From Madrid: 4 Day Tour Of La Rioja & The Basque Country

This 4-day tour through La Rioja and the Basque Country promises an immersive cultural journey for travelers seeking to explore northern Spain’s renowned wine region and captivating landscapes. With a luxury mini-coach, English-speaking guide, and personalized experience for up to 16 participants, the tour offers a well-rounded itinerary featuring charming medieval towns, historic sites, and vibrant city stops. From wine tastings to palace visits, the tour’s inclusions provide an enticing taste of what this dynamic part of Spain has to offer. For those eager to uncover the unique character of these distinct regions, this tour could be the perfect introduction.

Key Points

This 4-day tour from Madrid explores the renowned wine region of La Rioja and the cultural highlights of the Basque Country.
The tour is limited to 16 participants and includes transportation in a luxury mini-coach, 3 nights of accommodation, and an English-speaking guide.
Key inclusions are a Rioja wine tasting and tour, admission to the Royal Palace of La Granja, and all covered admission fees.
Highlights of the tour include visiting San Sebastián, the wine capital of Haro, and the lively city of Pamplona.
The tour is not suitable for children under 15, and luggage is restricted to 20kg per person.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Tour Details

This 4-day tour, limited to 16 participants, explores the renowned wine region of La Rioja and the captivating Basque Country. Offering transportation in a luxury mini-coach with an English-speaking guide, the tour provides 3 nights of accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast included.

Guests can freely cancel up to 42 days in advance, and the tour’s highlights include a Rioja wine tasting, a visit to the Royal Palace of La Granja, and the opportunity to discover the vibrant cities of San Sebastián and Pamplona.

While meals and admission fees aren’t included, the tour provides an immersive experience of Spain’s northern regions.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver and air conditioning, as well as an English-speaking guide to lead the group.

Participants will enjoy 3 nights’ accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast.

The tour also features a Rioja wine tasting and tour, and admission to the Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso with an audio guide.

While meals and refreshments aren’t included, admission fees are covered unless otherwise specified. Gratuities are also excluded.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 15, and luggage is restricted to 20kg (44lbs) per person.

Exclusions

Children under 15 years aren’t suitable for this tour. Luggage is also restricted to 20kg (44lbs) per person. This ensures comfortable transportation and accommodation for all participants.

The tour is designed for adults and older teenagers who can fully appreciate the cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Meals and refreshments, aside from the included continental breakfasts, aren’t covered in the tour price. Visitors will need to budget for their own lunch and dinner expenses.

Plus, any admission fees not specified in the inclusions section will be an extra cost. Gratuities for the guide and driver are also excluded, allowing participants to tip at their own discretion based on satisfaction with the service provided.

Highlights

Explore San Sebastián, a foodie heaven, and walk in the shadow of the Gothic cathedral in Burgos on this 4-day tour of La Rioja and the Basque Country.

Get to know the wine capital of La Rioja – Haro, and enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting at Winery Lecea.

Discover the Basque Country, with its unique culture and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll visit historic towns like Buitrago del Lozoya, Montejo de Tiermes, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

In Pamplona, you can soak up the lively atmosphere, and in Aranda de Duero, admire the impressive Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of the region’s highlights.

Day 1: Buitrago Del Lozoya and Montejo De Tiermes

On the first day, the tour takes travelers to the historic towns of Buitrago del Lozoya and Montejo de Tiermes before reaching the wine capital of La Rioja, Haro.

In Buitrago del Lozoya, guests will explore the Medieval town walls and castle, which date back to the 12th century.

Next, they’ll visit Montejo de Tiermes, an archaeological site with impressive Roman ruins and Celtiberian remains.

After these cultural stops, the group will continue on to Haro, known as the heart of the Rioja wine region. Here, they’ll have time to wander the charming streets and get ready for tomorrow’s wine tasting and touring.

Day 2: Santo Domingo, Winery Lecea, San Vicente

The second day takes travelers to explore the picturesque town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, home to a renowned Rioja winery, before continuing on to the medieval village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

In Santo Domingo, the group will visit the famous cathedral where a legend claims that a rooster and hen came back to life. Next, they’ll tour Winery Lecea and enjoy a tasting of the region’s finest wines.

After lunch, the journey continues to San Vicente, a charming hilltop town with stunning views over the Ebro River valley. Here, travelers can wander the narrow streets and admire the impressive 16th-century church and castle ruins.

Day 3: San Sebastián and Pamplona

Travelers venture to the coastal city of San Sebastián, a renowned foodie destination known for its vibrant pintxo (Basque-style tapas) culture and stunning seaside promenade. After indulging in the local culinary delights, the group then travels to Pamplona, the historic city famous for the annual Running of the Bulls festival.

In Pamplona, the group can:

Explore the historic city center, including the Plaza del Castillo and the Cathedral of Pamplona.
Learn about the rich tradition of the Running of the Bulls festival, even if they don’t partake in the event themselves.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample local Basque cuisine and wines.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Day 4: Burgos, Aranda De Duero, La Granja

After exploring the vibrant cities of San Sebastián and Pamplona, the group begins the final day of their tour by visiting the historic city of Burgos.

They walk in the shadow of the magnificent Gothic cathedral, one of the finest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture.

Next, the tour continues to the nearby town of Aranda de Duero, a center of Spain’s Ribera del Duero wine region, where they’ve the opportunity to sample the region’s renowned red wines.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby