The Heart of
Spain
June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026
Join John & Marialisa, along with their friend and expert tour guide Peter, on an unforgettable journey through “The Heart of Spain”; Castille & Leon and the Ribera del Duero. This intimate trip is designed for a small group of just 22 participants, ensuring a relaxed pace and a truly personal experience.
Over the course of a week, you’ll explore the rich culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes of the region, all while visiting hand-selected wineries. Much like Rappahannock Cellars, each estate you’ll discover is small, family-owned, and dedicated to craftsmanship and tradition.
Explore the beautiful medieval towns of Ávila and Segovia, about 70 miles northwest of Madrid in Castilla y León. We’ll stay three nights in the walled town of Ávila while tasting red wines from San Martín de Valdeiglesias and white wines from Rueda. Visit Segovia to see its 1st-century, 3,000-foot aqueduct and enjoy a traditional “cochinillo” meal.
For the second part of the trip, we stay in Burgos, once the capital of Castilla y León for five centuries. Burgos is famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral and is located on the Camino de Santiago. We’ll take a day trip to Ribera del Duero, known for its Tempranillo grapes and elegant, full-bodied red wines.
Pickup and drop-off are in Madrid.
This trip includes:
• Accommodations in 2 four star hotels
• Breakfast daily
• Daily long lunch or dinner (includes pre-dinner drink, food, wine, gratuity)
• Wine tastings – all, generally including tapas
• Transportation – all
• Admission and entrance fees – all
Does not include:
• Airfare
• Trip Insurance
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Tierra Calma (Ávila)
Visit Rafael’s small, character-filled vineyard featuring some of the oldest vines you’ll ever see. Enjoy his handcrafted wines and famous paella.Segovia Region
Explore local wines thoughtfully paired with traditional Castilian dishes — a true taste of place.El Escorial Area
A relaxed day with a countryside lunch featuring regional wines from the foothills near Ávila.Rueda (Miguel’s Winery)
Meet Miguel and discover his expressive Verdejo — small-production, authentic, and unlike any mass-market wine.Arlanza (Burgos)
Taste with winemaker Andrés Septién, who is reviving the ancient DO of Arlanza through his boutique winery.Ribera del Duero (Epifania Family Wines)
Visit the Epifania brothers’ historic cellar and sample beautifully balanced Tempranillo, with a chance to taste directly from the tank.
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Start & finish times
The tour begins Monday at 10:00am. Please plan to arrive in Madrid at least the night prior. All the flights to Spain from the United States are overnight flights. There are daily direct flights to Madrid from Dulles airport via Iberia Airlines and United.
On Sunday, we will leave Burgos at 8:00 am and arrive to the Madrid airport at around 11:00 am. From there, we will then stop at the Atocha train station. If you need transportation to a different destination and/or at a different time, we can coordinate the transport for you. The cost varies depending on distance. -
Day 1 – Madrid to Ávila
A Touch of Culture – Our journey begins with a visit to Rafael and his small, character-filled vineyard. We’ll arrive in Ávila in time to watch the sunset over one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval walls. Our charming hotel, located within the city walls, features a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for an evening glass of wine.
Wine Focus – At Tierra Calma, you’ll encounter some of the oldest vines you’ve ever seen.
Food Focus – Rafael will treat us to his famous paella — a delicious start to the week.
Day 2 – Segovia
A Touch of Culture – Segovia’s fairytale ambiance and historic beauty make it truly magical.
Wine Focus – Today we’ll explore local wines thoughtfully paired with traditional dishes.
Food Focus – Lunch is at one of the region’s most beloved institutions, renowned for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). You may not be hungry again for a while!
Day 3 – A Light Road Trip
A Touch of Culture – The Monastery and Royal Site of El Escorial showcases the grandeur of Spain’s Golden Age — a true cultural highlight.
Food & Wine Focus – We’ll enjoy lunch in the nearby village of Escorial, then return to Ávila for a relaxed evening to explore or unwind at your leisure.
Day 4 – Ávila to Burgos via Rueda
A Touch of Culture – En route, we’ll visit a Roman villa unexpectedly discovered by a farmer — its intricate mosaics remain remarkably intact.
Wine Focus – At Miguel’s family winery, language barriers disappear over a glass of his distinctive, hand-crafted Verdejo.
Food Focus – Lunch will be in Miguel’s village, where local flavors shine. Saying goodbye at the end of the afternoon won’t be easy.
Day 5 – Burgos
A Touch of Culture – A leisurely walking tour brings us through Burgos’ historic streets, including a visit to its stunning Gothic cathedral. Along the way, we’ll learn about El Cid and the famous Camino de Santiago.
Wine Focus – Meet Andrés Septién, who is reviving the ancient DO of Arlanza through passion and persistence at his small winery.
Food Focus – A culinary love story: Mexico meets Spain. Fernando (from Mexico) and Edurne (from Burgos) create what many call the best meal of the trip.
Day 6 – Ribera del Duero
A Touch of Culture – Step into the historic wine cellar of the Epifania family — a treasure of the Ribera region.
Wine Focus – The three Epifania brothers craft elegant, balanced Tempranillo wines that embody the soul of Ribera del Duero. With luck, we’ll taste directly from the tank.
Food Focus – Lunch features lechazo — the tender roasted lamb that defines the region’s cuisine.
Day 7 – Ciao for Now
After breakfast, we’ll return to Madrid. Expect to arrive at Barajas Airport by 11:00 AM, followed by Atocha train station. If you’re flying home on Sunday, please schedule your departure for after 1:30 PM.
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Pricing & Booking
This all-inclusive journey (excluding airfare) is $4,350
Single travelers welcome. If you prefer a single room, additional charge is $700.
To reserve your spot, a $1,000 deposit is required at the time of signup. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to departure.
All bookings are managed through TintoTravels in partnership with Rappahannock Cellars.

