This journey boasts incredible culinary experiences, including a cooking class, Michelin starred restaurants, and unique wine tastings. In addition to emblematic wineries, you will find fabulous wine museums, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient monuments worth visiting. This is combined with explorations of more recent, modern architecture that is both beautiful and steeped in cultural significance. In San Sebastian, we march along the cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shops neighborhood, and of course, visit the vibrant Pintxo bars, pairing local wines with bite-size regional specialties.
With incredible wine, Pinchos, and 1, 2 & 3-star Michelin restaurants in such a tiny region, you are about to give your palates a true feast! From wine tasting to cooking classes with local chefs (and your host) and Michelin-starred experiences along the way, we promise several unforgettable culinary moments.
The Rioja region is the most famous wine-making area of Spain, but in more recent years has also become synonymous with some of the most exciting developments in modern architecture, as vineyard owners compete with one another to commission striking new bodegas from some of the world’s leading architects, including Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Santiago Calatrava.
Often a disputed territory throughout history, the Rioja region has been home to many different cultures (starting with the Romans and the Muslims) which can be reflected through its buildings and traditions, both to be discovered along your journey.
By taking in San Sebastian and its coastal towns, we introduce you to the true (and proud) Basque culture and history. From its hilltop villages to its fisherman villages, the Basque region is inviting and rich in flavors and colors. It is one of, if not, the oldest culture in Europe, and is said to have existed long before the Romans arrived in 216 B.C.
Today, you are privately transferred to the property from Bilbao airport (or your hotel in San Sebastian/Bilbao for those arriving early). After an afternoon of discovering the grounds, the town and relaxing, we hold our welcome dinner at the property, paired with incredible regional wines.
This morning, we head out to Briones where you'll find the fantastic Vivanco. Over several floors and numerous rooms, you will learn all about the history and culture of wine and the various processes that go into its production.
For lunch, we take you to Vieja Bodega; one of the best restaurants in Northern Spain. The building that houses it used to be an old winery, hence its name in Spanish. Our day continues with the visit of quaint and charming Spanish villages, starting with captivating village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, where we will stop for an exclusive wine tasting.
Tonight dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
Our chef departs for two local markets in local towns. Guests interested in joining him, may do so. As the day continues, we have planned an afternoon of wine tasting in the darling little wine hamlet of Samaniego. Discover its noble mansions, country church and stunning setting. We then depart for Bodegas Baigorri where we have lunch (own account) followed by a visit of the vineyard and wine tasting. Dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
Today is a special day. We treat you to two lovely wine tours and tastings at two of the best producers in the region. Then, we head to the mythical gourmet restaurant Etxebarri where we enjoy a tasting menu that is "out of this world". Chef Bitor Arguinzoniz is known as Spain's best Grill Master Extraordinaire, and indeed, all of the dishes there are cooked to perfection over the open fire. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure; possibly spent recovering from this excellent lunch experience!
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for San Sebastian. Our short journey will take us past some of the iconic vineyards and towns that we visited on the previous days. After checking in, our local foodie experts await to take us on a private Pintxo lunch crawl. You will be discovering 5 to 6 excellent Pintxo bars, all with a unique style and approach to their cuisine. Tonight, dinner is at leisure with our recommendations.
This morning is at leisure, or for those of you eager to hone their culinary skills, join our very own Kevin Fonzo as he strolls around two of San Sebastian’s famous markets for his cooking class. Although the secret to San Sebastián’s typical mouth-watering cuisine is the loving care and know-how that goes into it, the biggest secret lies in the quality of the raw materials used and its seasonal produce. Your cooking class with Chef Fonzo will end with an excellent 3-course dinner paired with local wines.
This morning, we meander to the coast and local villages of the Basque region. We start with the blissful beachfront views of Zarauz. We then reach Getaria to explore the impressive monuments of the medieval fishing village, which was home to famous figures such as Juan Sebastian Elcano (the first man to travel the world by sea) and designer Cristobal Balendiaga. Our lunch (included) takes place at the famous Kaia Kaipe. From here, we continue on, following the winding coastal road, and arrive at the picturesque Sanctuary of Loyola, a provincial gem home to the Saint Ignatius of Loyola, where a visit to the Basilica is a must. Tonight, we hold our farewell dinner at the impressive Michelin starred Redondo.
Today, private transfers to the airport are being organized for our guests. Interested in extending in Spain, or beyond? Let us know and our expert will provide the best recommendation for a memorable experience.
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All journeys booked before December 31, 2021 are subjected to special, more flexible booking terms and conditions. click here to learn more
All listed retreats (hotels, villas and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. If replaced, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
