by country
Passion for wine...
Day 1
Bilbao
Arrival in Bilbao. Overnight.
Day 2
Bilbao- Getaria (80 km/1,30h)-San Sebastian (30 km/40 min)
In the morning enjoy a short panoramic tour of Bilbao, the metropolis of the Basque country, and visit the magnificent Museum Guggenheim - a spectacular structure by Frank Gehry, made of titanium, glass and limestone. Later continue the journey through the coastal districts of the Cantabrian Sea-Zumaia, Getaria and Zarautz famous for the production of the Txakoli sparkling wine. In Getaria visit and experience tasting the famous wine in one of the Txakoli wineries. Proceed to San Sebastian, a city located in the beautiful bay of La Concha. Explore the Old Town and don’t miss trying pintxos in one of the many bars and restaurants in the city.
Day 3
San Sebastian-Vitoria (110 km/1,30h)
In the morning proceed to Vitoria and enjoy a day in this green city. Visit the highlights, starting from the Santa María Cathedral, continue to the Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter) and Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the heart of the city. On the same plaza visit the church of San Miguel, housing the image of the White Virgin, the city’s patron saint. Next to the church is Plaza de España, another popular and lively square where you can relax and have a drink and tapas on the many terraces. Free time in the afternoon to explore the city. Overnight in Vitoria.
Day 4
Vitoria-Laguardia (50 km/1h)-Elciego (10 km/10 min)-Logroño (30 km/30 min)
Drive south to the region Rioja Alavesa, an area with twelve thousand hectares of vineyards. First stop is Laguardia, an ancient, walled city with narrow stone streets. Here you should visit one of the many underground wine cellars. Next to Laguardia is the location of one of Rioja’s treasures - Ysios winery, designed by Santiago Calatrava with its outstanding undulating roof against the landscape of the Cantabria Mountain Range. Proceed to Elciego where you will see the Gehry-designed titanium facility at the Marques de Riscal winery. Choose to have a guided visit of Ysios or Marques de Riscal winery and pass through the 19th century underground cellars. Drive to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, a beautiful city, located on the river Ebro. Overnight in Logroño.
Day 5
Logroño-San Millan (40 km/1h)-Briones (30 km/1h)-Haro (10 km/15 min)-Logroño (50 km/1h)
Drive south and get to San Millán de la Cogolla, where a Riojan monk wrote the first words in Spanish, considered the first trace of the spanish language. It is here that you can visit the famous World Heritage sites of the Yuso and Suso Monasteries of San Millán, dating from 6th century. Afterwards, proceed to Briones, a medieval town where the wine lovers can visit the Dinastía Vivanco Museum of the Culture of Wine. The museum is a great and unique place, discovering all the processes involved in changing grapes into star products and showing the influence of the wine on the culture throughout the world from ancient times. Enjoy free time in Briones for a lunch and experience the excellent local food. In the afternoon proceed to Haro, historic-artistic town in Rioja, well-known for its best wines and the ‘Wine Battle’ festival. Visit the most valuable monument-the Church of Santo Tomás, and maybe one of the famous Haro’s wineries. Return to Logroño.
Day 6
Logroño-Zaragoza (180 km/3h)-Villafranca del Penedés (250 km/3,30h)-Barcelona (60 km/1h)
Depart to Barcelona, with a short stop along the way for lunch and sightseeing of Zaragoza, another city located on the banks of Ebro river. Visit the 17th century baroque basilica of the Virgin del Pilar. Afterwards, proceed to Barcelona, the colourful capital of Catalunya. On the way, make a short stop in Villafranca del Penedés - the capital of the catalan best wine region. Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 7
Barcelona
A full-day tour of Barcelona highlights, starting from Barcelona’s most famous avenue, Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, where the 13th century Gothic Cathedral is situated. Reach the old harbour, today’s modern yacht port with the Columbus monument. Proceed to the hill of Montjuic where you will see the National Palace, home of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the Magic Fountains and the Olympic ring. Continue the visit of Barcelona’s highlights on the Modernisme route. Pass through the majestic boulevard Passeig de Gracia, where Gaudí’s most impressive works - Casa Milá and Casa Batlló can be seen. Afterwards visit Sagrada Familia, the most prestigious and complex project of the genius Gaudí. In the evening try the famous catalan cuisine, accompanied with some of the excellent wines of this Mediterranean region. Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 8
Barcelona-Montserrat (60 km/1,30h)-Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (40 km/1h)-Barcelona (50 km/1h)
Experience a daily tour to Montserrat - a monastery complex, located at an extraordinary mountain area with breathtaking views. Listen to the boys choir and see the famous Black Virgin, Barcelona’s patron saint. Take your time to explore around the magnificent natural park. Later, proceed to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, home of the famous cava champagne and enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with cava. After lunch, you will have a guided visit of Codorníu vast underground cellars and a chance to taste one of the best Cava, produced in the Penedés region. Return to Barcelona in the afternoon and free time.
Day 9
Barcelona
Departure to Barcelona airport.
