An exclusive wine & food journey with

Sawtooth-wine-logo_processed

Rioja & San Sebastian

May 15-22, 2026

12-24

Guests

8 / 7

Days / Nights

14

Meals

Join us for an immersive journey through Northern Spain, a region celebrated for its award-winning wines, gourmet cuisine, and historic architecture. In La Rioja, one of Spain’s premier winemaking regions, we’ll meet leading winemakers and learn about the indigenous Tempranillo grape. Then, venture into the Basque Country, where medieval villages and the vibrant city of San Sebastián reveal a dynamic culture where food and wine reign supreme.

Taste

authentic local flavors and limited-edition wines crafted with a blend of centuries-old techniques and modern innovation

Explore

the charming streets, lively plazas, and picturesque views of the Rioja and Basque towns of Laguardia, Logroño, and San Sebastián

Discover

exclusive vineyard experiences and the creative spirit behind Rioja’s winemaking legacy

Day 1

Arrival Bilbao

Land at the Bilbao Airport, where an Experi driver will greet you in the Arrivals Hall and transport you through a landscape of rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages on our way to the Rioja wine region. Check into your hotel and have time to relax and get settled in. This evening, we'll gather for introductions, an aperitif, and a Welcome Dinner featuring local flavors and regional wines.

Dinner

Overnight at Palacio Tondón or similar

Day 2

Haro

Today, we’ll set out on a full-day wine tour of La Rioja, one of Spain’s premier wine regions. We’ll begin our journey in Haro, considered the wine capital of Rioja, with a vertical tasting of their Gran Reservas. From here, we'll drive to one of Rioja’s few châteaux and join the winemaker for a walk through the vines, sharing the story behind these distinct wines. After a guided tasting, enjoy a scenic picnic among the vineyards, featuring freshly barbecued lamb chops and a selection of traditional local foods. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an open evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Palacio Tondón or similar

Day 3

Rioja Alta

Our first stop of the day will be a small family-run winery,  where centuries-old techniques meet modern innovation. During a private tour and tasting, discover how this seventh-generation winemaker creates limited-edition blends using traditional Italian anforas, premier French oak barrels, and concrete eggs. Next, we’ll head to Logroño for a lunchtime pintxo crawl—a beloved local tradition. Stroll through the historic streets, stopping at small bars to sample bite-sized delicacies paired with regional wines. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the region’s exciting new winemakers, known for her innovative approach and commitment to reviving rare indigenous grape varieties. Enjoy a tasting of her small-batch wines, including a unique Maturana and Graciano. Return to the hotel afterward for an open evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Palacio Tondón or similar

Day 4

Exclusive Rioja

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a day of remarkable wine experiences not typically open to the public. We’ll begin at Artadi, where winemaker Juan Carlos Artadi defied traditional regulations to craft wines that truly express his vision. Stroll through his vineyards and enjoy a tasting of his wines. Next, travel to the medieval town of Laguardia, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the Rioja valley. We’ll have some time in town before sitting down for lunch in a traditional asador. Finally, our journey takes us to Labastida for an exclusive visit with influential winemaker Ruben Provedo, renowned for producing limited-edition wines— ranging from unconventional Tempranillo white to Chardonnay— all in a private setting that few ever experience.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Palacio Tondón or similar

Day 5

Rioja Oriental

This morning, we’ll return to Logroño and enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, browse local boutiques, or relax at a cafe while soaking in the atmosphere. Next, we’ll visit Marqués de Murrieta, one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Rioja. During our guided tour, visit the estate’s historic cellars and learn about their dedication to tradition and innovation in winemaking. Our visit concludes with a tasting of three exceptional wines thoughtfully paired with haute cuisine tapas— a fusion of Rioja’s culinary and viticultural excellence. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel with some free time to relax. Tonight we’ll head out for a special dinner in the heart of Rioja Alavesa.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Palacio Tondón or similar

Day 6

Basque Country

This morning, after check out, we will make our way toward the elegant seaside town of San Sebastián— or Donostia, as the city is known in Basque. Along the way, we’ll stop at a Basque winery for a tasting and enjoy a lunch of local flavors before continuing our journey to San Sebastián.

Once settled at our centrally located hotel, we'll meet for an optional walk through town, discovering the city’s beaches, promenades, and Belle Époque architecture. Dinner tonight is open to explore the many options in one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations in advance.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Hotel LaSala or similar

Day 7

San Sebastian

Spend the morning in San Sebastián at your leisure. Consider beginning your day with a visit to La Bretxa, a traditional food market in the Old Town. It’s an ideal spot to experience the region's seasonal offerings— from fresh fruits and vegetables to jamón and sheep’s milk cheese. Browse the boutiques and artisan shops that line the charming streets, stroll the elegant promenades, or take a walk along Playa de la Concha — one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This evening, we’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner at a renowned restaurant featuring one of the world’s best wine selections.

Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel LaSala or similar

Day 8

Depart Bilbao

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the Bilbao Airport for departure flights home. Not quite ready to depart? Extend your stay with us. Ongi ibili!

Breakfast

Extend your trip

+ 4 extra days in the Basque Country

Day 8

HONDARRIBIA

Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Our first activity will be a hands-on Basque cooking class, where a local chef will guide us through the preparation of some regional favorites, which we’ll then enjoy for lunch, paired with local wines.
After our meal, depart San Sebastián and drive northeast along the coast to Hondarribia. This fortified seaside town near the French border is known for its colorful fishermen’s quarter, medieval old town, and excellent pintxos scene. Check in to our hotel, situated between the walled city and the marina district. The evening will be open to explore your new surroundings.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Villa Magalean

Day 9

BIARRITZ

This morning, we’ll cross the Basque border into the French Pays Basque region on our way to Biarritz, France— a glamorous seaside town known for its elegant boulevards, dramatic Atlantic coastline, and history as a 19th-century resort for European nobility. Today, it’s a lively mix of surf culture and Belle Époque charm. Begin with a guided walking tour and a visit to one of Biarritz’s bustling food markets, where colorful stalls showcase French Basque cheeses, seafood, pastries, and regional specialties. Have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to wander along the clifftop promenade, visit the Rocher de la Vierge viewpoint, or browse the local boutiques and patisseries.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Villa Magalean

Day 10

TXAKOLINA

Today, delve into the distinctive flavors of the Basque coast, beginning with a visit to a coastal Txakoli winery for a guided tour and tasting. Set against a backdrop of sea breezes and vine-covered slopes, enjoy a deep dive into the history, production, and tasting profile of Txakoli — the region’s signature crisp, slightly effervescent white wine made from the indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Next, continue your culinary exploration with a visit to a Basque cheese producer and affineur, where you’ll gain insight into the time-honored art of crafting and aging regional cheeses. Savor a farm-style lunch featuring the house cheeses and local wine.
Return to Hondarribia in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is open for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace — perhaps with a stroll through the old town, a sunset drink by the marina, or dinner at one of the town’s celebrated pintxos bars.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Villa Magalean

Day 11

Depart Bilbao

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the Bilbao Airport for flights home.

Breakfast

Accommodations

The Fine Print

Questions? Get in touch.


Details

Dates

Program: May 15-22, 2026
Extension: May 22-25, 2026

Flight Information

If you would like assistance with reserving your flights, please contact us at guestservices@experi.com, and we can refer you to an air ticket travel agency.

Activity Level

This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities.  If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.


Included

  • Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
  • Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
  • All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
  • Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
  • Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
  • Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program

Not Included

  • Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
  • Air and land transportation to/from host cities
  • All types of personal insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals

Rates*

Double Occupancy:
Superior: $8,195
Deluxe: $8,595
Junior Suite: $9,295

Single Occupancy
Superior: $9,895
Deluxe: $10,695
Junior Suite: $11,495

Extension Rates*

Double Occupancy:
Superior: $2,995
Deluxe: $3,295
Junior Suite: $3,595

Single Occupancy
Superior: $3,895
Deluxe: $4,395
Junior Suite: $4,695

*Rates are per person in US Dollars.


Deposits

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit per person reserves your space for this program. Final payments are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. An additional $750 non-refundable deposit is required for extension reservations.

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions at https://experi.com/terms.

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