NORTH OF SPAIN


NORTH OF SPAIN

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 5, 2024

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 5, 2025

Package Price:    $ 7095. with 5 participants minimum

Package Price:    $ 6595. with 6-9 participants

Package Price:    $ 6095. with 10-14 participants

“A VISUAL AND GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE”

MADRID/ASTURIAS/LA RIOJA

Spain is a fascinating country, full of history, culture and amazing sights. Although I have travelled the entire Iberian Peninsula, the north of Spain, specially Asturias and La Rioja, are by far my favorite regions.  The gastronomic excellence, best wines in the world and fantastic weather complement the breathtaking picture opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Join us in this comprehensive exploration of the sights and gastronomic wonders of northern Spain visiting its quaint villages, centers of culture and experiencing La Rioja during the grape harvest. Stay in hand selected hotels while dining in the places locals do.

DATES

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 5, 2022

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 5, 2023

GROUP SIZE

MAXIMUM 14

ACTIVITY LEVEL

LIGHT

What's Included

Hotel Accommodations

13 NIGHTS OF SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS
IN 4 STAR HOTELS


Meals

ALL BREAKFASTS, TWO DINNERS

FIVE WINE TASTINGS


Transportation

ALL LAND TRANSPORTATION

ENTRANCES TO MONUMENTS

TUITION


*PRICE IS PER PERSON, SINGLE OCCUPANCY.

A DEPOSIT OF $ 500 IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOU SPACE.

NOT INCLUDED:

AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND AIRFARE FROM/TO YOUR HOME CITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED.

LUNCHES  AND DINNERS (EXCEPT FOR 2).

DRIVER’S TIPS.  

ITINERARY

Day 1

Madrid/Villanueva de San Mancio

Arrival in Madrid Barajas Airport and transfer to the village of Villanueva de San Mancio to start our adventure and experience our first gastronomic feast in our welcome dinner

Hotel La Posada del Canal

Day 2

Villanueva de San Mancio

Today we enjoy our first wine tastings at the Protos Cellar in the Penafiel Castle and in the Villa Vilano Winery, both locations with great picture opportunities. Dinner tonight is at Medina de Rioseco

Hotel La Posada del Canal

Day 3

Villanueva de San Mancio /Laguardia

Early morning departure to Laguardia in the heart of La Rioja. Set atop a hill in the middle of a valley, the picture-perfect town of Laguardia, is a walled town surrounded by vineyards on all sides.

In the afternoon enjoy a walk through the medieval narrow streets and stop at one of the multiple bars to try some local wine accompanied by a ración or a pintxo, before dinner.

Hotel Eguren Ugarte

Day 4

La Rioja

The tiny province of La Rioja is distinguished by its ochre-colored earth, bright blue skies, and world famous wines. Vineyards line the banks of the Río Ebro, while hilltop towns such as Haro and Logroño straddle the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. After breakfast we photograph the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Haro where we have lunch. In the afternoon have another wine tasting in the Muga Winery. On the way many landscape opportunities to photograph arise.

Hotel Eguren Ugarte

Day 5

La Rioja

Another day in the heart of the best wine region in the world. A visit to Elciego Village and a wine tasting at the world famous and photogenic Marques de Riscal Cellar is the highlight of our day.

Hotel Eguren Ugarte

Day 6

Laguardia/Burgos/Leon

After breakfast we transfer to Leon with a quick stop in Burgos to visit its magnificent cathedral.

León is a wonderful city, combining stunning historical architecture with an irresistible energy. Its standout attraction is the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Spain. Tonight we stroll the streets to capture twilight images of narrow streets and plazas of the picturesque old quarter, the Barrio Húmedo.

Parador San Marcos

Day 7

Leon/Oviedo

Time to transfer to Oviedo, but before leaving magnificent Leon, we visit its world famous cathedral.

The city of Oviedo, capital of Spain’s Asturias region, it’s a relatively small city, yet both elegant and refined, with a charming historic quarter and plenty of shops and restaurants.  Tonight we explore the historic center while enjoying some exquisite cider and dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel La Reconquista

Day 8

Villaviciosa/Luanco/Gijon

After a quick breakfast we explore the villages of Villaviciosa (famous for its Cider), the seaside village of Luanco where we have lunch by its charming port and ending the day at the historic district of Barrio Cimadevilla in Gijon. Dinner tonight at Casa Ramon

Hotel La Reconquista

Day 9

Ribadesella/Cangas de Onis

After breakfast we depart for Cangas de Onis with a quick stop at Ribadesella for lunch and some images of its charming port. Split in two by the Río Sella’s estuary, Ribadesella is a low-key fishing town and lively beach resort. At night we photograph Cangas town’s center and its magnificent Roman arch.

Hotel Los Arcos

Day 10

Picos de Europa/Covadonga/Cabrales

The first capital of Christian Spain, Cangas de Onís, is situated in the narrow valley carved by the Sella River. We start the day with a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park, known for its dramatic scenery, rocky trails and home to the Enol and Ercina glacial lakes. We end the day with a visit to the Covadonga village, the Santa Cueva de Covadonga, a cliff side cave sanctuary with a Romanesque chapel and the magnificent sanctuary where King Pelayo defeated the moors. Dinner tonight is in the village of Benia de Onis at the Casa Moran restaurant.

Hotel Los Arcos

Day 11

Cangas/Santillana del Mar/San Vicente

Today we travel to Santillana del Mar, one of the towns with the greatest historical-artistic value in Spain and of true architectural treasures.  A visit to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, its most representative building, will complete our exploration of the town.

Time to head to San Vicente de la Barquera one of the most picturesque sights on the Cantabrian coast, with its beaches, the old village and the exceptional backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Picos de Europa. A late lunch at the Boga-Boga restaurant completes our adventure.

Hotel Los Arcos

Day 12

Madrid

After breakfast we transfer to Madrid where you will enjoy the free afternoon. Before dinner we shoot some of the monuments near the hotel at twilight.

Hotel Jardin de Recoletos

Day 13

Visits to Parque del Retiro, Fuente de Las Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala and other of Madrid’s important sights will be scheduled for today. At night we have our goodbye dinner at El Capricho Restaurant.

Hotel Jardin de Recoletos

Day 14

Madrid

Departure/Transfer airport