An exclusive wine & food journey with
Rioja & Basque
Your date goes here
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
15
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 where an Experi driver will be waiting to greet you and transport you to our hotel, centrally located within walking distance of the Guggenheim Museum and River Nervión. After checking in and getting settled, our introduction to local Basque culture begins during a Welcome Dinner paired with regional wines.
Day 2
Haro
This morning, after check out, we will head to La Rioja, one of Spain’s most important wine regions. We’ll begin our wine-filled journey in Haro in Rioja Alta, considered the wine capital of Rioja where we’ll visit Bodegas Rioja Alta and enjoya wine-paired lunch paired.
Continuing on to the charming town of Logroño, we’ll have time to settle into our hotel before meeting up this evening for a “pintxos crawl” down Calle del Laurel— a lively street packed with more than 50 tiny bars offering delicious bites and local tastes. Led by our Travel Director, do as the locals do and hop from bar-to-bar, sampling small plates and pintxos as you roam.
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
Day 9
Accommodations
Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao
Located next to the Guggenheim Museum in a prime location along the Nervión river, this property features a nautical-inspired design with natural wood details and modern stylish decor. The hotel offers a terrace with an observatory deck, a restaurant and bar, and complimentary WiFi. Rooms include air conditioning, minibar, safe, and bathrooms equipped with toiletries and hair dryer.
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.
Abba Hotel (San Sebastián)
Occupying a renovated Baroque palace built during the Belle Epoque era of San Sebastián, this renovated boutique property is well situated along the banks of the river and the Paseo de Francia, a favorite spot for locals and one of the city’s best walking streets. The hotel features a rooftop terrace and bar, a fitness center with massage services, complimentary WiFi, a snackbar, and a garden. Rooms offer air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator, minibar, safe, and bathrooms with toiletries and hair dryer.
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: 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 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*
Classic: $ TBD
Deluxe: $ TBD
Single: $ TBD
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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