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Handpicked Spain: Bilbao to the wine paradise of la Rioja

Bilbao, Spain
Wonder Escape / Handpicked Spain: Bilbao to the wine paradise of la Rioja

Handpicked Spain: Bilbao to the wine paradise of la Rioja

Starting from €1950

per person

1 min read

1 min read

This journey will dazzle you with its unique combination of culture and gastronomy. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wine enthusiasts, as you will taste some of the greatest reds in the world and visit historic and innovative world-class wineries. The trip starts in Bilbao, a 500-year-old city famous for the Guggenheim Museum, an iconic architectural masterwork designed by Frank Gehry, its culinary delights and the vibrant old center filled with authentic boutiques, small bars and restaurants. You will then spend three days in la Rioja, the most important wine region in Spain. You will wonder around beautiful vineyards with stunning views and medieval stone villages, while tasting the best Spanish wines right in their homeland.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary of this experience can be tailor made to your needs and interests. The departure dates can be arranged according to your schedule. Local destination masters, wine experts and foodies will accompany you throughout your stay.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • – Accommodation at tried and tested charming design hotels
  • – Meet and interact with interesting local people throughout your journey and listen to their life stories
  • – Guided visit to Guggenheim Museum, a must-see for both art and architecture enthusiasts
  • – Delicious pinchos bar hopping in the old city led by a local foodie
  • – Dining at a Michelin-star restaurant (additional cost)
  • – Experiencing night life in Siete Calles, Bilbao
  • – Visit to Mercado de la Ribera, Cathedral of Santiago and stroll around the small streets around Plaza Nueva.   
  • – Marques de Riscal winery and hotel
  • – Lopez de Heredia Winery
  • – Insider access to small and private vineyards (picnic at a vineyard weather permitting)
  • – Tapas tour of Logrono
  • – Tours of Haro and Laguardia
  • – Discovery of best-kept secret small towns of la Rioja
  • – Tasting the best red wines of Spain
  • Departure
    Bilbao Airport
  • Departure Time
    To be determined
  • Return Time
    To be determined
  • Dress Code
    Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
  • Include
    Optional Experiences
    Entry fees for featured visits
    Vineyard and winery visits
    Private sightseeing tours
    Luxury accommodation
    English-speaking local guides
    Private transfers
    Airport meet and greet
    Handcrafted itinerary
    Breakfast
  • Not Included
    Flight tickets
    Souveniers and gifts
    Lunch
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DAY 1:  Arrive and discover Bilbao

Welcome to Bilbao! We will meet and greet you at Bilbao Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will either relax in your hotel room until the evening when our local foodie takes you to the best pinchos bars in the old city; or if you arrive early your local host will meet you in your hotel to explore the city together to experience its best architectural and culinary surprises.
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DAY 2: The Guggenheim Museum and Michelin-Star Dining Experience

Today you will visit the Guggenheim Museum. This important modern and contemporary art museum is housed within an impressive golden/silver structure designed by world famous architect Frank Gehry. The museum features an impressive permanent collection of Spanish and international artists as well as temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes.  Following this visit, you will discover the charms of  Bilbao’s medieval enclave, the Old Quarter. Finally, a visit to city’s main market will offer you a visual feast. You can upgrade your experience with the option of dining at one of the Michelin-star restaurants of Bilbao.
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DAY 3: Wining and dining in La Rioja

The day will start with a visit to the famous winery of Marques de Riscal, situated next to the equally famous hotel designed by Frank Gehry. After the final wine tasting session, we will discover the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia, elected as one of the prettiest small towns of Spain. Following lunch, we will be exploring the best wine museum in Spain, Dinastia Vivanco. This unique place will take you through a great journey of history of winemaking, the origins of Rioja grapes and wine, fermentation, barreling, corking and ageing processes. You will finish the day with a delicious meal accompanied by some of the great examples of Rioja wine.
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DAY 4: Culinary Delights of Haro and Logrono

The day will start with a special visit to the most historic bodega in la Rioja, López de Heredia. We will then visit Haro, a charming small historic town with delightful restaurants, boutiques and best wineries in proximity with one another. The afternoon will be dedicated to the discovery of the best-kept secret small towns of la Rioja and private vineyard visits. At night, we will visit Logrono, the capital of la Rioja selected as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2012. Logrono is an enticing city with best tapas bars in Spain.
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DAY 5: Departure from Bilbao

Today, you will be transferred back to Bilbao Airport for your international or local departure.

Tour Location

History of the City