wine tour in spain 2

 

Day 1

Barcelona
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 2

Barcelona - Creative Cooking Class in a daydream cellar
This cellar aims at recuperating old vineyards as well as antique wine-making methods in a region that was initially the major wine producer in all Spain. The Cellar is in a Masia (Manor house) that is surrounded by vineyards with their typical stone sheds, it is a traditional twelth century building. The earliest records found of the house date back to as early as 1199, but the Masia has successfully managed to retain its magnificent original wine cellars. This treasure-house awaits the visitor who appreciates the simple, but good things in life. There you will discover the private collection of the family dedicated to Middle-Age coaches, old trucks and antique tools that people used in the past in order to make wine. Creative Cooking Class in the winery The creativity in Spanish cuisine is well known all over the world. Some Catalan chefs are known for their peculiar talent. You have the opportunity to learn the basics of avant-garde cuisine with one of the current talented young chefst.

 

Day 3

Barcelona 
Today your guide will take you through some of the wonders of Barcelona: the Gothic quarter, Cathedral, Modernist Gaudi’s works such as Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló to mention a few of the exciting sights you’ll see. Afternoon is free. Overnight.

 

Day 4

Barcelona – Laguardia (La Rioja Alavesa)(502km/6h30min)
Laguardia is the most important town in the Rioja Alavesa region (The part of the Rioja region that belongs to the Basque Country), and one of the most beautiful. The region is famous all around the world because of its wines. The whole urban centre of Laguardia is enclosed by walls, built at the beginning of the 13th century. Visit one of the most original bodegas remaining in Laguardia today because it is one of the largest within the limits of the town walls. It has two presses where wine is still made just like in the olden days, by crushing the grapes with the feet. The ground underneath is bored through with many of the bodegas built during medieval times and altogether they make a sort of underground city. Overnight in Laguardia.

 

Day 5

Laguardia - Bilbao (111km/1h20min)
Today head over to a Wine Centre, and have the opportunity to learn interactively about wine culture and production methods in Rioja Alavesa. Following this you will have a Traditional cooking class where you will learn how to cook the typical dishes of the Rioja region. In the afternoon you will visit one of the most prestigious wineries in Spain. You'll receive a private tour of the ancient caves and old bottle caves, as well as a VIP tasting. The design of the winery was described by one architectural publication as "a composition of rectilinear prisms ... enveloped in cascades of pink- and gold-colored titanium and silver stainless steel.” Departure to Bilbao and an overnight.

 

Day 6

Bilbao
Guided city tour: The heart of this industrial, port city is the Old Quarter, where the narrow streets – many of them pedestrian – are lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings. As you stroll through this area, your guide will point out the main sights including the Cathedral of Santiago, a Gothic church built at the end of the 14th century, the Bridge and Church of San Anton and the Plaza Nueva, an arcaded square. Guided tour in the Guggenheim Museum: The building is the work of architect Frank 0. Gehry and is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. This great titanium, stone and glass sculpture houses nineteen galleries spread over three levels around a vast central atrium. The artistic programme of this museum is of the highest international standard so your visit is sure to be a memorable experience. Overnight in Bilbao.

 

Day 7

Bilbao – San Sebastián(100km/1h30min)– Bilbao
San Sebastian is a meca for foodies, it has more Michelin multi starred restaurants per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world. A morning walking tour of San Sebastian sees the market stirring. The fishmongers greet us with a dazzling spectacle as you venture into the historic old quarter and centre of the town with special attention to the Art Nouveau architecture. From the heights of Monte Igueldo you can get a sweeping view of the city and up the coast to France. In the afternoon a guided visit to the Eduardo Chillida Museum: this 16th century farmhouse is the perfect setting to enjoy the full magnitude of this internationally-known artist. Return to Bilbao and free time for dinner. Overnight.

 

Day 8

Bilbao – Madrid(396km/5h)
Have a cooking class of Basque tapas, world renowned as “Pintxos” and pairing of wines. This course will allow you to learn the techniques and the most suitable products for the preparation of the Pintxos as well as the best way to treat these products and the combination of them considering the colour, smell, texture and in general to learn with practical lessons. You will be one of the students and you will actively participate in the development of the course. There will be a total of 8 different pintxos elaborated. Each Pintxo will be paired with a different wine. After lunch transfer by private coach from Bilbao to Madrid. Overnight in Madrid .

 

Day 9

Madrid
Have a half day city tour which includes the old Madrid, and the impressive Prado Museum, where painters such as Velazquez, Goya, Rubens and Tiziano will mesmerize us with their works. After the tour you’ll enjoy free time on your own for lunch and shopping. Spend the evening strolling along the historic streets of Madrid with a knowledgeable guide while tasting Spanish wines and Spain's culinary treasures. You have the opportunity to go where the locals go, eat what they eat and to have fun while learning something in the experience. You will enjoy a tapas dinner while your food and wine guide explains the flavours of the wine, the cuisine and the cultures present in Spain. Overnight in Madrid.

 

Day 10

Madrid
Transfer to the airport.