Things to do in La Rioja, Spain: The Best Day Trips from

July 27, 2021 Marlin Saiz

Don't let its size fool you; Spain's smallest province makes a big name for itself with enticing wines and spectacular scenery. From its healing thermal baths to its rugged mountain trails, La Rioja provides the perfect getaway to any traveler. Action junkies can find adventures skiing, biking or white-water rafting, while the more sedate will find a peaceful respite sipping wine in the region's lush vineyards, or walking the famous pilgrims' trail to Santiago.
Restaurants in La Rioja

1. Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja

Ikusnahi Tours
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Spend the day in wine country on this full-day Rioja day trip from San Sebastian, with lunch. Explore Rioja, home to some of the world’s most renowned wines, and uncover the secrets of wine production at 2 of its top wineries. After that enjoy a traditional Rioja meal and a visit to the medieval village of Briones.

Inclusions: Private experienced guide and driver, Private group, Hotel pick up and drop off, All transportation costs (petrol, parking and toll), Guided visit in 2 top wineries with premium wine tasting , Traditional Rioja 5-course lunch with wine pairing, Olive oil tasting

Exclusions: Meals, drinks and tickets that are not listed above, Gratuities

Reviewed By Agnieszka_Filipowicz

Can, getting to know the city, its architecture, history and traditions, be interesting and not boring at all? Well, difficult, specially if we talk about San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain) so beautiful city, that just see it leaves breathless. When I came to live to San Sebastian in 2006 I was totally impressed by the beauty of this town, however I did not discovered the soul of the city until I experienced the unrivalled city tour with Ikusnahi this summer. We have been walking around the city with Ania, who explained everything in such amazing and interesting way, natural and very funny at the same time! She left space for open discussion for you to begin to discover for yourself, in an imperceptible way, that you know the city more deeply, understanding the local culture and people much better.

2. Rioja Wineries and Laguardia Tour with Picnic from San Sebastian

Basque Tours
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5.0 based on 39 reviews

Enjoy a day of wine tasting in Spain's famed Rioja region during this 9-hour guided tour and picnic from San Sebastian. Visit three wineries, tasting at least 3 different wines in each, before heading to a fourth winery to tour its underground wine caves and tunnels – the setting for a picnic-style lunch paired with a Crianza red wine from the winery. Spend the afternoon exploring the medieval village of Laguardia. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Inclusions: Wine tastings, Professional Driver/Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch

Exclusions: Optional wine purchases, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By 431rowenas

This is a late review as I took this in 2016. This company is amazing. They took us on personalised tours with a very knowledgeable and personable, professional driver. There were plenty of opportunities to explore and we got to learn local culture and they took us to unusual and beautiful areas not on the beaten track. Would thoroughly recommend.

3. Rioja Full Experience Tour from San Sebastian with Lunch

Go Basque
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

We invite you to discover the most famous wine region of Spain, La Rioja, where traditional family wineries coexist with more avant-garde ones. During this full day tour, we will get the opportunity to explore the different styles of wineries of La Rioja Wine Region, from century-old to boutique-style wineries. We will stroll through vineyards, learn about the elaboration processes employed in winemaking, and, of course, taste the wines of famous wineries in La Rioja Region. In addition to this, our tour includes a traditional Riojan lunch with wine pairings. After completing the tour, you will have learned about the history of the area and the different styles of wines produced today in La Rioja Region. You will travel as part of a small group with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 6. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Guided winery visit and wine tasting at one centenary-old winery of La Rioja Region, Wine tastings at two other wineries of the Region (two wines per winery), Traditional Riojan 3-course lunch paired with wine, Friendly local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Any additional food or wine tastings not specified.

Reviewed By couchman70

I cannot recommend this day trip highly enough. Ander provided the most amazing day - hotel pickup, beautiful sights, history, cultural information, and treats along the way. The stop at each town was incredibly memorable. We also had a great stop at the Spanish-French border for a coffee and incredible views. If you're looking for a special day that will take you away frm the tourist-heavy sites in Donostia-San Sebastian, this is the tour for you. Ander, thank you so much for your warmth and for a day that we will never forget. If we visit again your beautiful country, you will see us for a repeat tour! Brian Couch and Flo Couch

4. La Rioja Small Group Tour: Winery Visit, Wine Tasting and Traditional Lunch

Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Spain is widely famous for its wines' high quality, and the cradle of these wines, the land that provides its name to the apellation of La Rioja, is not far from our city. Enjoy a visit to a wine cellar (bodega), having a relaxing walk through the wineyards, learning the wine-making process from the grape harvest to the maturation and finishing the experience with a wine tasting  with a expert and a complete lunch with local products and the best wines. Definitely the best way to know the basics of the best Spanish wines!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation by car, Local guide, Wine tasting, Lunch

Exclusions: Infant lunch is excluded

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

5. Rioja Like A Native Wine Tour

Rioja Like A Native
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

In our "Like a Native” tour, you will learn the differences of how wine was made in the past and today, always gaining first-hand knowledge from the wine family producers, who will explain everything you need to know about our extensive wine culture.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Guide, 2 winery visits + wine tastings in each, and lunch "like a native"

Exclusions: Tips (optional)

Reviewed By Paulina B

This was one of our most memorable moments in Rioja. My husband, daughter (13 yrs.) and I enjoyed riding through the beautiful vineyards, learning about the horses and loving the relaxing scenery. We really appreciated the owner as he took a lot to time with us to talk about his horses and working with them. My daughter was enchanted and felt so connected to these gentle, sensitive animals. Rebecca was an excellent tour guide and she shared she enters in horse competitions. Horses from Spain are well known to be well trained and gentle. We look forward to visiting again!

6. Half Day Rioja Wine Tour

Rioja Like A Native
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

In this half day wine tour, you will visit 2 different wineries and you will learn about the winemaking process for the different classifications of Rioja Red wines, the different kinds of oak barrels used to age these wines.

Inclusions: Private transport, English speaker guide and 2 winery visits + wine tasting in each of them

Exclusions: Tips (optional)

Reviewed By IsobelValencia

This was absolutely the best wine tour we have ever taken! The selection of wineries (family, estate, and 15th century) was perfect, and we learned so much about the winemaking process in the region. Our guide, Jose Maria, was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our questions. He even made a picnic lunch for us in his home. Rebeca, of Rioja Like a Native Wine tour, was extremely helpful and customized the trip just for us. A remarkable experience, and one we highly recommend!

7. Half day with lunch - Rioja Wine Tour

Rioja Like A Native
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

In this half day wine tour with lunch, you will visit 2 different wineries and you will learn about the winemaking process for the different classifications of Rioja Red wines, the different kinds of oak barrels used to age these wines, and finally you will enjoy a local lunch in a charming walled medieval village from the 10th century.

Inclusions: Private transportation, English guide, 2 winery visits + wine tastings and lunch in Laguardia

Exclusions: Tips (optional)

Reviewed By IsobelValencia

This was absolutely the best wine tour we have ever taken! The selection of wineries (family, estate, and 15th century) was perfect, and we learned so much about the winemaking process in the region. Our guide, Jose Maria, was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all our questions. He even made a picnic lunch for us in his home. Rebeca, of Rioja Like a Native Wine tour, was extremely helpful and customized the trip just for us. A remarkable experience, and one we highly recommend!

8. Customized & Exclusive Private tours in & from San Sebastian

Iker Bardaji Private Tour Guide
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

I serve you personal assistance to offer unique experiences along the Basque Country. The flexibility of my personal treat makes my tours unique. I take pride in customizing my tours to your individual priorities, enabling you to discover both the world class attractions and hidden corners of the Basque Country; extraordinary places which will bear remarkable memories. Discover the Basque Country & Rioja wine area like a local. Personalized tours adapted to your willing and need guided by the expert local tour guide. I am specialized in gourmet food and wine, culture, adventure and nature tours making you feel a temporarily basque citizen. PERSONALIZED & EXCLUSIVE My customized tours allows you to get the most out of your limited time, and gives you the chance to experience the extraordinary. I really know how to explore the country and I'd do it in your way, pace and wish. Ask for any idea and I will make your dreamed trip become true. Welcome to the Basque Country and Rioja!

Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Private licensed tour guide service, Air-conditioned vehicle, On Rioja wine tasting tour, Pintxos food tasting in San Sebastian or Bilbao tour, Tickets for Bilbao and Guggenheim museum tour, Wine tastings in Rioja tour, Private group! just & only for you, I do not join people from other tours

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9. La Rioja two wineries visit with wine tasting and pintxos in small group tour

Local Experts Tours Pamplona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spain is widely famous for its wines' high quality, and the cradle of these wines, the land that provides its name to the DO La Rioja, is reachable from Pamplona. Enjoy visiting two wineries (bodegas), have a relaxing walk through the vineyards, learning the wine-making process from the grape harvest to the maturation and finish the experience with a wine tasting in each winery to taste some of the best Rioja wines. Two different wineries will be visited to learn La Rioja´s wine production secrets and methods. Once the winery has been visited 3 wines will be tasted in each winery . Along the day we will also visit a charming medieval village of Laguardia, famous for its walls and the history that its contains and famous all over the world for its underground family owned wineries.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, 3 pintxos and 3 wines for lunch, 5-7 wines will be tasted in total, Small group tour. 8 people max.

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10. Rioja Wine Tour from San Sebastian with Lunch

Baskme
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

A tour for wine lovers who want to explore a wide range of outstanding wines. Enjoy a magical journey to the golden mile of Rioja Wine, a centennial district born in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. Taste, Taste and, Taste. We will get to 3 wineries, from Classical Rioja wineries to small boutique family owned ones, hopping into their wine bars, to taste the best wines of each winery. After the tastings we will go to Laguardia, a very charming medieval town for lunch. A menu style lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour

Inclusions: Menu of the day in a local restaurant included, Parking Fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, 3 tasting sessions included, 2 to 4 wines at each winery, Olive oil, cheese or chorizo...

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Reviewed By davidsG4736KD

Can’t say enough great things about our day-tour with Andoni. As big GOT fans, it was an absolute blast to visit the filming locations for Dragonstone (Yes, you visit more than one!). The hotel pick-up from San Sebastian was a huge plus, as the locations we visited were around an hour west of San Sebastian. Andoni was as professional as they come and ensured we were completely comfortable and relaxed the entire day. He showed us the best kept secrets throughout the area and truly got to know us. We would have never had seen anything close to what we did without his guidance. My wife and I both agree that this was the highlight of our entire vacation. Would reccomend 10/10.

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