It’s so fun and easy to plan a vacation for my clients.  But when it comes to my own travel – boy do I get crazy and bogged down.  Believe it or not, when I plan my own trips, I am thinking of you!  I want to experience what you would want to experience.   So, I do a lot of research and don’t miss a beat!

My next trip coming up will be to La Rioja, Spain –the Basque Region. I have been to Spain, more than once, but never this area and I am excited!  My husband and I will be picking up a car in Madrid upon arrival and driving 4 hours north to Elciego.  We will visit 3 wineries (1 with a winery lunch), stay one night in the incredible Frank Geary Hotel Marques de Riscal, and then continue on to San Sebastian – Spain’s capital of gastronomy!

While in San Sebastian, we will dine at a 3-star Michelin Restaurant rated #8 in the world (Oh, I do hope to get to meet the 2012 best female chef Veuve Clicquot); we will take a Pintxo (tapas) Tasting Tour, which will be paired with fabulous wines, and we will drive through some quaint and beautiful coastal villages in the area (of course before the wine pairings!).

Next is Bilbao; a must-see since it houses the incredible Frank Geary Guggenheim Museum.  One night in Bilbao and then we will be on our way back to Madrid with a quick stop and look-see at Burgos; home of the only cathedral in Spain which has been individually awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO.

Upon arrival in Madrid, a change of clothes and dinner at 8pm!

Gail’s World – I wouldn’t have it any other way!