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The Best of Spain, Portugal & Southwest France

Travel Planning by Maribel's Guides

Discover the foods, wines and cultural diversity that makes Spain, Portugal and southwest France, the Pays Basque, extraordinary and unique with one of our custom tour packages, each designed with you in mind.

Contact us: info@iberiantraveler.com

USA Tel: 206.778.0127 / 206.364.6723 Fax: 866.797.3747


Bodeges Remelluri, Labastida

Bodegas Yisos

Rioja in late winter

Bodeges Remelluri, Labastida (Rioja Alavesa)
Calatrava's Bodegas Yisos outside of Laguardia
the Rioja in late winter color

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Savor the Great Wines & Gastronomy of Northern Spain - The Rioja, Navarra and the Basque country

7 days in Spain's northern wine country

 


Itinerary Highlights:


Days 1-2

Laguardia (La Rioja)

We meet in Bilbao, then travel south to the picturesque walled village of Laquardia, in the heart of the Rioja. From this scenic base we will:

  • Visit the Wine Museum in Brionas.
  • Lunch in a wood-beamed 17th-century wine bodega.
  • Stroll (cars are banned) through the medieval town of Laguardia, tunneled below with more than 250 wine cellars.
  • Walk in the footsteps of the Santiago-bound pilgrims.
  • Visit a private bodega where careful hand selections of the grapes is one of the hallmarks of their complex and elegant wines.
  • Visit the Marques de Riscal bodega and Frank Gehry designed hotel in the village of Elciego.

Days 3-4

Pamplona (Navarra)

We enjoy a drive through Navarra, crossing the paths of pilgrims bound for Santiago, while en route to enchanting San Sebastian, a famous beach resort and world-renowned food capital.

Navarra Highlights:

  • A visit to the Bodega Otazu, a beautiful estate along the Arga River with its 19th century French-style wine cellar, the Palace, the ancestrial home dating back to the middle ages, a 17th century hermatige and Romanesque church of St. Esteban. This is the northernmost winer producing red wine.
  • A pintxos tour of the old city, including a stop at the famous Café Bar Gaucho in the Plaza del Castillo.
  • Lunch at the acclaimed restaurant El Embroja
  • A visit to the Señorio de Sarria Estate, where wine has been cultivated since the middle ages.

Days 5-6

Donostia-San Sebastian (Pais Vasco)

We enjoy a drive through Navarra, crossing the paths of pilgrims bound for Santiago, while en route to enchanting San Sebastian, a famous beach resort and world-renowned food capital.

  • La Brecha market, with stalls devoted to the bounty of the sea and the land.
  • Pintxos tour in the old city.
  • Lunch at the highly acclaimed Kokocha, with chef Daniel Lopez.
  • a private, by-invitation-only gastronomy society dining event.
  • a visit to the Chillida Leku, a beautifully restored 16th-century farmhouse containing the works of the internationally famous sculptor, Eduardo Chillida.

Days 7

Bilbao (Pais Vasco)

Guernica. Famous for its "Tree of Guernica", the Basque symbol for heritage, law and freedom. The village, site of the first Nazi saturation bombing, also inspired Picasso's controversial masterpiece of the same name.
We travel along the coast, stopping along the way, we will:

  • view the sculptural monuments by Henry Moore and Eduardo Chillida in Guernica.
  • Bakio, known for its delicious red peppers and fruity wine called Txakoli.
    to visit a Txakoli bodega.
  • indulge in a fabulous and memorable farewell banquet at Zortziko, an elegant, turn-of-the-century restaurant. Before our meal, Chef Daniel Garcia, who is famous for combining classical dishes and innovative touches, will host a private cooking demonstration as a grand culinary finale.
  • We also explore the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The physical structure itself is an artistic wonder, not to mention the impressive collection of modern art found inside.

Day 8

Taxi to the Bilbao airport and board your flight for home, or continue your Iberian adventures.



auto europe logo

We have teamed with Auto Europe to offer you the best rates when touring Spain, Portugal and southwest France.

Tour Dates:

Monday - Sunday
March through November


This guided tour is limited to a maximum of 12 people.

Cost:
From 4299.95 to 5599.95 EUR/person
double occupancy, superior room.

Pleae contact us for complete itinerary and pricing information.

You must purchase their own international airfare, arriving in Barcelona, departing from Bilbao.

This tour includes:

  • off-the-beaten-path places
  • deluxe hotels
  • gourmet dining
  • fine local wines
  • landmark sites
  • knowledgeable, regional, English speaking guides
     

Hotels:

2 nights:

Hotel Villa de Laquardia in the heart and soul of La Rioja

2 nights:

Hotel Palacio Guendulain
in the center of Pamplona's old city

2 nights:

Hotel Villa Soro
one of San Sebastian's prime addresses

1 night:

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, overlooking the world famous Guggenheim Museum.
 


We Accept



Scheduled Guided Tours

Barcelona to Bilbao

Bilbao & the Basque Country

Wine & Gastronomy

Fiesta de San Fermin

Wine & Gastronomy Tours

Navarran Wine & Gastronomy

La Rioja Wine & Gastronomy

2-day Guided Tour

3-day Guided Tour

5-day Guided Tour

Basque Country Wine & Gastronomy

Terms and Conditions



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