WALKS, WINE AND CULINARY ADVENTURES IN NORTHERN SPAIN May 21-June 2, 2016 (Updated December 3, 2015)

Transcription

1 WALKS, WINE AND CULINARY ADVENTURES IN NORTHERN SPAIN May 21-June 2, 2016 (Updated December 3, 2015)

2 Itinerary Overview Celebrate Wildland Adventures' 30th anniversary on this active wine and culinary journey into the heart of northern Spain with Kurt and Anne Kutay, founders of Wildland Adventures, and wine experts, David and Ruth Arista of Arista Wine Cellars. Experience the full terroir of Basque and Castile culture from food and wines, to Guernica and the Guggenheim. Our illustrious expert Spanish guide, Xabi Extxarri, shares his passion for culture, literature, and the arts of his rugged Basque homeland. From the port town of Bilbao, the culinary capital of Basque, to Burgos the historic capital of Castile, we venture into the highland wine region of La Rioja, and conclude in the charming historic coastal town of San Sebastian. Throughout our journey Xabi introduces us to farmers, cheese makers, authors, celebrity chefs, wine makers, and the best sommelier of La Rioja. We are invited for private tastings in the vineyards and bodegas of Spain's top winemakers from high tech, cutting-edge big producers, to exclusive encounters with new winemakers who are rediscovering the region's indigenous strengths and traditional practices. And, we've lined up wideranging dining experiences from award-winning haute restaurants, to outdoor bodega lunches, and pintxos tasting menus at local wine bars. We hike among vineyards and castles, into national parks, and we join pilgrims on two segments of the Camino de Santiago. Come hike, shop, taste, explore and celebrate a life of adventure! Ask about our pre-tour in Madrid and post-tour of Barcelona. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS Sat, May 21 Sun, May 22 Mon, May 23 Tue, May 24 Wed, May 25 Thu, May 26 Fri, May 27 Sat, May 28 Sun, May 29 Mon, May 30 Tue, May 31 Wed, June 1 Thu, June 2 BILBAO BILBAO BILBAO BURGOS BURGOS BURGOS LA RIOJA LA RIOJA LA RIOJA SAN SEBASTIÁN SAN SEBASTIÁN SAN SEBASTIÁN Hesperia Hesperia Hesperia Palacio Blasones Palacio Blasones Palacio Blasones Viura Viura Viura Villa Soro Villa Soro Villa Soro D BL BL BD BL BL DEPART -- B Depart Bilbao Arrival in Bilbao, dinner at Guggenheim Neru Restaurant Morning hike, private Guggenheim tour Guernica author tour, market visit, Jai Ali handball Camino de Santiago Pilgrim s Path, Atapuerca archaeological site Explore Burgos and wine tasting Vineyards of Pesquera in Ribera del Duero Wining and dining in Rioja Alta Laguardia vineyards and cellars Castle of Davalillo, Dinastia Vivanco winery Explore Vitoria and hike in Urkiola Natural Park Explore San Sebastian, cooking class Hike the Camino Santiago. Farewell dinner -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail MAY 21: ARRIVE BILBAO Arrive in the port town of Bilbao in northern Spain. Meet our guide in the afternoon for a brief introduction to this old city. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao entered the modern American psyche in 1997 at the opening of the Guggenheim, the titanium-clad museum designed by Frank Gehry. The city, with a population of about 350,000, is an urban success story still being written, with improved transportation, green spaces, neighborhood renewal, and modern office towers beside grand historic icons. Bilbao has become a design town and a center of Basque fusion cuisine blending tradition with contemporary food flair, and the Michelin stars to prove it. After a brief intro to the wines of northern Spain we'll sit down for a spectacular 9-course, wine-paired welcome dinner at the Guggenheim Museum Neru Restaurant, introducing haute Basque cuisine for a new and unparalleled dining experience. Overnight at Hesperia. [D] Note: See pre-trip add-on in Madrid. MAY 22: MORNING HIKE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM We step right into Spanish life joining locals on this Sunday morning starting in the heart of the city for a brisk walk up Pagasarri Hill into the surrounding countryside to take in magnificent views of the region. Our driver awaits at the top to take us to a traditional country restaurant serving homemade dishes in a friendly ambiance overlooking the city and the sea. This afternoon we explore the Guggenheim on a private two-hour tour including areas of the museum not normally open to the public. Join locals this Sunday night in town dining on pintxos (different than tapas!) and local Crianza wines in the Plaza Nueva (New Square) which is, ironically, the oldest part of the city. Overnight at Hesperia. [] [Total hike: 9km, 3hrs, 360m] MAY 23: GUERNICA AUTHOR TOUR JAI ALAI! East of Bilbao lies the town of Guernica, the traditional heart of the Vizcayan Basque culture. Guernica resident, writer and historian, Edorta Jimenez, walks with us into history and culture sharing his insights, stories, and knowledge illuminating his town's past that helps define its present character. The bombing of Guernica by the Luftwaffe in April 1937 woke the world up to the perils of war that so devastated the community. In 1937 Pablo Picasso painted Guernica, a powerful political statement depicting the tragedies of war. -3-

4 In the bustling Guernica food market we meet the farmers and producers of fresh elements of Basque cuisine and experience the passion for food which underpins the local culture. After a savory lunch of pintxos and a glass or two of the local slightly sparkling txacoli white wine, enjoy the spectacle which sits at the heart of today s Basque culture: Jai Alai or Basque handball. Guernica is the spiritual home of this, the world s fastest ball game. After a display of the game, we have the opportunity to try our skills on the world s largest court or frontón. See if you can make the ball travel at the full 188mph! Dinner is on our own by individual or group arrangement. Overnight at Hesperia. [BL] MAY 24: HIKE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO PILGRIM S PATH Set off south across the mountains into the dry plains of Castile. We join the Camino de Santiago pilgrim s path at a beautiful point where it passes through a cool pine forest rich with birdlife, then down towards the picturesque village and monastery of San Juan de Ortega. It's a stunning walk through woodland to the Atapuerca plains passing by one of the most important archaeological sites on earth. A private guided tour introduces us to the caves of Sierra de Atapuerca containing a rich fossil record of the earliest humans in western Europe, and the worlds largest collection of Hominids, the direct ancestors of Neanderthal man. Weather depending we enjoy a picnic on the plains or take lunch in a local restaurant in Ages. Continue on foot to the small, ornate city of Burgos made famous by its extraordinary Gothic cathedral looming over the city and skyline. [Total walk: 10km, 4hrs, 50m, 100m] Overnight at Palacio Blasones. [BL] MAY 25: BURGOS, LA RIOJA SPAIN'S CULINARY CAPITAL Enjoy a guided tour of Burgos this morning, taking in the dramatic gothic cathedral and the stunningly modern Museum of Human Evolution. Recognized as Spain's culinary capital, Burgos is a historically rich town including generations of family food and wine producers blending culinary traditions with dishes and cooking techniques from throughout Spain and beyond. Wine making dates over 2,000 years in this region. Derived almost exclusively from red grapes, we also enjoy a white wine made from the Albillo grape, the only white variety grown and mostly sold for local consumption. We'll compliment our wine tasting with Queso de Burgos, a soft white cheese made with sheep or cow milk, and the dry-cured mountain ham served sliced. With the river running through the heart of the city, Burgos invites you to stroll its shaded riverside parks and revel in the beautiful spring climate. Lunch is free on our own. Enjoy the chef's tasting menu of Castilian dishes for dinner at El 24 del la Paloma. Overnight at Palacio Blasones. [BD - wine not included] MAY 26: VINEYARDS OF PESQUERA An hour south of Burgos we reach the premium wine growing region of Ribera del Duero to visit one of the most famous producers, Pesquera. With four different wineries in a small radius, we have the opportunity to taste the differences between two of Pesquera s plots, including a stroll through the vast vineyards. We expect to meet Alejandro Fernandez and his wife Esperanza, who in 1972 licensed their bodega in Pesquera well before Ribera del -4-

5 Duero was a well-known region for quality wines. Wines produced by Alejandro are made exclusively from the difficult, quick maturing Tempranillo variety of which he is considered a master. His world famous Tinto Pesquera is aged a minimum of 18 months and the Reservas and Grand Reservas is barrel aged for 24 months or longer. Lunch is served in a bodega before returning to Burgos in the mid-afternoon. The afternoon and evening are free to relax and enjoy cocktails on the terrace before dining on our own at the hotel restaurant, La Finca, where chef Alejo Catalina and his team conjure up an array of gastronomic delights. Overnight at Palacio Blasones. [BL] MAY 27: WINE TASTING AND FINE DINING IN RIOJA ALTA Driving east to La Rioja, we stop at the historic town of Haro, capital of the Rioja Alta where local resident and wine expert, Marina Grijalba, accompanies us here to share the marginal climate and difficult terrain that defines the character of these wines. Marina leads us through tastings at a selection of some of the best wineries in Spain. We plan to visit Muga, a more traditional winery in Rioja Alta where they make their own barrels, then to Baigorri, a modern bodega using a gravity driven process in the Alavesa region. It's interesting to see if we can discern the difference between the wines of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Head up into the town square strolling around the herradura, a cobblestone street famously wending through town in the shape of an horseshoe packed with bars and small restaurants, where we enjoy a tasty local lunch. Settle into our hotel after lunch and relax before a wine tasting at the nearby Luis Canas winery recently named Best Winery in Spain. The bodega has made a great transition in the last 30 years from a small producer of simple table wines to a maker of great quality wines with 222 acres of Tempranillo, Viura, Graciano, and Mazuelo vineyards, as well as grapes from other nearby suppliers. Luis Cañas, now retired, still presides over the grounds, although the winery is run today by qualified professionals, including Carmen Peña, who shows the premises and guides the tasting of its wine. After working up an appetite this evening we travel south to the superb Venta Moncalvillo Restaurante operated by the Echapresto brothers. Fresh ingredients are foraged from its gardens and the surrounding hills so the seasonal menu is impecably fresh, delicious, and remarkably sophisticated. This dinner is known as a maridage, whereby each course is paired with a different wine. Tonight is a chance to indulge in an exquisite meal with local wines served by arguably the best sommelier in La Rioja, Carlos Echapresto, who will be on hand to explain each choice of pairings. Overnight at Viura. [] The Echapresto brothers (Carlos and Ignacio) have been running their unpretentious restaurant for over 15 years. Their first Michelin Star was awarded in 2010 and it was named best restaurant at the Wine Tourism Awards in Both self-taught, Ignacio is chef and Carlos the sommelier. Ignacio learned the basics from his mother so the food is very much rooted in this area. Meanwhile, Carlos is the man to know when it comes to Rioja wines. Previous holder of the Best Sommelier in La Rioja, he was also recently a finalist in the Best Sommelier in Spain competition. He s also a very accomplished cigar sommelier he was a finalist in Havana s very own cigar sommelier award. It s very likely that it will be Carlos greeting you at the restaurant and often it is him who explains the pairings of the wine with the food for this memorable meal. -5-

6 MAY 28: LAGUARDIA CELLARS Take a leisurely walk through fields and vineyards to the walled town of Laguardia. The landscapes are unparalleled with the Cantabrian mountain range just to the north sheltering the vines of some of La Rioja s finest producers. The Ysios Winery building is a masterpiece from designer Santiago Calatrave. Located in the foothills this chic, avantgarde winery can be seen from kilometers away. Gigantic bars of aluminum form the wavy roof which mirrors the mountains in the background and fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Laguardia itself is fascinating to visit, with tales of the peninsular wars dominating the town s history. Among its historic relics are the church of Santa Maria with its striking polychromatic entrance dating to the 12th C. No cars are allowed in the town center where pedestrians stroll freely, since the weight of vehicles would otherwise collapse into the hundreds of wine cellars below! This afternoon we enjoy local, family-run winemaking, an experience very different from the major Rioja players, a fun, more-informal and convivial wine tasting experience. We are certain to receive a very warm local welcome! Dinner tonight will be in the village or the nearby city of Logrono. Overnight at Viura. [] [Total walk: 4km, 1hr, 50m] MAY 29: CASTLE OF DAVALILLO DINASTIA VIVANCO WINERY From the nearby village of Briones, we walk at a relaxed pace through countryside vineyards towards the Castle at Davalillo. The valley is wide and open at this point offering breathtaking views of the mountains to the north and south, hilltop villages, and the castle ahead. Seen from the vineyards of San Asensio, the Davalillo Castle looks like a kind of boat sailing on a sea of vines. It was built in the times of Alfonso VIII, at the end of the 12th C to defend La Rioja from attacks from Navarre. In addition to the building itself, what is really impressive is the superb view from the tower of the vineyards of San Asensio, Briones, San Vicente de la Sonsierra and neighboring towns. [Total walk: 9.8km, 3hrs, 90m, 90m] Enjoy a traditional Rioja lunch in the panoramic surrounds of the Dinastia Vivanco winery restaurant. Menus are based on local products foraged in the surrounds prepared with a modern touch remaining faithful to tradition. At Vivanco wine is transformed into each dish in sauces, reductions, and infused in accompaniments with traditional Rioja dishes. Located in Briones, the Vivanco winery, museum, and foundation is a triumvirate of wine resources built according to the vision of the Vivanco family to give back to wine what wine has given us. Third generation Pedro Vivanco is credited with expanding the family business from wine merchant to winery, earning a degree in enology to become one of Spain s first certified winemakers. Today, he is joined by his sons, with Rafael serving as winemaker and Santiago overseeing the museum and foundation. Vivanco is dedicated to producing wines using only native grapes along with traditional techniques. Through extensive research and experimentation, Rafael has revived nearly extinct varietals and traditional wines that accurately reflect La Rioja s history of winemaking. Time and interest permitting we visit the fascinating Dinastia Vivanco wine museum after lunch. Return to the hotel to relax or explore the village on your own. Dinner tonight is a delightful traditional Riojan tasting menu at our hotel with paired wines. Overnight at Viura.[] -6-

7 MAY 30: VITORIA URKIOLA NATURAL PARK Vitoria is the capital city of the Basque Autonomous Community, a little visited gem known as Europe s emerald city. The second largest urban area in Basque country, Vitoria is committed to the environment and quality of life, protecting its medieval Old Town while enhancing it with modern urban functionality. Depending how adventurous you are feeling today we have options to explore the charming town of Vitoria and hike in Urkiola Natural Park into the mountains, forests, villages and remote chapels and churches. We stop in at the home of Patxi, the colourful shepherd who makes fantastic Idiazabal sheep cheese. Lunch is planned at Asador Akabasco, a hidden countryside gem serving the local plates from the famous red beans with onion, chorizo and green olives, Chef Inigo Fuertes Maguregui's seasonal favorites. Late this afternoon we travel a short distance to the north coastal city of San Sebastián where you will fall immediately in love with this charming town. Ala carte dinner is at Casa Urola, an landmark restaurant located in the old town Donostia-San Sebastian where chef Pablo Laureiro Rodil produces "updated" traditional cuisine using local seafood enhanced with aromas and flavors of the charcoal grill served with your choice of the best txakoli wine (not included). Overnight at Villa Soro. [] MAY 31: SAN SEBASTIAN PINTXOS COOKING CLASS Enjoy a relaxed morning guided walk through the ancient heart of San Sebastian before arriving at the first rate Ni Neu Restaurant where we learn the art and preparation of pintxos. After sampling our appetizer creations we enjoy a tasty lunch at Ni Neu where gastronomy, culture, and leisure blend overlooking spectacular views to Playa de Gros known for its surfers and sultry beach-goers. Following lunch the afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps with a spa treatment, or enjoy an afternoon stroll through the city where Michelin stars fall from the skies. San Sebastian has four main centers of activity: 1) the lively Parte Vieja - old town offering the most popular pinxtos bars spilling into the streets, 2) the shopping district and the Cenro Romantico with its 19th century buildings, 3) the east side of the river is the district of Gros with its pleasant, relaxed ambience, and 4) the very up-market Playa de Ondarreta district known as the millionaire's belt. Explore, relax, and have fun! Overnight at Villa Soro. [BL] JUNE 1: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO COASTAL TRAIL Today we pick up the northern coastal trail of the Camino de Santiago, walking over a stretch from Zumaia to Deba along a spectacular coastline featuring the flysch coastal rock formations. The walking distance we cover is weather and group dependent. We enjoy a seafood lunch in the lovely fishing village of Getaria after which we visit the Txomin Etxaniz winery located in the hills just above town in the midst of txacoli vines. -7-

8 Relax and rest before our farewell festivities begin at our hotel, and then move to dinner at Rekondo in San Sebastian. Restaurateur Txomin Rekondo serves traditional Basque cuisine. House wine is complimentary, but you may be more interested in selecting your own vintage from his "University of Wine", a collection of 127,000 wines from around the world (vintage wines not included). Overnight at Villa Soro. [] JUNE 2: DEPART Transfer to Bilbao airport or extend your trip to Barcelona! END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives PRICE PER GUEST, DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY: GUEST GROUP SIZE: Tour Land Cost $8,875 $7,995 Gratuities $285 $285 INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours, entrance fees, and excursions Spanish cultural guide and trip leader Group airport transfers and transportation All accommodation Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Programmed wine tastings and events Gratuities for all tour activities as listed Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Domestic airfare in Spain for add-ons Airport arrival transfers on alternate dates Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals not listed as included Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned -8-

9 LOCAL GUIDES Xabi Etxarri, Trip Leader Xabi hails from Navarra in Basque Country. An experienced science teacher and astrophysicist, Xabi realized that a traditional 9 to 5 was constrained and unfulfilling so in 1994 he sold his belongings, bought a one way ticket to Patagonia, and set about hiking, thinking, reading and writing. He unlocked his passion for poetry and has since written 14 books of poetry which can be found in a published anthology (Antología del Nómada, RIL editores, Santiago de Chile, 2005). Awakened by the spectacular beauty of Patagonia he became a trekking guide and naturalist blending his knowledge of science, passion for the mountains (he grew up near the Pyrenees), and love of teaching. Twenty years later he s still living a year-round summer in the open air, splitting time leading trekkers through Patagonia and in Spain the other six months of the year. His curiosity, scientific background and love of books have elevated him to become the preeminent au fait guide from Basque who now trains aspiring guides throughout Spain and Chile. Edorta Jimenez, Guernica Edorta has a long and fascinating history of working as a professor, TV presenter, journalist and author in the Basque language of Euskera. It is for his extensive knowledge of both the Basque culture generally and Guernica specifically that he joins us to introduce this quiet little town which had such an impact on the history of both Spain and Europe. Marina Grijalba, Rioja Marina is a minor legend in tourism in La Rioja and joins us during these days. She s founder and president of the regional guide association, having been educated as an interpreter at the University of Salamanca before training as a wine maker. She became head of public relations for Muga winery. Marina is our insider guide to Rioja who not only enthusiastically shares the region s better known towns and vineyards, but often takes our travelers out to her own family s small vineyard. Really it s an excuse to have many hands make light work of the tasks there s always something to do with the vines! This is as far from a stuffy winery tour as you can get even the chorizo you eat for your snack is made by her grandmother. -9-

10 ACCOMMODATIONS HESPERIA HOTEL BILBAO This modern, comfortable hotel stands out for both its friendly service and its brilliant location on the banks of the Nervión River just opposite the Guggenheim Museum. The hotel is a quick 10 minute walk from the heart of the old city of Bilbao, the famous Siete Calles (Seven Streets) filled with pintxos bars. PALACIO BLASONES BURGOS This 16th century converted palace sits right on the Camino de Santiago as it crosses the city of Burgos. Although this is a modern 4-star hotel, rooms on the lower levels still exhibit the ancient architecture of the original building. The location is perfect, just two minutes walk from the world famous Gothic cathedral and five minutes from the town s lively centre full of small bars and historical buildings evoking the times of the Catholic Kings and El Cid. HOTEL VIURA LA RIOJA Viura s striking modern design could look out of place in what is very much a classic Spanish village, yet it blends almost seamlessly into its surroundings. Rooms are spacious and the decor throughout the hotel is eye catching, whether it's the chalk writing on black walls, or the wine crates hanging from the ceiling in the bar. Sitting on the elegant terrace with a glass of wine, you can look out over the sleepy village palacio of Villabuena. Enjoy the hotel s menu with its Riojan and Basque cuisine made from fresh ingredients. HOTEL VILLA SORO SAN SEBASTIÁN This grand villa sits just above the old town of San Sebastian with tasteful interiors including a marble hallway, sweeping staircase, paneled bar, and inviting salon. The 25 rooms are comfortable with crisp linens, bathrobes and large beds. The outstanding staff will welcome you and make you feel right at home. -10-

11 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP Book online on our Reserve a Trip form or call Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirement for Spain is $1000 per person. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send us an at info@wildland.com or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local suppliers: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Pre-departure Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -11-