Day 1- Friday - Transfer from Madrid Airport to our luxurious
four star wine hotel in the magical medieval town of Laguardia.
Briefing of the trip over an aperitif and our first toast
of wine followed by a delicious gourmet dinner.
Day 2- Saturday - Visit of a wine museum in a lovely villa,
where we will have an interesting introductory wine tasting
class, including different aged wines from La Rioja, accompanied
with some of the typical regional products. (* optional Golf
class for beginners)
Lunch will be at one of the best restaurants in Laguardia,
with spectacular views of the vineyards.
Visit to the Dinastia Vivanco Museum of the Culture of Wine
located in Briones. Here we will discover how wine is made,
the work of the coopers and bottle makers, methods of storing
and transporting wine, the history of wine and different wines
of the world, and, above all, the vast cultural legacy which
wine has inspired all over the world, from the ancient Egyptians
to modern times. Tasting of one of its wines after the visit.
Day 3 - Sunday
Today we will enjoy a fabulous wine activity right in the
vineyards. We will learn about the winemaking process through
the wine maker and participate in some activities depending
on the season. Afterwards we will visit an ancient winery
to taste its wine as well as a typical Spanish sweet liqueur
“Patxaran” and have the traditional tapas before
lunch.
Lunch will be at a renowned restaurant.
Rest of the afternoon free for you to explore this fascinating
region.
Day 4 - Monday
Today we will visit one of the many old century wineries that
exist in this region and taste the legendary Rioja wine before
a gourmet lunch at our exquisite hotel restaurant.
In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided
tour through Laguardia, ending up with a visit to an stunning
XIIth century cellar, one of the many underneath the town.
A tasting tutored by a professional will follow.
Day 5 - Tuesday
Today we will drive through spectacular La Rioja wine countryside
until reaching San Millan de la Cogolla, to visit the Human
Heritage monasteries of Suso and Yuso, birthplace of Castilian
language. On the way to San Millan we will pass through Berceo,
birthplace of Gonzalo de Berceo, the first poet of the Spanish
language. Then we will continue our way to a charming mountainous
village where we will enjoy a creative lunch at one of the
best restaurants in the region ( with Michelin star ), and
end the day in Santo Domingo de La Calzada with its famous
13th century cathedral, where you will see the tomb of a Saint
as well as a chicken coop right inside the church! Ask about
the miracle of the cock and the hen and you will find out
why. Then stroll through its streets and pause for a rest
in the Tourist Parador, the former Pilgrims’ Hospice.
Back to Laguardia. Evening free.
Day 6 - Wednesday - Today we will visit a famous winery, not
only for the quality of its wine but for its fascinating architecture.
We will taste two of its magnificent wines.
After this fabulous experience we will enjoy a farewell traditional
lunch in a cellar. When it comes round to lunchtime, don’t
miss the lamb chops grilled over vine twigs or potatoes with
chorizo sausages, typical Rioja cuisine which can be enjoyed
in some of the cellars. Rest of the afternoon free.
Day 7 - Thursday - Savour your last full breakfast. Check
out. Transfer to airport and end of our services.
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