"Basques stew, Castilians bake and
Andalusians fry". but they all partake of wine, cheese and sausages. Due to its
particular geographic location and climate, the region of Castile and Leon is
renowned for its Iberian hams and sausages, while the Duero River serves as the
source of such notable appellations as Ribera del Duero, Cigales, Rueda and Toro,
extending into Portuguese territory where Port wine and Vinho Verde are produced.
Arrival in Madrid and transfer to Valladolid for overnight
We begin our journey with a visit to Valladolid -capital city of the Duero region-
and a stroll through the historical quarter with its charming main square, the
late 19th century neighborhoods, the Cathedral, and the University with its Santa
Cruz Palace. We will continue up the Duero River and enter a beautiful valley
protected by the surrounding plateaus, the perfect environment for producing the
red wines we will sample during our visit to the Wine Museum located in the historical
and impressive medieval castle of Penafiel. Possibility of organizing a regional
lunch In the afternoon we will sample blush wines of Cigales appellation in a
local winery. Overnight in Valladolid
In the morning we will visit Toro, another
fine area of red wines in the Duero region. The city offers surprising views of
the river, a medieval bridge and a charming Collegiate. After sampling Toro wines
at a local winery, we will head to Zamora and enjoy a peaceful stroll while visiting
the medieval district and cathedral, and some of the countless Romanesque churches
such as La Magdalena and San Ildefonso. Possibility of organizing a tapas lunch
Possibility of visiting a local cheese producer with tasting We return to the
land of Valladolid, specifically the town of Medina del Campo where the harsh
climate and open fields are ideal for the cultivation of white wine. Possibility
of visiting a winery with tasting of appellation Rueda Overnight in Valladolid
Tordesillas gained notoriety with the signing
of the Treaty between Spain and Portugal in 1494, and as the retreat of Queen
Joanna the Mad. We can admire the convent of Las Claras, an ancient royal palace
with a Moorish flair that has survived its conversion to a convent. The Casas
del Tratado provide details about the oceanic distribution between the two Iberian
kingdoms. The lovely city of Salamanca centers on the university which preserves
its historical building and many colleges. The homogeneous mix between students
and visitors beckons us to walk along the lively streets and indulge in the festive
atmosphere. Notable monuments also include the Plaza Mayor, the two Cathedrals,
the House of Shells and the Monterrey Palace. Overnight in Salamanca Possibility
of organizing a regional dinner
The centuries-old oaks populating the Salamanca
countryside lead us to the Pena de Francia, the most prominent summit and sanctuary
of the Sierra de Francia mountain range which stretches throughout the province
of Salamanca and into Caceres. At the foot of the summit we will visit La Alberca,
a village that has maintained not only its traditional urban layout and architecture,
but the traditional handcrafts that have disappeared in other places. As a result
of the cold climate of the plains, the province of Salamanca is a primary producer
of Iberian ham and sausages in all of Spain. Possibility of organizing a tasting
of Iberian ham and sausages Possibility of organizing lunch in one of the small
mountain villages Overnight in Salamanca
The end of our journey takes us to
two monumental cities, both declared World Heritage sites. Avila, birthplace to
the famous Spanish mystics Santa Teresa de Jesus and Saint John of the Cross,
welcomes us with its impressive walls, its Cathedral, the San Vincent Basilica,
palaces and family estates -the Veladas, Valderrabanos, Nunez Velas and Torreon
de los Guzmanes-, as well as the Monastery of the Incarnation. In the afternoon
we will visit Segovia with its spectacular Roman Aqueduct, a jewel of Roman engineering
built in the 1st century. As we walk through the Jewish Quarter, we will have
the opportunity to behold the Casa de los Picos, the Alhondiga and the Torreon
de los Lozoya fortress. We will visit the Gothic Cathedral known as the "Lady
of Cathedrals" as well as the defensive Alcazar fortress. Overnight in Segovia
Possibility of organizing a special farewell dinner
Transfer to
the Madrid Airport
