La Rioja, Zaragoza and beyond - Apr 16 - 23

Extension Trip: La Rioja, Zaragoza, Teruel, Cuenca & Madrid

April 16 – April 23

For those who wish to continue the journey—or for travelers joining us just for this leg—we invite you to extend the experience with a second enological, gastronomic, and cultural exploration through some of Spain’s most compelling regions, from La Rioja to Madrid, April 16–23.

This 8-day / 7-night extension builds naturally from Castilla y León, traveling east to La Rioja, Spain’s most iconic wine region, before continuing through the historic cities of Zaragoza, Teruel, and Cuenca, and concluding in Madrid. As with the first leg, the trip is organized and accompanied by a local expert specialized in wine and cultural travel, alongside me, ensuring a thoughtfully curated and authentic experience throughout.

Guests will enjoy winery visits and tastings, regional gastronomy, and guided cultural visits highlighting Roman heritage, Mudéjar architecture, medieval hill towns, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the vineyards of La Rioja to the dramatic landscapes of Cuenca and the vibrant energy of Madrid, this leg offers a rich and diverse perspective on Spain’s wine, history, and cuisine.

  • Price for this trip is EUR 2,100.00.  Included in the price:
    – Transfers to and from the airport
    – Accommodations in 4-star, centrally located hotels
    – Lunches with wine
    – Entrance fees to historic and cultural sites
    – Winery visits and tastings 
  • - Private transportation throughout the trip 

Not included: flights in and out of Madrid, dinners, and incidentals.

Travelers may join this extension only, participate in both trips, or select either leg independently, depending on availability.
Limited seats available. Reservations will close at the end of January to secure accommodations and visits.

To reserve, a 50% deposit is required, with the balance payable 30 days prior to the start of the trip.

Thursday April 16 - Arrival in Madrid 

Arrival in Madrid Arrive in Spain’s capital and after checking in to your hotel enjoy lunch at the lively Mercado de San Miguel or at Casa Botín, the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Afternoon free to settle in and explore.

Friday April 17 - La Rioja

We will head to Rioja, best known Spanish wine region. Our first stop will be Bodegas David Moreno, family winery where David still elaborates the wines with the help of his two daughters. Amazing and very authentic wines! We will have a traditional amazing lunch in the cellar's dinning room. Afterwards, we will drive to Laguardia, charming medieval village where we will relax and sleep.

Saturday April 18 - La Rioja

We will drive southern Rioja to visit the beautiful and ancient ruins of Nalda Castle (dated before XII century). Afterwards, one of Rioja’s most prestigious wineries is waiting for us: Palacios Vinos de Finca. We will visit the vineyards and elaboration before tasting these great wines guided by people from the winery and enjoy dramatic views of the region from their terrace. Then it will be time for a wonderful lunch. In the evening we will stay in Logroño, capital of Rioja, for a nice quiet walk and pleasant stay.

Sunday April 19 - Zaragoza 

Our next stop is one of Spain’s most historical cities: Zaragoza. We will have a wonderful lunch in a traditional and high quality restaurant downtown. Later, we will be able to visit the Cathedral (El Pilar), breathtaking barroque bulding. Also, the city offers many other cultural spots, like the Roman ruins or the Goya museum. We will sleep in a beautiful hotel downtown.

Monday April 20 - Teruel 

We will leave Zaragoza and head to Albarracin, one of Spain's most beautiful villages before arriving our final destination today: Teruel. Historic city and very important for its Mudejar art and architecture. Charming and quiet place where we will enjoy its gastronomy and sleep in a cozy hotel downtown.

Tuesday April 21 - Cuenca 

We continue our Spanish trip visiting another genuine city: Cuenca. This is a charming small city with many unique spots, as the “hanging houses”, the amazing cathedral, the “plaza mayor” or the mirador, with beautiful and breathtaking views. We will also discover the wide and traditional gastronomy and the night will be spent downtown.

Wednesday April 22 - Ucles and Madrid

On our way to Bodegas García de Lara (in Toledo), we will stop in Uclés. This town is very important in Spanish history and has one of our most famous monasteries (from XVI Century), which we will visit. We then continue and arrive at the beautiful family winery in order to learn about the wines and have a wonderful lunch. Later, we will head to Madrid, where we will spend the last night of this itinerary in one of its most iconic and nice hotels.