Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja

San Sebastian , Spain

Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja

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(80 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Villages and wines. Wines and villages. It’s all about visiting some and drinking the others. There’s a bit of everything: medieval villages enclosed behind walls, young and daring wines, the longest river in Spain and a typical Riojan meal consisting of four dishes and designed to be paired with a local wine. You can’t go wrong with a plan like this.

Available options

Rioja

Pickup included

What's included

All transportation costs (petrol, parking and toll)

Three wineries (guided visit with tasting in one of them, and 2 more tasting in two other wineries)

Hotel pick up and drop off

Private group

Olive oil tasting

Private experienced guide and driver

Traditional Riojan lunch with local wine

Detailed itinerary

The Barrio de la Estación de Haro is known for the many wineries that were built here, close to the railroad tracks in order to transport wine barrels more easily. Here we’ll visit a wonderful 100-year old winery where we’ll taste a selection of its best wines, from the most classic to the most young and daring, aligned with the latest and most revolutionary trends. Wine is not the only magical liquid that’s produced in these lands. As Rioja is also one of the northernmost points in Spain where the country's liquid gold (olive oil) is produced, we’ll do a tasting of a delicious extra virgin olive oil (here we call it AOVE, the acronym for aceite de oliva virgen extra in Spanish).

Rioja is not only wine, wine and wine, but also a territory extraordinarily rich in historical heritage. We’ll see medieval towns such as Laguardia, with baroque churches (full of gold, virgins and cherubs, inherited from the Spanish Counter-Reformation) alongside the latest “cathedrals “ of wine, such as the Marqués de Riscal wineries by Frank O. Gehry (which uses the same titanium as the Guggenheim Bilbao museum), and the Bodegas Ysios by Santiago Calatrava.

In La Rioja, lunchtime (and gastronomy, of course) is a sacred thing. For this reason, we’ll go to a restaurant that specializes in traditional Riojan cuisine, a delicious menu and, check this out, more excelent local wine!

What's not included

Meals, drinks and tickets that are not listed above

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

77 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessibility is extra paid - contact for details

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

About San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful shell-shaped bay and calm waters. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

The Parte Vieja is the historic heart of San Sebastian, filled with narrow streets, charming plazas, and traditional pintxo bars. It's a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere and enjoy local cuisine.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of San Sebastian and the surrounding coastline. The hill is accessible by a historic funicular and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature 2-3 hours €3.50 for the funicular ride

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pintxos

Small, savory bites typically served on bread, featuring a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, and cheeses.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Bacalao al Pil Pil

Codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and parsley, a classic Basque dish.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking in the surrounding hills Sunbathing on the beaches Strolling along the promenade Visiting museums and galleries Exploring the historic old town Swimming Kayaking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit San Sebastian for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are at their most inviting, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Basque, Spanish
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Sebastian is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

San Sebastian Airport • 20 km from city center
Bilbao Airport • 100 km from city center

By train

San Sebastian Station

By bus

San Sebastian Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in San Sebastian is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gros Antiguo

Day trips

Hondarribia

25 km • Half day

A charming coastal town with a historic old quarter, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to explore Basque culture and history.

Biarritz

50 km • Full day

A glamorous coastal town in France known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and upscale atmosphere. It's a great destination for a day trip from San Sebastian.