Enjoy a sojourn in the heart of the wine growing region of Rioja in Spain! Conveniently located a mere hour and half south of the coastal city of Bilbao, the Rioja region offers a treasure trove of goodies for those interested in small, quaint villages, premium wines and vineyards in rustic settings, and some of the best cuisine coming out of Spain.

Explore vineyards on roads less traveled that will take you to ancient monasteries, historic villages, innovative restaurants and futuristic architecture among the scenic vineyards and classic wine cellars of intriguing Rioja. The Rioja wine region is emerging as a capital of avant-garde winery architecture by innovative international architects like Frank Gehry, Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid. Stay right in the heart of the Rioja Region surrounded by Vineyards and impressive landscape, in its majestic and most emblematic hotel, Marques de Riscal, a luxury collection hotel, built for the
enjoyment of the senses. The hotel is his second masterpiece in Spain, after Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Outside of the absolute unique design of the property, you are sure to appreciate the wonderful cuisine and the state of the art Caudalie vinotherapie spa on site.

Elciego is a small town and municipality located in the province of Álava, in the Basque Country, northern Spain. It lies in the world-famous Rioja wine-production region, and is home to a cutting-edge hotel, opened in 2006, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Enjoy a private chauffeur driven transfer from Bilbao to Elciego in the heart of the Rioja wine country, stopping off en route at various places of interest. From Bilbao to La Rioja you will cross the Gorbeia Natural Park, a mountain range with spectacular and beautiful scenery. En route, you will visit Vitoria- Gasteiz, Capital of the Basque Country, and above all a city rich in heritage. Its medieval Old Town is the best preserved in the Basque Country with its gothic design and its narrow streets, as well as important medieval and Renaissance buildings. In the Old Town you can admire four towers, belonging to its four great temples: Santa María Cathedral or Old Cathedral, at the highest part of the Old Town; the church of San Pedro; the church of San Vicente or the parish church of San Miguel, where the Virgen Blanca, patron saint of the city, is venerated. Not far away from this last church is the Virgen Blanca square and the Plaza Nueva square, declared historic-artistic Monument in 1984, and where the Town Hall is situated. This arcaded square means the beginning of the neoclassical new neighbourhood, formed by pedestrian streets and high commercial activity. Vitoria´s pedestrian areas together with its large green zones make the capital one of the cities with the best quality of life in Europe.

Continue through the “Condado de Treviño”. The enclave of Treviño was one of the few enclaves preserved in the 1833 territorial division of Spain, an island of Old Castile in the midst of Álava. The artistic-historic assemblage of the town of Treviño, declared 28 September 1983 as a heritage site.

Before arriving to your destination, make a final stop in Puerto Herrera Vista Point where you will be able to enjoy a stunning panoramic View of La Rioja Lanscapes.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Upon your arrival, you will receive a special Welcome Gift along with your Welcome Package. Enjoy your time in Spain!

Enjoy the phenomenal cuisine offered at the Marques de Riscal hotel. Presiding over The Marqués de Riscal Hotel's cuisine is Executive Chef Francis Paniego, whose pedigree includes Michelin Star restaurant Portal de Echuarren. Chef Jose Ramón Piñeiro interprets Paniego's cuisine at the Marqués de Riscal Restaurant and Bistro 1860. Ten years working as Chef Paniego's right hand at the Echuarren have made Ramón one of Spain's most promising culinary stars. The Marqués de Riscal Restaurant and Bistro 1860 delight with an elite selection of wines and the best traditional Basque-Riojan cuisine combined with modern influences. The Wine Bar Vinoteca and the Rooftop Lounge - Library present a stylish, yet comfortable atmosphere with panoramic views.

The landmark Hotel Marqués de Riscal (5*), a member of the Luxury Collection, is nestled in the heart of the Rioja wine country. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the hotel is his second masterpiece in Spain, after Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Comprised of 43 guest rooms, including 11 suites, the hotel features a modern, comfortable atmosphere and unique design. Enjoy the views of the vineyards and the town of Elciego from any of the eight terraces located in the two wing building. The Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa offers an indoor swimming pool, steam room, fitness centre, Jacuzzi, and invigorating shower.

Overnight at Marqués de Riscal (5*).

Meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel this morning and get ready for a culinary day as you discover the best of the region in terms of food and wine! Enjoy a visit to a small family-run Oil Mill where Rioja Alavesa Oil is produced. Enjoy an Oil tasting at the end of your visit. From here, you will be driven to Laguardia, where you will have a guided tour at a Wine Theme Centre. Here, you will be able to acquire general knowledge about Rioja wine and its production, from the vines until the ageing in the oak. You will play to stimulate and train your senses (specially smell and sight), in order to acquire a higher organoleptic judgement very useful for wine, cheese and oil tastings. After learning basic concepts of wine and tasting, proceed with a tasting of cheese and wine with a marriage of Basque and Spanish cheese and Rioja wines. Taste Basque Country’s and Spain’s most representative cheese, making a detailed sensory analysis (shape, rind, colour, sight, smell, texture, taste and aftertaste). Wine makes the best candidate for a cheese partner, therefore each cheese variety will be married with a different Rioja wine. Learn key issues and basics in a wine tasting: colour, aroma, taste… describing Rioja wine features. You will be able to taste the Award winning cheese at Idiazabal Competition in Laguardia. Then enjoy a stroll through Laguardia Old Town, a beautiful medieval walled village with an underground labyrinth of wine cellars and narrow streets. Sit down to lunch with signature and fusion cuisine to continue your gourmet day. You will get to enjoy a tasting menu with the chef’s best specialties (beverages not included)

Fully sated, leave the Old Centre of Laguardia and drive to Bodegas Ysios, a modern and dramatic winery designed by the famous architect, artist and engineer Santiago Calatrava where you can do a wine tasting after your tour.

Overnight at Marqués de Riscal (5*).

Consider any of the possible activities that you could do in the area such as: an excurion dedicated to all things wine related including the "ruta del vino" - the wine route, visiting some vineyards and learning about the wine methods used in Rioja, visiting the Vivanco Wine Museum, and the Museum of Life & Wine, visit the San Millan de La Cogolla Monastery , the Artium Museum and/or the Enciso Paleontological Centre. The Golf Logrono golf course is only 20 kilometres away. The Santiago Pilgrims way has been an attraction for centuries. Consider taking a panoramic scenic flight over the vineyards of the region, or if you feel like exploring futher afield, a trip to San Sebastian - a gem of a city located on the coast which boasts two stunning beaches and a geat histroical part of town (and amazing tapas!). Please speak to your Kensingotn Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.

Enjoy a private chauffeur driven transfer to Bilbao Airport. The distance is approx. 125 km and should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).