Submitted by Nikki on
While spending a month in Spain, Greg and I formulated a perfect itinerary for a return trip. It may happen...un dia. First, fly into Madrid and spend a few days checking out museums including seeing Picasso's Guernica housed in Museo Nacional Reina Sofia...and eating churros y chocolate.
Head north to Basque country, spend an afternoon at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao which is one of the most impressive and famous museums in Spain. An hour car ride away is San Sebastian, a beautiful city by the sea and my new favorite Spanish getaway. Spend several days in San Sebastian: rent a bike and ride along the coast to el Peine del viento where you'll see sculptures from Eduardo Chillida, the city's most beloved artist. For those of you beach people, take your pick of surfer beach, chill beach, or topless beach. At night, head to the old city for pinxtos (Basque tapas) and fresh cider from the area. Repeat. For a day trip during cider season, head to one of the local sidrerias (cider houses) on the Spanish or French side of the border and see how cider is made.
When you're ready (if that ever happens), it's time for wine country! Head through Rioja and enjoy thousands of acres of vineyards, all without billboards. If you're up for a serious splurge (or have some serious Starwood points), stay at Hotel Marques de Riscal (or just go to see the building). For a very nice and elegant alternative, Casa de Cofrade is an amazing option complete with the most helpful director who will tell you anything you want to know about Rioja (and will make reservations for you, as well). Your first stop should be the <a href=http://www.dinastiavivanco.com/museo/museo.asp">DinastÃa Vivanco Museo, aka best wine museum in the world in Briones. Make reservations to visit some wineries, some more than a hundred years old, and enjoy the views from winery to winery.
Head back to Madrid or extend your stay and head to Barcelona for some big city Mediterranean fun.
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