About this experience
During the walking tour, you will get acquainted with the mysterious capital of Euskadi - Vitoria-Gasteiz - and as you stroll through medieval streets, you will learn about the city's history and discover why it was awarded the title "Green Capital of Europe 2012", named "Gastronomic Capital of Spain 2014", and became part of the European Network of Napoleonic Cities.
Program
The harmonious ensemble of medieval streets in the Old Town, in the original form of an "almond", was called by Victor Hugo the "perfect Gothic city". Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in all of northern Spain, where every stone on the narrow cobblestone streets holds the history and legends of the past. I will introduce you to the main attractions of the historic part of Vitoria-Gasteiz, such as Virgen Blanca and Plaza de España squares, the new cathedral Maria Inmaculada, and the Florida Park - a botanical garden in miniature, medieval churches San Pedro and San Vicente, palaces and mansions of noble persons from the Renaissance and Modern eras.
You will see the old cathedral of Santa Maria, unique in that you can observe the restoration process that has attracted the attention of the global community and renowned writers such as Paulo Coelho and Ken Follett. You will be able to touch the old 11th-century fortress wall, beautifully preserved to this day, and admire the original wall paintings - murals that enliven the city's severe Gothic appearance.
To conclude the tour, if desired, you can visit one of the traditional bars, where you can try exquisite miniature snacks - pintxos with a glass of Txakoli or Rioja, and if you get hungry, you will enjoy a lunch in a cozy restaurant in a 15th-century historical building with a menu of traditional Basque cuisine using salt from the Salinas de Añana salt valley.
The tour can also be extended by visiting any of the city's most interesting museums, such as the Bibat museum complex, which includes the Fournier Playing Card Museum and the Archaeological Museum, the Basque Museum of Contemporary Art "Artium", the Museum of Sacred Art of Alava located in the altar of the new cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Weapons of Alava, and others.
Organizational Details
If desired, this tour can be supplemented with the following leisure options (by prior arrangement):
- visit to the famous wine-producing region of Rioja Alavesa (transfer to Rioja 30 min. and winery tour 2 hrs), 100 euros.
- visit to the "white pearl of Alava" - the salt valley Salinas de Añana (transfer to Salinas de Añana 30 min. and Salt Valley tour 1.30 hrs), 80 euros.
