Discover Northern Spain's best wine and architecture on this epic 9-day tour

At a glance

Trip Summary

Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest and most traditional of Rioja’s Bodegas. Opening for business in 1860, the winery was most notable for its pioneering nature and innovative, non-conformist practices. Today, this is epitomised by their 21^st-century hotel, a masterpiece unveiled in 2006 by designer Frank O. Gehry. Gehry’s architecture is renowned throughout the world, from the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, as well as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (another must see whilst in the area).

After settling into your Spa Wing room on day one of the trip, you will be welcomed as guests at the award-winning Marqués de Riscal winery. Here, you will have a fascinating and informative tour of the production process, including the barrel room. The tour will conclude with tastings of Marqués de Riscal wines. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be served in the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant.

On day three, you will have a relaxed morning to make the most of the hotel facilities or explore your surroundings at your own pace. You may wish to relax at the hotel’s spa or take one last stroll to explore the surrounding area before checking out.

After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel by a specialist driver/guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. Your Spanish Tour Manager was born and bred in the region and not only will she entertain you throughout the day with fascinating historical and cultural anecdotes, she will also share with you her extensive wine knowledge.

You will first visit the Bodega Tobelos. This winery is found in an avant-garde building which is in complete contrast with its surroundings. Here you will be taken on a full tour of the facilities, followed by a tasting of two of the estate’s sought-after wines.

You will then be taken to Ysios, a stunning winery at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this ultra-modern and unique estate is fascinatingly integrated into the landscape. Begin with a walk in the vineyards before embarking on a guided tour of the winemaking facilities and the cellars. The tour will conclude with two tastings accompanied by some nibbles.

To conclude your busy yet insightful morning, you will then enjoy a visit at Baigorri, another breathtaking Bodega which was designed and built by the architect Iñaki Aspiazu. The estate is an architectural reference in the region and a true sight to behold. Here, you will be taken on a guided tour of the estate. The tour will be followed by a delicious four-course tasting lunch, where each course will be paired with the estate’s wines.

After returning to the hotel to freshen up and have a siesta, you will be taken for a tasting session of three premium Rioja wines with platters of local tapas. You will then have time to participate in the traditional evening tapas run on the famous Calle Laurel in the town of Logroño.

After breakfast the following morning (day three), check out of your hotel and take your luggage with you. Your guide will return and accompany you to a family-run winery to see the region’s wine production on a smaller scale. The second stop of your day will be Bodegas Portia, designed by the famous and prestigious British architect Sir Norman Foster. The winery, a symbol of modernity, resembles a three-pointed star and is surrounded by enchanting vineyards. Here, you will be taken on a guided tour of the estate followed by a tasting session and lunch.

Your guide will then escort you to Abadia Retuerta, nestled at the heart of Ribera del Duero. Originally a 12^th-century abbey, Abadia Retuerta is one of the only abbeys to have survived the wave of destruction during the Napoleonic years and is today a Spanish cultural heritage site. The abbey and monasteries have a unique Baroque-Romanesque style, as well as a classic Benedictine layout, thus making this a truly unique place to stay, and a fascinating contrast from the ultra-modern Marqués de Riscal. After checking into your Classic room at the estate, it’s time to explore: you will be taken on a 4×4 ride through the vineyards, a tour of the winemaking facilities, and a visit to the Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta before enjoying a well-deserved tutored tasting of two wines. In the evening, a mouth-watering eight-course wine tasting menu will be served at the Abadia’s Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant.

After breakfast, your guide will return and accompany you on a third day of tours. Your first stop will be Viña Mayor. Founded in 1986 in the wake of the birth of the official Denominación de Origen Ribera del Duero certification, the estate boasts a worldwide reputation. You will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by a tasting of the estate’s wines.

A three course lunch will then be served in a traditional Spanish restaurant. Each course will be served alongside a local wine, and you will have the opportunity to taste the region’s speciality, “lechazo asada.” This leg of suckling lamb is roasted in a traditional stone oven until deliciously crispy.  In the afternoon, you will be welcomed as the guest of the Bodegas Protos. Protos, meaning first in Greek, is a constantly growing estate. The winery was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Alonso Balaguer y Arquitectos Asociados. This creative building is built partly underground in order to make the most of the cool temperatures and partly above the ground with a structure which is reminiscent of the vault-shaped wineries. Here, you will be taken on a guided tour of the estate. The visit will conclude with a tasting session of their wines. Ending the day in true style, you will then visit Pago de Carraovejas for a tour and tastings. This estate is characteristic of the region’s ultra-modern and gravity-focused wineries. Occupying more than 26,000 square metres, the estate is flanked by beautiful plazas which offer impressive views across the vineyards.

After breakfast and check-out on day five, you will be met at the hotel by an English-speaking driver who will accompany you on the journey to Penedès – the heartland of Cava. The drive takes approximately six hours. For your convenience, a stop has been included in the city of Zaragoza, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch and stretch your legs. Your driver will be happy to recommend a lovely local restaurant, making this a pleasant break in the journey.

After lunch, you will continue to Cava & Hotel Mastinell. After checking-in to your Premium Double Room and settling in, the evening begins with a gastronomic tasting dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Each course is thoughtfully paired with a selection of the hotel’s wines, the perfect introduction to the flavours and wine heritage of Penedès.

On the morning of day six, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met at the hotel by a private English-speaking driver-guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. This day offers rich insight into the region’s sparkling wine traditions, terroir, and winemaking excellence.

Your first visit is to one of the founding members of Corpinnat and a benchmark for long-aged, terroir-driven sparkling wines. Known for its deep commitment to biodynamic viticulture, hand-harvesting, and extended lees aging, this winery crafts wines of great quality and complexity. You will enjoy a private guided tour of the historic cellars, followed by a guided tasting of the estate’s Cavas.

After the visit, you will continue to a boutique winery where you’ll enjoy a relaxed tasting lunch featuring typical Catalan cuisine, thoughtfully paired with a selection of the estate’s still and sparkling wines.

In the afternoon, you will be returned to Cava & Hotel Mastinell, where you will enjoy a guided visit and tasting at the hotel’s winery. This experience also offers insight into the hotel’s striking architecture and design. Inspired by a row of cava bottles rising from the vineyards, the building’s bold form and Gaudí-influenced mosaic rooftop have earned international recognition, including a Gold Medal at the International Interior Design Exhibition in Shanghai. Your guide will share the inspiration behind the façade, the architect’s vision, and how the design reflects the region’s sparkling wine heritage, bringing the day to a fitting and memorable close.

The evening is at leisure to relax and explore independently.

After a relaxed morning on day seven, you will be met by a private English-speaking driver who will accompany you on the journey to Barcelona, the grand finale of your tour. En route, you will stop in the charming coastal town of Sitges, known for its whitewashed streets, artistic heritage and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. You will have free time here to explore independently and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

After lunch, you will continue to Barcelona, where you will be staying at the elegant Hotel Arts Barcelona, a contemporary architectural landmark overlooking the Mediterranean and an ideal base for discovering the city. After checking in to your Panorama King Room and settling in, you will join a private food and wine walking tour through Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter. This curated experience offers the perfect introduction to the city, combining local gastronomy with historic streets and striking architecture. As you sample traditional dishes and regional wines, your guide will share stories that bring Barcelona’s culinary scene and architectural heritage to life, setting a wonderful tone for the days ahead.

On the morning of day eight, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met at the hotel by your private English-speaking driver-guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. This day is dedicated to discovering Barcelona’s architectural heritage, with a particular focus on the city’s most iconic landmarks and the works of Antoni Gaudí.

Your day begins with visits to some of Barcelona’s most important sites, including Park Güell and the Sagrada Família, where your guide will provide a thorough explanation of Gaudí’s vision, symbolism and revolutionary approach to architecture. You will then continue to Montjuïc, offering both cultural context and panoramic views across the city and coastline followed by lunch at a local Catalan restaurant.

In the afternoon, your guide will accompany you to Passeig de Gràcia where you will join a guided visit to Casa Milà (La Pedrera). This is a small group experience which includes access to restricted areas and will be accompanied by a glass of Cava. You will then make your way to Casa Batló where a similarly curated visit allows you to explore the interior of one of Gaudí’s most imaginative creations.

At the end of the day you will return to your hotel.

You are free to enjoy your final day in Barcelona at leisure. We would be delighted to recommend some of our favourite restaurants or assist with reservations should you wish.

On your final morning, after a leisurely breakfast, check out of your hotel.

Outline Itinerary

Day Three of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
• Your guide will return and accompany you on a second day of tours.
  • In the morning, a tour and tastings will be arranged for you at a traditional family-run Bodega.
  • Next stop will be the remarkable Bodegas Portia, where you will be taken on a guided tour of the estate followed by a tasting session and lunch.
• You will be taken to the 5* Abadia Retuerta in the afternoon where you will check into your Classic room.
• After settling in, make your way to the winery and enjoy a vineyard tour by 4×4, a guided tour of the wine-making facilities, a visit to the Abbey as well as a tasting session of two wines.
• In the evening, an eight course wine tasting dinner will be served at the Abadia’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day Four of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you to Viña Mayor for a tour of the Bodega followed by a tasting session of their wines.
• A traditional lunch will then be served in an authentic Spanish restaurant.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour and tastings at Bodegas Protos.
• The final visit of the day will take place at the impressive Pago de Carraovejas.
• The evening will be free for you to spend as you please.

Day Five of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your private English-speaking driver for the journey to Catalonia.
• En route, stop in the historic city of Zaragoza, with free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Continue on to Penedès and check in to your Premium Double Room at Cava & Hotel Mastinell.
• After time to settle in, enjoy a gastronomic tasting dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, with each course thoughtfully paired with a selection of the estate’s wines.

Day Six of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by an English-speaking driver for a day dedicated to exploring the world of Cava.
  • Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at one of the founding members of Corpinnat, renowned for its terroir-driven, long-aged sparkling wines.
  • Continue to a boutique winery for a relaxed tasting lunch featuring traditional Catalan cuisine, paired with a selection of still and sparkling wines.
• Return to the hotel for a guided visit and tasting at the hotel’s winery, including an introduction to the architectural inspiration behind the building and its distinctive design.
• The evening is at leisure for you to relax or explore independently.

Day Seven of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed morning, you will be met at your hotel by an English-speaking driver for the journey to Barcelona.
• En route, stop in the charming coastal town of Sitges, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.
• Continue on to Barcelona and check in to your Panorama King Room at Hotel Arts Barcelona.
• In the evening, join a private food and wine walking tour through Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter, combining local gastronomy with historic streets and striking architecture.

Day Eight of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After a leisurely breakfast, your English-speaking driver/guide will meet you at the hotel for a full day exploring Barcelona’s architectural delights. The day will include:
  • Guided visits to Park Güell and Sagrada Família.
  • A stop at Montjuïc for cultural context and panoramic views across the city and coastline.
  • Lunch at a local Catalan restaurant.
  • A guided visit to Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batló including access to restricted areas and accompanied by a glass of Cava (this tour may be as part of a small group).
• The evening is at leisure for you to enjoy your final night in Barcelona. We would be delighted to recommend you some of our favourite restaurants and book you a table if required.

Final Day of your Ultimate Spanish Wine and Architecture Tour

• After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel.

(ii) The outline itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes depending on supplier availability. Availability cannot be guaranteed until we have received a confirmed booking, together with the deposit payment (or payment in full where the dates of travel are in less than 60 days). If the named accommodation / visits are not available, we will endeavour to find suitable alternatives of a similar grade; this may be subject to a supplement or a rebate depending on the price available.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Considerable discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) and during the week, or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.
• Please note that Cava & Hotel Mastinell is an intimate boutique property with just 12 rooms. Availability is therefore limited and subject to seasonality. Early booking is highly recommended.
• At Grape Escapes, we recognise the challenges posed by mass tourism and the housing crisis in Barcelona. That’s why we only work with certified hotels, avoiding short-term rentals. Our experiences are designed for small groups and we make an effort for tours in the Barcelona centre to be on foot. We also encourage guests to explore beyond the city to help decentralise tourism. By travelling with us, we believe you’re supporting a more balanced and respectful way to discover the region.

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Further Information

Image credits: Adolfo Rancano Gijon, Ignasi Blanca, Marques de Riscal, Spanish Trails, Abadia Retuerta, Marcus Ebener, Jaume Boldu, Global Image Projects SLU, Pago de Carraovejas, Hotel Arts Barcelona, Gemma Sala, Marc Busoms