LA RIOJA: WINE AND GASTRONOMY

It was during their southbound march through La Rioja that the Christians first integrated Mediterranean agriculture: the olive grove, the vineyard and the irrigation system. For centuries this junction would be both a disputed territory between the people of Castile and Navarre, and the centre of cultural creation; for here is where the language of Spain was born, where the Route of Santiago de Compostela was consolidated, and where superior wines were nurtured.

Day 1 The first route of our journey takes us to the Bilbao Airport, designed by the renown architect Calatrava, followed by another landmark of contemporary art, Frank O. Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, the newest icon of the Basque Country’s industrial capital city. We will further explore this refurbished city with a scenic tour that takes us from the newer suburbs to the historic old town and its Seven Streets.
Travel to Logroño for overnight.

Day 2 We will begin by visiting the old section of Logroño -capital city of La Rioja- and will walk along the city stretch of the Path of Saint James where we will find the late Gothic church of Santiago, as well as the con-Cathedral, the church of Saint Bartholomew. The towns of Samaniego and Labastida await us in the Alaves district of La Rioja.
Possibility of visiting different wineries with tasting
Possibility of organizing a regional Rioja lunch
On our way back, we will enjoy a walk in San Asensio -a prosperous village known for its Davalillo Castle ruins and the Battle of Wine- and in Cenicero, whose historic past is evidenced by gated homes marked with their respective coats of arms.
Overnight in Logroño