Spanish Pyrenees Private Food & Wine Tour

Your charming, English-speaking chauffeur will transfer you this morning from Bilbao, taking you on a scenic drive through the beautiful portion of the Pyrenees Mountains that belongs to Navarra via Roncesvalles.

This unspoiled area is dotted with postcard-worthy, cobblestoned villages, medieval bridges, ancient chapels, churches on the “Camino de Santiago” (St James Way) pilgrimage, babbling brooks, and meandering rivers. Your first stop this morning is in picturesque Ochagavia. Pine forests and high mountain peaks surround this darling hamlet in the Salazar Valley. It is notable for its handsome caserios—historic Basque farmhouses—and its ancient dance traditions, the origins of which are lost in the mists of time. You’ll have free time to explore Ochagavia’s pretty, narrow streets and lookout points with assistance from your driver-guide—plenty of photo opportunities here! Next, a gourmet lunch awaits you in the neighboring province of Huesca, situated in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Restaurante Canteré is a gem of a “Bib Gourmand” in the mountain village of Hecho. Prepare to be amazed by this unexpectedly stylish gem, which serves effortlessly elegant cuisine in a rustic-chic setting. We’ll coordinate with the chef to create a customized tasting menu for you to enjoy paired with top Pyrenees wines.

After lunch, enjoy a brief digestive stroll around the hamlet before continuing towards your luxury mountain inn, with one final stop in the charming village of Ansó. Consistently included in the “most beautiful villages of Spain” compilations, this little stone village does live up to its reputation and has been declared Historic-Artistic Heritage. First, admire the cobbled streets with handsome, historic timber and stone houses brimming with geraniums. Then, pop into the 16th-century Gothic parochial church to see the exuberant Baroque altarpiece, and why not sit down for a wine cocktail in a shady square?

After some free time to wander, your driver will take you to your utterly romantic hideaway hotel, Viñas de Lárrede. This luxury Swiss chalet-style lodge is snuggled into the mountains and offers excellent views from nearly every angle. Settle into your suite, with its relaxing, sweeping vistas and large, private, grassy terrace. Your Cellar Tours welcome package will await you in your room, including some gourmet goodies and your personalized keepsake itinerary. The evening is free to dine on-site at the lodge’s gourmet restaurant or in your private garden. Welcome to the Spanish Pyrenees!

If there is one location you absolutely cannot miss in the Pyrenees, it is Ordesa! Today is all about nature, soothing landscapes, and intense rural beauty. After a satisfying breakfast of homemade bread, select artisan cheese, country ham, and other goodies on the outdoor terrace overlooking the mountain peaks (or in your private garden), your driver will collect you and take you on a picturesque drive northeast towards the pretty mountain village of Torla.

Meet your local mountain guide and enjoy a walk around this quaint Pueblo, with its slate roofs and idyllic church. Your guide and driver will take you on a part walking, part scenic driving tour of some of the most spectacular spots in Ordesa today. You control the amount and level of walking you’d like to do, as this is private and customized to your interest and degree of fitness.

The Ordesa Valley biosphere has been declared a protected UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the extraordinary, unique, rare flora and fauna and fragile ecosystems. You may likely see the endangered “quebrantahuesos” (bearded vultures) flying overhead today, as they have been repopulated in this valley. We highly recommend a hike with your guide to the famous “Cola de Caballo” waterfall, and your driver will take you up to farther-flung lookout points for multiple photo ops.

Lunch then is a super treat- a gourmet wine picnic set up for you in a bucolic location beside a peaceful river. This is one of those travel moments that you will remember forever!

In the late afternoon, you can take a sightseeing tour of this beautiful region, stopping for visits to picturesque villages. The first stop is Broto, an adorable little mountain hamlet in a charming riverside location. You can grab a coffee, photograph the delightful Romanesque bridge, and visit the quirky “carcel” (the 16th-century jail used until the 20th century, now a small, fascinating museum).

On to Aínsa next (skipping the new town), see its medieval, walled village- possibly the most impressive in the Pyrenees- and declared a Historic-Artistic site. Aínsa was the capital of the Kingdom of Sobrarbe, which in the 11th century became part of the Kingdom of Aragon. It feels like it is straight out of a movie set with its cobblestoned streets dating to the Middle Ages, a fortress citadel, and slender, ancient houses tightly packed on top of each other. The dramatic backdrop of the steep mountains makes the setting perfect. You’ll have free time to wander, shop, and take photos of the castle and graceful, arcaded Plaza Mayor.

Then, it’s a scenic one-hour drive back to your luxury lodge. The evening is yours to relax in your private garden with a glass of wine, book a massage or hydrotherapy treatment in your hotel’s spa, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Today is action-packed with terrific wines and a visit to one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. After a tasty breakfast on the terrace with mountain views, check out and hit the road for the Somontano wine country. Relatively unknown abroad a mere 30 years ago, Somontano is now considered one of Spain’s finest wine regions. Thanks to innovative cellars, massive investment, and modern ideas unconstrained by the same restrictions other Spanish wine regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero had at the time, Somontano could experiment with grape varietals and terroir with a greater level of freedom. The result was the region being “fast-forwarded” in the quality arena and some fun, unusual wines launched along the way.

Your first visit is at the region’s most “bijou” winery- Blecua. Owned by the prestigious Viñas del Vero wine estate, this is the jewel in their crown where their best and most emblematic wines are produced. Set in a regal, Italianate villa, this winery is as pretty as a picture! First, you will enjoy a private visit to the vineyards and the atmospheric arched barrel cellar lit up with candelabras. Conclude naturally with a VIP tasting of their best wines.

Then, switch gears and travel north to one of the most incredible medieval villages in the country- Alquézar. Spend a lazy hour exploring the labyrinth of winding, cobblestoned streets of this unique, golden-hued hamlet, which looks like it was built into the rock. This is a highlight of the trip in terms of architecture! If you’re feeling adventurous and wish to immerse yourself further in the region’s natural beauty before lunch, consider walking along the Pasarelas del Vero. This enriching 2km looped trail skirts the edge of the village and descends into the dramatic canyon carved by the Vero River.

Lunch then is on the beautiful stone terrace at Casa Pardina, the best traditional restaurant in town. You’ll have the best table, with dramatic views over the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor. Begin with a taste of local olive oil Ferrer, Radiquero goat’s cheese with homemade jam, and “migas con chorizo y uvas” (“breadcrumbs,” fried with chorizo sausage and grapes- a local dish dating back to medieval times). Then try the piquillo peppers stuffed with boletus and a wild mushroom sauce; roast, baby lamb chops (or if you are adventurous, try the wild boar); and finish with homemade lime and basil sorbet. ¡Qué rico!

After lunch, you’ll visit one last winery today, the world-famous Enate estate, whose motto is “where art and wine become one.” This winery is a complete contrast to Blecua. It’s grandiose, with a large art gallery and spectacular barrel cellar. They make a very extensive range of wines, and you will try a selection of top-tier wines such as their iconic, spicy Gewürztraminer (unique in Spain); their luscious, barrel-fermented Chardonnay; their Reserva Especial and Uno Tinto (award-winning wines both made with a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend).

In the early evening, your driver will bring you to your “adults only,” super romantic inn, located beside a pine forest and utterly peaceful. There is a zen garden with sun loungers and 360· green views. Your suite is huge with its private entrance and three floors of personal space- a demure bedroom with wooden beams, a spa-style bathroom with a hydromassage jacuzzi, and a living room with a cozy fireplace.

After a terrific breakfast, your driver will collect you. Bring a change of clothes for later this evening, and dress for a hike. Today, you feel like visiting one of the kingdoms in “Lord of the Rings”! You’ll visit the captivating Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pirineu, possibly the most beautiful of Spain’s protected, wild landscapes. Unspoiled, alpine meadows are shadowed by the “Els Encantats” (“enchanted”) peaks, and there are over 200 mountain lakes in the park! After an early country breakfast, your driver will collect you, and you’ll enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the park’s east end.

Meet your certified, friendly, extraordinarily knowledgeable mountain guide, a recognized botany expert, and a local geology expert. As you traverse the stunning landscape, prepare to be captivated by the natural history and engaging folklore tales, providing a magical context to the scenery. Your specialized 4X4 driver will also be at your service, thoughtfully choreographing the day to include walking and driving. This tailored approach ensures you’ll reach panoramic vantage points, making the most of your precious time. We recommend the picturesque 7 km circular walk from Sant Maurici Lake to Ratera Lake.

Along this inviting trail, you’ll marvel at sparkling turquoise lakes, playful waterfalls, lush pine and fir forests, and the rugged beauty of jagged granite and slate mountain peaks. Your guide will bring a Catalan wine brunch with cured meats, salads, local cheese, fresh bread, and a sweet surprise. You’ll find a comfortable lakeside spot, stretch out, enjoy the views, and enjoy the picnic. Make a pre-brunch toast with Cava, and savor your meal with a dry, zippy white and robust red.

After the picnic, enjoy another mountain walk (or sightseeing drive) with your guide- the incline and length are based on your preference, fitness level, and the weather. Everything is customized to you and adaptable on the day.

You’ll return to your mountain inn late afternoon, stopping halfway in Vielha near the Baqueira-Beret ski resort in the Val d’ Aran. We have the perfect way to spend your evening before dinner- in Nuku’s luxury spa. You will have a few free hours to soak your “trekked out” limbs, hit the sauna and flotarium, and deeply relax, freshen up, and change.

Dinner then is at our fave gastronomic restaurant in the area, Arties at Lits. This is the most stylish eatery in the area, offering playful, gastronomic cuisine in a chic dining room with an open kitchen. You will taste a chef’s tasting menu with high-end wine pairings. After a fabulous wine-soaked dinner, your driver will safely take you to your romantic inn.

This morning you will visit the magical, Early Romanesque UNESCO world heritage churches of the sublime Val de Boí. The first stop is Taüll, a small village home to the two most spectacular churches in the valley. With your friendly, specialized art guide, admire this unique and precious region’s architectural perfection and amazingly well-preserved gems. Following the Lombard Romanesque examples in Northern Italy, these temples were built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Apart from being masterpieces, the interiors are intricate and well-preserved, the most extraordinary being Sant Climent de Taüll’s ethereal Pantocrator frescoes. You will visit 4 or 5 churches (there are 8) and a hermitage with your guide. This is a “must,” and you will be glad you saw these beautiful locations.

Then head to La Pobleta de Bellveí in the Vall Fosca, a hub for cyclists, and sit down for a country lunch on the way to your fine wine estate later this afternoon. Lunch is at the charming, rustic L’Era del Marxant, in a country house dating back to 1830. Start with the Fideuá of wild mushrooms and veggies (a traditional Catalan noodle dish) and continue with simple, moist, roast chicken cooked right on their outdoor stone barbecue, served with homemade Ali-Oli.

Spend a few minutes after lunch for a quick walk, as there are some quaint corners and lovely views. Then, you will visit the most elite cellar in the Pyrenees- Castell d’Encus. The setting is spectacular in the 12th-century Romanesque settlement with incredible mountain and lake views! Their high altitude, super-premium wines are made with a surprising amount of grape varietals like Semillon, Riesling, Albarinyo (Albariño), and Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, among others. You will spend a glorious afternoon here on a privately guided tour, visiting the extensive grounds and seeing their 12th-century stone fermentation vats chiseled into the rockface, touring the cutting-edge new winery, and sitting down to a professional VIP tasting of 6-10 wines from their exclusive range.

Finally, you will head to your next hotel at the end of a great day, full of beautiful architecture, charming hamlets, and top wines. La Vella Farga is a demure, stone country house (called “Masia”) dating back to the 11th century, exquisitely restored, and one of Spain’s best small luxury hotels. You’ll love the golden stone walls, dreamy archways, and cozy yet sophisticated decoration- not to mention the huge, beautiful suites with forest views all around. You might never want to leave! The evening is yours to enjoy their refined restaurant on your own, go for a swim, perhaps book a massage (they offer outdoor massages in a private area of the forest beside the hotel), etc.

The vast Costers del Segre wine appellation is scattered across the province of Lleida and is characterized by its innovation and dynamism. While wine has been cultivated here since the Bronze Age, and exceptional wineries like Raimat have been making premium wines since the early 1900s, it was in the 1980s that Costers del Segre made leaps and bounds in quality wines.

First, local winemakers experimented with a “California winemaking” style. Next, they grew international grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay alongside native varietals like Ull de llebre (Tempranillo), Garnatxa Negra, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Finally, the region’s “Denominación de Origen” (official appellation) was recognized in 1986 and is now firmly on the map for premium wines in Spain.

This morning, you have a terrific wine experience at Castell del Remei, the oldest wine estate in the Catalunya region (since 1780) and the most high-profile property within the appellation. It was built following the Bordeaux style of having the Chateau amid the estate-owned vineyards and is an architectural jewel. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the impressive grounds and vines before seeing the winery and characterful barrique cellar (with over 1,000 French and American oak barrels). Finish by tasting their best red and white wines like Gotim Bru, 1780, and Oda. Castell del Remei makes their excellent wines with traditional, local varietals like Grenache, Cariñena, Trepat, Macabeo, and Malvasia and varietals imported from France in the 1800s Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

After a charming wine experience, you’ll be ready for lunch, and today it will be high-end. Head to La Boscana, a striking Michelin-starred restaurant in lush parkland with an idyllic lake and ducks. The cuisine is innovative, daring, and fun, and the setting is inspiring, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows all around with views of the greenery. Sitdown to a tasting menu with wine pairings and absorb the calm, zen energy.

After lunch, you have one last delightful wine estate visit before returning to your luxury retreat. You will visit the charming Clos Pons winery, whose noble stone cellars preside over a haven of organic vineyards, olive trees, and almond blossoms. Taste their stylish Sisquella, Alges, Roc Nu, 809, and Roc de Foc wines on a private visit, and we will also send you away with an olive oil gift.

Finally, relish your remaining time at your splendid boutique hotel in the early evening.

Where there are mountains, there tend to be cheesemakers! And the Pyrenees is home to countless small cheesemakers creating small production, super high-quality cheese. You can’t leave without at least popping into one “Queseria,” called “Formatgeria” in Catalan, as this part of the Pyrenees is Catalan-speaking.

First, you’ll head slightly northwest to the peaceful hamlet of Adrall in the Alt Urgell, to Formatges Mas d’Eroles. The gourmet artisans here make award-winning raw cow’s and sheep’s milk cheeses, which you will have a chance to taste like Gebrat d’ Obaga (World cheese awards recipient), Carreu, Sant Quiri, Pla del Cim, and Abadessa d’ Elins. After the tasting, stretch your legs on a short (under one hour) digestive walk to Ermita de Sant Antoni del Tossal to revive your appetite for lunch and admire the sweeping views.

A special lunch is in store after a fun morning of cheese and gentle walking. Leave the hectic world outside in the picturesque, tiny borough of Arseguel as you settle into lunch at Font del Genil. Gaze over the rugged Sierra del Cadí mountains as you are brought mouthwatering specialties like “mountain style” rice, grilled veggies from their organic orchard, and an artisan cheese platter. This excellent restaurant is located in an 18th-century Masia farmhouse, making it an unforgettable spot.

We always save the best for last, and your next hotel for this last leg of the trip is out of this world- a majestic palace designed by Calixto Freixa –one of Antoni Gaudí’s disciples- in 1910. Today, it is a luxury, five-star hotel offering a getaway for discerning guests and celebrities alike. The “Palacio Modernista” stands proudly over acres of manicured gardens and forest, offering privacy and a natural feeling of paradise in the Pyrenees. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy your room, grounds, and facilities.

The Cerdanya region lies on both sides of the Spanish/French border, and within Spain, it stretches from Lleida to Girona sub-provinces. It encompasses a great selection of natural parks, lakes, mountain paths, and fascinating villages. Today, you will start the last day of this vacation with a short walk, then carry on to medieval villages, a Gaudi-designed garden gem, and some of the region’s most exciting towns. Head south first to a fun, short walking path (40 min) called the “milk kettle” (Bullidor de la Llet), an impressive waterfall within the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park.

The name refers to the white, foamy, “milky” appearance the water takes during rainy and thawing months as the water forcefully flows through the limestone rocks here. This walk is recommended in Spring and Fall (not Summer, as being dry, the waterfall disappears). It’s an easy, circular route, enough to warm up and prepare you for an active day. This park has a wide array of longer treks nearby, so we can organize a walking guide for a long walk today if you wish. 

Otherwise, the next stop is the historic village of Bagà. Known for its medieval market and Cathar festival in July, this is a trekking base town and an interesting stop for a stroll, shopping, and pre-lunch aperitif. Built above the Bastareny River, this cute village has ancient stone streets and townhouses and a medieval, arcaded Plaza Mayor. Next, make a short photo stop at the Santuario de Paller outside town; it is well worth a quick look. Then, get ready for an unexpectedly weird and whimsical location just a few minutes drive, the Artigas Gardens in La Pobla de Lillet. This is architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece in the Pyrenees, designed in 1906, and a fun and unique visit. Walk through the dreamlike garden and see his famous stone mosaics, pergolas, fountains, and mysterious creatures and characters.

Continue then to the pretty village of Bellver de Cerdanya. Lunch awaits you on a beautiful outdoor terrace with mountain views at Ca la Nuria, a casual spot popular with the locals. A hearty lunch will be organized for you with local specialties like Altejó Cheese, Sea Bass with Romesco sauce, and Foie “Coca” with caramelized Apple- all served with Catalan wines. You’ll have some free time to walk around pretty Bellver after lunch and see the Plaza Mayor. 

On the way to the next town, take a photo stop at the beautiful Romanesque Santa Maria de Talló church called the “Cathedral of Cerdany.” Your next destination is Llìvia, a Spanish enclave quirkily located within France. You have to drive into France to get here, very amusing! It’s a small hamlet worth seeing for its Ancient Roman history (you can still see remnants of the forum) and its pharmacy, the oldest in Europe, dating back to the early 1400s. Today, it is a tiny, sweet museum trapped in time. If you want to make one last stop on the way back to the hotel, a lakeside walk in Puigcerdà is an excellent way to end the day. The evening is yours tonight to dine on your own, rest, relax, and pack.

Your unforgettable week in the Spanish Pyrenees concludes today, and at your preferred time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Barcelona Airport, Girona Airport, or your next port of call. We hope you had an electrifying adventure on this trip! If you would like to extend this trip to see more, we would heartily recommend the adjacent region of Catalunya (visit Barcelona, Costa Brava, and the wine regions of Penedès and Priorat) or crossing the border into France to visit the Languedoc region, ask us for more info.