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 premier 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
The difference between Rioja Alavesa, Alta, and Baja wines through guided tastings at local bodegas
Explore
Family-run wineries in La Rioja, the fishing village of Getaria on the Basque coast, and San Sebastián's iconic La Concha beach
Discover
The art and culture of pintxos as we hop between the bustling bars on Logroño's bustling Calle del Laurel
Day 1
Logroño
Land in the Bilbao Airport where an Experi driver will be waiting to greet you and transport you south to Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja region. After checking in and getting settled, our introduction to the local culture begins during a Welcome Dinner paired with regional wines.
Day 2
Haro
This morning, we dive into La Rioja, one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. Our journey begins in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta and the region's wine capital. Here, we’ll visit the renowned Bodegas Rioja Alta, where we’ll savor a wine-paired lunch. As evening falls, we’ll gather for an authentic pintxos crawl along Calle del Laurel, a lively street with over 50 tiny bars offering a variety of delicious bites and local flavors. Led by our Travel Director, experience the local way of life as we hop from bar to bar, sampling small plates and pintxos while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic Rioja tradition.
Day 3
Vivanco
Today we start with a visit to Dinastía Vivanco, one of the world’s top wine museums. Set against the backdrop of the Cantabria mountains and surrounded by a sea of vineyards, the museum provides comprehensive displays about the history and evolution of wine, winemaking techniques, wine research, and wine’s cultural and artistic legacy. We will have lunch on site followed by a visit to our friends Eva and Oscar, in Alegre Valgañón, to sample their wines and discover their story. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening.
Day 4
Rioja Alavesa
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 Amaren, Ysios, and Bodegas Lecea where a traditional wine paired lunch will be served before the visit of the ancient cellars. 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
After breakfast this morning we will head just across the Ebro River to nearby Bodegas Arizcuren for a tour and tasting. We will then take a short drive and enjoy a special visit to Marqués de Murrieta, one of the best wineries in the world according to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, sitting down to a wine-paired lunch to end our visit in style. After returning to our hotel to relax and 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, after check out, we will 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 where we’ll sip Txakoli wine and enjoy fresh fish for lunch. We will have free time to stroll around the village before continuing our journey towards San Sebastián.
Once settled at our centrally located hotel, we'll join together for an optional 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. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations in advance.
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 gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner at a renowned restaurant featuring one of the world’s best wine selections.
Day 8
San Sebastián
Savor a final breakfast in Basque Country before checking out. Take a private transfer to the Bilbao Airport for departure flights home. Not quite ready to depart? Extend your stay with us in San Sebastián! Ondo ibili!
Day 8
San Sebastián
Day 9
Pasaia & Hondarribia
After breakfast, set out on a journey along the Basque coast, making a stop in Pasaia, a historic fishing town with strong maritime traditions. Visit the Albaola Maritime Culture Factory, where skilled craftsmen use traditional hand tools to reconstruct a historic Basque whaling boat.
Continue east to Hondarribia, a postcard-perfect coastal village near the French border. We'll begin in the lively Marina District, with colorful fishing boats lining the harbor, then make our way up to the walled old town, a beautifully preserved medieval quarter featuring cobbled streets, ornate churches, shady plazas, and elegant manor houses.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a typical Basque restaurant, savoring local specialties before returning to San Sebastián for a relaxed evening.
Day 10
Cider Farm & Farewell Dinner
Take a short drive into the scenic Basque countryside this morning and head to a traditional cider farm. Stroll through the apple orchard, tour the production area, and explore the cellar where the cider is aged. After a tasting of the freshly made cider, enjoy a light lunch featuring local specialties. Return to San Sebastián afterward where you’ll have time to pack, explore the city's charming shops for last-minute souvenirs, and relax before savoring a Farewell Dinner at a renowned local restaurant.
Day 11
Bilbao
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the Bilbao Airport for flights home. Agur!
Accommodations
Áurea Palacio de Correos (La Rioja)
Spend five nights in the heart of Logroño in this boutique hotel housed in a former post office that dates back to 1932. The property is considered the best example of neo-baroque architecture in the city and features a bar, restaurant, terrace, spa, fitness room, and free WiFi. Rooms offer airconditioning, minibar, hairdryer, and toiletries.
Lasala Plaza Hotel (San Sebastián)
Located in the heart of the historic district of San Sebastián, this property is ideally situated near the La Concha seafront promenade and boasts beautiful views over the bay of La Concha. The hotel has a pub and restaurant. Room amenities include air conditioning, minibar, and coffee/tea maker, free WiFi, hair dryer, and toiletries.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
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: 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/terms.
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
Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $7,295
Junior Suite: $8,095
Classic - Upgrade to Classic sea view room in San Sebastian: $7,595 SOLD OUT
Junior Suite - Upgrade to Junior Suite with sea view room in San Sebastian: $8,595 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy:
Classic: $9,395
Junior Suite: $10,695
Classic - Upgrade to Classic sea view room in San Sebastian: $9,895 SOLD OUT
Junior Suite - Upgrade to Junior Suite with sea view room in San Sebastian: $11,695 SOLD OUT
Extension Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $3,195
Classic - Upgrade to Classic sea view room: $3,595
Junior Suite: $3,795
Junior Suite - Upgrade to Junior Suite with sea view room: $4,095
Single Occupancy:
Classic: $4,095
Classic - Upgrade to Classic sea view room: $4,795
Junior Suite: $5,095
Junior Suite - Upgrade to Junior Suite with sea view room: $5,695
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.