Experience the culture, countryside and cuisine of the most prestigious wine-producing region in Spain

La Rioja is a broad valley of undulating vineyards and craggy hills, where walled hilltop towns reflect the turbulent times of earlier centuries. Nestled between the Cantabrian and Demanda mountains, the gentle rolling countryside provides excellent walking through a landscape unchanged for many decades. We visit pretty stone-walled villages with traditional tapas bars, which reveal the heart and soul of provincial Spain. Laguardia is devoted to wine production with many houses built over underground wine caves while fiestas held throughout the year keep the town lively.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Laguardia. 2 Circular walk around lagunas (wetlands) with views of Cantabrian Mountains and varied bird life. 3 Visit Laguardia for an introduction to wine production followed by optional tapas lunch; guided afternoon visit and tasting in an underground winery. 4 Walk through vineyards to San Vicente and its historic castle. 5 Discover the important wine producing town of Haro, capital of Rioja wine; winery visit and optional tapas lunch in the famous "Haro Horseshoe". 6 Free day to explore Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of Basque country; choose an unguided walk or visit Dinastia Vivanco Wine Museum and Briones town. 7 Explore the hilltop towns on today's walk with views over River Ebro. 8 End Laguardia.

Mode of travel: Travel by private/public minibus and on foot.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 16, plus leader.
Accommodation: 7 nights traditional family-run hotel.
Food: All breakfasts, 3 packed lunches and 3 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $200.00
Trip Reference: TDR
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.