An exclusive wine & food journey with
The Heart of Spain
May 13 - 21, 2023
Limited Availability
12-24
Guests
9 / 8
Days / Nights
18
Meals
Join Chuck and fellow Reininger Winery members on this exclusive trip to the Castilla y León region of northwestern Spain. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history, wine traditions, and gastronomy of this fertile area. Go behind-the-scenes at highly esteemed wine estates in some of Spain’s best wine regions — D.O. Ribera del Duero and D.O. Toro— and meet passionate winemakers who will share their centuries-old winemaking methods.
Learn
about local traditions and methods from area winemakers, artisan producers, and culinary experts
Explore
the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia, filled with ancient monuments and fascinating history
Taste
flavorful dishes and bites, from traditional tapas to an exquisite Michelin-starred meal
Day 1
Madrid
Day 2
Segovia | Valladolid
This morning, we'll check out and make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia. We'll enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city whose highlights include a well-preserved Roman aqueduct, a fairy tale castle— the Alcázar of Segovia— and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Afterward, we'll have a wine-paired lunch before continuing on to Valladolid where we’ll check in to our hotel for the next seven nights and take time to get settled. Venture out for dinner on your own this evening with recommendations from your Travel Director.
Day 3
Rueda & Medina del Campo
This morning we’ll take a journey through the history and art of winemaking in the small town of La Seca, situated in the heart of Rueda. We'll visit a historic winery that strongly believes in sustainable winemaking. During our visit, we'll explore underground galleries, large barrel vaults, and a below-ground labyrinth as we learn about the region’s famous verdejos and D.O. Rueda white wines. Top off the tour with a tasting of D.O. Rueda wines, followed by another visit to their nearby modern facility.
From there, we will continue on to Matapozuelos to enjoy an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. After lunch, we will set off for the stunning town of Medina del Campo and visit the Castle of La Mota before returning to Valladolid. The rest of the day is open, and your Travel Director is happy to provide suggestions for restaurants and activities.
Day 4
Cigales
Explore the Cigales D.O. area today, known for producing award-winning rosé and red wines. Cigales is situated along the banks of the Pisuerga River, where the region’s rich soils and hot summers combine to produce Spain’s top red wine, Tempranillo. We'll begin with a visit to an artisan cheese factory to experience the cheese-making traditions of the area, known for its sheep cheese produced from raw milk. Afterward, head to the historic town of Fuensaldaña for a traditional meal.
Continue on to a historic Cigalian winery to meet the winemaking staff, learn about their cultivation practices, and see the production facilities. Finish the tour through the vineyard with a D.O. Cigales rosé and red wine tasting. Dinner is at your leisure in Valladolid this evening.
Day 5
Toro
This morning, we travel to the fascinating town of Toro. This historic and artistic town was thoughtfully designed in the shape of a fan, with the church of Santa Maria la Mayor sitting in its center and Romanesque monuments scattered throughout. Located on a tall, fertile plain, Toro has long been famous for its wine. We’ll take part in a tour and tasting at a local winery, learning about their organic farming methods and biodynamic viticulture production while strolling through the vineyards.
Continue on to Valdefinja this afternoon to tour a family-owned winery. Discover the historical importance of the Toro region’s wines, which were granted D.O. status in 1933, becoming one of the first Spanish regions to achieve this distinction. Enjoy lunch with a view of the vineyards, and afterward, tour the beautifully designed estate. Learn about the different red and white grape varieties grown and the wines created from them.
Day 6
Valladolid
After breakfast, take a walk through a local food market collecting ingredients for a culinary workshop where we will learn about tapas, or small plates, one of Spain’s most famous and traditional dishes. Savor a lunch of traditional Spanish dishes amidst the bustle of Mercado del Val. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant city of Valladolid, known for its gastronomy, rich cultural heritage, and architectural diversity. Stroll around the city's historical center and discover its plazas, monuments, palaces, and churches.
Later this afternoon, we'll visit the Señorita Malauva wine bar next to the Valladolid cathedral for a wine tasting experience. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 7
Ribera del Duero - Burgos Province
We'll start the day with a visit to a family-owned and run winery in the Ribera del Duero region. During a guided tour of the winery, we'll learn about the small vineyards and rich soil variation that is a distinctive feature of the area. We'll have a light lunch of local specialties paired with select wines before continuing on to another family-run winery currently managed by the second generation and producing high-quality wines that have gained worldwide recognition. For dinner tonight, we have a special treat, dining in a traditional home.
Day 8
Ribera del Duero - Valladolid Province
Today we start with a winery in this world-renowned region where generations have produced wines from the Tinto Fino, or Tempranillo, varietal. Continue to another winery for an unforgettable tour of the vineyard, the modern winemaking facilities, and the barrel room accompanied by tastings of the D.O. Ribera del Duero wines. We'll enjoy a light lunch and see the medieval castle in Peñafiel. After a quick stop in the town’s historic center, we'll return to Valladolid. Tonight we'll gather at a local restaurant to toast to our journey and enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
Day 9
Continuing to Portugal by group transfer, we’ll be passing through Los Arribes del Duero— a stunning nature reserve situated between Spain and Portugal. Rugged canyons and gorges set the scene along the river. We'll stop along the way for a light lunch of traditional Portuguese dishes at Miranda do Douro before continuing on to Pinhao in the heart of the Douro Valley where we will stay overnight.
Day 10
Day 11
Accommodations
Hotel Vincii Soho (Madrid)
Occupying several restored historical buildings, this boutique hotel is located in the heart of historic Madrid close to the main art museums, Plaza Mayor, and other popular sights. Property amenities include a restaurant, two bars, and free WiFi. Comfortable rooms feature air conditioning, minbar, safe, tea/coffee maker, hair dryer, and toiletries.
Hotel Gareus
Enjoy six nights in this beautifully restored, boutique hotel located in the historic heart of Valladolid. This charming property includes a lounge and cocktail bar offering a wide variety of libations and light meals, and a number of modern amenities. Enjoy close proximity to a number of important landmarks and sites in Valladolid. Rest in one of the 41 elegantly decorated rooms.
Vintage House Hotel (Portugal Extension)
As you make your way to the coast of Portugal, stop overnight at this former 18th century wine estate meticulously renovated into a 5-star hotel overlooking the vineyards of the famed Douro Valley. Rooms feature complimentary WiFi, TV, telephone, safe, minibar, and air conditioning. Your en-suite bathroom offers a shower or bathtub, toiletries, and a hairdryer.
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel (Portugal Extension)
Enjoy two nights at this five-star property located in the heart of Porto along the Douro River. The restored 16th-century building is located right on the Ribeira Square — perfect for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage City by foot. Enjoy stunning views, spacious bathrooms, and comfortable rooms.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Eight nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated travel director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Classic: $4,995
Jr. Suite: $5,995
Single Occupancy: $6,595
Limited Availability
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Single Occupancy: $3,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Experi highly recommends you consider travel insurance. Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/
Travel Terms & Conditions
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