{"id":6967,"date":"2019-03-06T20:38:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-06T20:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=6967"},"modified":"2022-07-17T23:08:35","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T03:08:35","slug":"one-week-in-northern-spain-luxury-8-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/spain\/one-week-in-northern-spain-luxury-8-day-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Spend a Luxurious One Week in Northern Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"

For those of you who enjoy experiencing excellent wine, abundant choices of exceptional local food, rich culture, and the history of ancient civilizations, all within a manageable pace and timeframe, consider having your next travel experience in Northern Spain. My recent excursion was designed as an upscale, autonomous, self-guided vacation designed to maximize the experience within this unique culture. This 8-day luxury Spain itinerary exceeded our expectations and as a Winetraveler, I highly recommend you try it out. <\/span><\/p>\n

Days 1 and 2: Madrid<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

Capitalizing on the independence of leasing a vehicle, we could fulfill the initial plan at a manageable pace. The trip began in Madrid where we spent two nights and three days staying at the esteemed five-star Weston Palace<\/a><\/strong>. The Weston is centrally located in downtown Madrid across the street from the world-famous Prado (Classical)<\/a><\/strong> and Thyssen-Bornemisza (Modern) museums<\/a><\/strong>, and close to the shopping district. The hotel breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner are excellent and the accommodations are generous, immaculate, and up-to-date.<\/span><\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/strong> The Best Tapas Bars To Visit in Madrid<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Madrid's<\/a>
Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel. An exciting clash of local culture and a great opportunity to try a variety of local food and wine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first day was spent getting acquainted with the surroundings and walking a large perimeter around the hotel, including the Mercado San Miguel, Puerta del Sol\u2019s many boutiques and tapas restaurants, and shopping along the Gran Via. The evening was spent taking in Spanish culture at the Tablao Flamenco dinner\/show at the Corral de la Moreria<\/strong><\/a>, one of the most renowned in the country. Tablao Flamenco is located in an upscale neighborhood, 20 minutes by cab from the hotel, overlooking lower Madrid.<\/span><\/p>\n

The food is traditional Spanish (steak, pork, and fish with French fries) and included a good wine selection from both Ribera del Duero and Rioja. One should anticipate enjoying the event in tight quarters, almost family-style, but well worth the experience. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Catedral<\/a>
Catedral Del Almudena located in Madrid, Spain. Image courtesy Kristy Wenz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second day should be used to enjoy the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Although both are different in their approach, they display many famous works of art and sculpture. After lunch at a local tapas restaurant, we walked through the Parque de Buen Retiro and later ventured on Calle Mayor, to the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace)<\/a><\/strong> and Catedral del Almudena<\/a>, where we enjoyed a recommended informative tour of the Palace. The former family home of the Royal Family and throne of King Charles I, it is used today as a ceremonial palace and the Royals live in another nearby location.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The view of the surrounding countryside at Elciego in La Rioja, including the Marques de Riscal property designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, which Winetraveler recently stayed at. And you can too!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day 3: Rioja<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

On the third day, we picked up our rental car at the centrally located Estacion de Atocha train station, a five-minute cab ride from our hotel, and began our journey North into the Rioja region. We found the roadways throughout the North were well-marked and easy to navigate, but be prepared for the select tolls along the way. The first destination upon leaving Madrid, was the famous vineyard and eclectic five-star hotel at Marques de Riscal<\/strong><\/a>, located in the ancient city of Elciego. Marques de Riscal also includes a Michelin Star restaurant with an excellent choice of the vineyard\u2019s top wines. The hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, is very modern with the intention of appearing as a large wine bush, accented by its waves of red, bronze and green steel structure glistening for miles in the distance. Note that Gehry also designed the art museum in Bilbao in Northern Spain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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RELATED: 22 Best Wineries To Visit in La Rioja: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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