Northern Spain Adventure

Leave the US no later than October 9 for arrival in Bilbao on October 10.  Most major European hubs have daily connecting flights to Bilbao.

Join us as we embark on a journey through La Rioja – the region known for producing some of the world’s finest wines! Our first stop is at the prestigious Bodegas Muga, where we’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a private wine tasting experience. As we move on to explore the charming town of La Estacion de Tren, we’ll visit some of the most renowned wineries in the area and taste some of their exquisite wines at a local wine bar.

We’ll then venture to Casalarreina, a town that’s home to La Vieja Bodega – a Michelin recommended restaurant that was once a 17th-century winery of the Marqués de Vargas. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious tasting menu paired with some of the region’s finest wines.

Afterward, we’ll take an exclusive visit to their private wine cellar before transferring back to our hotel for a bit of relaxation. 

This evening you can explore the vibrant city of Logroño on our own, with our knowledgeable guide offering insider tips and recommendations for the best pintxos and wine at the famous Calle Laurel.

Join us for a day full of unforgettable experiences and culinary delights in La Rioja!

General schedule (subject to change)

08:45 Pick up at the hotel in Bilbao and transfer to La Rioja 

10:00 Visit and wine tasting at Bodegas Muga. (small group – may not be private).

12:00 Wine tastings in 1 wine bar at top wineries in La Estacion de Tren.

14:00 Lunch in La Vieja Bodega restaurant 

Transfer to Hotel  

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch

The Valdemar family has been making wine in La Rioja, Spain for over 130 years. What started as an underground stone cellar in the small town of Oyón has grown into one of the most prestigious international brands in Rioja. The flagship location, Bodegas Valdemar, has more than 300 hectares of stunning vineyards on the property, making it a truly unforgettable destination.

· Channel your inner winegrower and learn how to harvest, shell, and press grapes!

· Enjoy a picnic with a view at a selected spot, with exclusive wines hand-picked for your very own educational and sensory journey. 

· Feast your taste buds with a traditional Rioja lunch paired with unique family wines. 

Optional morning activity: Mount a hot air ballon and ride over la Rioja Alta vineyards, followed by a 5 mile hike through the vineyards. (Additional $350 per person)

General schedule (subject to change)

06:00 / 06:30 Hot air balloon and ride over la Rioja Alta vineyards 

08:30 Hike among the vineyards (approx 5 miles) 

10:30 Valdemar Winery private experience becoming a wine grower.

11:30 Picnic in the vineyard with 2 wines and tapas.

12:30 Winery tour with paired tasting: 2 wines and 2 Spanish tapas.

13:30 Traditional lunch with lamb chops paired with Valdemar Family Wines.

16:00 Transfer to the hotel

Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We’ll hop on our ebikes and embark on an exciting journey along a portion of the Camino de Santiago Frances. Our cycling expedition will lead us to the most prestigious winery in Navarra, the renowned Propiedad Arínzano Winery. Get ready to explore the breathtaking vineyards by 4×4 and indulge in an exquisite wine tasting. We’ll also savor a delicious light lunch of Pago de Arinzano wines and mouthwatering Iberian hams.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Our next stop is the historic city of Pamplona. With its charming cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage spanning over 2000 years, Pamplona is a true gem of Spain. And let’s not forget about the city’s gourmet delights – it’s a food lover’s paradise!

We’ll gather for a leisurely stroll through Pamplona’s historic quarter and uncover fascinating facts about the running of the bulls and Hemingway’s connection to this town. We’ll also visit other iconic landmarks that have played a crucial role in Pamplona’s history.

General schedule (subject to change)

08:30 Transfer to Navarra 

10:00 Bike along the Camino de Santiago – Approx 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 1650 feet

13:30 Visit by 4×4 the vineyards + wine tasting + Light lunch 

17:00 Transfer to the hotel in Pamplona

19:00 Walking tour of Pamplona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

You have the option to enjoy a day of leisure in Pamplona to do what you wish!

OPTION:

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel travel back in time and witness some of the most magnificent examples of Roman, Romanesque and Medieval architecture in Spain then read on…

We’ll explore the charming medieval village of Ujue, considered to be one of the most picturesque hilltop villages in all of Spain. As we wander through its cobblestone streets, we’ll treat our taste buds to the famous regional migas de pastor (Shepherd’s crumbs), succulent lamb chops, and other mouthwatering specialties, all accompanied by high-quality regional wines. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

But it doesn’t end there! We’ll take a stroll to the historic Ujué Fortress Church, where you’ll be left in awe by its impressive architecture and fascinating history.

Our next stop is Olite, where we’ll visit the Olite Castle, the very same castle that inspired the iconic Disneyland logo. This stunning fortress boasts a rich history, and you’ll be transported back in time as you wander through its corridors.

Cost for this activity is $315.00 (minimum of 6 people needed for this activity)

General schedule (subject to change):

Morning (or day) free to explore Pamplona  

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY of Village Ujue:

14:00 Pick up from your hotel

15:00 Traditional Navarre specialities lunch in Asador Uxue in Ujué + visit the exterior of the Fortress Santa Maria in Ujué with guide. 

17:00 Transfer to Olite

17:45 Visit the Olite castle 

19:45 Transfer to Pamplona. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll discover the beauty and charm in the province of 5 Villas, also know as the Tuscany of Spain where we indulge in a day of movement, relaxation, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.

We’ll kick off our journey by taking a stroll through some of the most charming villages in the 5 Villas Province, where we’ll stop for a bite to eat and indulge in the local cuisine. Along the way, we’ll also encounter the Navarra breed of ponies, known as potokas, and the adorable woolly sheep called Latxas.

Our destination is a family-friendly salt spring mountain spa, where we’ll take a dip in the warm, rejuvenating waters for an unforgettable salt-bath experience. Trust us, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud!

After our rejuvenating dip, we’ll gather at an outstanding cozy local restaurant for a scrumptious lunch. You won’t want to miss out on the delectable regional dishes that this restaurant has to offer.

General schedule (subject to change):

08:30 Morning pick up at the hotel

09:30 Gorgeous hike in the 5 Villas region (7,2 kms, 210 meters altitude) 

12:00 Salt Spring Mountain Spa Session + Spa bathrobe + thongs + swimming cap

14:30 Lunch at local restaurant Donamariako. 

16:00 Transfer back to the hotel 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start the morning with a delicious breakfast before we travel to our next destination: San Sebastian, the pearl of the Cantabrian sea.  

For lunch we visit the Basque Culinary Center. This academic institution is a leading culinary entity in which some of the world’s top chefs are trained, followed by an unforgettable visit to Monte Igueldo, a vintage amusement park perched atop one of San Sebastián’s three hills. 

This evening we continue the culinary focus as we walk around the old town’s seemingly endless narrow streets. The slow food culture makes the local dishes so tasty, which you will experience during dinnertime during a pintxos bar crawl. 

General schedule (subject to change)

11:00 Transfer to San Sebastian

13:00 Visit the Culinary Basque Center followed by lunch

15:30 Coffee at the El Torreon in Monte Igueldo at and enjoy the magnificent views of San Sebastian

17:00 Check into hotel

20:00 Regroup for dinner: pintxos and wines in the historic quarter of San Sebastian

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Today the day is all yours!  You have the day on your own to appreciate San Sebastian.  You may decide to walk around, shop, and take your time strolling Concha Bay.  Or you may have other things in mind.  No mater what you want to do, or not do, we have recommendations for you!

If you’re in the mood for some serious pampering, how about indulging in a luxurious spa session at a nearby spa? Relax and unwind with a soothing massage or soak in the rejuvenating waters. 

Or perhaps you are feeling a bit more adventurous? Why not surf the waves! Ride the waves like a pro and experience the rush of adrenaline. Or an ebike tour of the city is a perfect way to know the city from a different perspective.

And as San Sebastian is known for their gastronomy, show cooking and hands-on cooking classes are also a must! 

We’ve got a short list of recommendations for lunch and dinner reservations that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From authentic regional dishes to contemporary cuisine, you’ll find something to suit your every craving.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore some of the most iconic locations in the Basque Country!

We’ll start off by transferring to the 10th century hermitage Gaztelugutxe, which you may recognize as the backdrop to some epic Game of Thrones scenes. It’s a fun walk to the islet, where we’ll get to ring the famous bell and feel the power of the crashing Atlantic waves all around us. Trust us, it’s a thrill you won’t forget!

Afterward, we’ll head to Bermeo for a lunch like no other. You’ll indulge in the delicious local cuisine and soak up the cozy ambiance of this charming restaurant.

But our day is far from over as we head to Bilbao, a city famous for its transformation from an industrial river-port city to a thriving center of art, architecture, and culture. We’ll explore the city’s many landmarks, including the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum and its stunning modern architecture.

As our day draws to a close, we’ll gather for a farewell happy hour cocktails followed by a casual dinner. You’ll get a chance to share your favorite moments from the trip with your fellow travelers, and maybe even start planning your next adventure together!

General schedule (subject to change)

09:00 Pick up at the hotel

11:30 Arrival to the Islet Gaztelugatxe + hike the Islet Gaztelugatxe *

13:30 /14:00 Lunch at Restaurant Almiketxu or Restaurant Kofradía San Pedro Erretegia, Bermeo

16:00 Transfer to Bilbao

17:00 Private visit at the Guggenheim Museum

19:00 Walk to the hotel after the museum visit. 

21:00 Farewell happy hour with pintxos and wine

* The hike is only possible with good weather.  Alternatives are a cultural visit to Gernika to the Casa de Juntas and in walking distance, through the nearby “Parque de los Pueblos de Europa”  which contains huge sculptures of two well-known artists: Eduardo Chillida and Henry Moore.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Although our Spain adventure must come to a close, the unforgettable experiences and moments we shared will forever be ingrained in our hearts and minds. Cherish the memories, until we meet again!

Meals included:  Breakfast (depending on the time of your flight breakfast may not be available)