Rioja to San Sebastián Luxury Food & Wine Experience

Day 1

Arrive in Bilbao and take some time to explore the impressive Guggenheim Museum if not for its impressive late 20th century art works then for its breathtaking architecture. Relax with private transfers and head south to the vineyards of Rioja; a 90 minute drive through rolling, unfolding hillsides covered in vines. Settle into the five star Marques de Riscal – your home for the next two nights; built by Frank Gehry this hotel is a testament to 20^th architecture and surrounded by the humble beauty of the vineyard-covered Spanish countryside. Make use of the extensive spa or gym facilities before dining on a Michelin starred meal – an unforgettable eight courses with local wines will be served to you in the comfort of the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2

Your second day is an excursion into the heart of the Riojan vineyards with your English speaking driver and guide. Today you’ll meet the makers, learn about the wine making processes, sample the wines and share their passions. In the morning you’ll visit a boutique family run vineyard; one of the oldest in the region and learn about the origins of the wine making process. A typical Riojan tapas lunch and accompanying wines await you at one of the historic local villages with some time to explore. After lunch, visit a very different winery and compare wine making practices old and new (tasting along the way!). This evening the small village of Logroño beckons; a mecca for tapas and wine lovers with a lively pedestrianised zone dedicated to bars boasting the best tapas you’ve ever tasted (tapas and transfers not included).

Day 3

Relax with a private transfers and make your way north to San Sebastián – a place impossible not to fall madly in love with.  Your five star belle-epoque styles hotel is (utterly gorgeous and) superbly located in the historic city just moments from the main attractions and just metres from the sea (you could throw a cork to the closest beach, a mere 8 minute walk away). Spend some time exploring the beautiful Church of San Vicente and the Plaza de la Constitución. Enjoy (another) meal of a lifetime at the three starred Michelin restaurant  ‘Arzak’ –   seven unforgettable courses by a highly talented chef Jean Mari Arzak and founder of the new Basque cuisine.  This restaurant frequently tops the top 20 restaurants in the world.

Day 4

The following day a chance to visit the attractive medieval fishing settlement of Getaria, which is a world away from nearby cosmopolitan San Sebastián where you have a tour of a wonderful local winery, following by a tasting of the txakoli wines with delicious local seafood products before travelling back to Bilabo.

Bid farewell, or stay a little longer –  this package works perfectly with an extended trip to Bordeaux – just over 2 hrs drive away is France’s most famous wine region. Take an extra day or two and tick both Rioja and Bordeaux off your bucket list? – we’ll sort the details!