The Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of wine, architecture, and culture in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Visitors will be captivated by the seamless integration of modern design and centuries-old winemaking practices as they venture to the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries. But the true gems of the tour lie in the unexpected, as travelers embark on a journey through the medieval village of Laguardia and savor the region’s culinary delights. This exclusive experience promises to leave a lasting impression, as the harmonious blend of Rioja’s wine, vineyards, and architectural marvels unfolds before your eyes.
Key Points
- This small-group tour from Bilbao provides an exclusive look at the architectural gems in the Rioja wine region.
- The tour includes guided visits and tastings at the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, designed by renowned architects.
- Participants will also visit the medieval village of Laguardia and enjoy a local tapas lunch with wine.
- The tour offers the opportunity to explore the wine country’s stunning architectural features and learn about the region’s winemaking heritage.
- Transportation, bottled water, lunch, and guided wine tastings are included, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible and changes/cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted.
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Tour Overview
This small-group tour provides an exclusive look at the Rioja region’s architectural gems – Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries – and their delicious Spanish Rioja wines.
Over the course of the day, you will enjoy guided tours and tastings at the vineyards, as well as a visit to the medieval village of Laguardia.
Plus, the tour includes a local tapas lunch, allowing travelers to savor the region’s culinary delights.
The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to explore the wine country’s stunning architectural features, designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.
This immersive tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Rioja’s wine, history, and contemporary design.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour typically includes bottled water, a local tapas or traditional food lunch with wine, guided wine tastings, and transportation by a professional guide to the wineries and medieval village of Laguardia.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the architectural gems of Marques de Riscal and Ysios, which produce delicious Rioja wines. The tour provides an exclusive look at the Rioja region, allowing guests to experience the wine, vineyards, and stunning architectural highlights.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and any changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance won’t be accepted. The tour offers a comprehensive and immersive Rioja wine experience.
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the tour is in front of the Guggenheim museum, where the big red stop for the Bilbao city view Hop-on Hop-off bus is located (by the tourist information point). The tour starts at 8:30 am, and you will be transported back to the meeting point at the end of the experience.
| Meeting Point | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guggenheim Museum | 8:30 am | Activity ends back at meeting point |
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. With a maximum of 7 travelers, this small-group tour offers an exclusive look at the Rioja region’s architectural and wine highlights.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid won’t be refunded. Plus, any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time won’t be accepted.
The tour’s cancellation policy is straightforward:
- Full refund available if cancelled 24 hours in advance
- No refund for cancellations within 24 hours of start time
- No changes accepted within 24 hours of start time
Confirmation received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
Architectural Highlights
Featuring stunning architectural designs by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, the wineries visited on this tour offer participants a unique opportunity to experience the seamless integration of world-class wine production and cutting-edge modern structures.
The tour includes visits to two architectural gems – the Marques de Riscal winery designed by Frank Gehry and the Ysios winery created by Santiago Calatrava. These visually striking buildings not only produce exceptional Rioja wines but also serve as captivating backdrops that elevate the entire wine tasting experience.
| Winery | Architect | Design Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Marques de Riscal | Frank Gehry | Titanium-clad façade, striking silhouette |
| Ysios | Santiago Calatrava | Wave-like limestone exterior, dramatic cantilevers |
Vineyard Visits
The tour delves into the heart of the Rioja region, immersing visitors in the winemaking process at two renowned vineyards.
At the Marques de Riscal winery, guests marvel at the striking architecture designed by Frank Gehry and learn about the estate’s centuries-old traditions.
The tour then moves on to the Ysios winery, where Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic design provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the vineyards and tasting the world-class wines.
During the visits, participants:
- Stroll through the meticulously tended vineyards
- Discover the intricate steps of grape harvesting and fermentation
- Sample a variety of Rioja’s finest red, white, and rosé wines
- Gain insights into the region’s rich winemaking heritage
- Appreciate the harmonious blend of modern design and centuries-old viticultural practices.
Local Tapas Lunch
The tour culminates with a local tapas lunch, allowing participants to savor the region’s renowned culinary delights alongside the Rioja wines they’ve explored.
During this enjoyable interlude, guests will indulge in a selection of traditional Spanish tapas, each carefully chosen to complement the bold, complex flavors of the Rioja wines. The tapas spread might include items like Iberian ham, local cheeses, olives, and other regional specialties.
This leisurely lunch provides a chance to further take in the Rioja lifestyle, appreciating how the wine and food cultures harmoniously intertwine. The relaxed atmosphere and convivial setting make for a truly memorable finale to the Rioja wine tour experience.
Additional Information
Along With the guided tours and tastings at the wineries, the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour also provides some key details participants should be aware of.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
The tour will have a maximum of 7 travelers. Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is operated by Northern Spain Gastronomy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?
The tour is conducted in English. This is stated in the tour description, which indicates that the tour includes a "Professional Guide" to lead the experience.
Is It Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Dietary Restrictions?
This tour is suitable for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, as the included lunch offers traditional local tapas and food options. Participants can inform the tour provider of any specific dietary needs in advance.
Can I Bring My Own Wine or Food on the Tour?
Participants cannot bring their own wine or food on the tour. The tour includes guided tastings at the wineries as well as a local tapas lunch, so outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour has a set itinerary and schedule that cannot be modified. Customers must adhere to the listed start and end times.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
The provider currently does not offer any discounts or special offers for this tour. The standard pricing applies, and the only way to save is to book in advance to take advantage of any early booking deals.
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Recap
The Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao offers a unique opportunity to discover the region’s captivating blend of modern architecture and centuries-old winemaking.
Visitors can explore iconic wineries, stroll through the medieval village of Laguardia, and savor local tapas, providing a comprehensive experience that showcases the harmonious interplay between Rioja’s architectural marvels and its celebrated wine culture.
