(Castilla & Rioja wine regions)

6 Days / 5 Nights

Self-Drive

Wine and Villages Full of History 

Day 1 : Madrid Airport: Arrive at Madrid airport and directly depart to Burgos. Lerma:  (2hrs 30 minutes). If time available, we suggest a short stop to walk in exceptional main square from XVIIth century. Burgos:  Overnight at hotel 

Day 2: Burgos:  Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we suggest a walk in this well preserved middle age town. Strolling through the quaint streets of Burgos, you’ll be able to admire many beautiful monuments, including its cathedral, one of the best gothic building in the country.  In the afternoon, excursion to the village of Covarrubias filled with middle age atmosphere streets. Next, visit the Monastery Santo Domingo de Silo (very important in the middle age, known as the center of wisdom and culture). Presently, it is one of the few places in the world where you can listen and watch mass in Gregorian rite, a ‘must’ for classic music lovers (timetable depends on season and day of the week). Return to the hotel. 

Day 3: Burgos: Breakfast at the hotel. First embark to Santo Domingo Calzada for an important stop in the ‘St James’ Pathway, a XII-XVIIth century cathedral. Next take a visit to San Millan Cogolla, which features a splendid monastery, and is considered the birthplace of Spanish language. You can also stop at Najera, where the XV and XVIth century Santa Maria la Real monastery remains from when it was the capital of a middle age kingdom. Finish the day in Logrono. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Logrono:  Breakfast, and overnight at hotel. Today you will visit the ‘world’ of the Rioja wine. All in this region is in relation with the Rioja wine.  In the morning, visit the area called ‘high Rioja’, its main village. In Haro, you will visit a museum, and technical institute of the Rioja wine. In Laguardia, you can visit Villa Lucia complex dedicated to wine. In the afternoon go to Labastida, a little village which the whole economy revolves around Rioja wine. 

Day 5: Logrono: Breakfast at the hotel. Todays first stop is Calatanazor. This little village is famous for a legendary Christian vs Arabs battle, and is almost unpopulated presently. Next stop is Burgos De Osma, where you can admire the important cathedral and old historical quarter. When you are done touring Burgos De Osma, proceed to Gormaz. About 5 kms before you arrive, you will see the impressive shape of huge defensive castle (one of the largest in Europe), curiously, inside there is an almost empty little village. You can also visit Berlanga Duero, which is also a nice village to discover by walking. In Medinaceli, you must drive up the hill where the old village remains. A IIIIth century Roman arch will welcome you to a village which is a National Monument from the first to the last stone of the village. Siguenza also has a lot to offer, with its Romanic cathedral, old university and several old palaces, all good reasons to walk around this village. On the top of the town rests a sensational XIIth century castle transformed in a nice Parador. Finish the day in Alcala Henares. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Alcala Henares:  Breakfast. Alcala Henares is a charming village to explore. It also happens to be the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote ( the books 400th anniversary was in 2005). Visit the house dedicated to Cervantes and the University. When you’re done, return rental car to the nearby Madrid airport (20 minutes).

Other itinerary suggestion: This itinerary could be available with slight modifications with arrival and departure Bilbao Airport – Stay a night in a XIIth century castle (Parador Siguenza)  a very nice experience or dinner at the castle and overnight in Alcala (1 hour time).

Inclusions:

• 5 nights accommodation at Bed and Breakfast 
• 6 days car rental 

**It is possible to customize your itinerary

Contact Us at 800-621-2259 or info@tourcrafters.com to book today!