guided tour of the world’s largest wine museum, experiencing the wine culture of centuries. A unique experience learning the history of wine not only in Spain, but in Europe.

Visit to the fabulous Remelluri Estate. One of the most important wineries in Rioja for Its successful style of blending the modern technology with the wine-making traditional methods.  One of the few Chateaux-style wineries in Rioja, located in a peaceful setting, at the base of the Cantabrian Mountains. Superb typical lunch from the area, overlooking the vineyards and accompanied by the much acclaimed wines from Remelluri. Private guided walking tour of Haro. The city of Haro is acknowledged as being the centre of Rioja wine production

For the traditional tour we will visit Rioja Alta, one of the most reputable, traditional and oldest wineries in Rioja with very high quality wines. Lunch will take place at our historic hotel. After the lunch we will visit the charming village of Briones and walking above the meander of the River Ebro surrounding the village with spectacular views.

 (Optional)
Tutored wine tasting of a selection of the best wines of La Rioja conducted by a wine expert at a historic building. You will learn different techniques to taste wine as well as the unique  characteristics of the wines of Rioja wine region.

Free evening. Time to relax in your hotel or to enjoy the numerous bars and restaurants around the city
                          
DAY SIX- Haro - Logroño

Spectacular guided tour to one of the best wineries in Rioja and Spain. Situated in a medieval village in Rioja Alavesa wine region. Tour of medieval winery (entirely made of stone) and walks around its vineyards. Wine tasting (exclusive tour)

Guided visit to one of the oldest and prettiest Wine Estates in Europe: Lopez de Heredia. Tour conducted by one of the members of the Family. A visit to this traditional wine estate will  demonstrate more clearly than a thousand words or pictures just what tradition in the making of fine wines really means in the 21st century. Wine tasting

Traditional restaurant in La Rioja. One of the best to experience the art of combining  traditional and nouvelle cuisine. (exclusive tour) 

On the traditional tour will visit to one of the most prestigious wineries in Spain for its winemaking methods, their constant research in perfecting the Wines as well as experimenting with the Grapes. They have mastered one of the best wines in Spain: Cirsion. Wine tasting included (traditional tour)

Lunch at traditional restaurant in Haro. Charming little restaurant with a great variety of dishes and products from Rioja Alta. (traditional tour)
                      
Guided tour of the old quarter of Logrono, capital of La Rioja, visiting Calle Laurel one of the most famous gastronomic streets in Spain. A unique guided tour seeing hundreds of small bars, each one specialising in a different tapa (small portions of food, an authentic delicacy)

Free evening in Logrono, the capital of La Rioja. Bars and restaurants recommended

DAY SEVEN- Logroño- Elciego- Laguardia-Logroño

Guided tour of the one and only Marques de Riscal, Pioneer in the Rioja wine region.
Its wines have earned some of the most distinguished international awards including the amazing Hotel Marques De Riscal designed by world renowned architect Frank Ghery. Wine tasting

Private guided tour conducted by local expert of One of the most astonishing medieval towns in  Europe. Located on a hill, surrounded by a valley of vineyards, overlooking the back-drop of the Cantabrian Mountains.

Privileged visit to one of the best underground cellars in the medieval town of Laguardia. It is located under the Palace of the Samaniegos.

Gourmet lunch held at Posada Mayor De Migueloa in Laguardia. Palace hotel, wine cellar and restaurant providing superb dishes as fine examples of Basque and Riojan Cuisine,  based on fresh ingredients and excellent service. (exclusive tour).

Lunch at this renowned restaurant in Laguardia.A prized establishment (Plato de Oro de la Gastronomía Española 1999), the restaurant offers innovative dishes based on the traditional, local cuisine and is a lovely vantage point fromwhich to admire the grapevines. There is also a gourmet shop where you can purchase the quality, local Riojas.

Free afternoon. Time to relax in the hotel or go shopping in Logrono

(Optional) Guided tapas tour of the best tapas of the area some of them never seen before. You will sample authentic fresh food from the North of Spain, while you mix with the locals.  Highly enjoyable.

DAY EIGHT- Logroño- airport

Private transfer back to Madrid airport or to Bilbao airport

(Optional)
Visit to The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (subject to flight times and destination )

 

Prices & Dates

COST PER PERSON (p.p.) IN EUROS (€) PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR 7nights/8days 3 nights in Madrid, price based on Hotel Villa Real (5 star) 4 nights/5 Days Gourmet wine tour in Rioja. There are two different Rioja Tours: The Traditional and The Exclusive. The difference between the traditional and the exclusive Rioja tour lies in the rating of accommodation, quality of meals, class of wineries and rank of restaurants

7 Nights  tour for 2 persons  tour for 4 people  tour for 6 people  Euros p/p 2399   1699   on request  MADRID AND EXCLUSIVE  RIOJA WINE TOU 7 Nights tour for 2 persons tour for 4 people tour for 6 people Euros p/p 2579 1789 on request

Hotel supplements or reductions -80.00 Euros reduction per person for an average 3 or 4 star hotel in the centre in Madrid, 3 nights. Madrid-  Hospes Madrid              +115 Euros p/p supplement for 3 nights                                                      This tour operates every week from April to October. November to March on request. - For the scaled pricing system, the total number of people in the tour refers to how many are actually booked for the particular week, and not to how many people you must have in your party. For example if you call to book two people and we already have two people booked, you will be paying the price designated to four people, if at a later day we book two more clients you will eventually pay the price designated to six people.(on request) We can also organize a similar tour subject to your requirements of number of people and days, budget etc, please e-mail us on info@theuniquetraveller.com. PRICE INCLUDES - Private return transfer from Madrid and La Rioja by our executive vehicle - Transport included either public in the cities or private car in the day excursions. - Personalized English/Spanish speaking guide throughout the itinerary. - Seven nights accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath.Three nights in Madrid and four nights in La Rioja. - Seven full buffet breakfast - Private guided full day tour in Madrid visiting the Royal Palace and two museums. - Private guided full day tour to Toledo included entrances. - Private guided half day tour to El Escorial - Transfers from and to Madrid - Five exclusive wine estate visits. - Three wine tasting - Three lunches including wine - Visit to the world largest wine museum.   - Three towns and medieval villages guided walking tours. - All taxes and surcharges WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED - Travel insurance - Flights - Tips - Meals not specified - Personal expenses - Optional visits Notes: All accommodation includes breakfast and tax We can recommend nearer the time music shows, Zarzuela performances and Opera in Madrid (Teatro Real) for the evenings.

Accommodation

 

IN MADRID

Hotel VILLA REAL   
Small luxury hotel of the world, 5 star hotel 
(3 NIGHTS)

Location
A traditional and at the same time, contemporary hotel, for those who enjoy elegance, good taste and exquisite service. The hotel is set in the cultural heart of Madrid at a walking distance to the most important museums such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park are also nearby.

General Facilities
The best service, the most distinguished cuisine and its Roman mosaics, make the Villa Real a magnificent hotel. Facilities include a business centre, limousine service, car park,  24-hour room service , late breakfast up to 1 p.m. , complimentary national and international press, laundry and pressing service. Access to the Hotel Urban swimming pool (50 metres away).

Would you like to eat with Andy Warhol? At the Hotel Restaurant, “East 47” you can. The most delicious cuisine and the most delightful tapas.

Mosaics, original sculptures from Ancient Rome and a collection of Greek ampullas belonging to one of the most important private collections in Spain, make the Villa Real a distinguished hotel. All these works of art decorate the noble areas of the hotel, together with contemporary art by Guinovart, Warhol and Tàpies, which illuminate the remaining areas.

The rooms
115 bedrooms including suites and duplex suites, enabling you to separate leisure and business. Magnificent views of the city, the most distinguished service, pure luxury.

All  parquet flooring bedrooms are totally soundproof and have direct telephone line, mini-bar , music centre, TV with Canal Plus and satellite channels, Safe box . There is also wireless internet access in each room and you will find a hair dryer in the bathroom as well as a welcome gift.

IN LA RIOJA

Hotel LOS AGUSTINOS ( Haro )
HISTORIC-BUILDING, 4 star

Location
This four star property is located right in the historic centre of Haro, centre of the wine production in Rioja, surrounded by a valley of vineyards and the Cantabrian Mountains. Walking distance you can experience numerous and excellent tapas.

General Facilities
Founded as a convent in 1373, Los Agustinos hotel is a beautiful and protected building, now its walls full of history play host to exceptionally comfortable facilities where it is a privilege to stay. It has an impressive courtyard where you can relax reading your favourite book or having a glass of Rioja.

Particular mention should be made of the Las Duelas Restaurant; the Bistrot de las Duelas; Bar-Cafeteria; 24-hour room service; and free WIFI throughout the Hotel.
They offer conventional, modern and regional cuisine based on fresh products from the area and also having an outstanding wine-list and everything in historic surroundings.

The rooms
There are 62 guestrooms, most of which are outward-facing, whilst the Hotel's most salient feature is the impressive, glass-domed cloisters, which are air-conditioned and enclosed. All rooms are decorated in a rustic style and enjoy all the modern comforts: satellite TV, wifi, private bathroom with hairdryer. Guests also have access to the hotel’s fitness center.

Hotel MARQUES DE VALLEJO ( Logroño )
BOUTIQUE HOTEL, for the Exclusive tour, three or four star modern city hotel in the centre for the Traditional tour.

Location
This boutique hotel is located right in the centre, in the historic and cultural heart of Logroño, at a walking distance of the main gastronomic streets, where you can find the best pinchos and tapas in northern Spain, the old part with the cathedral and numerous churches and the outdoor dining area full of terraces where you can have delicious meals accompanied by excellent wines.

General Facilities
Built in 1911, was known popularly as Posada de las Animas (Inn of the souls).

In May 2004, Hotel Marques De Vallejo had a meticulous work of restoration, interior design and decoration, always with the aim of offering a more comfortable and pleasant stay to our guest. 

Nowadays they keep on working/betting on the innovation and the improvement of our services and facilities with the aim of satisfying each and every need of our guest.

The rooms
The 50 contemporary rooms at Hotel Marqués de Vallejo feature parquet floors and air conditioning. They contain an LCD TV, and the private bathrooms come with a hairdryer.
Wifi access, safe and temperature controller as well as mini bar, are also available in the rooms.

or

3  or 4 STAR CITY  HOTEL in the centre (Last 2 nights in Logrono) for the Traditional tour.

Our selected 3 or 4 star hotels are located in the central business and leisure area of Logroño. Ideally situated for guests seeking a culturally-rich break in this great city. 

Discover the old quarter with the cathedral and numerous churches and the outdoor dining area full of terraces where you can have delicious meals accompanied by excellent wines. Enjoy the famous tapas’ area ‘The Elephants path’, which is situated just a few minutes walk from your hotel.

The furnishings throughout are of a good quality, the rooms are clean and the modern conveniences plentiful and state-of-the-art, including fully equipped bathrooms, air-conditioning, satellite TV and mini bar. n the well-appointed public areas of the hotels, guests are treated to friendly service and a range of excellent facilities

Tour Pictures