BILBAO, Spain - Fixed Departure Tours Rioja Gourmet Wine Festival Tour September 17 - 21, 2008 Northern Spain: Bilbao Tours & Transfers Main | Spain Tours & Transfers | Bilbao Fixed Departure Tours Visit one of the most famous and prestigious wine regions in the world, La Rioja, during its annual wine festival and experience gastronomy, wine and culture at its best. On this exceptional gourmet wine vacation, custom designed for small groups who enjoy amazing food and outstanding wine, you will visit a range of wineries from Chateaux style and traditional to boutique or avant garde, all regarded as the current leaders in both the New Rioja and Traditional Rioja wine making methods. Experience delicious gourmet meals in top wineries, private clubs and distinguished traditional restaurants. Stay in a 14th century former convent and in a design boutique hotel, both located in their cities' historic centers. Enjoy guided tours of towns and medieval villages, sample splendid wines in gorgeous surroundings, and learn the history and culture of wine in one of the most tourist-free areas of Spain - La Rioja. Day 1, September 17: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Pickup at either Bilbao airport or the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. (JDB can arrange a private, guided visit to the museum prior to the pickup time). Transfer to Haro to Los Agustinos Hotel, built as a convent in 1373 and located in the historic center. Evening free. Day 2, September 18: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Buffet breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Guided tour of the world's largest wine museum, the Dinastio Vivanco, to learn the history of wine in Europe. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Visit the fabulous Remelluri Estate, known for its successful blending of modern technology with traditional wine-making methods. One of the few Chateaux-style wineries in Rioja, it is located at the base of the spectacular Cantabrian Mountains. 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Enjoy a superb typical local lunch accompanied by Remelluri wines, in a beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Private guided walking tour of Haro. 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. (Optional) Tutored wine tasting lesson includes the different techniques to taste wine as well as the unique characteristics of the wines of the Rioja wine region. Evening free Day 3, September 19: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast and check out of the hotel. 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Guided tour of one of the best wineries in Rioja, situated in a medieval village in the Rioja Alavesa wine region. Walk through its vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting. 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Guided tour of one of the oldest wines estates in Europe, Lopéz de Heredia, by one of the members of the family. Learn the tradition of making fine wines, followed by wine tasting. 2:15 - 4:30 p.m. Lunch in a restaurant that combines traditional and nouvelle cuisine. 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. Guided tour of the old quarter of Logrono, the capital of La Rioja. Visit Calle Laurel, one of the most famous gastronomic streets in Spain and known for hundreds of small bars, each specializing in a different type of tapas. 7:00 p.m. Check-in to Hotel Marques de Vallejo, a boutique hotel in the historic center of town. Evening free Day 4, September 20: 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Guided tour of Marques De Riscal wine estate, a pioneer in the Rioja region that has won numerous international awards. See the amazing Hotel Marques De Riscal, designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry, followed by a wine tasting. 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Guided tour by a local expert of one of the most astonishing medieval towns in Europe. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and Cantabrian Mountains, and visit its small wine/food shops and bars. 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a gourmet lunch in the private club of wine estate owners and entrepreneurs - a real treat! 4:30 - 7: 30 p.m. Free time to relax or go shopping in Logrono. 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. (Optional) Guided tapas tour of the best tapas in the area. Sample authentic food while mixing with the locals, a highly enjoyable experience. Day 5, September 21: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Buffet breakfast followed by check out and transfer to the airport. (Optional) Guided tour of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. Tour Includes: Two nights in a 4 star historic hotel, formerly a convent Two nights in a boutique hotel Transportation, including round trip airport transfers A dedicated expert guide for the entire tour Breakfast daily Four exclusive wine estate visits Three premium wine tastings Three gourmet lunches with wine Tour of the world's largest wine museum Guided walking tours of three towns and medieval villages A bottle of wine with your personal label Tax The following is not included: Travel Insurance Flights Meals not specified Optional tours (to be paid directly by the client) Tips Personal expenses Rate, per person, per night: $ 453 double occupancy $ 546 single occupancy