Bold & Beautiful: La Rioja & the Basque Country 2024

• Historical and religious, be enamoured by the village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada
• Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting at Winery Lecea
• Step off the beaten track into the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra

Make sure you have a big breakfast this morning because, as we leave Haro behind, it’s time to explore the wine region around you. We’ll pop in at the quaint old village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada this morning. Known for its historical and religious importance, it’s a famous stop on the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela. 

And what holiday is complete without a little winery visit? We stop in at Winery Lecea for a guided tour and wine tasting which is included in your tour package. This family of winegrowers have been dedicated to producing their wine for more than four generations, and it’s time they shared a little piece of La Rioja with you.  

We then stop somewhere a little off the beaten track. That’s our thing, after all! San Vicente de la Sonsierra may not be as well-known as some larger Spanish cities, but lying in the heart of La Rioja, with a historic castle overlooking the Ebro River, a 12th-century church, and traditional Spanish charm, we’ll show you why this little village is worth your attention. You have free time here to explore and even grab a bite to eat. 

We return to Haro in the late afternoon to give you a bit more time to explore this wonderful city before you settle in for the night. (B)

Included Activities: Rioja wine tasting and tour (not lunch)

Accommodation: Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

• Discover the little-known world of Basque Country
• Devour the foodie heaven of San Sebastián
• Relax as you wander the famous town of Pamplona

Today is all about the Basque Country. Not familiar with this region? You will be after today. Located near the border between Spain and France, at the western end of the Pyrenees Mountain Range, Basque is one of the oldest cultures in Europe with their unique language called Euskera. Among other things. Now’s the time to find out all about this rich culture.  

Everyone, meet San Sebastián, a foodie heaven with the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. You have time here to grab lunch and check out the beautiful blonde beach. 

You travel back inland to Pamplona. This town is famous for San Fermin, ‘the Running of the Bulls’. Fortunately, you aren’t going to have to run anywhere. Instead, you can stroll around the town’s splendid fortress walls and relax. 

Then it’s back to Haro for your final night, so make sure to take full advantage.  (B)

Accommodation: Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

• Be welcomed to Burgos, once the capital of the old kingdom of Castille
• ‘Wine-not’ enjoy a glass or two in the city of Aranda de Duero
• Explore Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’

We know endings can be sad, but we assure you this one won’t be. Your first stop of the day gives you a chance to walk in the shadow of a soaring Gothic cathedral on your way to sample some of the region’s favourite dishes for lunch. We’re talking about the town of Burgos, once the capital of the old kingdom of Castille. It still seems royal to us.   

Now how about a bit of paradise and a glass of wine? That’s what the city of Aranda de Duero is for. While we’re only here for about an hour, you’ll love this town that’s famous for its interconnecting wine cellars that run under the town. 

Next, you head further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Your included ticket to this stunning structure lets you wander through the rooms of Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’ and wonder how much the gardening bill must be for its gorgeous grounds. 

As the day ends, you arrive in the country’s capital, Madrid. But the adventure doesn’t have to stop there.  

Included Activities: Admission to Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso (and gardens) with audioguide