Day 1
Exclusive Eat Northern Spain experiences
- Panoramic drive through the vineyards of the Golden Mile of Ribera del Duero, where one of the best wines in the world are produced
Click on this image to enjoy a sneak peek video of this day:Upon arrival you will be welcomed and escorted to a private vehicle. Then you will enjoy a scenic drive to the Spanish countryside across Spain’s world-famous wine region Ribera del Duero.
At the heart of Ribera del Duero in the Golden Mile of this wine region where some of the best wines in the world are produced, the 5-star Hotel Monastery of Valbuena will be your hotel for 3 nights, located in one the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries of the 12th century in Europe. The whole property is a Spanish dream with clean stone walls, French oak floors and Berber rugs throughout, the effect is warm and inviting despite the scale of the property.
You can relax for the rest of the evening at the five-star thermal spa which still draws mineral medicinal water from 1,200-foot-deep aquifer that the monks once used to irrigate the vineyards.
For dinner, you can indulge yourself at the hotel’s gastronomic space which has an exclusive à-la-carte restaurant composed of both traditional and modern cuisine, prepared with the highest quality local products.
Day 2
Exclusive Eat Northern Spain experiences:
- A visit to two of the most exclusive wineries in Ribera del Duero
Click on this image to enjoy a sneak peek video of this day:
After a reinvigorating sleep and a full breakfast with local specialities your expert local guide will take you on a scenic route across the vineyards of this region. You will enjoy a visit to Pago de Carraovejas, one of the most famous wine estates in Spain. The experience begins with a tour of the vineyard, an opportunity to enjoy the exceptional views afforded by the panoramic windows and balconies. Later, in the winery, you will follow the same path the grapes follow through the winemaking process and you will taste a selection of three of Pago de Carraovejas’ wines, accompanied by a singular gastronomic proposal.
For lunch, you will take a seat on the terrace at Pago de Carraovejas, overlooking the 10th century Peñafiel Castle, where you can taste some of the area’s best reds. Expect lunch to be lively with spruced-up versions of regional favorites like red-wine-stewed chicken and poached egg with peas.
After lunch you will be driven to Portia Winery, a stunning architectural masterpiece, designed by Norman Foster. Here you will enjoy a guided wine tasting and have the opportunity to view the winery’s impressive building and art gallery.
Day 3
Exclusive Eat Northern Spain experiences:
- A hot air baloon ride over the vineyards of one of Spain’s greatest wine regions
Click on this image to enjoy a sneak peek video of this day:
The cherry on the cake for this romantic trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a hot air balloon ride over the famous “Golden Mile” of Ribera del Duero.
The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site surrounded by vineyards, and flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a viewing adventure over Spain’s most beautiful wine region with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains, the vines and the rivers of this wine region.
A brunch full of local specialities and paired with the best local wine will be waiting for you as soon as your balloon lands.
Later on, you will be met by your driver and escorted to your vehicle for a private transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
- about this tour
What’s included? Everything you need. Plus everything you’d
want. Plus a few things you never knew you wanted until you got them.
In a word: everything. In eighty words? A private chauffeur tour guided by an interesting, fun and like-minded travel companion; authentic and innovative local cuisine; world-class local hotels; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery. Travel at your own pace: Our tailor-made holidays are very flexible, allowing you to start road journeys or sightseeing when you choose – within reason.
- Hotel Accommodation and daily breakfast in a Superior Room at
- Hotel Castilla Termal Monasterio Valbuena 5*
- Unlimited access to the Thermal Pool.
- All experiences as described in the itinerary.
- Economy Class flight tickets London – Madrid – London on selected dates (British Airways or Iberia)
- Private transfer from Madrid airport to the hotel.
- All transportation from airport pickup to drop-off in an air-conditioned brand-new vehicle driven by a professional driver.
- Food & Wine during Lunch on Saturday at the winery as described in the itinerary.
- Translator services and assistance at restaurants and hotels. We will break the language barrier for you so you can get the most out of your experiences during your trip.
- 24h concierge service during the whole trip.
- All baggage transportation.
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service.
- All currently applicable taxes.
What’s not included?
Food & Drinks during dinners (Friday & Saturday). Why they are not included? We will escort you to a great restaurant and we will recommend the best food and drink they serve according to your taste but you will have the last word of what you would like to taste every time. If you are in a mood for a long tasting menu or just a couple of a-la-carté dishes, that will be your choice.
We think that pre-booked meals & drinks lower the quality of our customer’s experience at restaurants where the Chef could recommend you something fresh from the day or this new creation he/she has just added to their menu. You will have the freedom to eat & drink anything from the restaurant’s menu at your own pace.
You will pay in local currency directly to the restaurants. If you wish, we could give you an estimation of how much a meal cost in each restaurant you will be eating during the tour.
What to expect
A laid-back pace with free time to relax
Plenty of scrumptious local food and wine as well as time to really appreciate the dining experience
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