An exclusive wine & food journey with
Rioja & Basque Country, Spain
April 16 - 23, 2023
Limited Space Available
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Northern Spain is awash with gourmet cuisine, award-winning wines, stunning architecture, and modern works of art. In La Rioja, discover one of Spain’s most famous winemaking regions. Learn about the production of the indigenous Tempranillo grape from some of the region’s top winemakers and experts. Join us as we discover the old and new of Basque Country. From medieval villages to trendy San Sebastián, our epicurean experts will showcase this eclectic region where food and wine reign supreme.
Taste
exceptional wine, locally produced foods, and authentic pintxos
Explore
off-the-beaten-path in La Rioja, Bilbao, San Sebastián, and beyond
Discover
important works of art at the Guggenheim and some of the finest examples of modern architecture to be found
Day 1
Bilbao
Land in the Bilbao Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel, centrally located within walking distance to the Guggenheim and River Nervión. After checking in, we’ll have the opportunity to embark on a brief walk to explore the Basque port city of Bilbao. Our introduction to local Basque begins during a welcome dinner paired with regional wine.
Day 2
Bilbao
This morning, visit some of Bilbao’s most famed sites. We'll take in the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel designed by American architect Frank Gehry. After, we’ll view the Vizcaya Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Santiago Cathedral, and other landmarks before traveling south to our base for the next four nights in La Rioja. Upon arrival to the charming town of Logroño, we’ll have some time to relax before meeting back up for an evening pintxos crawl down Calle del Laurel— a lively street packed with more than 50 tiny bars offering delicious bites and local tastes. With guidance from our Travel Director, do as the locals and hop from bar-to-bar, sampling small plates and pintxos as you roam.
Day 3
Haro
La Rioja is one of Spain’s most important wine regions. We’ll begin our wine-filled journey in Haro, located in Rioja Alta. Haro is considered the wine capital of Rioja and holds important architectural heritage. Visit historic wineries in Haro, such as R López de Heredia Viña Todonia and enjoy a traditional lunch at a bodega in Casalarreina just outside Haro.
Enjoy free time tonight to explore the town's gastronomy scene and exceptional local wine bars.
Day 4
Modern Rioja
Today we’ll set out on a full-day wine tour of Rioja Alavesa, whose high altitude and rich soil create one of the best wine producing areas of Spain. Enjoy insider access at Bodegas BAIGORRI, Ysios, and Marqués de Riscal. Enjoy a wine paired lunch before traveling to the medieval hilltop village of Laguardia. This ancient city was founded in 1164 and houses an underground network of interconnected wine cellars. Enjoy a walk through the well-preserved city where cars aren’t allowed.
Later, we’ll head back to our hotel to freshen up before heading out for a free evening to explore more pintxos bars, or grab a quick bite and enjoy the local scene.
Day 5
Exceptional Rioja
Rioja is home to renowned wineries with wines that have been rated over 90 points by Robert Parker— the renowned wine expert and critic. We’ll discover exceptional wines with premium tastings at some of the region’s top wineries. Early afternoon we'll enjoy a wine-paired lunch together. Our visits may include Artadi, Remírez de Ganuza, Bodega Contador, or Marqués de Murrieta.
After returning to our hotel to freshen up, we head out this evening in the heart of Logroño to savor a delicious dinner and an impressive list of local wines.
Day 6
Getaria
This morning we make our way to the elegant seaside town of San Sebastián— or Donostia, as the city is known in Basque. En route, we’ll stop in Getaria, a scenic fishing village and one of three Txakoli wine-producing regions in the Basque Country. Here, we’ll sip Txakoli wine, learn to prepare traditional Cantabrian anchovies during a workshop, and enjoy fresh fish for lunch.
Once settled at our centrally located hotel in San Sebastián, we'll join together for a walk through town, discovering beaches, promenades, and Belle Époque architecture. Dinner tonight is free to explore the many options in one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations.
Day 7
Old Town, San Sebastián
Spend the morning in San Sebastián at your leisure. We suggest that you start the day wandering through La Bretxa, a traditional food market in the Old Town. It’s the perfect place to taste the region's seasonal offerings— from fresh fruits and vegetables to jamón and sheep’s milk cheese. Enjoy the boutique stores and artisan shops lining the streets and the beautiful promenades or walk Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
This evening, we’ll sit down for a memorable farewell dinner at a renowned restaurant featuring one of the world’s best wine selections.
Day 8
Day 9
Accommodations
Hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia (Bilbao)
Located in the heart of Bilbao’s commercial district, this property offers contemporary-style accommodations with easy access to the city’s main highlights including the Guggenheim, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Albia Gardens, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The property features a restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center as well as free WiFi. Elegant rooms provide a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city and offer air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, safe, hair dryer, and toiletries.
Hotel Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja (La Rioja)
Spend four nights in the heart of Logroño at this well-appointed and modern hotel. The property is a four minute walk from Laurel Street, where pintxos is king. The hotel features historical elements – wooden doors and beams, stone walls, and tons of charm. The turkish bath, spa, fitness gym, and café are lovely additions to enjoy. Each of the 30 rooms are bright and spacious, offering the comfort and services necessary for a relaxing stay.
Hotel Arrizul Congress (San Sebastián)
This stylish boutique hotel is located in the beachside neighborhood of Gros, across the river from San Sebastián’s Old Town. Surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and tapas bars, the hotel is ideally situated a short walk from La Concha, Kursaal, and Zurriola beaches and a short car ride or pleasant stroll to the Old Town. The property offers free wifi, a complimentary “coffee corner,” and a small gym. Rooms offer air conditioning, minibar, soundproofing, free WiFi, hair dryer, robe, and slippers.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
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 — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 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
Program Rates*
Classic: $5,395
Jr. Suite: $6,295 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $5,995
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,695
Single Occupancy: $2,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. All categories subject to availability.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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