Tour Summary
Highlights
- Great gastronomy including delicious tapas
- Spectacular landscapes and beautiful countryside
- Charming medieval and fishing villages
- Superb wines
- Unique wine estates
- Magnificent city: San Sebastian
IT IS FAR BETTER TO SEE IT ONCE THAN TO HEAR OF IT A THOUSAND TIMES
Wine, gastronomy & cultural tour of Rioja, Navarra and San Sebastian
This tour shows you three amazing regions in green Spain: Rioja, Navarra and the Basque Country, focusing on prestigious wine estates, excellent gastronomy, medieval and fishing villages, delightful seaside towns and gorgeous countryside. Each area has its own characteristics and unique individualities.
It is a voyage around the best of Basque country including the Atlantic coast, Rioja and the ancient Kingdom of Navarra. The River Ebro rises in the Cantabrian Mountains and flows to the Mediterranean dividing Rioja from Navarra and feeding Spain’s most prolific orchards and market gardens. The pilgrims path to Santiago de Compostela crosses the river at Logrono, capital of the wine growing region. It all adds up to a memorable feast of history, religious culture, beautiful scenery, gorgeous wines and gourmet food, said to be the best in Spain.
PLACES: Haro, a graceful town on the banks of the River Ebro, has a lively old quarter where elegant wine mansions meet lively pavement cafés. You will visiting Elciego, the home of Marques de Riscal Winery and showing off its flamboyant hotel designed by Frank Ghery. Laguardia is a romantic hilltop fortress with medieval mansions and cobbled streets flanked by bodegas and tapas bars. On to Navarra, seat of kings thence to the royal fortress city of Olite with its fairytale turrets, battlements and twisting lanes. From there you will be driven to San Sebastian, Spain’s most fashionable resort set on a crescent bay between two tower-topped hills and a tour of the local fishing villages. Finally Bilbao, and a chance to visit the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art before your flight home.
WINES: To set the scene, you will be guided through the world’s largest wine museum, The Dinastia Vivanco in the medieval village of Briones. On to the distinguished Marques de Riscal Estate, pioneer of the region and master of the Tempranillo grape. In Laguardia, there is a fascinating underground winery on three subterranean levels. Finally, the spectacular vineyards of Navarra producing wines from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes. Wine tasting and tapas, gastronomic meals served with the best regional wines – irrisistable!
FOOD: It is the combination of outstanding food and scenic ambience that makes this tour one to remember. A gourmet affair served overlooking a broad sweep of the Remelluri vineyards; a private reception with wine and tapas before an epicurean lunch at the Laguardia Palace Hotel and, in the evening, a tour of the towns tapas bars; a lunchtime banquet served in a Parador. In San Sebastian we can recommend : dine atop Mount Igueldo overlooking the city on the freshest Basque seafood in its infinite varieties. The next day, you can visit the picturesque seaside villages and lunch on delicious grilled fish.
This 5-day accompanied cultural food and wine tour starts and finishes at San Sebastian and allows plenty of time to go exploring on your own.
If you are really passionate about experiencing world class gastronomy, sampling outstanding wines, admiring unique medieval villages, in the wine country, appreciating spectacular scenery, whilst being a guest of renowned wine estates and above all exploring regions of Spain not yet really touched by mass tourism, guided by committed local experts then you must take this opportunity.
Itinerary
DAY ONE- Bilbao- Haro
You are welcomed and escorted by our guide to our carefully selected hotel in La Rioja in our vehicle. Check in at our pre selected hotel in Haro.Evening free
Optional: Guggenheim museum visit in Bilbao Subject to arrival time
DAY TWO- Haro- Labastida- 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. We highly recommend the restaurant: Las Duelas, situated by the impressive hotel courtyard.
DAY THREE- 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
Picturesque 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 FOUR- Logroño-Elciego-Laguardia
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. (itinerary)
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 FIVE- Logroño –Puentelarreina-Olite-San Sebastian
Departure to Navarra
A privileged private guided visit to a wine estate located in a astonishing valley. Formed by several manors, this Senorio has mastered throughout the years the wine-making of reds, whites and roses in an area between Rioja and Bordeaux.
Wine tasting
Guided visit to Puentelarreina. Puente la Reina, "the crossroads of the ways", is a medieval town where the two main routes on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela converge
Visit to to Olite Castle which some parts has been preserved as in the Middle Ages. (Private guide on request)
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Olite, was one of the most luxurious mediaeval castles in Europe. A 12th-century German traveller wrote his impressions in his diary, now conserved in the British Museum in London: "Surely there is no king with a more beautiful castle or palace and with so many gilded rooms".
Gourmet Lunch in a charming restaurant of a medieval town located in a castle.
After a superb lunch we travel to San Sebastian.
Definitely one of the most adored places in all of Spain. An international resort and Festival venue that still preserves an aristocratic atmosphere of all those centuries ago.
This is the centre of the Basque Country’s superb Gastronomy with fifteen restaurants having 3,2, or 1 Michelin Stars in the city or close by. Free evening .Free time to relax.
Two nights included in San Sebastian a 4 star hotel: Tryp Orly, Silken Amara Plaza or Monte Igueldo.
We can offer collective or private guided excursions either in San Sebastian or to the
coastal towns like Hondarribia, Zarautz, Guetaria including St Jean de Luz in neighbouring France. We can also offer cooking classes and demonstrations, guided tapas tour and make a reservation on any restaurant including the numerous Michelin Stars (we can e-mail you our recommendations)
If you are flying from Bilbao there are plenty of trains and coaches from San Sebastian,
alternatively we can provide private transfers on request.
Accommodation
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
BOUTIQUE HOTEL (Logroño) 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 (Logroño) or similar in the centre 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.
Last two nights included in San Sebastian a 4 star hotel: Tryp Orly, Silken Amara Plaza or Monte Igueld
