Day 1: From Madrid to Ribera del Duero – Wine Tastings & Traditional Castilian Feast

We begin your adventure in Madrid, then head straight into the heart of Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions and a highlight of this private wine and food tour Northern Spain.

Here, you’ll explore two family-run wineries known for their dedication to tradition and their bold, expressive Tempranillo wines. Taste limited-production vintages, walk through underground cellars, and learn firsthand how terroir and time shape every bottle.

But the real showstopper of the day? Lunch.

Enjoy an authentic Castilian gastronomic experience in a rustic countryside setting. The centerpiece is a slow-roasted lechazo (suckling lamb), prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven — crisp on the outside, tender within — served with rich local red wines and seasonal side dishes bursting with flavor.

This is not just a meal, it’s a deep dive into the culinary heritage of inland Spain.

After lunch, we transfer you to Rioja, where you’ll settle in for the next three nights — surrounded by vines, history, and anticipation for what’s next.

(Overnight in Rioja)

Day 2: Rioja Wine Tour – Historic Wineries, Bold Architecture & Wine Stories

Begin your deep dive into Rioja’s wine heritage with a day of contrast, beauty, and exceptional flavors included in your private wine and food tour Northern Spain.

Your first stop: a 15th-century family winery, where centuries-old winemaking traditions still guide each harvest. Walk through stone cellars, learn about multi-generational craftsmanship, and taste wines that honor both time and terroir.

Next, discover the avant-garde side of Rioja at a world-famous winery designed by a visionary architect — a striking blend of modern design and winemaking innovation. Here, the architecture is as bold as the wine, and the tasting experience reflects it.

Finally, visit a château-style estate, where French elegance meets Riojan character. Surrounded by vines and views, enjoy a curated tasting of refined wines — and if desired, pair them with a light gourmet lunch made from seasonal local ingredients.

Each visit brings a new layer to your understanding of Rioja’s diversity — from the traditional to the cutting-edge, and always with a glass in hand.

(Overnight in Rioja)

Day 3: Deep Rioja – Barrel Aging, Vineyard Walks & the Soul of Terroir

Today, we take you into the inner world of Rioja’s winemaking — where tradition meets technique, and every glass tells a deeper story.

Start with a visit to a prestigious 19th-century bodega, renowned for its historic underground cellars and elegant, age-worthy wines. Here, heritage and excellence go hand in hand.

Then, experience the art of barrel aging at a family-run cellar. Explore the role of oak in shaping structure, flavor, and aroma — and enjoy side-by-side tastings that highlight the evolution of the same wine at different stages of its aging process.

In the afternoon, step outside the cellar and into the vineyard. Walk among the vines with a local expert, learning how Rioja’s terroir — from soil to sun — shapes the soul of its wines. Touch the earth, taste the difference.

This day is about connection — to the craft, to the land, and to the living legacy of Rioja, another key part of your private wine and food tour Northern Spain.

(Overnight in Rioja)

Day 4: San Sebastián – Basque Coast, Pintxos & Culinary Traditions

After breakfast in Rioja, we transfer you to the breathtaking Basque coastline — and into the heart of one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary cities: San Sebastián.

Begin with a private walking tour through the city’s elegant boulevards and Belle Époque architecture, once a favorite summer retreat for Spanish royalty. Learn how San Sebastián grew from seaside village to gastronomic capital of Europe.

Then, immerse yourself in the city’s legendary food scene on a Private Pintxos Tour in the vibrant Old Town (Parte Vieja). Sample artisanal pintxos, local Txakoli wine, and Basque cider while discovering the stories behind every bite — a guest favorite on this private wine and food tour Northern Spain.

It’s not just a tasting — it’s a cultural immersion through flavor.

(Overnight in San Sebastián)

Day 5: The French-Basque Coast – Seaside Towns, Cross-Cultural Charm & Cliffside Views

Today, your journey continues along one of Europe’s most captivating coastal routes — the French-Basque coastline.

Start the day in Biarritz, once a playground for 19th-century aristocracy and now a stylish surf town blending seaside glamour with relaxed sophistication. Stroll along the Grande Plage and feel the mix of elegance and Atlantic energy.

Next, visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque fishing village known for its pastel architecture, artisanal shops, and sweet Basque confections. It’s France with a strong Basque heartbeat.

Cross back into Spain to explore Hondarribia, a medieval gem with cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and a thriving food scene where Basque traditions remain proudly intact.

Wrap up the day with a panoramic stop atop Mount Jaizkibel, where the cliffs drop into the Atlantic and the coastline stretches endlessly — a breathtaking way to reflect on the region’s unique blend of languages, landscapes, and legacies.

(Overnight in San Sebastián)

Day 6: From Coastal Treasures to Bilbao – Fishing Villages, Txakoli & the Guggenheim

Your final day captures the essence of the Basque Coast, blending rugged natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class design.

Follow the Bay of Biscay to Bermeo, a vibrant fishing village where colorful boats, narrow alleys, and fresh seafood set the tone for the morning. It’s a place that tastes like the ocean and smells like tradition.

Next, hike or admire the legendary San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic islet topped by a lonely hermitage — now world-famous thanks to Game of Thrones, but rooted in centuries of Basque lore.

Continue through Bakio, a coastal town known for its golden beach and txakoli vineyards — where you can enjoy a final wine tasting with sea views and crisp Basque whites.

Finally, arrive in Bilbao, a city of bold contrasts where modern art, industrial heritage, and Basque gastronomyconverge. Take a guided walking tour through its dynamic cityscape, including an exterior view of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most iconic buildings in contemporary Europe.

(Drop-off available in either Bilbao or San Sebastián, depending on your travel plans.)

This Private Wine and Food Tour Northern Spain Is Built Around You

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving deeper connection with Spain’s wine, food, and culture — this journey is made to fit you.

From the number of days to where you start and end, from self-drive to private driver, every detail is shaped around your rhythm and your tastes.

This isn’t just a trip — it’s your private wine and food tour through Northern Spain, curated with care, flavor, and local expertise.