10 day itinerary for Spain

Itinerary

Spain is a treasure trove of culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes. With your love for food, wine, and a relaxed pace, I’ve crafted a delightful 10-day itinerary that will take you through three main locations: Barcelona, San Sebastián, and the wine region of La Rioja. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona

• Morning: Arrive in Barcelona. Check into your hotel (I recommend the Hotel 1898 for its central location and charm).
• Afternoon: Stroll down La Rambla, stopping at La Boqueria Market for a light lunch. Try some tapas and fresh seafood.
• Evening: Dinner reservation at Tickets, a Michelin-starred tapas bar. Be sure to try their famous “air baguette” and other creative dishes.

## Day 2: Explore Barcelona

• Morning: Visit the iconic Sagrada Familia. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines.
• Afternoon: Head to the Gothic Quarter for lunch at Cervecería Catalana. Afterward, explore the narrow streets and visit the Picasso Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting dinner at El Celler de Can Roca (make a reservation well in advance). Savor local wines paired with exquisite dishes.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Montserrat

• Morning: Take a train to Montserrat (about an hour from Barcelona). Explore the stunning monastery and hike the trails for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at the Montserrat restaurant, where you can try local specialties.
• Evening: Return to Barcelona and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Bar Mut, known for its excellent wine selection and tapas.

## Day 4: Barcelona to San Sebastián

• Morning: Travel to San Sebastián (about 5 hours by train). Check into your hotel (try Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra for a seaside view).
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Town and grab pintxos (Basque tapas) at La Cuchara de San Telmo.
• Evening: Dinner reservation at Arzak, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy a creative Basque tasting menu.

## Day 5: San Sebastián

• Morning: Relax at La Concha beach or take a leisurely walk along the promenade.
• Afternoon: Join a food tour with San Sebastián Food to learn about Basque cuisine and enjoy tastings at local markets and eateries.
• Evening: Dinner at Bodegón Alejandro, where you can indulge in traditional Basque dishes paired with local wines.

## Day 6: Day Trip to Getaria

• Morning: Take a short bus ride to Getaria, a charming fishing village. Visit the Balenciaga Museum.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a seafood lunch at Elkano, famous for its grilled fish. Don’t forget to try the local Txakoli wine!
• Evening: Return to San Sebastián and have a relaxed evening at Bar Nestor, known for its tomato salad and steak.

## Day 7: San Sebastián to La Rioja

• Morning: Travel to La Rioja (about 1.5 hours by car or bus). Check into a charming winery hotel like Hotel Marqués de Riscal.
• Afternoon: Visit the Bodegas Ysios winery for a tour and tasting. Enjoy the stunning architecture and beautiful vineyards.
• Evening: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where you can enjoy local dishes paired with their own wines.

## Day 8: Explore La Rioja

• Morning: Visit the picturesque town of Laguardia. Explore its medieval streets and enjoy a wine tasting at Bodegas Campillo.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at El Medoc Alavés, a local favorite for traditional dishes.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening with a glass of wine on the terrace.

## Day 9: Day Trip to Haro

• Morning: Head to Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. Visit Bodegas Muga for a tour and tasting.
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at La Vieja Bodega, known for its local cuisine and wine pairings.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and have a casual dinner at Bar El Camino, where you can enjoy more local tapas.

## Day 10: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Take a final stroll through the vineyards or relax at the hotel spa.
• Afternoon: Depart for your flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of Spain’s culinary delights and beautiful landscapes.

Tips for Reservations:

• Make reservations for popular restaurants and wine tours well in advance, especially for Michelin-starred places.
• Consider booking a guided food tour in San Sebastián to enhance your culinary experience.

This itinerary balances relaxation with exploration, allowing you to savor the best of Spain’s food and wine culture. Enjoy your trip! 🍷✨