Food & Wine of Spain

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Madrid, Ribera del Duero, San Sebastian with Rioja & Bilbao, Barcelona

This exclusive luxury Spain tour is perfect for discerning travelers wanting to experience the best of Madrid and northern Spain's cultural highlights and extraordinary food and wine.

Begin in Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant squares, stately architecture, leafy boulevards and world-class art museums. During flexible private touring, visit renowned museums such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia National Museum or Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and tour the majestic Royal Palace. Stroll through favorite neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and exclusive shopping and residential districts. Also visit historic squares and lively food markets, including the gourmet San Miguel Market. One evening, enjoy a private tasting tour of some of Madrid's most beloved tapas bars. Other touring options include visiting the flea market, seeing the bullring or touring smaller museums. Upon request, additional experiences can be arranged such as cooking lessons, tickets to soccer matches, a behind-the-scenes tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or insider shopping tours.

Next, you will be transferred to Ribera del Duero. En route, tour Segovia, a charming historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. See its impressive ancient Roman aqueduct, imposing Gothic cathedral and fairy-tale Alcazar castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop. Also enjoy time for lunch of local specialties at a top restaurant. Continue by private vehicle to the Ribera del Duero wine region for a stay at a luxurious and historic wine estate. During a private tour, explore the estate's beautiful grounds and excellent winery. Also, visit other wineries and villages in the area, and enjoy the hotel's beautiful interiors, renowned restaurants and extensive leisure facilities.

Next, you will be transferred to San Sebastian. En route, tour La Rioja, one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Drive through vineyards, enjoy wine tastings at some of Spain's top bodegas (wineries), and see outstanding winery buildings designed by celebrated contemporary architects such as Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid. Also enjoy views of the medieval villages and beautiful mountains typical of the Rioja region. Continue to San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort that's the gastronomic capital of the Basque Country and home of some of the finest cuisine in the world. With your private guide, tour the picturesque historic center and walk along beautiful seaside promenades. Enjoy a private tasting tour that features the city's best pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—and Txakoli, an effervescent white wine from the region. Also enjoy a private tour of a local market followed by a cooking lesson at a private gastronomic society. One day, enjoy a private excursion to the charming fishing village of Getaria to wander its backstreets, tour the Balenciaga Museum, explore the surrounding Txakoli vineyards and dine at an acclaimed seafood restaurant. Also visit Bilbao, a city renowned for contemporary architecture, and enjoy a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum—a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry—and its art collection.

Continue to Barcelona, one of the world's most creative food destinations. Visit visit top food markets such as the Santa Caterina Market and La Boqueria Market, and enjoy a private tasting tour of some of Barcelona's most beloved tapas bars one evening. One day, enjoy a private foodie tour of one of Barcelona's most interesting neighborhoods, or learn to make local specialties during a private cooking lesson. Stroll along Las Ramblas—Barcelona's most famous boulevard—and explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera. Also discover Gaudi's fantastical structures such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo or Parc Guell. If desired, explore the city's shopping districts, stopping at upscale boutiques along the Passeig de Gracia and design shops in the stylish Born and Raval neighborhoods. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange other activities in Barcelona, such as wine touring in the Penedes or Priorat regions, excursions to Montserrat, Girona or Figueres, Jewish touring, tickets to soccer matches, visiting favorite family attractions, private yacht charters and more.