Flavours of Salamanca: Wine experience at Hacienda Zorita

Your Spanish adventure begins as soon as you arrival in Madrid. After picking up your rental car, you'll embark on a scenic drive through the charming Spanish countryside, with Salamanca on the horizon. Nestled on the banks of the River Tormes, just outside the city, awaits your luxurious accommodation – a 14th-century Dominican estate that once hosted Christopher Columbus himself. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the traditional charm of a Signature Suite, complete with stunning views of the river and a complimentary bottle of Hacienda Zorita's finest wine. For the next five days, this haven becomes your playground. Savour delicious meals at the traditional restaurant, soak up the sun by the pool, or pamper yourself at the excellent spa. Beyond the hotel's offerings, a vast 300 hectares of farmland and oak forests awaits exploration.

Hacienda Zorita offers an exclusive wine tasting experience, perfect for delving into the region's rich winemaking history. The Duero Valley boasts over a thousand years of wine production, and over these next four days at Hacienda Zorita, you'll sample a selection from their impressive collection of 1,450 oak barrels. A knowledgeable sommelier will guide you through the intricacies of winemaking and how to pair each wine with the region's renowned cuisine. But the experience goes beyond the cellar, with a tour of the Hacienda Zorita Organic Farm. Wander through working farmlands amongst evergreen oak forests and discover the secrets behind their award-winning cheeses. Then, see the Acetaia, Spain's only traditional balsamic vinegar cellar, and explore the drying house for Ibérico Pata Negra ham. These Spanish delicacies, along with olive oil, fresh bread, organic fruits, and vegetables, all find their way onto the plates of the hotel's unique farm-to-table restaurant.

But, it's not all wine and gastronomy at the hacienda. Pay a visit to the Wine & Olive Spa – located in the oldest building of the Hacienda, a water mill dating back to 780 – for the perfect combination of relaxation and wellness. Alternatively, venture out in your rental car to discover the nearby city of Salamanca. Salamanca's signature golden sandstone creates a majestic backdrop for its historical treasures. Marvel at the 13th-century university, the Convento de San Esteban, and the intricate details of the Gothic cathedral. The Plaza Mayor, often hailed as "Spain's Grandest Square," is a vibrant space adorned with Baroque architecture and a testament to the city's rich history. Feeling adventurous? You're perfectly positioned for a foray into Portugal. Follow the Douro River upstream and witness its banks transform into rolling vineyards dotted with charming whitewashed villages and medieval towns.

This morning, enjoy the indulgence of a final breakfast at Hacienda Zorita, before driving back to the airport in time to drop off your hire car and check in for your flight back to the UK.