5-STAR SPAIN Wine Getaway With Michelin Star Dining in La Rioja

Located in the very north of Spain, just below the Pyrenees Mountains, sits the little wine region of La Rioja. La Rioja exhibits a long and extremely rich history of wine making, with records leftover from the Roman settlement that date as far back as 200 BC. It is particularly fertile due to the seven major rivers that run through the area, which provides life to all of La Riojas naturally stunning landscapes. Recently named by TripAdvisor as the "Best Place in Spain for Wine", La Rioja is a must for any level of wine drinker.

The journey will begin with a transfer to the 5-star Hotel Marques de Riscal. Designed by Frank Gehry, who also designed the Bilbao Guggenheim, Hotel Marques de Riscal is an architecturally advanced masterpiece. With all the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, the one-of-a-kind hotel manages to blend futuristic design with top class classic comfort

After soaking up the atmosphere of this architectural marvel, venture down the winery for a tasting to whet your appetite before dinner. Guests can look forward to tasting 2 wines; Marqués de Riscal Rueda and Marqués de Riscal Reserva, served with local regional Riojan snacks; sausage and chorizo.

Expect to be wowed with a 14-Course Michelin Starred Dinner; surrounded by breathtaking architecture and impressive views of the medieval village of Elciego and the Riojan vineyards. The impressive menu encapsulates a creative fusion of traditional family-based Echaurren cuisine and futuristic techniques and recipes.

The next morning you'll be picked up from the hotel in a luxury vehicle to begin the tour of La Rioja - accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Discover the secrets of the wine and food of the area, visiting an amazing range of the region's leading wineries, from traditional to boutique and avant-garde wineries, New Rioja to Traditional Rioja. Winemakers or winery owners will guide you through their personal method for winemaking while exploring the beautiful grounds and sampling the wines. For lunch, savour a delicious gourmet meal, typical of northern Spain, which will be accompanied by regional wines.

With an obvious abundance of fine wine, food and breathtaking scenery, La Rioja is the perfect getaway for any traveller.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR THE TRIP:

• Day one:Arrival and check-in to the hotel followed by on-site wine tasting and dinner
• Day two:Private chauffeured tour of La Rioja with two wine tastings and lunch
• Day three: Check-out and departure home

Other useful details:

Bookings are subject to availability. We advise booking at least 6 months in advance to guarantee the desired dates

Flights are not included in the price of this experience to give you maximum flexibility with your travel arrangements and choice of the departure airport. The closest airport to La Rioja is Agoncillo Airport

Please note the Hotel Marques de Riscal Restaurant is closed during the month of January, an alternative arrangement can be organised.

Travel insurance and airport transfer are not included and we advise arranging it before departure.

Please state any dietary requirements at the time of booking as not all of the diets can be catered for, without advance notice.

Luxury private chauffeured transport (BMW, Mercedes, Audi or similar) is included for the tour of La Rioja.

Most wineries will be closed on Sundays and some will be closed on Saturdays. For the best experience, we advise booking in the week.

All entrances and activities stated are included in the wine tour, including wine tastings and lunch during the tour.

Please note no cancellations or amendments to bookings can be made once trip is confirmed due to the nature of this experience. In exceptional circumstances, rescheduling fees will apply.