Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Rioja, Spain
Discovering La Rioja
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
Known for its wines, the La Rioja region in northern Spain is world famous. It’s also a region of stunning landscapes, ancient towns and villages. Historic castles perch in picturesque valleys laden with vineyards. During this tour we discover the numerous delights of this region and, of course, sample the world famous wine.
Read MoreThe wines, cities and towns of La Rioja
This area of Spain has over 500 wineries and is internationally famous for the quality of its wines. your first taste will be at the Bodegas Alfaros, at the side of the Ebro River nature Reserve. Discover the essence of the Ebro and discover why so many wineries thrive off the land of Rioja. Also here, enjoy a stroll along the Laurel Street, lined with Pintxo bars (the local version of tapas bars) – there are over 50 to choose from in a 4 block square. As well as this, visit the fascinating city of Logroño, rich in history and traditions which have been preserved since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela made this one of the most important towns on the route, however, here is also La Rioja Museum.
Logroño is the perfect example of a wine country town. It’s heart is a patchwork of tree-studded squares linked by narrow streets. This town has a growing culinary reputation and you’re sure to stumble across a host of pintxo. Why not enjoy lunch in one of these Basque tapas bars? While wandering through the picturesque place, perhaps cross over the Puente de Piedra – one of four bridges on the Ebro River in Logroño. One of the symbols of the city, it appears on its coat of arms.
Pamplona; the Bullish Capital of Navarra
Take to Pamplona’s cobblestone streets to uncover the town’s history and simply enjoy the atmospheric medieval centre, scattered with greenery. Another town with lots of atmosphere is Haro. Little streets and arched arcades form the tangled maze of the walkable old quarter.
If you’re looking for picturesque towns and breathtaking scenery to accompany good wine, La Rioja is the perfect destination. Why not combine your tour to Rioja with the Cava producing region of Catalonia.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Spain
Arrive in Spain and head for Logroño, in the heart of the wine-country, which will be your base for the next four nights.
Day 2
Logroño and Haro
This morning we visit Logroño, the capital of the province of La Rioja. The pedestrianised Old Town is a tangle of higgledy-piggledy narrow alleys, many full of pintxos bars (pintxos being the Basque style tapas). In the afternoon we travel along the valley of the River Ebro to the small town of Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. The Old Quarter has a maze of streets to explore and, unsurprisingly, plenty of wine shops.
Day 3
Laguardia and Marqués de Riscal
Today we head for Laguardia, a pretty and charming walled village, for more wine-related activities. Under the tourist office is the El Fabulista winery with a medieval wine cellar. We continue to the village of Elciego to visit the Marqués de Riscal winery, one of the region’s most architecturally stunning wineries. It was designed by Frank Gehry, architect of the award-winning Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Day 4
Pamplona and Olite
We travel to the foothills of the Pyrenees today to visit Pamplona. There’s time to explore the Old Town before we head for the quaint village of Olite. Perhaps visit its castle and wine cellar for a tour and tasting.
Day 5
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave the land of wine and return to the UK.
Options
Why not add an extra day and visit Bilbao, Santander or Vitoria-Gasteiz ?
Suggested Hotel
Hotel Murrieta, Logroño
The Hotel Murrieta is located in Logrono’s old town and offers bright, functional rooms with air conditioning, central heating and free WiFi. Rooms contain a TV and work desk, and there is a café and restaurant in the hotel.
We have a selection of alternative 3 and 4 star hotels based in the region.
You may also be interested in:
Gourmet Catalonia – Discover the Delicacies of Northern Spain
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
