There is another Spain beyond the familiar wine routes—a landscape of ancient vines, medieval villages, family cellars, and traditions deeply connected to the land.

At its heart is Ribera del Duero, often called the “Napa of Spain,” where powerful Tempranillo grows across a dramatic high plateau and some vines have survived for more than a century. Here, wine is inseparable from the table, from lamb sizzling over vine-wood fires to long lunches and glasses shared among the vineyards.

Our route unfolds from historic Burgos, famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, through the beautiful small villages and rolling wine country of Castilla y León. Along the way come unexpected prehistoric discoveries, a sunrise above the vines, local traditions, and wines shaped by very different landscapes. Madrid brings completely different energy, with world-class art, lively streets, and the pleasure of cooking and dining together.

Eight days that reveal Spain through its wines, food, landscapes, and the experiences shared around the table. And with a small group, there is always time for good conversation, new friendships, and plenty of laughter along the way.

Upon arrival at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we'll meet our private driver and travel north toward Burgos, stopping for a group lunch at Rincón de Merche in Lozoyuela.

In Burgos, we'll check into the 4-star Silken Gran Teatro, built on the site of the city's former Grand Theater and centrally located near the Cathedral and Old Town. The evening is free to explore Burgos, discover a neighborhood tapas bar, or simply relax after your journey.

We'll begin with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Atapuerca, where discoveries have revealed more than a million years of human history.

Back in Burgos, we'll enjoy lunch at a classic local restaurant, followed by a guided walking tour and visit to Burgos Cathedral.

Later, we'll meet a colorful local host for a traditional vermouth tasting before a free evening in Burgos.

We leave Burgos for the lesser-known D.O. Arlanza wine region, beginning with a vineyard visit and outdoor wine tasting. In Covarrubias, one of Spain's Prettiest Villages, local guide Rosalia will introduce us to its medieval streets and plazas, followed by free time for lunch and exploring.

We then continue into Ribera del Duero and check into the 4-star Hotel Fuente Aceña, a restored 300-year-old flour mill beside the Duero River. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at Fuente de la Aceña, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant led by Chef Pedro de Rodrigo.

An early start brings a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Ribera del Duero, followed by a small countryside picnic and local wine. Back on the ground, we'll enjoy a hands-on artisan honey and beekeeping experience, followed by a honey-inspired lunch and tasting.

The afternoon and evening are free at Hotel Fuente Aceña. Those wishing to explore more Ribera wines can arrange optional visits to nearby wineries, including Arzuaga Navarro, Finca Villacreces, or Abadía Retuerta.

Today we visit Bodegas Pagos de Matanegra, a small independent winery known for old-vine Tempranillo, including vines more than a century old. We'll taste wine among the vines, visit the cellar, and enjoy a traditional lamb chop lunch grilled over a vine-wood fire, paired with the winery's wines.

After free time at the hotel, we'll visit Bodegas Vega de Yuso for an evening tasting exploring different expressions of Ribera del Duero Tempranillo.

Leaving Ribera del Duero, we travel toward Madrid and the Sierra de Gredos wine country. At Las Moradas de San Martín, we'll visit the winery and cellar and taste old-vine Garnacha and Albillo Real. We then continue to Tierra Calma for a relaxed lunch accompanied by the estate's wines.

This afternoon, we'll arrive in Madrid and check into the centrally located 4-star Catalonia Plaza Mayor. The evening is free to enjoy Madrid's restaurants, tapas bars, theaters, and rooftop cocktail spots.

Our final full day begins with a guided visit to the Prado Museum, with a WineNot twist as we discover wine, vineyards, feasts, and drinking traditions within its masterpieces. We'll continue with a walking tour through central Madrid, followed by free time for lunch, shopping, or exploring.

Tonight, we'll gather at The Cooking Clubhouse for a hands-on Spanish cooking experience and farewell dinner, preparing our meal together before sitting down to celebrate our final evening in Madrid.

After breakfast, we'll check out of our Madrid hotel and take our private transfer to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport for our flights home.