The Rioja is a very beautiful, unspoilt and relatively undiscovered region of Spain, located to the south of the Atlantic Coast around Bilbao and San Sebastian, between the rivers of Oja and Ebro.  It has many architectural gems, like the old quarter of Logrono and in lovely old towns like Santo Domingo de la Calzada, with its magnificent cathedral and the Old Pilgrim’s Hospice, now a Parador. The countryside in the north is generally rolling with low mountains, pastureland, woods, rivers, lakes and vineyards. In the Rioja Alta highlands the mountains are higher, rising to over 7,000 feet, whilst the Rioja Baja to the east of the Alta is lower and hotter You can also hike part of the Camino de Santiago, the old pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella, go white water rafting and follow the footsteps of dinosaurs !  

THE TOUR
On this tour, which starts with your departure from your local town, you will spend the first 4 nights in a lovely Parador close to Logrono, 1 night in San Sebastian and 2 nights in Bilbao. You will visit some of the main attractions of the two regions plus of course some of the finest Bodegas where you can sample the various wines on offer. You will also be able to enjoy fine wines with your lunches and dinners as well as typical cuisine of the regions. 

THE WINES
During the course of the week you will have tastings of many of the superb Rioja wines produced in three different regions, including the Rioja Baja with its spicy, peppery wine made mainly from the Tempranillo grapes, around Calahorra; the Rioja Alta whose wines are said to be amongst the finest from the Rioja region and the Rioja Alavesa, the Basque province of Alava, to sample the younger, fresher wines of this region. Finally in the Pais Vasco you can taste the lovely local Txacoli wines.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
In the Logrono and San Sebastian areas, you will stay at one of the excellent Paradors, run by the Spanish Government, to a very high standard. Many of the Paradors are converted castles, monasteries and Palaces, all of which have their own unique identity and history.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1:  We will depart our local town for the closest international airport for our Trans Atlantic flight to Bilbao in Spain (this will entail a transfer in Europe).  (In-flight meals)  

Day 2:  On arrival in Bilbao we will be met by our local Tour Manager & driver and we will be transferred to the town of Lagrono, we will check into our Parador close to Lagrono which will be our home for the next four (4) nights, the remainder of the day is free for us to acclimate ourselves, we will meet later for our welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3:  After breakfast, we will travel south into the Rioja Baja to sample the wines around Calahorra. We will visit some of the famous bodegas producing spicy, peppery wine made mainly from the Tempranillo grapes ~ we will have a chance to try some of the local wines with our included lunch in this region. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Today we will visit two local bodegas, with lunch included at one of the stops, in the Rioja Alta region. The wines from around this area are said to be amongst the finest form the Rioja region. (B, L, D)

Day 5:  Today after breakfast we will travel to the area around Oyon in the Rioja Alavesa, in the Basque province of Alava where we will have a chance to sample the younger, fresher wines of the region. (B, L, D)

Day 6:  Today after breakfast we will check out of our beautiful Parador, and we will travel north into Basque Country (Pais Vasco). En route we will visit the delightful small town of Haro with a visit to a local bodega, for wine tasting and lunch. We will stay the night in another beautiful Parador near San Sebastian. Hopefully we will be invited to one of the famous private Gastronomic Clubs for a very special evening meal. (B, L, D)

Day 7:  Today we will head back west towards Bilbao, with a visit to another excellent bodega for lunch and wine tasting of the lovely local Txacoli wines. We will then arrive in Bilbao and check into our hotel for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

Day 8:  Today for a change we will enjoy a day of sightseeing in this beautiful fascinating area. After breakfast we will visit Bilbao’s Cathedral and the renowned Guggenheim Museum. (B, L, D)

Day 9:  Sadly it is time to leave the beautiful vineyards and countryside of Spain behind us as we transfer to Bilbao airport, where our flight is waiting to return us to the USA. We return, however, with memories of lovely landscapes, verdant fields, fabulous castles, interesting people, fine wines and most importantly a wealth of new friends! Welcome home! (B, in-flight meals)

• Round-trip air from the U.S. to Bilbao, Spain
• 7 night’s hotel accommodation in twin/double rooms, with private bath
• 7 evening meals, 7 lunches with wine and breakfast each morning (except day of arrival in Spain)
• Visits to Bodegas, Wine tastings etc.
• Admissions to museums etc. as specified in the itinerary
• Deluxe coach for our time in Spain
• BRT Tour Manager in Spain
• All local service charges and taxes
• Handling of one piece of checked luggage per person
• Travel Cancellation Medical Insurance
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NOT INCLUDED:

• The air/land price of your tour does not include items of a personal nature; such as passport fees, telephone calls etc. Meals not included in the itinerary; and gratuities to the full time Driver and Guide.