Northern Spain Private Food & Wine Tour

This morning, you will arrive at Bilbao airport, where your private English-speaking driver guide will await you. Then, travel south by comfortable Mercedes to the historic town of Burgos. This ancient city was founded in 884 AD but came to prominence when it was the capital of the united kingdoms of Castile and León in the 11th century.

You will meet up with your knowledgeable local guide at a pre-arranged location for a private tour of this historic city. You will see the “Casa del Cordón,” a 15th-century palace where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Columbus after his 2nd voyage to the Americas in 1497; the 13th century, the Gothic cathedral is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world! And much more. By around 2 p.m., you should have worked up a sizable appetite. Your guide will escort you to Restaurante Casa Ojeda, where you will have lunch.

Founded in 1912, Casa Ojeda has long been a go-to spot for those craving an authentic taste of Burgos cuisine. Here, you can taste the renowned “Morcilla de Burgos” (blood sausage) to Lechazo (suckling lamb slow-cooked in wood ovens) and exquisite seafood offerings; there’s something on the menu to delight every palate. Coupled with an extensive and carefully curated wine list, the restaurant’s unwavering dedication to quality and inviting ambiance make it a memorable stop for any foodie.

After lunch, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Ribera del Duero wine country. The journey is about 90 minutes, so if you like, you can enjoy a short stop in the medieval town of Lerma to refresh or use the amenities. We suggest you check out the fabulous Parador Palace in the Plaza Mayor, an atmospheric spot to enjoy a glass of wine —early evening arrival to your spa hotel Castilla Termal Monasterio de Val Buena in the heart of Ribera Del Duero. After you check in to your luxury suite, we suggest some free time to enjoy a relaxing spa circuit. Welcome to Spain!

Today, you will spend the day discovering the wines of Ribera del Duero. You will visit two leading estates and one of the region’s most preserved castles. Learn about the Tempranillo grape variety (called “Tinta Fina” here). Begin with a short drive to the first cellar, such as Pesquera! After a private tour, enjoy a guided tasting of fine wines from their various estates, including Pesquera, Condado de Haza, Dehesa la Granja, and El Vinculo.

Follow with another terrific tour at the beautiful Finca Villacreces estate, where you will taste an array of wines from their group, such as Izadi, Vetus, and, of course, estate wines from the Finca. The wine tasting will be accompanied by gourmet goodies like Queso Flor de Esgueva, Chorizo Ibérico de Guijuelo, and Aceite Único de Hacienda Iber.

After a morning of wine tasting and strolling through the vines, you will be ready for lunch. We will have a special lunch organized for you at a convivial little eatery, Fuente Aceña, in a converted ancient mill on the river. This restaurant is revered for its stylish reinterpretations of classics, like a Suckling Roast Pig with baked Apples, Duck Foie jazzed up with Mango chutney, and comforting Chocolate and Caramel Soufflé- paired with local Ribera del Duero wines from estates like Mauro, Aalto.

After lunch, you will visit the medieval hamlet of Peñafiel and enjoy a drive up to the Crusader castle to take in the views over the vast arid plains of the Ribera, take some photos, or perhaps peek into the provincial wine museum.

Then, settle into your luxury spa resort and enjoy the facilities and terrific onsite dining.

Today, you will head north into the sublime Rioja wine country. First, arrive at Haro, the leading wine hub in the Rioja Alta appellation (Rioja is subdivided into three regions- Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental). Haro is where the majority of the 19th century “Chateaux” are, and you will begin with a visit to one of the most beautiful and classic estates like López de Heredia.

López was founded in 1877, and the cellar is supremely romantic. You will have a private tour of the facilities and conclude with a tasting in the futuristic Zaha Hadid-designed wine shop. Taste their leading wines like Viña Tondonia Reserva and the unique Viña Gravonia white.

Your second wine tour this morning contrasts with the first at Bodegas Roda. Roda is our favorite winery in Rioja, making modern-style wines with less oak and more fruit-forward. You will tour their stylish cellar and see the beautiful barrel cellars before enjoying a private tasting of all their wines- Roda I, Roda II, and Cirsion. You can also taste this estate’s olive oils, made in Catalonia (the owners are Catalans, not local Riojanos).

Lunch is next at Bodega Vieja in Casalarreina. Ángel Pérez Aguilar founded this restaurant in a beautiful 17th-century building that has served the great and the good since 1994 and is the go-to place for local winemakers. The cuisine here is traditional with a flare for the modern, such as Beef Tataki with Spiced Tomato, Soy, and Ginger Gel; Homemade Foie-Gras Terrine with Pistachios, Pumpkin quince, Raisin Bread, and dried Apricots; Spider Crab Salad and Avocado Tartar with Salmorejo and Raspberry Vinaigrette; Tuna Taco with Marmitako Cream, Kimchi, and Seaweed Vinaigrette; Braised Beef Cheek with Potato Cream and Zucchini oil; Suckling Pig roasted in a wood oven; Roasted Hake Loin with a Piquillo Pepper sauce.

After lunch, transfer to Laguardia, your base for your stay in Rioja. Check into your suite in an adorable little inn, Los Parajes, in the heart of the medieval hamlet. After you have settled in and refreshed, it is time for a short, fun, private tour of Laguardia with Javi, a charismatic English-speaking guide and proprietor of a local wine shop. As you stroll through the narrow backstreets of this medieval hamlet, Javi will tell you about the town’s interesting history and sometimes salacious anecdotes. Then Javi will invite you to his medieval wine cave for a glass or two of local vino.

The remainder of the evening is yours to continue exploring or enjoy a bite in a local restaurant. We recommend your hotel restaurant or its subterranean wine bar that serves tapas.

This morning, you will begin with a peek at the beautiful Ysios winery. The winery is a stunning, avant-garde landmark designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The winery was opened in 2001; the building is notably long and can be seen from kilometers away. Its wavy roof is made of gigantic aluminum bars designed to mirror the mountains in the background and blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The building is constructed from copper-stained cedar, evoking the appearance of giant wine barrels. From here, there is an excellent view of Laguardia.

Continue to the charming medieval village of Samaniego, home to the esteemed Remirez de Ganuza estate. Often compared to a yet-undiscovered Tuscany, the area offers a stunning backdrop for your wine journey. Remirez de Ganuza boasts many awards over the years, including a perfect 100-point score from wine critic Robert Parker for their Grand Reserva 2004, which he likened to the iconic “Latour of Rioja.” And their Trasnocho wine has garnered rave reviews in the wine press.

Begin your experience with a short stroll through the vineyards, offering an intimate look at the terroir that profoundly shapes this estate’s wines. Follow this with a visit to the winery, where you’ll head to a tastefully decorated, time-honored dining room. Here, you’ll indulge in an exclusive tasting session featuring a selection of their distinguished wines, such as Trasnocho, Viña Coqueta, and Fincas de Ganuza.

Carry on to the outstanding Torre de Oña estate; this idyllic bodega is a sister winery to the renowned La Rioja Alta winery. Apart from its sensational wines, it is utterly beautiful. Your private tour will include a wander through the immaculate vineyards and stunning cellar, ending in their delightful dining room for a tasting lunch of tapas and their highly acclaimed wines.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel, allowing you time to relax or take a refreshing stroll around the town.

Tonight, you will experience an extraordinary dining experience at Restaurante Amelibia outside the town’s walls. Managed by the duo Alejandra and Patxi Amelibia, the restaurant boasts a chic, modern dining area with spaciousness and natural light, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. From your table, you will have panoramic vistas of the majestic Cantabrian Mountains, the lush vineyards that are the region’s hallmark, and the tranquil Prado de la Paúl Lagoon, a local nature sanctuary.

Patxi, an alumnus of the prestigious Gamarra Culinary School near Vitoria, is committed to culinary authenticity. He places a premium on simplicity, crafting dishes that pay homage to traditional recipes handed down from his grandmother. At the same time, he emphasizes using fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish is time-honored with zero kilometers.

Today’s menu promises a gastronomic journey that tantalizes all the senses. Begin with an exquisite Partridge Salad featuring delicately poached onions and fire-roasted red peppers. The harmonious flavors of black Garlic and Pistachio elevate the Prawn Carpaccio. The Gazpacho with Cherries offers a delightful twist on the classic, followed by Squid impeccably cooked in its own ink. For the main course, you might savor, setting the stage for a sumptuous Lobster served with a vibrant Vinaigrette or succulent Roast Pork, skillfully deboned and glazed, presented on a bed of Apples. Conclude your culinary adventure with a hearty Oxtail Stew, braised to perfection in Rioja Alavesa red wine. At Restaurante Amelibia, expect nothing less than a meal that is both a tribute to tradition and a celebration of the region’s finest ingredients.

You will take a break from wine tasting today and focus on great food and coastal sightseeing. From Laguardia, you will travel to Pamplona (catapulted to world fame when Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Running of the Bulls, which takes place here). With a private guide, you will visit Pamplona’s most interesting sites, like the 18th-century Catedral de Santa María, the Capilla de San Fermin (patron saint of the town to whom the running of the bulls is dedicated), and various gardens. Next, enjoy an aperitif at the picturesque Plaza del Castillo, specifically at Café Iruña, a locale once frequented by the legendary Ernest Hemingway.

Next, sit back and relax for a scenic 90-minute drive to your next destination, the pretty fishing port Getaria, and lunch in Elkano. Elkano, a Michelin-starred sanctuary for seafood aficionados, has been setting culinary standards for over 40 years and regularly appears in the list of Top 50 restaurants in the world. Garnering its Michelin star in 2019, the establishment has become a dining destination for gourmands. Whether you crave classic Basque delicacies such as Kokotxas or Hake or wish to venture into the exotic with Sea Cucumber or Spider Crab, Elkano’s masterful chefs promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing stroll in this beautiful little port town. See the sinking church and the colorful boats and follow in the footsteps of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the Spanish explorer from here who completed the first circumnavigation of the world (on the Magellan expedition). If you like fashion, a museum is dedicated to another famous local, Balenciaga.

In the late afternoon, your driver will escort you to the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina in scenic San Sebastián. Established in 1912, this iconic hotel has long been integral to the city’s cultural and historical fabric. Designed by Charles Mewes, the esteemed architect behind the iconic Ritz hotels in Madrid and Paris, Hotel Maria Cristina quickly ascended to become the preferred lodging for international high society, owing to its majestic architecture and breathtaking river and sea vistas.

Once you’ve checked in and taken a moment to unwind from the day’s adventures, a local English-speaking culinary expert will rendezvous with you in the hotel lobby. Together, you will venture into San Sebastián’s Old Town for an immersive tapas tour; enjoy an unforgettable evening brimming with delectable food, fine wine, and exclusive access to the finest Pintxo establishments—showcasing the Basque region’s unique take on traditional Spanish tapas.

Being so close to France, it would be a miss not to visit. Therefore, today’s itinerary takes you sightseeing in the nearby French Pays Basque. Depart from San Sebastian and drive northeast for approximately 40 minutes to the glamorous city of Biarritz. Spend your morning exploring this 19th-century haven for Europe’s aristocrats and celebrities. Visit the Chocolate Museum, the lighthouse, and the aquarium, all while enjoying sea views. Biarritz also boasts a plethora of fashionable boutiques and gourmet shops stocked with delectable local produce. Don’t miss the newly renovated Halles de Biarritz market, where you can enjoy a quick bite or an apéritif as you browse.

Lunch today is a memorable affair, hosted at the stunning Restaurant Ilura in St. Jean de Luz, which overlooks the sea and serves refined French cuisine. The menu features Hake paired with Basque Chestnuts and Pickleweed, topped with Noilly Prat foam (Vermouth). Additionally, enjoy Manex pork (a local Basque variety) served with Potatoes and Dulse Seaweed, along with grilled Artichoke complemented by a reduction of Black Olives and Butter. A selection of Basque Cheeses, including Idiazabal and Ossau-Iraty, rounds out the meal. Each dish is expertly paired with local wines.

After lunch, take the opportunity to explore the charming village, complete with its fabulous boutiques, port, and beach. To conclude the day, we recommend savoring a coffee or digestif in Place Saint Louis. Return to San Sebastian in the early evening.

The night is yours to enjoy at leisure, with a wide range of top-notch restaurants in San Sebastian, including Akelarre, Kokotxa, and Zuberoa, at your disposal.

Following a relaxed breakfast this morning, you’ll rendezvous with your private chef, Chef Ben, for an exclusive market tour. With years of experience in top international restaurants, Chef Ben has returned to his roots in San Sebastian to share his enthusiasm for Basque gastronomy with discerning guests like you. Together, you’ll handpick the finest seasonal produce for your upcoming Basque cooking class and lunch. After your market adventure, you’ll proceed to his state-of-the-art kitchen studio for an immersive, hands-on culinary experience.

After this fun, hands-on lunch, you will meet up with your driver, and he will smoothly transfer you to Bilbao, where you will stay your last night before the flight home tomorrow. Then, check into your hotel, Gran Hotel Domine, just across the street from the Guggenheim, and settle in. The late afternoon is yours to visit the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum and the old town or relax and enjoy the hotel’s wellness facilities.

Tonight, you will dine at the flagship restaurant of Basque gastronomy, Azurmendi. The restaurant, about 15km from Bilbao, is captained by chef Eneko Atxa and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine. Highly committed to sustainability, it was built in 2010 using eco-friendly materials and technology. The restaurant is involved in conservation efforts, like growing local, endangered vegetable varieties and composting waste in collaboration with local authorities. These efforts earned it the Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2018. Dining at Azurmendi is an immersive experience with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and inventive combinations, and the restaurant has garnered three Michelin stars for its overall excellent culinary experience.

This morning, your driver will escort you to the airport at a time that best suits your flight schedule. He will assist you with your luggage and check-in at the airport for a hassle-free departure. As we bid you farewell, we reflect on the unforgettable food and wine experiences we’ve curated for you across the gastronomic landscapes of Northern Spain. We can’t wait to have the pleasure of hosting you again on another luxurious and personalized tour. Safe travels!