Day 1. WELCOME TO BASQUE COUNTRY
Touch down at Bilbao Airport – or roll into the train station if you are coming in via rail– and meet up with your host. Settle in for the scenic 90-minute ride south through rural Basque Country, as you make your way toward Rioja Alavesa in the Rioja wine region. You'll get your first glimpses of rolling vineyards and the area's quaint architecture before arriving at the hotel in Laguardia. This is your base for the next four nights, so settle in, take a stroll around the vineyards and relax before enjoying a welcome dinner and wine tasting. You'll sample wines made directly at the winery here.
Day 2. HIKE THE BASQUE COUNTRY'S RIOJA FORMER RAILWAY AND LUNCH IN A WINE CELLAR. 12km +210m/-100m
Enjoy breakfast before doing our first hiking route from Nájera to Badarán following the peaceful Vía Verde del Najerilla, a former railway line that has been converted into a scenic walking and cycling path. The route runs through vineyards and gentle countryside, offering wide open views of La Rioja’s rolling hills.
Nájera, the starting point, is a historic town on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), known for its impressive Santa María la Real Monastery and its rich cultural heritage.
This easy and pleasant hike is ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and wine-growing landscapes of the region. After the hike, you'll head to some wineries for a guided tour of the vineyards and winemaking processes, with obligatory wine tastings and a magnificent homemade meal in the winery itself. In the afternoon, we will visit the charming medieval town of Laguardia, famous for its wine culture, cobbled streets, and beautifully preserved architecture.
Day 3. E-BIKING OR HIKING, HOT SPRINGS AND BAR-HOPPING IN LA RIOJA. E-BIKE. 22Km HIKE 12 Km +300m/-70m
Explore further today, heading south and crossing into the region of La Rioja to the expansive valley of the Cidacos River. Here, you'll hop on an e-bike and hit the Via Verde del Cidacos – a beautiful, meandering gravel biking trail. The route will see you pedaling past lush groves on the banks of the Cidacos River, through farmland, almond and olive orchards before reaching the towering rock formations of Arnedillo which flank the trail.
At Arnedillo, you'll take a leisurely 2,000 ft stroll along the banks of the Cidacos River to a series of natural thermal hot springs with a mountainous backdrop. The water temperature in the pools ranges from 100-118ºF, progressively heating as you move through the pools. You can swim in the river to alternate between hot and cold. Soak away in this dreamy spot, eventually drying off and popping into a restaurant in Arnedillo for a late tapas lunch, Spanish style.
Late afternoon, you'll head to Logroño, a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. Stroll around the lively streets, including Laurel Street in the historic centre, renowned for its many tapas and pintxos bars.
Day 4. HIKE THE BASQUE COUNTRY'S RIOJA
LEVEL A. SIERRA DE CANTABRIA: MOUNT TOLOÑO – PEÑA DEL CASTILLO. 12Km +800m/-800m.
This demanding mountain route climbs from the surroundings of Laguardia into the Sierra de Cantabria, reaching prominent viewpoints such as Toloño and Peña del Castillo. The ascent is steep from the outset, with rocky paths and sustained gradients. On the upper section, we walk along ridges and open slopes with outstanding views over the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, the Ebro Valley and, on clear days, even the Pyrenees. A varied and scenic descent completes this powerful circular hike.
LEVEL B. HIKE THE BASQUE COUNTRY'S RIOJA WINE AND FISH ROUTE. 12Km +250m/-250m.
Enjoy breakfast while taking in the scenery from your hotel, then get moving as you head off to explore the hiking trails of La Rioja Wine Route. The Rioja wine region stretches from Rioja Alavesa in Basque Country and down into the neighboring region of La Rioja, and today's trails meander through rural landscapes and vineyards, with mountains in the distance creating the backdrop. You'll pass the lagoons of Laguardia, a protected biosphere and one of the world's most important wetlands for migratory birds. Your hike takes you along the GR38 trail, also known as the Wine and Fish Route, an ancient trade route between the lands of La Rioja and the seaports of the coast of Bizkaia, near Bilbao.
Lunch in Laguardia. In the afternoon, a visit to the Marqués de Riscal Winery, one of Spain’s most iconic wineries, renowned for its exceptional wines and innovative spirit. During your visit, you can explore the original 19th-century winery, stroll through its historic wine cellars, and learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. A highlight of the experience is the striking City of Wine, designed by the world-famous architect Frank Gehry. This avant-garde building, with its flowing metallic forms in shades of pink, gold, and silver, has become a symbol of the region.
Day 5. SAN MILLÁN DE LA COGOLLA & EZCARAY.
LEVEL A. SAN LORENZO SUMMIT (2,271 M) FROM VALDEZCARAY. 13Km +900m/-900m.
Starting from the Valdezcaray ski resort, we follow a combination of mountain paths and high-altitude tracks, gradually gaining height as we enter the upper areas of the Sierra de la Demanda. The ascent is steady and demanding, opening up into a more panoramic final section. Our objective is the summit of San Lorenzo, La Rioja's highest point. From the top, we enjoy spectacular views over La Rioja, Burgos and Soria provinces. The descent follows an alternative route, completing a varied and rewarding circular hike.
LEVEL B. HIKE AROUND SAN MILLÁN DE LA COGOLLA. 10 Km +200m/-200m.
This 10 km hike offers a peaceful route through lush riverbank forests, meadows, and small mountain foothills. The trail is suitable for all levels, with mild elevation gain and plenty of scenic spots along the way. After the hike, the day continues with a cultural visit to San Millán de la Cogolla, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of La Rioja’s most significant historical landmarks, Yuso Monastery – Known as the “Escorial of La Rioja,” this 11th-century monastery houses extraordinary religious artworks, ancient manuscripts, and the relics of Saint Millán and Suso Monastery – Perched on the hillside above, this is the birthplace of both the Spanish and Basque languages, where the famous Glosas Emilianenses were written.
In the afternoon, both levels will visit Ezcaray, one of La Rioja’s most charming mountain villages, beautifully set at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda. Known for its stone houses, lively main square and traditional atmosphere, Ezcaray offers a perfect mix of rural character and local life.
Day 6. DAY OFF IN SAN SEBASTIAN
After breakfast, you will head on to the fantastic city of San Sebastian. This is one of Spain's absolute gems – an absurdly beautiful city nestled in a natural bay with three urban beaches, street musicians, parks, promenades and the famous old town. This day, you will have free time to explore San Sebastian's famous pintxos bars hidden in its labyrinth of old, cobbled streets. The atmosphere is incredible as food and drink lovers from all over the world partake in one of the planet's most memorable food experiences. Enjoy a variety of pintxos as you hop from bar to bar, all washed down with local beers and wines, and treat yourself to a slice of Basque cheesecake, invented right here in San Sebastian.
Day 7. HIKE THE COAST AND SAMPLE THE BEST SIDRERÍA IN SAN SEBASTIAN. 12Km +350m/-400m
Enjoy one last breakfast and hitting the road north to Basque Country's spectacular Atlantic coastline. You'll be hiking a section of the GR121 – known as the Flysch Route – a coastal trail that runs between Deba and Zumaia, with amazing scenery as the mountains reach the wild Atlantic Ocean. Follow the trail down to sea level at points to explore the wild stretches of beach beneath the rugged cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay. In the afternoon, Farewell meals don't get any better than this. we will visit a traditional cider house (sidrería) in Astigarraga, located just outside San Sebastian. These cider houses are famous for their lively atmosphere, where guests serve themselves cider directly from the large barrels. It is a truly authentic Basque experience to end the trip on a high note.
Day 8. ¡ADIOS AMIGOS!
Your trip comes to an end today. Transfer back to Bilbao Airport.
