The La Rioja region was a bit of a disappointment because a) it continually rained, b) it was the weekend and many things were closed, and c) they didn't have the kind of winery tours we expected. La Rioja is one of Spain's largest wine producing regions but, besides the miles of vines in every direction, you wouldn't have known it. Touring their wine bodegas required reservations and often would only happen with a group of 10 or more, which we weren't. No "just dropping in" like they do in California and in some regions in France. Very fancy wine museums but no tastings, which kind of takes the fun out of the museum bit. We stayed in the nice but rather dull Hotel de Ciudad de Haro.

We found Logroño to be a bit more happenin' than sleepy (and vampire-riddled if you believe Todd) Haro, and then we headed up into the mountains to the secluded Monasterio de Valvanera that ended up being a bit more secluded than we'd pictured. It turned out to be a fun experience, but a bit off the beaten path. Then off to Pamplona where we grabbed a quick lunch and said a sad goodbye to Todd and Stephanie.