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Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Catalonia & Navarra, Spain

Rioja and Cava Wine Tour

  • Panorama from Montserrat, Catalonia

    Panorama from Montserrat, Catalonia
  • Cavas Freixenet Headquarters, Catalonia

    Cavas Freixenet Headquarters, Catalonia - Group Travel
  • Old Vineyard Marqués de Riscal at Rioja ©Old Vineyards Marqués de Riscal at Rioja

    Old Vineyard Marqués de Riscal at Rioja, Cruise Spain ©Old Vineyards Marqués de Riscal at Rioja
9 day tour
Price on request

See the esteemed wine regions of Catalonia and Navarra with visits to Barcelona, Laguardia and Pamplona

Start your Spanish adventure with this luxurious tour of the Catalonia, Navarra and Álava regions, for a wine tour like no other. See undoubtedly some of Spain’s most beautiful regions and a firm favourite with travellers. La Rioja  is a province in northern Spain with a renowned local wine industry, Many of vineyards occupy the Ebro valley and surround the old town of Haro below the Cantabrian Mountains then further to the east in the Monserrat Mountains another Spanish icon calls this home, Cava. Among the best known Cava houses, Freixenet is produced and bottled nowhere but here. A tour combining both these regions and the world renowned delicacies that have their roots here, you do not want to miss this one.

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Barcelona; the illustrious Capital of Catalonia

Barcelona’s architecture is so iconic it doesn’t even need to be finished to be fawned over. From remnants of the Roman era Barcino’s ancient city walls through the medieval Cathedrals of the Gothic Quarter to the eclectic Modernisme of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, Barcelona is a city of true architectural variety. Its most famous spot- and Spain’s most visited attraction – is La Sagrada Familia. The famous La Rambla street carves through the inner city, flanked by trees and seemingly endless shops, cafes and restaurants. Known to many as Las Ramblas due to its various sections, the expansive boulevard takes its name from a long-since dried up local stream. Poking over rooftops in the distance stand the impressive Collseda Hills, a dramatic reminder of the natural Catalan beauty on Barcelona’s doorstep. The hilltop Montjuïc meanwhile offers the chance to get lost among botanic gardens, castles and museums.

Montserrat & Freixenet Cava

Lying just over half way up the impressive rocky limestone mountain of Montserrat, the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat is home of La Moreneta (The Little Brown One or Black Virgin). A revered piece of Spain religious iconography, the statue stands before the impressive brooks, rocky pillars and ravines of the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat. In the foothills of the mountains, in the fertile, lush vineyards, The local slightly sparkling wine similar to Champagne is produced here. With a visit to the Bodegas Freixenet, one of the most famous Cava brands, you will soon learn, in depth, the production and the heritage of this Catalan delight.

The wines, cities and towns of La Rioja

This area of Spain has over 500 wineries and is internationally famous for the quality of its wines. your first taste will be at the Bodegas Alfaros, at the side of the Ebro River nature Reserve. Discover the essence of the Ebro and discover why so many wineries thrive off the land of Rioja. As well as this, visit the fascinating city of Logroño,  rich in history and traditions which have been preserved since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela made this one of the most important towns on the route, however, here is also La Rioja Museum. Also here, enjoy a stroll along the Laurel Street, lined with Pintxo bars (the local version of tapas bars) – there are over 50 to choose from in a 4 block square. As well as this, we follow the wine routes through Navarra into Álava and all across the region stopping at numerous bodegas for a taste and a tour.

Pamplona; the Bullish Capital of Navarra

Probably most infamously known by many for the traditional festivals that take place here. However there is so much more to the capital of the Navarra region. With its grand cathedral, archaeological treasures and 16th-century fortifications, there’s much history in this atmospheric medieval city. The cobblestones through the centre of town, Pamplona makes a fascinating place to explore. The picturesque city centre is a delight, full of green areas and there are an abundance of Pintxos, with produce from the local wineries and farms.

As well as this, there is plenty of bodegas, wineries and cities along the route that can also be included. Enquire today to see how we can tailor to your group and for an alternative tour why not dicover more of La Rioja.


Dates

Dates throughout 2024


Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to Barcelona Hotel

Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, you will be met by a ‘Meet and Greet’ assistant. Then you will be transferred to your central 4 star Superior Barcelona hotel for 3 nights B&B. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore Barcelona.

Day 2

Barcelona sightseeing

After breakfast, your full day coach with English speaking guide arrives for a full day sightseeing tour of Barcelona. The city needs no introduction – Barcelona is bursting with art, culture and history. Discover the vibrant and dynamic capital of Catalonia, from it’s famous tree-lined Las Ramblas boulevard, filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and colourful stalls to its renowned example of Gaudi’s work. The electric atmosphere, medieval history and cosmopolitan vibe combine to make Barcelona an ever popular destination. Pass by sights including Gaudi’s masterpiece La Sagrada Familia cathedral or his famous houses, La Pedrera and Casa Battló, Montjuíc or the central Plaça Catalunya. Afterwards, return to your hotel and the rest of the day/evening will be at your leisure.

Day 3

Montserrat and Cava House Visit

After breakfast, board your coach as you head north out of Barcelona into the surrounding hills for a full day excursion to two of Catalonia’s most famous sights. After about an hour’s drive, you will visit Benedictine monastery of Montserrat. The Basilica is Catalonia’s most important religious retreat and is home to the ‘Black Madonna’, one of only around 500 in Europe. Located near the summit of a 4,000-foot high mountain, the monastery is home yo about 80 monks and the Montserrat Boys Choir sing daily in the Basilica. Enjoy free time here to see the monastery and take in the amazing views. Lunch will be at your leisure. In the afternoon, head back down to the Cava wine growing region. The local slightly sparkling wine is similar to Champagne. Here visit the Bodegas Freixenet, one of the most famous Cava brands and enjoy a tour and tasting. Then you will return to Barcelona to enjoy the rest of the day/evening at your leisure.

Day 4

 Barcelona to the Rioja

After Breakfast, check-out of your hotel and your coach arrives to transfer to the Rioja region. En-route, stop at the Bodegas Alfaros, at the side of the Ebro River nature Reserve, for a winery tour and tasting. Then you will continue to Laguardia, and arrive at your 4 star Superior hotle for 3 nights B&B. A pretty and charming walled village, Laguardia is at the heart of the Laguardia region and its vineyards. The rest of the day/evening is at your leisure. Perhaps, explore the ‘El Fabulista’ medieval wine cellar, situated under the streets of Laguardia.

 

Day 5

 Logroño sightseeing and Rioja Vineyards

After breakfast, your coach and guide arrives for a full day visit centred around the Rioja and its wines. Head to Logroño, home of Rioja, for a full guided tour and some free time. Situated on the Ebro River, capital of the province of La Rioja and the largest town in the area, Logroñois a joy to discover and rich in history as the heart of a disputed region. Enjoy a stroll along the Laurel Street, lined with Pintxo bars (the local version of tapas bars) – there are over 50 to choose from in a 4 block square. Lunch will be at your leisure. Continue through the scenic Rioja vineyard region to the Bodegas Franco Espanolas, one of the best Rioja wines, for a tour and tasting.

 

Day 6

 Rioja Highlights – Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture and Marques de Riscal Vineyards

After breakfast, board your coach and head out again to visit two of the stand out attractions in the Rioja region. First you will head to the Bodegas Vivanco in Briones for a visit. At the excellent Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, inaugurated by King Juan Carlos, the museum’s 4,000sqm of exhibitions are devoted to man’s 8,000 year relationship with wine and is today respected as one of the great icons of world wine. Also enjoy lunch at Bodegas Vivanco. Afterwards, head to the town of Elciego to the Marques de Riscal vineyards and tasting rooms. Possibly the most architecturally stunning of the wineries. Constructed by Frank Gehry, the architect of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, via the splendour of the Rioja countryside. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

 

Day 7

Laguardia to Pamplona

After breakfast, your coach will arrive to take you to Pamplona. En-route, stop at the Bodegas Estella for a winery visit with tasting of another great Rioja wine. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Pamplona at the heart of the Navarra region, arriving at your 4 star Superior hotel for 1 night B&B. The rest of your day/evening will be at your leisure to discover the old town and walk along the celebrated route of the ‘San Fermin’ festival, home to the infamous ‘Running of the Bulls’ every July. Perhaps, sample some Pintxos and wine in the old town.

Day 8

Pamplona to Barcelona

After breakfast, your coach arrives to take you back south through Spain towards Barcelona and the Mediterranean. En route, stop in the hills north of Barcelona at the Bodegas Torres in Vilafranca del Penedès, perhaps one of the most well known Spanish wines, for a tour and tasting. Upon arrival in central Barcelona, check in to your 4 star Superior hotel for 1 night B&B. The rest of the day/evening will be at your leisure.

Day 9

Depart Spain and Return Home

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and board your private group transfer to Barcelona airport for your return flight.


We have a wide selection of 3* and 4* hotels to suit your budget.

 


You may also be interested in:

Discovering La Rioja

Gourmet Catalonia – Discover the Delicacies of Northern Spain

A Spanish New Year – Beaches, Bubbly and Barcelona!

Valencia and the Orange Blossom Coast


9 days / 8 nights
Half Twin Single Supplement
2024 dates
Price on request Price on request
All prices are per person based on sharing a double or twin room and with one free place in a single room, based on a minimum 25 full fare paying passengers. Prices do not include UK coach hire or travel insurance. Dates are subject to availability. Smaller groups can be quoted for on request. Greatdays Holidays Limited is a member of ABTA (Y0380) which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. Greatdays Holidays Limited has an ATOL licence (4279) and all of our air package tours are protected under this licence. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the Civil Aviation Authority will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any monies you have paid to us for an advance booking. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this tour are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Our website policy is to use only copyright free images or images which have been authorised to us for free use by the owner. If you consider an image to be unauthorised or to be your property, please contact us immediately and if invalid we will have the image removed. If your image requires crediting or is missing a copyright statement then we will be pleased to add this to the webpage, contact us at info@greatdays.co.uk

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