Overview
Wine and food are two things that Spain does exceptionally well, and you’ll get to savor the distinct traditions and flavors of some of the country’s most beautiful areas. Explore the art and architecture of Barcelona, the beaches and mountains of Basque Country, and the scenic Ribera del Duero wine region.
Days: 13
Best time to visit: April-June, September, October
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Barcelona & Foodie Tour
Arriving in the morning in Barcelona, you’ll be met for a private transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an Insider’s Foodie Tour and experience the flavors of coastal Catalonia. From tapas and paella to an array of local cheeses paired with regional wine, you will gain insight into overlaying cultural influences and traditional production methods, including a visit to a 150-year-old almond and hazelnut roastery.
Day 2 – Highlights of Barcelona Tour
This morning, meet your local guide for a private, half-day tour exploring Barcelona’s Catalan history and culture. Visit the Passeig de Gracia, with its stylish shops and galleries; La Rambla, with its outdoor cafes and colorful flower stands; and delve into the past in the Gothic Quarter’s maze of narrow streets, ancient architecture, and museums. Top the tour off with a visit to Gaudi’s most iconic building, La Sagrada Familia. Spend the afternoon on your own—stroll through the laid-back Gràcia neighborhood, or head to the beach.
Day 3 – Cooking Class & Wine Pairing
Today, continue exploring on your own—head to Tibidabo Mountain for stunning views over the city and sea, tour Gaudi’s enigmatic works in Park Güell, or visit one of the city’s world-class museums. This evening, enjoy a hands-on Spanish cooking class, combing culinary traditions with a contemporary twist. Help prepare a starter, main course, and desert, and enjoy your elegant homemade spread paired with regional wines.
Day 4 – Excursion to Girona
Meet your driver and guide this morning for a private, full-day excursion to the province of Girona, to the north of Barcelona. Begin your adventure exploring the narrow streets and ancient palace of Peratallada, a fortified village surrounded by a moat. Next, travel to an 800-year-old farm estate to learn about olive oil and wine production and enjoy an exquisite meal. After lunch, discover the ancient walled city of Girona, whose picturesque Old Town featured in the Game of Thrones.
Day 5 – Fly to Bilbao & Travel to San Sebastian
This morning, fly to Bilbao, a major port on the Nervión River near the Bay of Biscay. Get a taste of the city with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum before continuing eastward with your guide, stopping in Getaria en route to San Sebastian. Part of the Txakoli wine region, which produces a very dry, slightly-sparkling white, Getaria also boasts artisanal cheese makers and fantastic seafood. Arrive in San Sebastian and settle in for the evening.
Day 6 – San Sebastian Foodie Tour
With a blend of excellent ingredients, top-notch chefs, and timeless traditions, San Sebastian is renowned for its stellar cuisine. Today you’ll embark on a half-day tour oriented around the flavors and secrets of Basque gastronomy, sampling and learning about regional products like Idiazabal cheese and Iberian hams. Delve into the delicious world of pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—and then enjoy the afternoon on the city’s idyllic beachfront.
Day 7 – Coastal Hiking
This morning, meet your guide for a half-day coastal hike from the heart of San Sebastian to the fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan. Climbing out of the city, you enter the beautiful, mountainous landscape of Basque Country. Following the rugged coastline, passing medieval ruins and carved-rock fortifications, you’ll reach La Plata Lighthouse. End the hike with lunch in the colorful village of Pasajes de San Juan, which is well-worth sticking around to explore before driving back to San Sebastian.
Day 8 – Rioja Wine Tour
Today, enjoy a private, full-day wine excursion in La Rioja—a region full of history, and brimming with top winemakers. Your tour is customized to your tastes and interests—visit traditional producers as well as contemporary wineries that are adapting their blends and flavors. Structured around the black grape variety Tempranillo, native to the region, La Rioja wines are fruity, oak-aged wine, with all the charisma of Bordeaux. Enjoy a day of fine-foods, delicious wine, and stunning landscapes.
Day 9 – San Sebastian to Ribera del Duero
Check out of your hotel in San Sebastian and head to the wine region of Ribera del Duero, about 3 ½-hours’ drive to the southeast. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Northern Spain—mountains, rolling hills, riverside forests, and open fields. En route, stop in the city of Burgos and explore its well-preserved medieval architecture like the French Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary.
Day 10 – Wineries of Ribera del Duero
This morning, join your private driver to visit several wineries in the Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s most dynamic wine regions. Located along the Duero River, this region has been producing wine for thousands of years. Choose your destinations from a storied list of prestigious wineries, according to your taste—each visit includes an explanatory tour and wine tasting.
Day 11 – Segovia & Madrid
This morning after breakfast, join your private driver and travel to Madrid, stopping to explore Segovia along the way. With incredible ancient landmarks like the Alcázar, the Roman Aqueduct, and an immense cathedral, Segovia could keep you entertained for days. Walk the ramparts of the castle, and then enjoy Castilian-Leonese cuisine for lunch. Take your time exploring Segovia and then continue to Madrid.
Day 12 – Tour Madrid & the Prado
Discover Madrid, a city of tradition, architectural monuments, lively plazas, and shaded parks, on a private, half-day tour. Visit the historic quarter around the Plaza Mayor, the foodie Austrias neighborhood, the Royal Palace, and take an in-depth tour of the incredible art collection of the Prado. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own, visiting Retiro Park or the Reina Sofía National Art Center.
Day 13 – Departure
It’s time to head home. You’ll be brought to the airport by a private transfer for your flight.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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