An exclusive land journey
CASTILLA Y LEÓN, THE SOUL OF SPAIN
April 9 - 17, 2021
Extension: April 17 - 20, 2021
8-24
Guests
9 / 8
Days / Nights
19
Meals
Join Justin Wylie of Va Piano Vineyards on an unforgettable nine day journey to the Castilla y León region of Spain. Explore World Heritage Sites with local experts and taste a variety of regional dishes. Tour highly esteemed estates and vineyards in some of Spain’s best wine regions, such as D.O. Ribera del Duero and D.O. Toro. Meet an array of passionate winemakers and learn about the centuries old winemaking traditions of this fertile area.
Meet
generations old winemakers, artisan producers, and culinary experts
Explore
Spain’s “Golden City” of Salamanca, filled with ancient monuments and fascinating history
Taste
delicious dishes and bites, from traditional tapas, to an exquisite Michelin-starred meal
Day 1
Land at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport this morning and meet your Travel Director. A private transfer will bring you to the historic city center of Madrid where you’ll stay overnight. Take time to relax, settle in, and discover your surroundings. Join together this evening for a convivial atmosphere with welcome aperitifs and a delightful dinner.
Day 2
Segovia | Valladolid
Check out this morning and take a group transfer to our accommodations in the heart of Ribera del Duero. En route, we’ll stop in Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage City filled with unique monuments. A walking tour with a local guide showcases the city’s grandeur – from the soaring Roman Aqueduct to the stunning Alcázar de Segovia. We will end our visit to this fairytale town with a delightful lunch, which may include cochinillo-- the Castilian specialty of suckling pig roasted in a wood oven.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Valladolid where we’ll check in to our hotel for seven nights and take time to relax and settle in. Venture out for dinner on your own this evening with recommendations from your Travel Director.
Day 3
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 will begin our time in Cigales with a visit to an artisan cheese factory where we will 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 4
The Golden Mile of Ribera Del Duero
Start the day at a winery in this world renowned region where generations of family winemakers have produced wines from the Tinto Fino, or Tempranillo, varietal. Continue on 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. Lunch will be served at the cellar’s restaurant, which prepares local cuisine honoring regional produce paired with the vineyard’s wines.
In the afternoon we’ll head to the medieval castle in Peñafiel for a guided tour of the Provincial Wine Museum housed inside. Listen as an expert guide gives an extensive overview of the rich wine-making history of Valladolid. Later explore the town’s historic center before heading back for dinner in Valladolid at one of the many local restaurants or tapas bars.
Day 5
Culinary Workshop
After breakfast, take a walk through a local food market collecting ingredients for a culinary workshop where you’ll learn about tapas, or small plates, one of Spain’s most famous and traditional dishes. Savor a lunch of tapas amidst the bustle of Mercado del Val, then spend time exploring Valladolid’s historic quarter.
Later, refresh your palette at La Loca Juana, a microbrewery located in Iscar Castle-- an ancient fort on a hilltop. Tour the great halls, tower, and fermentation areas. This evening, share a dinner with your fellow travelers as you savor a meal of authentic local cuisine.
Day 6
Rueda
This morning we’ll take a journey through the history and art of winemaking in the heart of Rueda. Learn about the region’s famous verdejos and D.O. Rueda white wines on a tour of a historic winery On this tour, explore underground galleries, large barrel vaults and a below-ground labyrinth. Top off the tour with a tasting of D.O. Rueda wine.
In the afternoon, we head to the small town of La Seca to visit a long-established vineyard that believes strongly in sustainable winemaking and the recovery of native varieties. Learn about how the gravelly pebbles of the soil and the continental climate are responsible for the success of the vineyard’s vines. 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 view the Castle of La Mota. Learn the history and cultural importance of the castle on a guided tour. Afterward, return to Valladolid with free time to relax before reuniting for dinner at a lovely tapas bar.
Day 7
Salamanca
Spend the day in the beautiful and historic city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bask in the glow of this radiant city and discover why Salamanca is nicknamed La Dorada, (the Golden One) for its sandstone buildings that appear to glow. We’ll stroll through the city with an expert guide, passing elegant Baroque architecture and historical landmarks like Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas, the old and new cathedral, and Casa Lis. Delight in a light lunch in the heart of the city sampling one of Salamanca’s renowned specialties like the suckling pig, farinato or chuletón. Explore this enchanting city at your own pace this afternoon with dinner at your leisure.
Day 8
Toro
This morning, we will 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 centre and Romanesque monuments scattered throughout. Located on a tall, fertile plain, Toro has long been famous for its wine. In fact, Christopher Columbus brought wines from Toro on his expeditions. In Toro, we’ll take part in a tour and tasting at a local winery where we will learn about their organic farming methods while meandering the estate and 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 spread over the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria, and after, tour the beautifully designed estate. Learn about the different red and white grape varieties grown and the wines created from them. Tonight, join us for a delicious farewell dinner and toast to the week together.
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Accommodations
Hotel Catalonia Atocha
Enjoy one night in this modern, boutique hotel located near Prado Museums. Lively tapas bars, architecture, and Madrid nightlife are just steps away from this city center hotel. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with seasonal hot tub, bar, and panoramic views of the city. Rooms are elegantly decorated in neutral colors with wooden floors. Bathrooms feature a large shower.
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Hotel Gareus
Enjoy seven 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.
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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.
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Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel (Portugal Extension)
Enjoy three nights at this 5-star property located in one of the most prestigious areas 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. All of the rooms were created from old houses, each with different dimensions and layouts. The rooms are elegantly decorated in a vintage architectural style. Rooms feature complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, safe, mini bar, TV, telephone, and a Nespresso machine. Your en-suite bathroom offers a walk-in shower or bathtub, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, and a hairdryer.
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The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
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 — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
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/terms.
Included
- Eight nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 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: $4,595
Single: $6,495
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,795
Single: $3,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.
Deposits
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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