An exclusive wine & food journey with
Rioja & Basque
June 12 - 19, 2023
Reservations Closed
12-18
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. In the Basque Country, we discover the new and old— from medieval villages to trendy San Sebastián, our epicurean experts 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
Day 1
Bilbao
Land in the Bilbao Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel, centrally located within walking distance of the Guggenheim and River Nervión. After checking in, we’ll have the opportunity to embark on a brief walk to explore this Basque port city. Our introduction to the local cuisine begins with a welcome dinner paired with regional wine.
Day 2
Bilbao & Logroño
This morning, visit some of Bilbao’s most famed sites during a walking tour with an expert local guide. We'll take in the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel designed by American architect Frank Gehry. After, we’ll view other landmarks including the Vizcaya Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Santiago Cathedral 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, characterized by rich tradition and modern innovation. We’ll begin our wine-filled journey in Haro, located in the Rioja Alta sub-region. Haro is considered the wine capital of Rioja, and we'll start the day at Barrio de la Estación where we’ll taste the wines of Bodegas Muga and Bodegas Rioja. From here, we'll continue to Ramón Bilbao, where we will enjoy a VIP visit with a tour, tasting, and lunch, followed by a stop at Alegre y Valgañón before returning to our hotel.
Enjoy free time tonight to explore the town's gastronomy scene and exceptional local wine bars.
Day 4
Rioja Alvesa
Today we’ll set out on a full-day wine tour of the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, where the high altitude and rich soil create one of the best wine-producing areas of Spain. We'll visit family-owned and operated Bodegas Amaren, Marqués de Riscal— known both for its wine tradition as well as for the Frank Gehry-designed hotel situated in the winery's vineyards, and Bodegas Lecea, where we will sit down to a wine-paired lunch followed by a visit to the ancient cave 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
Rioja is home to a number of acclaimed wineries with wines that have been rated over 90 points by Robert Parker— the renowned wine expert and critic. Today we continue to discover exceptional wines with premium tastings at some of the region’s top wineries. In the early afternoon, we'll enjoy a wine-paired lunch together. Our visits may include Artadi, 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 take 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 and 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, stroll along the beautiful promenades, or visit 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
Santillana del Mar
This morning, we depart San Sebastián, traveling west along the coast before heading slightly inland toward the town of Arce, where we will have the opportunity over the next few days to experience part of the Camino del Norte— one of the most beautiful and scenic routes of the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimmage.
Each day, those interested in walking or biking can choose their preferred distance and make their way on foot or bike toward the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar in the Cantabria region. (additional fee for bike rental) Alternatively, we have the option of a private transfer, arriving in Santillana del Mar in time for lunch followed by an optional walking tour of the cobblestone streets and perhaps a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Altamira caves, famous for their ancient frescoes. We’ll gather tonight for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9
Comillas
Today, walk, bike, or continue by private transfer along the next stage of the Camino del Norte, passing through rolling green countryside and small rural villages to the coastal town of Comillas, which was a popular summer destination for the 19th-centuary Spanish aristocracy. If time allows, an optional walking tour with an expert local guide will highlight the history and medieval, Baroque, and Catalan Modernist architecture for which Comillas is known, including El Capricho, a villa designed by acclaimed Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.
Afterward, have free time to relax and further explore the historic town center, golden sand beaches, and fishing port. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner in this village known for its seafood.
Day 10
Llanes
On our last day on the Camino del Norte, we’ll cross into the less-traveled Asturias region of northern Spain, known for its incredible scenery, picturesque coastline, and delicious cuisine. Our destination is the charming walled coastal village of Llanes where we’ll find a well-preserved medieval Old Town with winding streets, historic sights, and traditional cider houses. Close to town, we’ll findsandy coves and a grassy clifftop promenade, Paseo de San Pedro, that offers panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and a perfect spot to stretch our legs and admire the beauty of this area.
Enjoy free time to explore this hidden gem. Tonight we’ll gather for a festive farewell dinner to toast our journey.
Accommodations
Hotel Miró (Bilbao)
Enjoy one night at this artsy boutique hotel offering up-close views of the Guggenheim. The hotel is perfectly located near the city’s old town, pintxos area, and nearby riverfront. Sleek styling and photography give way to contemporary and modern feel. Clean white rooms accented by neutral colors are spacious are both spacious and luxurious. Enjoy the hotel’s authentic breakfast service.
Áurea Palacio de Correos (La Rioja)
Spend four 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.
Parador de Santillana Gil Blas (Camino de Santiago)
Situated in the historic main square of the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, this newly built hotel features a restaurant, bar, library, and terrace garden. Modern and comfortable rooms offer air conditioning, minibar, free wifi, toiletries, and hair dryer.
Abba Comillas Golf Hotel (Camino de Santiago)
Located in the beautiful countryside of Comillas and in close proximity to the beach, the Abba Commillas Golf Hotel has a restaurant, wellness area with gym, heated indoor pool, library, garden, and 9-hole golf course. Comfortable rooms are bright and spacious rooms and offer free wifi, air conditioning, mini bar, toiletries, and hair dryer.
Hacienda Don Juan (Camino de Santiago)
La Hacienda De Don Juan is located on old estate land and surrounded by a garden of palm trees and magnolias in the city of Llanes. A restaurant and cafeteria are located on the property along with a lounge, library, and spa. Rooms are equipped with a minibar and free wi-fi while bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, 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: 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 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
- Fees for local guides
Rates*
Deluxe: $6,295
Jr. Suite: Contact for Availability
Single Occupancy: $7,695
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,495
Single Occupancy: $2,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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