From Madrid: La Rioja & the Basque Country 4 Day Tour

Exploring La Rioja and the Basque Country from Madrid is an opportunity to take in Spain’s captivating regions. This 4-day tour promises a carefully curated experience, with visits to medieval castles, renowned wineries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. With group sizes capped at 16 participants, travelers can expect personalized attention from knowledgeable guides as they uncover the area’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour offers a chance to discover the hidden gems that make these destinations truly remarkable.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best 4 Day Tours In Madrid.

Key Points

• This 4-day tour from Madrid explores the La Rioja wine region and the Basque Country, visiting medieval castles, pilgrimage sites, Michelin-star restaurants, and Basque landmarks.

• The tour includes Rioja wine tastings, guided tours, visits to picturesque villages, and features comfortable transportation and knowledgeable English-speaking guides.

• Highlights include experiencing Michelin-starred cuisine in San Sebastián, visiting the Gothic cathedral in Burgos, and learning about Basque culture and the unique Euskera language.

• The tour is priced from $1,247.42 per person, with a limited group size of 16 participants, and offers a free cancellation policy up to 42 days in advance.

• Key activities include exploring the Buitrago del Lozoya castle, visiting Winery Lecea for a Rioja wine tasting, and discovering the vibrant Basque culture in San Sebastián and Pamplona.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 4-day tour of La Rioja and the Basque Country offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich history, renowned wine culture, and captivating landscapes.

Priced from $1,247.42 per person, the tour is limited to 16 participants and conducted in English. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 42 days in advance.

Over the course of the tour, travelers will explore medieval castles, historic pilgrimage sites, Michelin-star restaurants, and iconic Basque Country landmarks.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy Rioja wine tastings, guided tours, and visits to picturesque villages.

With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and quality accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Daily Itinerary

The tour begins with a departure from Madrid, allowing participants to visit Buitrago del Lozoya’s 15th-century castle and Picasso museum before exploring the Montejo de Tiermes ruins and ending the day in Haro, the capital of the La Rioja wine region.

On the second day, the group travels to the historical pilgrimage stop of Santo Domingo de la Calzada for a guided tour and wine tasting at Winery Lecea, followed by a visit to the historic castle and 12th-century church in San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

The third day takes the group to the Basque Country, including the foodie paradise of San Sebastián and the iconic Pamplona.

The final day features visits to the Gothic cathedral in Burgos and the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso before returning to Madrid.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver and air conditioning. It also provides an English-speaking guide, 3 nights of 3-4 star hotel accommodations with continental breakfast, and a Rioja wine tasting and tour (though not lunch). Admission to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso (and its gardens) with an audioguide is included, as are meals and refreshments (not specified), admission fees (unless stated otherwise), and gratuities.

What’s Included	What’s Not Included
Luxury mini-coach transport	Lunch during wine tasting
English-speaking guide	Meals not specified
3-night hotel stay with breakfast	Children under 15
Rioja wine tasting and tour	–

Highlights

Exploring San Sebastián, a foodie paradise, is one of the highlights of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the Basque Country’s renowned culinary scene.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. Savoring Michelin-starred cuisine in San Sebastián

2. Admiring the imposing Gothic cathedral in Burgos

3. Indulging in Rioja wine tasting at Winery Lecea

Walking near the Gothic cathedral in Burgos offers a glimpse into the region’s rich historical significance.

Discovering the wine capital Haro and enjoying a tasting at Winery Lecea provides an opportunity to explore the renowned Rioja wine region.

Experiencing the unique culture of Basque Country, including its distinct language Euskera, gives travelers a deeper appreciation for the area’s traditions and heritage.

Visiting the historical sites and picturesque villages throughout the tour rounds out the exploration of this captivating part of Spain.

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Important Information

Children under 15 years aren’t suitable for this tour, as the itinerary may not cater to their specific needs.

The meeting point for the tour is the Hotel Porcel Ganivet in Madrid, and check-in closes at 8:30 AM sharp. Participants should arrive on time to ensure a prompt departure.

The tour group size is limited to 16 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

Cancellations up to 42 days in advance are eligible for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers.

Explore Buitrago Del Lozoya

Buitrago del Lozoya, a 15th-century castle, and the Picasso museum await visitors on the first day of the tour. After departing Madrid, the group will explore this historic town, taking in its impressive sights:

1. Marvel at the grand castle, a stunning example of medieval architecture with its towering walls and turrets.

2. Discover the Picasso museum, which houses an impressive collection of the artist’s works, offering a glimpse into his creative genius.

3. Wander the charming streets, soaking in the town’s authentic Spanish atmosphere and encountering local artisans and merchants.

This captivating start to the tour sets the stage for the immersive journey through La Rioja and the Basque Country that lies ahead.

Visit Winery Lecea

After exploring the historic sights of Buitrago del Lozoya, the tour moves on to the Rioja wine region, where participants head to Winery Lecea for a guided tour and tasting. At the winery, guests learn about the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions and sample some of the finest Rioja wines.

Winery Lecea Tour
Duration	1.5 hours
Tastings	3 Rioja wines
Highlights	Guided tour	Wine education
Included	Tasting glasses	Winery visit

The visit to Winery Lecea provides an in-depth look at the renowned Rioja wine culture, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the region’s oenological heritage.

Discover Basque Country Culture

The tour explores the unique culture of Basque Country, immersing visitors in the region’s distinct language, Euskera, and rich traditions.

Travelers will:

1. Discover the vibrant Basque culture, including its ancient language that predates the arrival of Indo-European languages in the Iberian Peninsula.

2. Explore the historic coastal city of San Sebastián, known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and lively beach atmosphere.

3. Witness the annual San Fermín festival in Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls and celebration of Basque heritage.

This immersive experience provides a deep understanding of the Basque Country’s distinctive identity, allowing visitors to appreciate the region’s cultural diversity and centuries-old traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Upgrades to a private tour are typically available, though they may incur an additional fee. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about private tour options and pricing for this specific itinerary.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal?

Yes, you can request vegetarian or gluten-free meals. The tour operator will accommodate dietary restrictions if you notify them in advance. Just let them know your needs when booking the tour.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring on Our Own?

The tour allots time for independent exploration, allowing participants to discover destinations at their own pace. Specific durations for free time are not provided, giving flexibility to enjoy the highlights based on personal interests.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Museum/Attraction Entry?

The tour includes admission fees to most museums and attractions, such as the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. However, there may be additional costs for some optional activities or meals not specified in the itinerary.

Do We Have the Opportunity to Purchase Local Handicrafts?

The tour provides opportunities to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs during free time in the towns and cities visited, such as San Sebastián and Pamplona. Participants can explore markets and shops to find unique handmade items from the region.

Recap

This 4-day tour from Madrid immerses travelers in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of La Rioja and the Basque Country.

Highlights include visits to medieval castles, wine tastings at renowned wineries, and Michelin-starred dining in San Sebastián.

With personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, this small-group tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Spain’s culinary and cultural heartlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: