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Magnificent Rioja II

These are suggested itineraries. Vinophoria can customize any tour to accommodate your interests.

This four-day tour is an extended version of Magnificent Rioja I, with an extra day to visit the splendid monasteries of Yuso and Suso and the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. It also includes an excursion to the mountain village of Ezcaray to enjoy a gourmet lunch at one the Rioja’s most renowned restaurants.

Day One

Departure from Madrid at 1:30 p.m.

You’ll set off from Madrid at midday and arrive in the beautiful, walled village of Laguardia in the afternoon. You’ll check in to a lovely hotel, and then have the rest of the day free to stroll through this delightful village which perfectly preserves its medieval urban plan and noble houses. From the walkway around the village you´ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

Dinner in Laguardia will be a sumptuous affair. You’ll dine in an elegantly renovated XVII century manor house whose restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Northern Spain. You´ll enjoy an exquisite meal, accompanied by some of the Rioja´s finest wines.

Day Two

Breakfast in the hotel.

Departure from the hotel at 9:30 a.m.

Today your real tasting adventure begins. Rich in wine-making history, contemporary Rioja is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. You’ll visit two of the region’s top wineries and get acquainted with both “old-style” and “new-style” Rioja wines. Winery visits will be varied to include a traditional winery and a modern winery or one of the region’s gorgeous single estates. Each winery tour will include a private wine tasting.

After the second winery tour, you’ll enjoy a light, picoteo style lunch in the winery along with the bodegas excellent wines.

The afternoon presents several delightful alternatives. You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Laguardia, with more time to stroll through this charming village and also visit a small, traditional winery which boasts an extraordinary subterranean wine cellar.

Or you can go for a leisurely drive through the Rioja’s beautiful countryside, and explore a few of the many scenic villages scattered throughout the area such as Samaniego, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Briones or Elciego. It is also possible to include an optional visit to the Dinastía Vivanco wine museum located outside of Briones.

Dinner will be on your own in the hotel’s restaurant or in Laguardia.

Day Three

Breakfast in the hotel.

Departure from the hotel at 9:30 a.m.

Today begins with a visit to San Millan de la Cogolla. Located in a small mountain valley, this lovely village is home to two remarkable monasteries, Yuso and Suso, and is also considered to be the cradle of the Spanish language. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. You´ll take a guided tour of the monasteries.

Your next stop is the enchanting, mountain hamlet of Ezcaray. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda range, Ezcaray is surrounded by gorgeous natural countryside, and provides the perfect setting to enjoy an exquisite, gourmet meal. You’ll have lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its contemporary take on traditional Riojan dishes. The cuisine, the wine, the remarkable scenery … all will culminate in an unforgettable dining experience.

After lunch, you’ll visit the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This town, a key stop on the Way of St. James, was founded in the XI century to assist pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. You’ll stroll through town’s old quarter, exploring its medieval streets and historical monuments, and also visit the beautiful cathedral.

Dinner will be on your own in Laguardia.

Day Four

Breakfast in the hotel.

Check out and departure from the hotel at 10:00 a.m.

Today you’ll visit one of Rioja’s smallest, yet most outstanding wineries. This enthusiastic winemaker is dedicated to producing small volumes of best-quality wine and achieves this goal by selecting the highest-quality grapes from the oldest vines. You’ll tour the winery and enjoy a private tasting after the tour.

After the winery tour, you’ll start back to Madrid via the beautiful city of Burgos. You’ll have lunch in a restaurant located in the historic quarter, and then tour the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, one of the grandest Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe. The cathedral is famous for its majestic spires and wonderfully ornate portals. The interior of the cathedral boasts many fine works of arts, and contains the tomb of the legendary Spanish hero “El Cid.”

Arrival back in Madrid at around 7:30 p.m.

End of services.

Final tour prices will depend on the number of participants in the tour, accommodation and restaurant choices, wineries visited, and activities included within the tour or arranged on a custom basis, and will be quoted when we know your preferences.