Basque Wine and Modern Art9 days/8 nights |
| This self-guided tour provides you with the highlights of three very different and exciting regions in northern Spain: the Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarra. From the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the wine country of La Rioja to the royal palace of Navarran kings, a great range of activities and exciting guided tours await you. This region is also regarded as Spain's uncontested gourmet stronghold, and you'll have the opportunity to try the food and wine that give it this reputation. | ||
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Highlights of the Tour:
| Itinerary at a Glance:
|
Days 1-3: Bilbao (2 nights) You'll start in impressive Bilbao, once industrial powerhouse of Spain, and now home to the famous, Frank Ghery-designed Guggenheim Museum. On your first day you'll have a chance to rest and get settled. Tomorrow, we jump right in to see the Guggenheim, an architectural wonder and symbol of what modern Bilbao has become for the rest of Spain: a leader in innovation. You'll begin with a guided tour of the museum that will take you through the art exhibition and also include notes on the mastery of the building itself, followed by lunch--possibly in the reputable Guggenheim café--and a walk through Bilbao's historic quarter. We'll give you a list of great tapas places for you to try tonight. | ![]() |
| Days 3-5: La Rioja (2 nights) You'll pick up your car and drive to La Rioja, stopping along the way in the beautiful village of Laguardia, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa wine-growing region, where you'll check into your hotel. This is a great base for exploring the area, whether it be tapas in Logroño or wines in Haro. Dinner is included tonight. A full-day excursion with a wine expert the following day will include tastings at wineries and the excellent Vivanco wine museum. | ![]() |
| Days 5-7: Pamplona (2 nights) The next destination is Navarra. Famous for its fertile land, thanks to the Ebro river, Navarra is known not only for its great wines but also for its delicious produce, including artichokes and aspragus that are sought after nationwide. You'll have time to explore this former kingdom, fought over in many battles by a fiercely independent people, who conquered and reigned the north of Spain for many centuries. Tonight you'll sleep in the Olite parador, and we have arranged a special dinner for you. Your second day will include a guided tour of the old town of Pamplona, which is home to many breathtaking monuments and famous for the fiesta of San FermÃn. | ![]() |
| Days 7-9: San Sebastian (2 nights) This morning you'll leave the old city walls of Pamplona and head north to San Sebastian. Arguably one of the most elegant towns in the Basque country--and indeed all of Spain--the beautiful beaches, picturesque paseos and mouthwatering seafood have earned this fashionable city its popularity as a holiday getaway since the 19th century. Upon arrival you can promenade along Bahia de la Concha beach and take in the views. At night check out the port and tapa hop your way through the pinxto bars of the historic quarter, crowded with locals--we'll give you recommendations. On your second day you'll have a guided visit which will include spectacular viewpoints as well as a stroll through the old part of town. | ![]() |
What's included:
See terms and conditions | |
Read more testimonials | |
| Sign up Fill out a form to let us know the dates you want to do this tour. | Optional services Be sure to check out the other tours, excursions and services that we offer in the area. |











"What a great trip this was for us. We enjoyed every single moment of it. Thanks again Carlos and Jen for all your planning and great service."Â --John and Sussi, North Carolina, June 2007



