Magnificent Rioja I

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

This three-day tour explores the Rioja, Spain’s most famous red wine making region. It includes two nights in the romantic, medieval village of Laguardia, tours and wine tastings at three outstanding wineries, and time to enjoy the region’s magnificent scenery and unspoiled villages. Highlights of the tour include a gourmet dinner in Laguardia, and a stop in Burgos to tour its world-famous Gothic cathedral.

Day One

Departure from Madrid at 13:30 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 at 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.

This Tour Includes
  • Luxury transportation (Mercedes Viano or similar)
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 2 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches (including wine)
  • 1 gourmet dinner (including wine)
  • Entrance to 3 wineries with wine tastings
  • Entrance to monuments / museums stated in the itinerary
  • Bilingual Vinophoria escort
  • Souvenir booklet of the tour
This Tour Does Not Include
  • Airfare to and from Spain
  • Meals and beverages not specified
  • Hotel incidentals such as telephone, mini-bar, or laundry charges
  • Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any other expenses not specified in “This Tour Includes”