Road Trip - Bilbao, La Rioja and San Sebastian

• Return Flights from UK Airports to Bilbao
• Car Hire
• 4 and 5* Accommodation in:
  • Bilbao 3 Nights
  • Haro 3 Nights
  • Logroño 3 Nights
  • San Sebastian 2 Nights
• Pre-booked must do excursions including the newly opened Wine Museum
• La Rioja Vineyards and Bodegas guide including details and suggestions
• Suggested Itinerary
• Maps and Route Planner
• Guide Book with hand written notes for your journey

• Flight, Accommodation and Car Hire Upgrades
• Board basis upgrades available
• Many more exciting excursions on offer
• Reduced or extended itinerary

A fleeting long weekend in the La Rioja region just isn’t enough time to appreciate all that the infamous region has to recommend, so Love Spain Holidays has created an exclusive self drive package where you can revel in the gastronomic delights of the Basque Region and experience all that this amazing area has to offer. 

You will arrive at Bilbao where you will pick up your hire car and start your adventure.  Staying 3 Nights in 5* luxury and opposite the Guggenheim Museum, right in the heart of this beautiful city, will ensure you have a chance to wind down and relax into the Spanish way of life.  We have booked you a half day sailing adventure where you get to see Bilbao and the Basque coast from a different angle as you become a sailor for the day onboard a modern sailing boat.  Spend a few days sampling the cuisine on tap in Bilbao as you complete your own pintxos crawl (Tapas), or perhaps we can book you into the Guggenheim’s Restaurant where it’s seven course tasting menu rivals the art on its gallery walls. 

You have six days staying in the heart of the Rioja wine producing region in two fantastic hotels, with three nights in the Capital Haro and then a following three nights in the medieval town of Logroño.  There are two excursions planned for you in these six days, one of which sees you visit the largest Wine Museum in the World which also has a working bodega.  Here you will learn all about the wine region, the artisan approach to winemaking and have the chance to taste and discuss with experts.  You also have a magical day out where you will combine a day participating in the wine making process, perhaps harvesting some grapes or seeing the distillation process in action, then a guided English speaking tour of two famous vineyards where you can taste and learn in a relaxed environment. 

For the remaining time you spend in Rioja, we suggest you take the wine region guide we will provide which has all the information on which vineyards to visit and how to get there, to explore the vast winemaking district.  We will tell you what hours the vineyards are open, which have restaurants worth eating in and other interesting sights along the way.  If you prefer a more structured few days, we can offer a range of additional excursions, including visiting vineyards by horseback! 

Spend your final two nights on the Basque coast in San Sebastian, staying in an exceptional boutique hotel overlooking the bay.  We have planned you a traditional sight-seeing bus tour where you hop on and off but have the chance to see everything on offer in San Sebastian and there is quite a list from Palaces, cathedrals and museums.  With its blend of cosmopolitan style and old world ambiance, you have the chance to savour your final few days by the sea, perhaps over a long lunch overlooking the ‘playa del concha’ watching the sail boats as you savour some Rioja Blanca.  We can even arrange you a wonderful last meal at the acclaimed restaurant of the Father of Nueva Cocina, Arzak should you wish.  

The Accommodation 

3 Nights Bilbao - Silken Gran Hotel Domine, 5* Opened in 2002 across from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, this hotel is itself a dramatic architectural statement. The mirrored façade reflects the museum as well as older neighbouring buildings. This hotel is stunning, with all the modern facilities you would expect and you could not pick a better location to explore the city of Bilbao.   

3 Nights Haro – Los Agostinos, 4*+ This beautifully restored hotel has 7 centuries of history behind it and boasts a magnificent central cloister with a glass, vaulted ceiling. The result is a warm and welcoming ambience set within an inspiring historic setting.   Visit the famous restaurant for a dining experience that celebrates delicious Riojan cuisine housed within this stunning architectural setting.  With comfortable and luxurious rooms, you will find all modern comforts at this stunning hotel in the Rioja capital. 

3 Nights Logroño - Hotel Marques De Vallejo, 3*+ (lovely Hotel!) This design hotel is centrally located in Logroño, relax in the dramatically designed lounge area with a red, white and dark wood theme running throughout the building.   Enjoy the exclusive feel of the Marques de Vallejo thanks to its decadent interior design which is both modern and classic. The interior design is a clever use of space with contemporary furniture, glass-panelled staircases and an elegant lounge with striking sofas and open fireplace.   In the evening, head to the Marques de Vallejo bar and sit with a refreshing drink while you meet and greet other guests of this stylish hotel.   Located in the historic part of Logroño, you can instantly be strolling the charming streets after leaving the entrance of the Marques de Vallejo. Find an authentic tapas restaurant and visit one of the famous wine cellars for a taste of the real Rioja. 

*Package based on 2 people sharing, travelling in September 2009 (excluding the Rioja wine festival 16-26^th September).  Prices subject to availability and price changes outside of Love Spain Holidays control.