International Travelers: Fly into Madrid (MAD), then 3-hour drive or train to La Rioja.
From within Spain: Direct routes from Madrid and major cities throughout the country.
International Travelers: June is peak European season - book early for best prices and availability.
Spanish Guests: Domestic travel advantage, but summer hotels fill up quickly in wine country.
Book early - June is peak season and rooms fill up quickly.
Contact the hotel or call +34 945 180 888
Mention "Maria and Justin wedding" for group discount. Limited rooms available.
Search "Casas Rurales" or Airbnb for larger accommodations
Have questions about travel, accommodations, or logistics? Don't hesitate to reach out — we're happy to help you plan your trip to La Rioja.
Following the wedding weekend, we invite you to continue the celebration with us in San Sebastián, one of Europe's most extraordinary coastal cities. The drive from Marqués de Riscal is approximately two hours through the rolling hills of the Basque Country.
San Sebastián is a place of rare beauty: a crescent bay framed by green mountains, widely regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the world. It holds the second-highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita of any city on earth, and its Old Town is lined with over a hundred pintxos bars where you can eat brilliantly for the price of a glass of wine. The beaches are pristine, the architecture is grand, and the energy of the city is unlike anywhere else.
We will be there from Sunday evening through Wednesday, June 24, and we would love nothing more than to have as many of you there as possible. Whether you join for the full stay or just a night or two, the more the merrier. No itinerary, no obligations, just time together in a world-class destination. As the trip draws closer, we'll share more of our plans so you can join us for whatever sounds good to you, or simply explore on your own. That's the beauty of San Sebastián: it's the kind of place where every path leads somewhere wonderful.
Our time in San Sebastián coincides with one of Spain's most celebrated traditions. On the eve of the summer solstice, the city comes alive for the Noche de San Juan. Bonfires are lit on the beaches and in the plazas, and the entire city gathers to welcome summer. It is customary to write down what you wish to leave behind and cast it into the flames, to leap over the fire for good fortune, and, for the bold, to take a midnight swim in the sea. It is a magical, once-in-a-lifetime evening and the perfect way to close out our time together.
You would arrange your own transport and lodging. There is a wonderful range of hotels, Airbnbs, and VRBOs throughout the city. Because our visit falls during the San Juan festivities, the city will be busier than usual, so we strongly encourage booking early.
San Sebastián is wonderfully compact and walkable. Three neighborhoods are particularly well suited for visitors:
Parte Vieja (Old Town): The historic heart of the city, tucked between La Concha beach and Monte Urgull. This is where you'll find the legendary pintxos scene, cobblestone streets, and the liveliest atmosphere after dark.
Centro / Área Romántica: Elegant, quiet, and steps from La Concha beach. Beautiful Belle Époque architecture, excellent shops, and a polished feel. An ideal base if you prefer something a bit more serene.
Gros: A relaxed, youthful neighborhood across the river, home to Zurriola beach and the city's surf culture. This is also where many of the San Juan bonfires take place. A wonderful option if you enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.
All three areas are within a 15-minute walk of one another.