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Toro Wines and Old Castile

These are suggested itineraries. Vinophoria can customize any tour to accommodate your interests.

This tour can also depart from Valladolid.

This tour celebrates the wines of Toro and three of Spain´s loveliest historical cities. It blends wine appreciation with the unique art and culture of old Castile. You’ll visit three outstanding wineries and also have ample time to explore the fabled Castilian cities of Zamora, Salamanca and Avila. Alongside wonderful wines, you´ll indulge in an array of gastronomic pleasures. The trip culminates in a relaxing night at a luxurious wine hotel.

Day One

Departure from Madrid at 9:30 a.m.

You’ll set off early from Madrid for the up-and-coming wine region of Toro. The first winery you´ll visit is dedicated to small production of first-rate wines, and offers the opportunity to taste wines from both DO Toro and DO Rueda. The tour includes a complete explanation of the wine making process, and a private wine tasting.

After the tour, you’ll have lunch in a charming restaurant in a nearby village. You’ll enjoy a delicious Castilian meal accompanied by terrific Toro wines.

After lunch, you’ll visit a family-run winery and meet its high-spirited proprietor who employs a truly unique approach to wine making. This will be an unforgettable experience! Here the wine tasting will be accompanied by artisanal cheeses from the region.
Then you’ll make a stop in the medieval town of Toro. Here you can visit the delightful Romanesque Colegiata (collegiate church). A small garden behind the church affords a splendid view of the fertile plain below, known as the Oasis of Castile, and a Romanesque bridge over the Duero.

Next, you’ll drive to Zamora which lies on the northern banks of the Duero. You’ll check in to a luxurious hotel in the center of the old quarter and have the evening free to dine on your own; a list of restaurant suggestions will be provided.

Day Two

Breakfast in the hotel.

Free time in Zamora.

Zamora has been nicknamed the “Romanesque Museum.” From your hotel, you’ll be perfectly situated to explore this genteel town. You’ll have the morning free to visit Zamora’s numerous Romanesque churches, and its marvelous cathedral which houses a wonderful early-XVI century carved choir stall, and a remarkable collection of XV century Flemish tapestries.

After an enjoyable morning in Zamora, you’ll visit a beautiful, ultra-modern winery in the heart of Toro which produces highly praised wines. This winery is also noted for it’s old vineyards; the average age of its vines is 40 years.
First, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in the winery. The meal will showcase Toro’s regional cuisine, and be accompanied by this bodega’s excellent wines. Then you’ll tour the winery and its vineyards. The tour will take in each phase of the wine making process and a discussion of the region’s native grape, Tinta de Toro.

In the late afternoon, you’ll have more time to further explore Zamora, do a bit a shopping, or kick back at the hotel.

Dinner will be a gourmet event created by a masterful chef who is a star of Spain’s cocina de autor (original cuisine). This renowned restaurant, with its stone facade and sleek, modern interior, offers an exquisite dining experience.

Day Three

Breakfast in the hotel.

Check out from the hotel and departure for Salamanca at 10:00 a.m.

You’ll head for Salamanca first thing in the morning giving you plenty of time to explore this remarkable city. With its historic university, golden stone, and wonderfully ornate facades, Salamanca is one of Spain´s most striking cities. You’ll have the day to yourself to wander through its narrow streets and admire its splendid buildings and churches. If you’d prefer, we’ll arrange a guided tour of the city. Lunch will be on your own with a list of restaurant reccommendations provided.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll check in to a boutique wine hotel right outside of Salamanca. After a day of sight-seeing, this gracefully renovated XIV century monastery, nestled in the Duero Valley, offers the perfect setting in which to relax. You can tour the vineyards, take advantage of the spa, or just unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

You´ll enjoy an excellent dinner in the hotel’s beautiful restaurant which offers both traditional and creative dishes enhanced by produce from the hacienda’s own organic garden.

Day Four

Breakfast in the hotel.

Check out from the hotel and departure at 11:00 a.m.

Today you’ll explore the enchanting, walled city of Avila, one of the world´s best-preserved examples of medieval fortifications. If you choose, you´ll be able to walk atop these immense medieval walls and enjoy splendid views. Avila was also the birthplace of the famous Spanish mystic Santa Teresa de Jesús and there is a wealth of churches and convents scattered around the city. A few of the highlights are: the cathedral, built into the city walls and said to be one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Castile; the lovely Romanesque Basilica of San Vicente; and the Gothic monastery of Santo Tomas, a fine example of the Isabelline style of architecture.

Lunch will be on your own in Avila with a list of restaurant reccommendations provided.

Before departing for Madrid, you’ll make a stop at the picturesque spot of Los Cuatro Postes which offers a spectacular view of the city. From here it is only an hour and a half drive back to Madrid.

Arrival in Madrid at around 7:00 p.m.

End of services.

Final tour prices will depend on the number of participants in the tour, accommodation and restaurant choices, wineries visited, and activities included within the tour or arranged on a custom basis, and will be quoted when we know your preferences.