Bienvenido a Espana! Your adventure begins after landing in Madrid, Spain’s most populous city with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. This evening you’ll meet your local leader and other tourmates before heading out to initiate your tastebuds into Spanish cuisine while you sample specialties alongside wine pairings during a tour of the city’s tapas bars. With a full stomach, you’ll return to the hotel for a good night’s rest. (d)

After breakfast, your exploration of Spain’s diverse landscapes begins as we head out to discover the ancient wine lands of remote Spain. First, you’ll head north to the Bernabeleva Winery for a tour and tasting. Next, you’ll set out for the medieval, walled city of Avila, where you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local cuisine accompanied by the well-known high altitude garnacha wines, hailing from the Sierra de Gredos region. This afternoon, you’ll continue north to the university city of Salamanca, where your Insider Expert will guide you on a walking tour through the old city. Tonight, enjoy time at leisure to – perhaps heading out to enjoy tapas in the picturesque main square. (b, l)

Your culinary explorations continue this morning with a visit to artisan cheesemaker and Harrods supplier, Vicente Pastor, where you’ll meet his sheep and taste his prize-winning zamorano cheese. Next, head to Arribes del Duero for a visit with British winemaker Charlotte Allen at her winery in the village of Fermoselle. For lunch, you’ll collect another passport stamp as you cross the border into Miranda do Douro, Portugal. On the menu? The regional specialty: ‘posta a Mirandesa’ steaks. Digest your morning meals with a tranquil boat cruise along the meandering Douro River, taking in its steep gorges and trying to catch a glimpse of the golden eagles that often fly above. This evening, you’ll return to Salamanca, Spain where the night is yours to explore or relax as you please. (b, l)

You’ll say adios to Salamanca today as you venture onto Guijuelo, where you’ll learn about the traditional art of curing ham with a visit to Simón Martín’s family business, an establishment more than a century old. Next, you’ll travel to the Sierra de Francia village of Mogarraz to explore the La Zorra Winery. Learn how the wines are produced from the local rufete grape. Overlooking the mountains, you’ll break for a traditional lunch at La Zorra’s restaurant, Mirasierra, where local meat will be grilled on the table before you. After indulging in this treat, you’ll continue south to Extremadura and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Caceres. Here your Insider Expert will meet you for a short, guided evening walk before enjoying an evening drink and tapa in the city’s main square. (b, l)

This morning’s travels take you south to Merida, the former capital of the Roman province, Lusitania. Here, you’ll step back in time when your Local Leader guides you through the historical Roman theatre, amphitheater, and Roman museum. Continuing further south, you’ll stop at the Santa Marina Winery for a tour and delicious lunch, paired with their Ribera del Guadiana wines. Two of their wines, the Miraculus and Gladiator, both were highly rated. This evening finds you in the majestic Andalusian city of Seville. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy an evening at leisure to discover the city’s hidden treasures and culinary delights. (b, l)

After breakfast, your adventure continues with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, the first and oldest designated wine regions in Spain. Here, you’ll tour the Lustau facilities, where they’ve been producing highly-rated sherries since 1896. Next, you’ll move onto Fernando de Castilla, one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez. Owned by Jan Pettersen, the bodega is home to a number of highly rated aged sherries. After touring the grounds and whetting your whistle a bit, you’ll feast on some delicious tapas before returning to Seville. This evening, immerse yourself in a traditional and captivating flamenco performance before enjoying a dinner with your fellow travelers at Seville’s Michelin-starred El Abantal. (b, l, d)

This morning we venture across the Sierra to Finca el Rosalejo. Former home of the Duke and Duchess of Ahumada, the grounds provide a stunning backdrop and views of the surrounding nature while you sip their prized wines. Tonight, you’ll continue to Malaga for your final evening of adventure! Toast to a fantastic trip with a local drink and tapas tonight at a local restaurant. (b, d)

After a wonderful week working through Spain’s Roman Silver Road, it’s time to say hasta luego to your new friends and the Spanish countryside and prepare for your journey home! (b)