Start with a hearty hotel breakfast at the iconic Marqués de Riscal (hotel breakfast service typically 7:30–10:30) or a café in Elciego to fuel a day of sightseeing; the hotel offers local bread, cheeses and Rioja coffee and a pleasant terrace view of the vineyard-covered slopes.
Guided tour of the Marqués de Riscal winery, the Frank Gehry-designed hotel/dome and a tasting to understand Rioja Alavesa terroir; tours usually start 10:00–11:00, last ~1–1.5 hours and must be reserved in advance.
Short stroll through Elciego’s old quarter and viewpoints over the vineyards and the hotel’s metallic dome — great for photos and to buy any local wine souvenirs.
Enjoy a midday meal at the hotel’s restaurant (typically open 1:00–3:30pm) or a nearby asador to taste local roasted lamb, rioja-style starters and seasonal vegetables; reserve for a large group, especially in summer.
Drive east to Enciso to visit some of La Rioja’s best dinosaur footprints; the trip is about 1h10–1h20 depending on traffic and is scenic through Rioja Alta/Cameros foothills.
Visit the outdoor tracksites and miradors around Enciso where multiple well-preserved dinosaur footprints are visible; outdoor sites are accessible during daylight (tracks themselves are open-air and free), and the best light for photos is late afternoon.
Stop at the local interpretation point or small paleontology centre (opening hours vary; typical summer hours ~10:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00) to get maps, context and guided-walk options — check the centre’s schedule in advance.
Settle into a rural hotel or guesthouse in Enciso or the nearby spa town Arnedillo (which has more evening dining options); booking ahead recommended for a group of four.
Dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties (grilled meats, stews and local rioja wines); most restaurants open for dinner ~8:00–10:30pm — call ahead to confirm and reserve a table for four.
Drive southeast toward the Bardenas Reales (Arguedas/Tudela area), approximately 1h40–1h50 depending on exact start point; arrive at the visitor/interpretation centre to orient yourself and learn restricted core-zone rules.
Start at the Bardenas Interpretation Centre to view exhibits, pick up maps and confirm permitted driving routes or guided-tour times; visitor centre typical hours in summer ~10:00–18:00 but confirm seasonal times.
Drive into the permitted routes of the Bardenas (GR- or PR- marked roads), stop at iconic Castildetierra viewpoint and take a short hike to appreciate the hoodoo formations and wide desert vistas; light hiking shoes recommended and bring water.
Drive to nearby Tudela for lunch — sample local Navarrese produce and river fish or choose a casual menu del día; many Tudela restaurants serve lunch 1:00–3:30pm, great after morning in the Bardenas.
Join a guided 4x4 Bardenas tour (typically 3–4h afternoon departures) to access more remote vistas and learn geology and local ecology, or continue a self-guided scenic loop (respect signage and closures); guided tours must be pre-booked — many operators run 3:00–7:00pm tours in summer.
Drive back west toward Logroño or to your original base (1–2 hours depending on destination); plan to arrive before late evening for city dining or to relax at your lodging.
Enjoy a lively pintxos dinner on Calle Laurel in Logroño for a taste-of-everything evening — bars open from about 8:00pm onward and this is a sociable way for four to sample many small dishes and local wines.
Finalize any return driving plans, fuel up the car and confirm bookings if extending or heading home the following morning; good moment to pick up any last bottles of Rioja wine.