4-Day Route Discovering Northern Spain, its Wine Regions and Historic Hotels
Private Tour & Guide
3 nights staying in Historical hotels
Visit the Basque Country, Navarra and the Rioja wine region
Visits to three wine cellars with wine tastings
High end luxury transport
5 Days - 4 Nights
Spain’s Paradores hotels are housed historic and emblematic buildings across the country, such as former monasteries, convents and palaces. These stunning buildings give travellers a chance to stay in historic places and experience fine gastronomic cuisine. All of this adds up to a complete sensory experience, which is totally unique.
In 1928, the Marques de la Vega Inclán had the idea of ​​setting up state hotels in different parts of Spain, in order to generate wealth, whilst regenerating historic and emblematic buildings at the same time. These Paradores Hotels are testament to the history of the country – places where the passage of time is so palpable.
At Northern Spain Gastronomy, we have created this private tour around some of the best Paradores, combining our deep knowledge of Northern Spain with gastronomy and viticulture. Exploring Northern Spain through our eyes while staying at Paradores, will enable you to experience a more local side the region.
* This private tour is a possible itinerary that can be adapted to your specific preferences and requirements.
Day 1: Bilbao
-
Our Northern Spain tour begins with a pick up at the airport or your hotel in Northern Spain. Depending on your starting point we will customise the tour for you to maximise your time with us.​
​
-
We will start the day by visiting the artistic and architectural city of Bilbao.
​​
-
We will visit the city with a wonderful walk around the Guggenheim museum, the Nervion river, The Ribera market (the biggest covered market in Europe) and the charming 13th century Old Town.
​
-
For lunch we will take you for the best food of Bilbao with our walking food tour.
​
-
Sleep in boutique hotel in the Old Town of Bilbao
Day 2: San Sebastian & Hondarribia
​​​
-
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bilbao and will take you to take some pictures of the Flysch (the incredible cliffs used for the Game of Thrones cinematic production)
​
-
To continue the day with a happy feeling we will introduce you to a family winery to taste the Txakoli wine, the most representative white wine of Basque Country. These wineries are at the top of the Basque mountains facing to the Cantabric sea
​
-
For lunch we will visit the stunning city of San Sebastian known by many as the most beautiful city of Spain. We will explain you why the queen Maria Cristina was addicted to this part of the country and how she managed to transform it into the most trendy place of the 19th and 20th century
​​
-
In the afternoon, we will take a walk through the beautiful city of Hondarribia, considered one of the most beautiful Basque villages, where you will stay in the wonderful Parador, which was once the Castle of Carlos V. The Parador still retains its fortress appearance, with thick stone walls, earthy, yet elegant decoration, and rooms which were occupied by notorious characters such as Philip III of Spain and Maria of Austria.​
Day 3: French Basque Country & Pamplona
​
-
We will pass over into the French Basque Country. Here, you will visit the charming red and white village of Saint Jean de Luz and its picturesque houses from the 17th century. And of course you will not leave without tasting the famous macarons (​they started here) and chocolate that makes the city so famous and delicious.
-
For lunch we will take you to the incredible cider houses of Astigarraga to experience the most representative Basque meal. Chorizo cooked in cider, grilled cod, T-bone steak and a lot of fun guaranteed pouring the cider directly from the Kupelas (over 10,000l barrels)
​
-
Next, our Northern Spain tour enters the historic city of Pamplona, where every year, thousands of people join the running of the bulls at the fiesta of San Fermín. We will also enjoy sampling the local cuisine on the revered Calle Estafeta.
​ -
Stay in La Perla 5* Hotel in the heart of Plaza del Castillo square. Will you be the lucky to stay in the Ernest Hemingway suite?
​
Day 4: The Rioja Wine Region
-
Discover the celebrated wine region of La Rioja. We will drive through vineyard-covered landscapes, nestled below the mountains, which protect the region from the winds.
​
-
Here, we will visit three family wine producers and enjoy a fascinating introduction to wine, whilst tasting several varieties, paired with local cheeses and chorizos.
​ -
We will enjoy lunch in Laguardia, one of the most picturesque towns in Rioja Alavesa, with its fortified wall and narrow cobbled streets, where the vineyards meet the mountains.
​ -
This tour will finish after the visit to the Rioja wine region in your preferred location at around 6pm.
Reliable
We are a small fully-licensed family business, conducting Northern Spain tours.
​
We aim to offer the best quality, from food and wine to transport and service.
​
We have more than five years' experience in the travel & tourism industry.
​
Our Northern Spain tours are conducted in a 4x4 Range Rover Sport or Mercedes Viano for your comfort.
​
We accept all types of debit/credit cards.
Authentic
We partner with these historic Parador hotels because they maintain a respect for history and authenticity.
Each of these hotels have been hand picked because of their excellent restaurants and wine lists.
​
Most of them aim to use seasonal and sustainable products.
​
During our Northern Spain tour, we will visit small towns & villages that you won't be able to find on your own.
Knowledgeable
We are a team of four, who all have experience in wine and gastronomy.
Our team are locals, who know all about North of Spain and its historic hotels.
​​
Whilst we have a carefully planned itinerary, we aim to cater to our clients, and can adjust accordingly.
​
We want you to feel like you are on a road trip with friends, rather than a tour.