Bespoke
Rioja Bespoke
Spoil your senses in Spain’s wine country
Country
Spain
Accommodation Options
Boutique hotels, historic hotels & private villas
Things to See & Do
Biking, culture, hiking, museums & wine tastings
Best Time To Go
May – June, September – October
Carbon Neutral Trip
Rioja is more than world-class wine (though yes, there’s plenty of that). Ride through rolling vineyards, medieval towns and into the artistic buzz of Bilbao and San Sebastián. With bold architecture, deep roots and food that rivals the vino, this is northern Spain at its most deliciously dynamic.
Rioja, renowned for its exceptional Tempranillo wines and diverse cuisine rooted in its varied landscape, offers an immersive experience for wine and food lovers.
An off-the-beaten-path cycling destination, Rioja offers incredible routes through its endless rolling vineyards, with mountain views and incredible architecture along the way—including the can't miss Marqués de Riscal hotel.
Discover the historic connections to the pilgrim era alongside modern design and architecture, with exclusive B&R access to the region's creative minds who share their stories.
Experience Designer
Trip Inspiration
Snapshot of a Day
Pedal through the foothills and vineyards, weaving between charming villages where a picnic of local specialties awaits.
Inspiration
Discover Rioja & Duero on Two Wheels
Riding through Rioja’s vineyard-laden hills is a sensory experience that melds breathtaking sights, delightful sounds and exquisite tastes. As you pedal along, your eyes are soothed by endless waves of green, punctuated by rust-coloured villages, while the meditative rush of the breeze is occasionally interrupted by the bleat of grazing lambs. Along the way, you’ll encounter musicians, chefs and artisans, each weaving their deep history with innovative creativity. Sample everything from crisp peppers to barbecued meats and txorizo, all paired with some of the most surprising vintages. After a day of exploration, rest in five-star accommodations and let the magic of Rioja truly blow your mind.
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: May – June, September – October
Things to See and Do: Marques de Riscal, the medieval village of ElCiego, vineyards and Sierra Cantábrica.
Don't Miss Out On: Embracing the spirit of Rioja by bike—cycling, eating, indulging your way through this special pocket of Spain.
Snapshot of a Day
Enjoy a lovely morning hike through the trails of Rioja, where you might stumble upon a quaint hamlet nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll savour a delicious lunch while local stories are shared.
Inspiration
Explore Rioja & Duero on Foot
Wander through neatly combed vineyards and flower-trimmed villages, pausing to savour local libations as you explore Rioja at a leisurely pace. Cross the Sierra Cantábrica, the mountain range that shields Rioja from the Atlantic’s chill and behold the endless valleys of vineyards stretching before you. Stroll through the secluded natural paradise at the foot of Ezcaray’s pristine valley, where fresh ocean air invigorates your senses and distant glimpses of France linger on the horizon. As you explore, you'll encounter local artisans, chefs and musicians who showcase their deep-rooted traditions with innovative flair. Your taste buds will embark on a journey as you indulge everything from nutty aged sheep’s milk cheese to flavourful tapas and Michelin-starred dishes, each tantalizing your palate. In Rioja, every step reveals a new adventure waiting to be savoured.
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: May – June, September – October
Things to See and Do: Sierra Cantábrica, Sierra de la Demanda, Ezcaray valley, vineyards and villages.
Don't Miss Out On: Following St. James’ footsteps on the Camino de Santiago that runs through La Rioja.
Snapshot of a Day
Sip exquisite wines and enjoy exclusive tastings right at the source, where the barrels hold the secrets of Rioja’s vineyards. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and stories behind each bottle.
Inspiration
Cultural Immersion in Rioja & Duero
While Rioja is renowned for its exceptional wine, the region and its surroundings are rich in artistic and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Experience gravity-defying architecture and contemporary masterpieces at Bilbao’s Guggenheim, then snag an exclusive invitation to one of the region's private gastronomic societies. Delve into history at prehistoric Atapuerca and the historic tunnels of Laguardia and join the vibrant local harvesting festivities of San Mateo in Logroño each September. Perfect your dance moves to the rhythms of txalaparta music in the countryside. Don’t miss the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, UNESCO World Heritage sites where the first written Spanish texts were found, offering a glimpse into the region's rich literary heritage. In Rioja, art and culture unfold at every turn, creating an unforgettable journey.
Recommended Duration: 5-8 days
Best Time To Go: May – June, September – October
Things to See and Do: Logroño, Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Suso and Yuso monasteries and gastronomic societies.
Don't Miss Out On: A txalaparta performance, the lively music created using a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone and several different flutes.
Featured stays
Hotel Marqués de Riscal
Location: Eltziego, Spain
Palacio de Samaniego
Location: Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine
Location: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Palacio Arriluce Hotel
Location: Getxo, Spain
Process
Step 1
Let's connect
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.
Step 3
Customized Itinerary and Confirmation
Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!
* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.
Good to know
Dining
Be aware that lunches and dinners are scheduled later than you may be used to, as is typical in Spain.
Wine
Rioja is renowned for its wine. Even if you aren’t a wine connoisseur, this region is great for history, culture and other activities—allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the heart of Spain.
Why choose a Bespoke trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.
Lifelong Memories
Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.
Years of Local Friendships
We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.
Creativity and Spontaneity
From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.
