La Rioja & Basque Country From Madrid

Madrid - Haro. Setting out from the vibrant streets of Madrid, Our first stop: Buitrago del Lozoya, a charming Celtiberian fortress town boasting a 15th-century castle and a museum dedicated to Picasso. There's a couple of hours of free time here to explore.

Then, we journey northward to the ruins of Montejo de Tiermes. This ancient Celtiberian settlement, carved directly from the surrounding rocks, boasts well-preserved ruins, including a Roman aqueduct.

Our day ends in the wine capital of La Rioja region: Haro. With its charming wine bars, picturesque bodegas, sprawling vineyards, and magnificent architecture, soaking in the ambiance of this enchanting town.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Madrid Pick Up Point, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid,

Haro - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - San Vicente de la Sonsierra - Haro. After breakfast, we're off to explore the surrounding wine region. Our first stop is the charming old village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, renowned for its historical and religious significance as a key stop on the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Next, we stop by Winery Lecea for a guided tour and inclluded wine tasting. This family of winegrowers has been passionately crafting their wine for over four generations.

Next, San Vicente de la Sonsierra invites us, nestled in the heart of La Rioja, it offers a historic castle overlooking the Ebro River, a 12th-century church, and an authentic Spanish ambiance. You have time to freely to explore and savour local cuisine. Then, we head back to Haro in the late afternoon.

Haro - San Sebastian - Pamplona - Haro. This morning we are ready to explore the Basque Country. Situated near the Spanish-French border, nestled at the western edge of the Pyrenees Mountains, the Basque culture, with its distinctive language, Euskera, stands as one of Europe's oldest.

We head first to San Sebastián, an exclusive beach resort and culinary paradise boasting the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. There's free time here to savour a delicious lunch and stroll along the famous La Concha beach. Next, we journey back inland to Pamplona, renowned for its iconic event, San Fermin, 'the Running of the Bulls'. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the town's magnificent fortress walls before we return to Haro for our last night.

Haro - Burgos - Aranda de Duero - Madrid. Our last day kicks off with a visit to Burgos, where we stroll in the shadow of a magnificent Gothic cathedral and you can enjoy free time to find a local restaurant for lunch. Once the capital of the old kingdom of Castille, Burgos still exudes a regal charm.

Then, we head into the charming city of Aranda de Duero. While our stay here is brief, we are sure to be enchanted by this town renowned for its labyrinthine wine cellars running beneath its streets. Our journey continues further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Here, we have an included visit to explore the opulent rooms of Spain's 'mini-Versailles', and marvel at the exquisite gardens. We thne make our way back to Madrid, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour ends at 18:15 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.