From Bilbao: Rioja Wine Region With Winery & Vitoria-Gasteiz

Uncover the captivating blend of history, culture, and renowned Rioja wines on this comprehensive day trip from Bilbao. Venture into the heart of Spain’s premier wine region, where you’ll explore the medieval village of Laguardia and tour a local winery, savoring the rich flavors of the Rioja. Then, discover the cultural gems of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country, on a guided tour. Along the way, indulge in the delectable Basque chocolates, enjoying the traditions of this remarkable region. This excursion promises an unforgettable experience, offering a seamless blend of wine, history, and culture.

Key Points

• This 9-hour excursion from Bilbao takes you to the Rioja wine region, including a visit to a local winery and a guided tour of the capital city Vitoria-Gasteiz.
• You’ll explore the medieval village of Laguardia, tour a Rioja winery, and enjoy wine tasting to deepen your understanding of the region’s winemaking.
• The guided tour of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque Country’s capital, allows you to discover the city’s historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and renowned Basque chocolate shops.
• Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional Basque sweets and delicacies, complementing the wine and cultural experiences.
• The tour starts and ends at the Melia Bilbao hotel, with comfortable transportation provided and a knowledgeable guide offering historical and cultural insights about the Basque region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour kicks off with a 9-hour excursion from Bilbao to the renowned Rioja wine region and the capital city of Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Guests will visit the medieval village of Laguardia, where they’ll have an opportunity to explore the town and tour a local winery, complete with a wine tasting.

The tour then moves on to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city.

Throughout the day, travelers will also have the chance to sample delicious Basque chocolates.

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, transportation, the winery visit and tasting, as well as the Basque sweets sampling. Lunch and hotel transfers aren’t included.

Tour Stops

In an article titled ‘From Bilbao: Rioja Wine Region With Winery & Vitoria-Gasteiz‘, the tour stops are as follows:

The tour starts at the Melia Bilbao, where you will board the transportation for the day’s excursion.

They’ll then travel to the medieval village of Laguardia, where they’ll have an hour to explore the town and 45 minutes to tour a local winery and participate in a wine tasting.

Next, the group will head to the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, for a 1.5-hour guided tour.

Finally, the tour will end back at the Melia Bilbao.

Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to taste Basque quality chocolates as well.

Bilbao Starting Location

The tour begins at the Melia Bilbao, where you will board the transportation for the day’s excursion to the Rioja wine region and Vitoria-Gasteiz. This starting point is convenient for those staying in Bilbao, as it’s a centrally located hotel.

After gathering the group, the tour guide will provide an overview of the day’s activities and ensure everyone is ready to depart.

The bus or coach used for transportation will be comfortable and equipped to make the journey to the first stop, the medieval village of Laguardia, an hour’s drive away.

Throughout the tour, the guide will share historical and cultural information to enhance the participants’ understanding and appreciation of the Basque region.

Laguardia Village Visit

After the initial departure from Bilbao, the tour reaches the picturesque medieval village of Laguardia, located just an hour’s drive away. Participants disembark the bus and spend around 30 minutes exploring this quaint town on their own, seeing its charming atmosphere and historic architecture.

The tour then proceeds to a local winery, where guests partake in a guided visit and tasting, learning about the renowned Rioja wine production and sampling the region’s finest vintages.

The Laguardia village visit offers participants the opportunity to:

1. Stroll through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets
2. Admire the well-preserved medieval walls and gates
3. Explore the historic Plaza Mayor and its impressive buildings
4. Discover local artisanal shops and taste traditional Basque delicacies

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Winery Visit and Tasting

Following the exploration of the charming Laguardia village, the tour proceeds to a local winery, where participants enjoy the process of Rioja wine production.

During the winery visit, guests are given an informative guided tour, learning about the region’s viticulture and the traditional methods used to create the renowned Rioja wines.

The highlight of the experience is the wine tasting, where travelers have the opportunity to sample several of the winery’s finest offerings. With the guidance of knowledgeable staff, they’ll discover the unique flavors and aromas that make Rioja wines so exceptional.

This hands-on encounter allows visitors to deepen their appreciation for the art of winemaking in this celebrated Spanish wine region.

Vitoria-Gasteiz Guided Tour

Concluding the visit to the Rioja wine region, the tour guides participants on a captivating exploration of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital city of the Basque Country.

During the 1.5-hour guided tour, visitors can:

1. Admire the medieval architecture and historic landmarks that dot the charming city center.
2. Stroll through the elegant plaza and take in the impressive facades of the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Palace of Montehermoso.

Discover the vibrant cultural scene, including the Artium Museum, which showcases contemporary Basque art.

Indulge in the city’s renowned culinary offerings, such as its famous Basque chocolates.

The guided tour provides an enriching experience, allowing participants to explore the rich history and vibrant present of this Basque gem.

Basque Sweets Tasting

The Basque sweets tasting offers visitors a delightful chance to indulge in the region’s renowned confectionary delights.

As part of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of traditional Basque sweets, showcasing the area’s rich culinary heritage.

From creamy chocolates to delicate pastries, the tasting allows travelers to experience the unique flavors and textures that have made Basque desserts famous worldwide.

Whether it’s the buttery goodness of the Goxua cake or the melt-in-your-mouth sensation of the Piruleta lollipop, the Basque sweets tasting promises to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

This immersive experience provides a sweet conclusion to an already unforgettable journey through the Rioja wine region and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Important Information

The tour’s important information covers availability in Spanish and English, suitability for participants in normal walking conditions, the potential for variation in the order of visits due to operational reasons, and the need to inform the guide about any food restrictions at the beginning of the tour.

Key details include:

1. The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, catering to a diverse range of participants.

2. The activities and destinations are suitable for those in good physical shape and able to walk comfortably.

3. The order of visits may change due to operational factors beyond the organizers’ control.

4. Guests should communicate any dietary requirements or food allergies to the guide prior to the start of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy for this tour is not clearly stated in the knowledge provided. Tour operators typically have specific cancellation policies, such as allowing free cancellation within a certain timeframe or charging a percentage fee for late cancellations.

Is There a Restroom Stop During the 9-Hour Tour?

According to the tour information, there are scheduled stops during the 9-hour tour, which likely provide opportunities for restroom breaks. However, the details about specific restroom stops are not explicitly mentioned in the provided details.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is focused on visiting wineries, historic sites, and the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, which may not be suitable for pets. Participants are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is Wifi Available on the Bus/Coach During the Tour?

The tour does not provide WiFi on the bus or coach. Passengers should plan accordingly if they need to stay connected during the tour. The focus is on the sightseeing experiences rather than providing on-board internet access.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Wine After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can typically purchase additional bottles of wine after the tasting at the winery. The tour includes a visit to a local winery where travelers can sample and buy wines if they wish.

Recap

This captivating 9-hour excursion from Bilbao takes travelers on a journey through the renowned Rioja wine region and the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Highlights include exploring the medieval village of Laguardia, touring a local winery with a wine tasting, and discovering the cultural gems of Vitoria-Gasteiz on a guided tour.

Along the way, visitors can savor delectable Basque chocolates, seeing the rich flavors and traditions of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: