A 10-day culinary journey through the Ribera del Duero and Rioja wine regions and the Basque Country
HIGHLIGHTS
- All-inclusive from landing
- Personal guide and translator throughout the trip
- Meet Roberto’s family and connections
- Stay in luxury Parador hotels
- Visit premium wineries in Rioja and Ribera del Duero
- Enjoy Michelin-starred dining experiences, including 3-star Akelarre
- Explore historic cities and cultural landmarks from Segovia to San Sebastián
Itinerary Overview
Segovia (2 nights)
- Begin in the picturesque town of San Ildefonso
- Explore the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso and its gardens
- Tour the iconic Alcázar of Segovia, a top European medieval landmark
Ribera del Duero wine region (2 nights)
- Discover 4 top Ribera wineries
- Explore Peñafiel and its castle
- Visit Aranda de Duero and its ancient underground wine cellars
Basque Country (2 nights)
- Arrive in San Sebastián, renowned for its culinary scene
- Enjoy 3 Michelin-star culinary experiences
- Explore the charming coastal town of Getaria
Rioja wine region (2 nights)
- Visit Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a key stop on the Camino de Santiago
- Visit 4 unique Rioja wineries
- Explore the wine towns of Haro, Logroño, and Laguardia
Alcalá de Henares & Departure (1 night)
- Conclude in the UNESCO-listed birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes
- Explore the city’s history before departing
Exclusive Winery Experiences
Immerse yourself in the world-class wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero — a mix of prestigious estates and hidden gems, including a small village where families make and store their own wine.
Rioja:
- Marqués de Riscal: awarded second-best winery globally in 2023, featuring Frank Gehry architecture
- Valenciso: artisanal, terroir-driven, sustainability-focused
- Tobia: family-owned, organic and biodynamic viticulture
- Martínez Lacuesta: historic winery dating to 1901, traditional-style wines
Ribera del Duero:
- Protos: the region’s first winery, with an underground cellar beneath Peñafiel Castle
- Monte Abellón: renowned for exceptional single-vineyard wines
- López Cristóbal: boutique, fifth-generation family-run
- Dominio de Cair: bold, fruit-forward, modern winemaking
Wineries selected by Alex Pardo, Spain’s #1 sommelier in 2023.
Michelin-Starred Culinary Experiences
- Elkano (Getaria, 1 Michelin star) — masterful seafood, especially grilled turbot
- Akelarre (San Sebastián, 3 Michelin stars) — avant-garde Basque cuisine by chef Pedro Subijana, overlooking the Bay of Biscay
- Ikaro (Logroño, 1 Michelin star) — Basque and Latin American fusion by chef couple Iñaki Murua and Carolina Sánchez
Storied Accommodations
- Parador de La Granja — an 18th-century palace, once the royal family’s summer residence, in La Granja de San Ildefonso
- Parador de Lerma — 17th-century Herrerian-style architecture in the town of Lerma
- Parador Hondarribia — a medieval fortress on the French border, with views of the Bidasoa River and the Pyrenees
- Parador Bernardo de Fresneda — a former convent turned serene, historic stay
- Parador de Alcalá de Henares — a modern hotel in Cervantes’ UNESCO-listed birthplace
Cultural Highlights
- San Sebastián: one of the world’s most beautiful cities
- Alcázar de Segovia: the 12th-century castle, a top European medieval landmark
- Peñafiel Castle: the iconic fortress in the heart of Ribera del Duero
- Bodegas Antiguas de Aranda de Duero: ancient underground wine cellars
- Museo Vivanco de la Cultura del Vino: a unique wine culture museum
- Real Sitio de San Ildefonso: the royal palace and gardens
Gourmet Spanish Cuisine
- Pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus)
- Pimientos del padrón
- Cochinillo (roasted suckling pig)
- Pintxos (Basque-style tapas)
- Lechazo (roasted milk-fed lamb)
- Bacalao al pil pil (Basque-style cod)
- And many more regional specialties
Trip Details
- Taste over 20 premium wines at 5 winery visits in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, hand-selected by Spain’s #1 sommelier (2023).
- Unwind in unique Parador hotels — centuries-old castles, convents, and palaces transformed into luxury retreats.
- Elevate your culinary expertise with world-class Michelin-starred dining, including 3-star Akelarre.
- Go beyond tourist paths to discover secret local haunts known only to true Spanish natives.
- A bespoke, small-group wine journey tailored to your preferences.
- Savor authentic gourmet tapas and traditional sidrería experiences, mastering Basque and Castilian cuisine.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid & leisure in San Ildefonso
- Private airport pickup and transfer to Parador de La Granja.
- Free time to adjust to jet lag and explore San Ildefonso.
- Welcome dinner with traditional Spanish cuisine.
Day 2: Segovia’s royal legacy & culinary delights
- Guided tour of the Alcázar and Catedral de Segovia.
- Traditional cochinillo feast at José María restaurant.
- Visit the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.
- Overnight at Parador de La Granja.
Day 3: Ribera del Duero — wine & history
- Travel to Aranda de Duero.
- Wine tasting at a world-renowned winery.
- Explore Peñafiel Castle and the Wine Museum.
- Lamb feast at a beautiful local restaurant.
- Overnight at Parador de Lerma.
Day 4: Discovering Ribera del Duero’s best wineries
- Private visit to a small boutique winery.
- Tour the caves of Aranda de Duero.
- Michelin-recommended pintxos at El Lagar de Isilla.
- Free afternoon at Parador de Lerma.
Day 5: San Sebastián — Basque Country’s culinary capital
- Scenic drive to San Sebastián.
- Guided walking tour of the Old Town with pintxos tasting.
- Traditional sidrería experience: grilled meats and Basque cider.
- Funicular ride to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views.
- Stay at Parador de Hondarribia.
Day 6: Coastal gems — Getaria & Hondarribia
- Lunch at 3-Michelin-star Akelarre.
- Afternoon in Hondarribia’s fishing port and medieval old town.
- Stay at Parador de Hondarribia.
Day 7: La Rioja wine region — Haro & Logroño
- Morning drive to Logroño.
- Visit Haro, the wine capital of Rioja.
- Lunch at La Vieja Bodega.
- Private tour at Bodega Martínez Lacuesta.
- Explore Museo Vivanco de la Cultura del Vino.
- Stay at Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Day 8: Rioja’s finest — Logroño, Laguardia & Marqués de Riscal
- Private tasting at Bodega Valenciso.
- Explore Logroño’s Calle Laurel tapas scene.
- Lunch at Michelin-starred Ikaro.
- Visit the medieval town of Laguardia.
- Exclusive tour of Marqués de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry.
- Stay at Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Day 9: Alcalá de Henares — literary heritage & farewell
- Drive to Alcalá de Henares.
- Lunch and guided tour of the UNESCO-listed historic city.
- Overnight near the airport.
Day 10: Departure
- Farewell breakfast and private transfer to the airport.
Why this trip is unparalleled
Unlike standard luxury tours, this experience is designed by a true local with personal connections to Spain’s top wineries, chefs, and historic sites in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and the Basque Country. You’ll bypass tourist traps for intimate, once-in-a-lifetime access impossible to find elsewhere.
Pricing & Booking
- Starting at $9,300 per person for 10 days (all-inclusive but flights)
- Limited to 8 guests for an intimate experience
- Flexible travel dates and activities
- Reserve your spot today — spaces fill fast!
Ready to uncover the true essence of Northern Spain? Contact me below.