La Rioja Wine Tour, a self-drive Holiday in Northern Spain

The tour includes six nights in quality hotels. There are guided visits to two vineyards and cellars such as the 12th century El Fabiliosta vineyard and tastings.There is a guided visit to a wine museum including an audio guide. In addition, a private guided visit in English to the Dinastria Vivanco winery.

Also included are two evening meals (3 courses) with wine included at two very typical Rioja restaurants. Lastly we also include an entrance pass to the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

The tour is based on a double / twin bedroom and buffet breakfast at all three hotels, the return Ferry with P&O in a two or four berth inside cabin. Supplements apply for higher-grade cabins.

This tour allows you to visit this region, which offers the most prestigious wines of Spain.

Taking your own vehicle allows you to taste the best but as much as you wish without paying duty (within reason the British Customs allow you to import any amount of wine for your own use - however, they may draw the line at a white van full!)

Most of the wineries in La Rioja produce red wines (with exception of “Joven” designed to be drunk within a year) most of the production is placed in oak barrels and aged from 1-4 years. Just 20% of the total production is white wine, the most famous brand being Paternina which you may also visit along with Santa Cruz – well known for the Campo Viejo brand.

Michelin maps and a full itinery are supplied along with your tickets.

Having spent the first 2 days on board ship, your tour is as follows:

Day 3:– Your arrival in Bilbao is at about 8.30 in the morning which allows a leisurely drive due south to the Rioja region which is about 120 kms/80 miles and takes around two to three hours if you go the pretty way via Orduna or about 90 minutes by motorway (toll applies)

Your first three nights are staying in the 15th century Posada Mayor, which is located in the unique historical town of La Guardia. For details click HERE.

 

Days 6&7:– A two night stay in a unique hotel in a wing of the Yuso Monestry and a UNESCO heritage site. Surrounded by vineyards and facing the Millan Rock caves. This 25 room hotel offers a restaurant,public lounge, café and games room with billiards.

Click HERE for full details of the hotel and surroundings.

Day 8:–A drive to Bilbao to stay in an contrasting hotel – highly modern four star hotel which is very close to the Guggenheim museum for which we include an entrance pass. Click HERE for further details on the hotel and the attractions nearby.

Day 9:– a morning of leisure before arriving at the docks at about 1200 hours to board the MV Bilbao back to the UK which will involve just one overnight stay on board, arriving in the UK on Day 10

Rioja Wine Tour by Sea (self-drive)
Prices per person No. of persons in the car	01/04 - 30/04 09/09 - 31/10	01/05 - 30/06	01/07 - 31/08
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
NOTES: prices are per person and include: 9 NIGHTS /10 DAYS accommodation (B&B); 3 nights at sea and 6 nightson the Rioja (TOUR details as stated) Return Ferry for 1 car of unit size and passengers; Supplements: Window Cabins £12 per cabin each way; Club Cabins available from £115 per cabin each way Single Room supplement £174

ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Rioja Wine Tour - FLY DRIVE
Prices per person No. of persons in the Rental Car	01/03 - 12/03 02/04 - 31/07 18/08 - 31/10	13/03 - 01/04 01/08 - 18/08
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
NOTES: prices are per person. Tour based on C2 Citroen rental car (No excess costs if damaged or stolen) 6 NIGHTS accommodation (B&B) - TOUR details as stated Supplements: Single Room supplement £174; Larger Car - Citroen C3 5 door £23 per week; Larger Car - Citroen C4 5 door £43 per week;