Food, Wine And Walking In Spain

Arrive in Bilbao and check-in at the hotel. Situated on the banks of the Nervión River, on the northern edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Bilbao is home to the iconic magnificence of the Guggenheim, one of the world’s most famous museums and one of its most spectacular architectural creations. Lying amongst the verdant landscapes of Vizcaya Province, the city is the largest and most culturally dynamic in the Basque region, providing us with the perfect start to this cultural and gastronomic journey.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Boarding a local bus to Bakio this morning we head north, to take in the views across the Bay of Biscay and walk up onto the steep cliffs of Gaztelugatxe. Returning via another route, we then have a free afternoon back in Bilbao, where we have an opportunity to visit the world renowned Guggenheim Museum. This evening we then join our local guide for a gourmet tour of the city, taking in the local tapas bars and sampling for ourselves the famous Basque ‘pintxos’.

Walking: approximately 3 hours/9 kilometres, +/- 350 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Turning south this morning we begin with a visit to the Vivanco Bodega, one of the most renowned vineyards in the Rioja region. Our visit will include a chance to try some wine tasting before we continue towards Azorfa and the famous pilgrimage route of the Camino Santiago. Walking part of the route towards Nájera, we have a chance to pay an optional visit to the monastery of Santa Maria de Real, the final resting place of many of Navarre’s medieval kings, before completing the journey on to the town of Logroño. Walking: approximately 2.5hours/9 kilometres, +/- 100 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Logroño lies at the centre of the Rioja wine trade and this morning we take a walk through the town, ending our exploration at the fascinating Ontañón Wine Museum. There is the option to pay a visit to the museum if you wish, before a free afternoon in the town. As well as its historic antecedents, Logroño enjoys a reputation as one of Spain’s most distinguished culinary hotspots. One of its more interesting dishes is ‘Pochas a la Riojana’, a local style dish consisting of beans and vegetables. There is also an option to pay a visit to the Bodega Ysios and the ‘City of Wine’ at Elciego, to combine wine tasting with the remarkable architecture of Frank O. Gehry.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Travelling by bus today we head next for Zaragoza, a city that was heavily influenced by the Moors, a factor wonderfully illustrated by its numerous examples of Mudéjar architecture. From here we move on to the charming medieval town of Montblanc, lying close to some of the finest wine regions in Catalunya. After a chance for some free time, we then meet at a local ‘Fonda’ to enjoy a traditional Catalan dinner with a local family. Catalan cuisine is a wonderfully rich mix of dishes and sauces that are generally followed by deserts of fresh cheese and honey.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Walking from the hotel this morning we head out through the local vineyards to the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Spain. From here we then continue on foot to the Milmanda bodega, run by the Torres family, where we have a chance to enjoy lunch and some fine wines as we learn the history of this charming old castle and its place in the viticulture of the region. Later we drive back to Montblanc by bus.

Walking time: Approximately 3 hours/10 kilometres. +250/-150 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we begin the day with a drive out to Priorat, next to la Rioja, probably one of the most famous of Spain’s wine growing regions. Here we visit the bodega Scaladei to enjoy some of their famed produce and learn a little about the sophisticated art of wine and olive oil production, before walking on to the 17th century monastery at Cartuia. Continuing on to Siurana by bus, we then have a chance to explore this lovely hilltop village, a medieval treasure that was one of the last strongholds of the Muslim Moors, before we return by bus to Montblanc.

Walking time: Approximately 2.5 hours/7 kilometres. +/-150 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Driving into the Penedes region this morning we enter the heart of Catalan Cava production. This region is home to some of the finest Champagne style wines in the world and a visit to the Codorníu vineyard introduces us to one of its most famous estates. The winery is a remarkable example of ‘Modernist’ architecture and we enjoy a tour and some wine tasting before we move on. Next stop is the monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, the most famous religious retreat in Catalonia, where we take a walk along the mountain ridge to enjoy the stunning views before completing our journey to Barcelona.

Walking time: Approximately 3 hours/7 kilometres. +250/-500 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and this morning we take an orientation tour around the old city. Home to no fewer than nine World Heritage sites, the city can boast a rich cultural heritage, the spectacular architectural creations of Antoni Gaudi and one of the best food markets anywhere in Spain - ‘La Boqueria’. Today this cultural landmark is a visual and culinary delight, with over 200 stalls selling everything from fish and meat to tapas and beetles (yes, really). Later this evening we have the opportunity to enjoy a final meal at one of the city’s popular restaurants.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast. If there is time you have another chance to explore some more of this vibrant city, perhaps a stroll down Las Ramblas - the city's central boulevard lined with bars and restaurants.

Included meals: Breakfast