Southwest & Basque Country

With the highest spend per capita worldwide on food and wine, this is any gourmet’s special find.
The food is distinct and spicy and the scenery beyond comparison. Wine tasting will take place at the avant-garde winery Ysios, in Laguardia.
You’ll discover the incredible richness of Rioja’s traditional and modern wines at renowned family vineyards.

Day 1 — Saint Jean de Luz and the Coast

On your arrival at Saint Jean de Luz, check in at the Atlanticfacing Grand Hotel Loreamar, where you’ll stay for two nights. After lunch take time to wander in this charming seaside city, discovering Basque culture. Before dinner, enjoy a sea spa at your hotel. End your day at a local fish restaurant with a glass
of Iroulegy wine.

Day 2 — French Basque Country & Iroulegy Vineyard

This morning you’ll pass through picturesque Basque villages on the way to Iroulegy vineyard. You’ll taste the structured reds and fruity whites made from local varietals at renowned wineries Domaine Arretxea and Domaine Etienne Branna. In quaint Saint Jean Pied de Port, enjoy hearty local cuisine. Take the rest of the day to have a refreshing walk at the waterfalls of Kakueta, or Villa Arnaga’s beautiful gardens.

Day 3 — Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and the Rioja

Today you’ll head to northern Spain to visit the Guggenheim Museum, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. Enjoy lunch at the museum before heading on a tour of the most spectacular cellars of the Rioja. Your first tasting will take place at the avant-garde winery Ysios, in Laguardia. Later, have a relaxing evening at the intimate Hospederia de los Parajes, a boutique hotel in the middle of this charming medieval town.

Day 4 — The Rioja

After breakfast, head to Elciego for a tasting at Marques de Riscal, a striking red, gold and silver building, also designed by Frank Gehry. Have a typical Spanish lunch in the village; later, in the afternoon, you’ll discover the incredible richness of Rioja’s traditional and modern wines at renowned family vineyards. You’ll then head back to Saint Jean de Luz.

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