Rioja and Cava Wine Tour
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
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Barcelona © Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com
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Barcelona from Castell Montjuic
Wine Tours in Catalonia and Navarra, including Barcelona, Laguardia and Pamplona
Start your Spanish adventure with this luxurious tour of the Catalonia and Navarra regions, for a wine tour like no other. See undoubtedly some of Spain’s most beautiful regions and a firm favourite with travellers. Firstly, head to Barcelona. Discover the vibrant and dynamic capital of Catalonia, which needs no introduction. The electric atmosphere, medieval history and cosmopolitan vibe combine to make Barcelona an ever popular destination. Furthermore, head north out of Barcelona into the surrounding hills for a full day excursion to two of Catalonia’s most famous sights in Montserrat. The Benedictine monastery of Montserrat and Bodegas Freixenet, one of the most famous Cava brands and to enjoy a tour and tasting. As well as this, there is a stop at the Bodegas Alfaros, at the side of the Ebro River nature Reserve for a winery tour and tasting of the Rioja region.
Dates
2019 dates available on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to Barcelona hotel
Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, you will be met by a ‘Meet and Greet’ assistant. Then you will be transferred to your central 4 star Superior Barcelona hotel for 3 nights B&B. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore Barcelona.
Day 2
Barcelona sightseeing
After breakfast, your full day coach with English speaking guide arrives for a full day sightseeing tour of Barcelona. The city needs no introduction – Barcelona is bursting with art, culture and history. Discover the vibrant and dynamic capital of Catalonia, from its famous tree-lined Las Ramblas boulevard, filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and colourful stalls to its renowned example of Gaudi’s work. The electric atmosphere, medieval history and cosmopolitan vibe combine to make Barcelona an ever popular destination. Pass by sights including Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia cathedral or his famous houses, La Pedrera and Casa Battló, Montjuíc or the central Plaça Catalunya. Afterwards, return to your hotel and the rest of the day/evening will be at your leisure.
Day 3
Montserrat and Cava House Visit
After breakfast, board your coach as you head north out of Barcelona into the surrounding hills for a full day excursion to two of Catalonia’s most famous sights. After about an hour’s drive, you will visit Benedictine monastery of Montserrat. The Basilica is Catalonia’s most important religious retreat and is home to the ‘Black Madonna’, one of only around 500 in Europe. Located near the summit of a 4,000-foot high mountain, the monastery is home to about 80 monks and the Montserrat Boys Choir sing daily in the Basilica. Enjoy free time here to see the monastery and take in the amazing views. Lunch will be at your leisure. In the afternoon, head back down to the Cava wine growing region. The local slightly sparkling wine is similar to Champagne. Here visit the Bodegas Freixenet, one of the most famous Cava brands and enjoy a tour and tasting. Then you will return to Barcelona to enjoy the rest of the day/evening at your leisure.
Day 4
Barcelona to the Rioja
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and your coach arrives to transfer you to the Rioja region. En-route, stop at the Bodegas Alfaros, at the side of the Ebro River nature Reserve for a winery tour and tasting. Then you will continue to Laguardia, and arrive at your 4 star Superior hotel for 3 nights B&B. A pretty and charming walled village, Laguardia is at the heart of the Laguardia region and its vineyards. The rest of the day/evening is at your leisure. Perhaps, explore the ‘El Fabulista’ medieval wine cellar, situated under the streets of Laguardia.
Day 5
Logroño sightseeing and Rioja Vineyards
After breakfast, your coach and guide arrives for a full day visit centred around the Rioja and its wines. Head to Logroño, home of Rioja, for a full guided tour and some free time. Situated on the Ebro River, capital of the province of La Rioja and the largest town in the area, Logroñois a joy to discover and rich in history as the heart of a disputed region. Enjoy a stroll along the Laurel Street, lined with Pintx o bars (the local version of tapas bars) – there are over 50 to choose from in a four block square. Lunch will be at your leisure. Continue through the scenic Rioja vineyard region to the Bodegas Franco Espanolas, one of the best Rioja wines, for a tour and tasting.
Day 6
Rioja Highlights – Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture and Marques de Riscal Vineyards
After breakfast, board your coach and head out again to visit two of the stand out attractions in the Rioja region. First you will head to the Bodegas Vivanco in Briones for a visit. At the excellent Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, inaugurated by King Juan Carlos, the museum’s 4,000sqm of exhibitions are devoted to man’s 8,000 year relationship with wine and is today respected as one of the great icons of world wine. Also enjoy lunch at Bodegas Vivanco. Afterwards, head to the town of Elciego to the Marques de Riscal vineyards and tasting rooms. Possibly the most architecturally stunning of the wineries. Constructed by Frank Gehry, the architect of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, via the splendour of the Rioja countryside. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 7
Laguardia to Pamplona
After breakfast, your coach will arrive to take you to Pamplona. En-route, stop at the Bodegas Estella for a winery visit with tasting of another great Rioja wine. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Pamplona at the heart of the Navarra region, arriving at your 4 star Superior hotel for 1 night B&B. The rest of your day/evening will be at your leisure to discover the old town and walk along the celebrated route of the ‘San Fermin’ festival, home to the infamous ‘Running of the Bulls’ every July. Perhaps, sample some Pintxos and wine in the old town.
Day 8
Pamplona to Barcelona
After breakfast, your coach arrives to take you back south through Spain towards Barcelona and the Mediterranean. En route, stop in the hills north of Barcelona at the Bodegas Torres in Vilafranca del Penedès, perhaps one of the most well known Spanish wines, for a tour and tasting. Upon arrival in central Barcelona, check in to your 4 star Superior hotel for 1 night B&B. The rest of the day/evening will be at your leisure.
Day 9
Depart Spain and Return Home
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and board your private group transfer to Barcelona airport for your return flight.
Suggested hotels
Barcelona – Hotel Catalonia Ramblas ****
Laguardia – Hotel Villa de Laguardia ****
Pamplona – NH Iruña Park ****
For other similar Group Travel tours, please find further details through this link:
City tax – When staying in Barcelona, a tourism tax is payable locally at a rate of €1.21 per adult per night, while staying in a 4* property.
| Dates throughout 2018 & 2019 | 9 days |
| Twin/double | Available on request |
| Single | Available on request |