6 Day Wine and Gastronomy Tour of Northern Spain

Discover the Flavors and Landscapes of Northern Spain on a 6-Day Wine & Gastronomy Tour

This 6-day adventure takes you through some of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions—Ribera del Duero and Rioja—before moving to the stunning Basque Coastline, including San Sebastián, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bilbao. With expert guides, private transportation, and tailored experiences, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of authentic local culture, exquisite wines, and breathtaking scenery.

What we love about this experience are the intimate visits to family-owned wineries where you meet the winemakers and learn their craft firsthand, and the stunning coastal landscapes—especially the panoramic views from Jaizkibel Mountain and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The flexibility of the itinerary and personal guides make it feel like a truly curated journey.

A possible consideration is the long days—around 8-9 hours each day—which might be tiring for some travelers, especially those not used to extensive sightseeing or walking. However, if you’re passionate about wine, food, and scenic coastlines, this tour is a fantastic fit. It suits those who want a comprehensive experience that combines gastronomy, history, and nature with expert guidance, without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guiding and transportation make for a tailored trip suited to your pace and interests.
• Authentic Visits: Wineries are often family-run or estate wineries, offering genuine insights into local enology.
• Stunning Landscapes: From vineyard vistas in Rioja to panoramic coastlines along the Basque Country, scenery is a major highlight.
• Cultural Richness: Combining wine, food, and history—like the medieval streets of Hondarribia or the modern architecture of Bilbao—keeps the experience diverse.
• Flexible and Customizable: The tour can be adjusted for groups or individual preferences, adding or changing stops.
• Value for the Price: For around $2,387, you get expert guides, vineyard visits, private transport, and a multi-region adventure—making it a good deal for a curated experience.

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: From Madrid to Ribera del Duero – The Heart of Spain’s Red Wines

Your journey kicks off with a pick-up in Madrid and a scenic 7-hour drive to Ribera del Duero, a region renowned for its bold reds. The highlight here is visiting a small, family-run boutique winery, where the winemaker himself will explain what makes their land so special. You’ll taste wines crafted from grapes grown at high altitudes, with specific climatic conditions that lend a unique character to these wines.

What makes this stop truly memorable is the chance to talk directly with the person who made the wine, learning about everything from grape selection to aging. The underground winery in Aranda del Duero offers a glimpse into traditional winemaking, and you’ll get to taste different wines—from young, fruit-forward styles to more mature bottles.

Day 2: Rioja Alta – From Classic to Modern Styles

The next day takes you into Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region, where the focus is on estate wineries. These are less common than larger cooperatives, meaning you get to see the exclusive craftsmanship behind some of Rioja’s most distinguished wines. The winemaker explains the distinguishing features that make his estate’s wines unique, and you’ll sample both classic Rioja and more contemporary, modern styles.

A visit to a centuries-old winery from the 19th century transports you back in time, showing how Rioja wine production has evolved. You’ll learn about oak aging and how it has shaped the region’s signature Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva wines. According to reviews, these visits are praised for their personalized attention and insightful explanations.

Day 3: Rioja Alavesa – A Mix of Chateaus and Avant-Garde

On this day, your journey continues deeper into Rioja Alavesa, renowned for spectacular vineyard views and innovative architecture. You’ll visit a chateau-style winery with panoramic views over the vines—an experience that combines history and visual beauty.

Later, a visit to a cutting-edge, avant-garde winery designed by renowned architects offers a chance to see how contemporary design is influencing wine production. Tasting these modern Rioja wines allows you to compare traditional and innovative approaches firsthand.

Day 4: From Rioja to San Sebastián – Coastal Escapes and City Charm

In the morning, your guides collect you and transfer you to the beautiful city of San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay. This city is a gourmet paradise, famous for its pintxos and stunning bay views. A walking tour reveals the city’s hidden gems—from La Concha Beach to historic streets—while sharing stories of its royal connections and cultural vibrancy.

This day offers a well-deserved break from wine tasting, shifting focus to architecture, history, and scenic beauty. Many reviewers praise the guides for their local insights and the chance to see both the touristy and lesser-known sides of the city.

Day 5: French-Basque Coastline and Coastal Villages

This full day explores some of the most picturesque villages along the French-Basque coast. You’ll visit Biarritz, once a whaling village turned glamorous seaside resort, famous for its Art Deco architecture and luxurious vibe. Expect to see the grand Casino and the long sandy beach.

Next, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming fishing port with a rich history—famous for the wedding of Louis XIV—where you can stroll its cozy streets and market. Then, Hondarribia, a well-preserved medieval town with colorful houses and seafood taverns, perfect for soaking in local flavor.

Finally, a stop at Jaizkibel Mountain provides panoramic views of the coastline—ideal for photos and breathing in fresh sea air. Reviewers love this day for the variety of scenery and authentic small-town vibes.

Day 6: From Bilbao to Coastal Villages – Ending on a High Note

Your last day begins with a scenic drive to Bermeo, a historic fishing village renowned for its traditional port life and whale-hunting history. After exploring the streets, you’ll visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an iconic, rocky islet topped with a tiny church. This spot, featured in Game of Thrones, is a must-see for its spectacular landscape and dramatic walk across the 241-step stone bridge.

Next, you’ll visit Bakio, famous for its long beach and txakoli vineyards—a local, lightly sparkling white wine best enjoyed with seafood. The day ends in Bilbao, where you’ll wander the city’s blend of old and new architecture before entering the famous Guggenheim Museum. The building itself is a marvel, and inside, you’re free to explore world-class art collections.

Many reviews highlight the Guggenheim as a perfect culmination: “The museum is a huge sculpture,” and the flower-covered Puppy sculpture is a favorite photo opportunity. The tour can drop you off at your hotel or desired location in Bilbao.

Why This Tour Offers Exceptional Value

For roughly $2,387, the tour provides expert-guided visits, private transportation, and exclusive winery tours with tastings—elements that add up quickly if booked separately. The personalized approach means you won’t be part of a large group, but instead have guides focused solely on your experience, making the day’s learning more engaging.

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the authenticity of the visits, especially at family-run wineries. The chance to taste both traditional and modern wines and visit historic towns and scenic spots deepens your understanding of the region’s cultural fabric.

While the tour involves long days, the variety—wine, coast, city—keeps things interesting. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, immersive experience without the stress of planning every detail. If you’re a wine enthusiast, foodie, or cultural explorer, this trip offers a balanced mix of all three.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 6-day journey is perfect for those who value expert insights and want a flexible, personalized experience. Travel lovers who appreciate authentic local visits—like family-owned wineries or historic fishing villages—will find it especially rewarding.

It’s well-suited for moderate fitness levels given the walking involved, especially in towns like Hondarribia or Gaztelugatxe. The focus on gastronomy, scenery, and culture makes it ideal for travelers looking to capture the essence of Northern Spain in a well-organized but relaxed manner.

If you’re seeking a guided, intimate experience that combines wine, food, history, and landscapes across multiple regions, this tour is a top choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or only groups?
The tour can be booked for a minimum of 2 people and is very flexible—it’s equally suitable for solo travelers or small groups.

Are accommodations included?
No, hotels are not included; this tour is focused on guiding and transportation. Travelers will need to arrange their own accommodations.

What’s the typical group size?
While the tour is private, it can accommodate small groups. The maximum number of travelers is 8, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, breakfasts and dinners are not included, but plenty of opportunities for local food and pintxos are available during city stops.

How much time is spent on wine tasting?
Each winery visit includes guided tastings, often complemented by explanations from the winemakers, offering ample opportunity to learn and sample.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the guides are flexible and open to adding or changing stops based on your preferences, making it a truly tailored experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, private vehicles with air conditioning are used, ensuring a comfortable ride between locations, even on longer travel days.

In summary, this 6-day tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience of Northern Spain’s best wine regions, scenic coastlines, and vibrant cities. It’s perfect for travelers eager to enjoy personalized guidance, authentic local experiences, and stunning views. Whether you’re a wine lover, cultural explorer, or scenic seeker, this journey promises a memorable taste of Spain’s diversity.