Madrid, Rioja & San Sebastian
A Privately Guided Journey Through Madrid, Rioja & San Sebastián
Private driver-guided tour
Customisable itinerary
Flexibility on the day
A privately guided journey through Spain’s cultural heart, world‑class wine country, and the Basque coast
Discover the very best of Spain on a beautifully balanced journey designed for travellers who value comfort, insight, and effortless movement between regions. With private guides, curated experiences, and the option of a dedicated chauffeur‑guide throughout, this itinerary blends cultural depth with exceptional food, wine, and scenery.
From the grand boulevards and royal landmarks of Madrid to the vineyards of La Rioja and the elegant shores of San Sebastián, each destination has been chosen for its character and its ability to offer something truly memorable. Your hotels are among the finest in each region, and every day is crafted to feel polished, unhurried, and personal.
Madrid, Wine & Food
- Chauffeur‑driven travel throughout, with the option of a single dedicated driver‑guide for the entire journey
- Exceptional hotels, including The Palace Hotel Madrid, Hotel Marqués de Riscal, and Hotel Maria Cristina
- Insider access to Spain’s finest art collections, royal landmarks, and historic towns
- Immersive wine experiences in La Rioja, from heritage bodegas to boutique producers
- A deep dive into Basque gastronomy, markets, and pintxos culture
- Scenic coastal touring along one of Europe’s most dramatic shorelines
A journey shaped by culture, cuisine, and effortless travel
Spain rewards travellers who take the time to explore its regions in depth. This itinerary has been designed to do exactly that — connecting three distinct areas with private guides who bring each place to life, and chauffeur‑driven transfers that make the journey feel seamless from start to finish.
Your time in Madrid introduces you to Spain’s royal history, world‑class art, and vibrant culinary scene. From there, the landscape opens into the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, where striking architecture, family‑run wineries, and long‑established estates sit side by side. The journey concludes in San Sebastián, a city celebrated for its elegance, beaches, and extraordinary concentration of Michelin‑starred restaurants.
Throughout, the pace is relaxed, the experiences are curated, and every detail is handled for you — the hallmark of a Luxury Vacations Europe journey.
Your private chauffeur will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, or you may choose to begin your journey with a privately guided tapas experience — an ideal introduction to Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene, visiting hand‑picked bars known for their authenticity and quality.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 3 Nights
The Palace Hotel Madrid – A beautifully restored landmark offering classic elegance in the heart of the city.
Alternative: The Madrid EDITION – Contemporary luxury with modern design, a rooftop pool, and a lively atmosphere.
Meet your private guide and chauffeur this morning for an in‑depth exploration of Madrid’s regal and historic centre.
Visit the Royal Palace, where your guide will bring the State Apartments and ceremonial rooms to life with expert insight. Continue to the Almudena Cathedral, before strolling through the arcades and narrow streets of the Old Town.
Pause at Mercado de San Miguel for an informal lunch, sampling regional specialities at your own pace. The afternoon continues with a relaxed walk through nearby neighbourhoods, boutique shops and atmospheric squares.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 3 Nights
The Palace Hotel Madrid – A beautifully restored landmark offering classic elegance in the heart of the city.
Alternative: The Madrid EDITION – Contemporary luxury with modern design, a rooftop pool, and a lively atmosphere.
Today is dedicated to Madrid’s world‑class art scene. With your private art historian, enjoy a curated visit to the Museo del Prado, focusing on masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Continue to the Reina Sofía Museum to experience Picasso’s Guernica with expert interpretation.
After a relaxed lunch, spend the afternoon in El Retiro Park, followed by a gentle walk through the literary quarter, Barrio de las Letras, before returning to your hotel.
Recommended Hotel – 3 Nights
The Palace Hotel Madrid – A beautifully restored landmark offering classic elegance in the heart of the city.
Alternative: The Madrid EDITION – Contemporary luxury with modern design, a rooftop pool, and a lively atmosphere.
Your private chauffeur will drive you north into Castilla, stopping in Segovia for a privately guided visit of its UNESCO‑listed Old Town. Explore the extraordinary Roman aqueduct and the storybook Alcázar of Segovia, perched high above the countryside.
After lunch in Segovia, continue through rolling landscapes towards La Rioja. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a private vineyard tour — the perfect introduction to the region’s winemaking heritage.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 2 Nights
Hotel Marqués de Riscal – Frank Gehry’s iconic architectural masterpiece, offering exceptional wine experiences and a renowned spa.
Today’s privately guided wine journey showcases two contrasting perspectives of Rioja.
Begin at La Rioja Alta, one of the region’s most historic and respected wineries, followed by a more intimate tasting at Gómez Cruzado, a boutique bodega known for craftsmanship and small‑batch production.
Enjoy lunch in Haro, the wine capital of Rioja, before continuing to Logroño for a relaxed exploration of its Old Town and the lively pintxos bars of Calle Laurel.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 2 Nights
Hotel Marqués de Riscal – Frank Gehry’s iconic architectural masterpiece, offering exceptional wine experiences and a renowned spa.
Travel with your private chauffeur to Bilbao, where your guide will lead you through the striking Guggenheim Museum, a landmark of contemporary architecture. Continue with a private Basque cooking experience, preparing regional dishes with a local chef and enjoying them for lunch.
After a short guided walk through Bilbao’s Old Town, continue to San Sebastián, arriving in time to settle into your hotel.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 2 or 3 Nights
Hotel Maria Cristina – A grand Belle Époque icon overlooking the river, offering refined interiors and the most prestigious address in San Sebastián.
Meet your private guide for a morning visit to one of San Sebastián’s lively markets, such as La Bretxa, where you’ll discover the ingredients that define Basque cuisine. Continue with a relaxed walk along La Concha Beach and through the Old Town.
After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy a privately guided pintxos experience, visiting a curated selection of the city’s finest bars — a perfect way to immerse yourself in San Sebastián’s celebrated food culture.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 2 or 3 Nights
Hotel Maria Cristina – A grand Belle Époque icon overlooking the river, offering refined interiors and the most prestigious address in San Sebastián.
Today’s privately guided excursion explores the dramatic Basque coastline. Travel through rugged cliffs and fishing villages, stopping in Getaria and Zumaia, known for its extraordinary flysch rock formations.
Depending on your interests, you may choose to:
• Visit a traditional Basque cider house for tastings
• Join a local fisherman at sea for an authentic coastal experience
• Cross into France to explore the elegant seaside town of Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz
A relaxed seaside lunch can be arranged along the way.
Overnight:
Recommended Hotel – 2 or 3 Nights
Hotel Maria Cristina – A grand Belle Époque icon overlooking the river, offering refined interiors and the most prestigious address in San Sebastián.
Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
Madrid
Labastida
La-Rioja-SanVicente
Wine Seller
Bilbao
San Sebastian Old Town
Help us make your trip exceptional
Our UK, EU and US office-based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a family trip or a corporate incentive, we’ll tailor every detail — including our new journey through Madrid, Rioja and San Sebastián — to suit your needs.
To begin, we’ll ask for your travel dates, personal preferences and any specific places or experiences you’d like to include.
We’ll then create a draft itinerary for your review, and once approved, you’ll receive your Booking Confirmation along with a personalised itinerary and information pack.
Contact information
From the UK: +44(0)20 8669 3666
FREE from Canada or the USA: 1-888-472-1799
Email: [email protected]