Hidden Gems

When Robert Frost, the American Poet, wrote, “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”, he spoke for all travellers in search of the unexpected, the unique and the unpredictable. 

SpainTop offers a large selection of such experiences; a small sampling of which is shared below.  Each will pique your interest and whet your appetite for extraordinary Spanish memories. Needless to say, all include private cars, private drivers and private guides.


LA MANCHA: Saffron, Windmills and Cheese:

This all-day tour begins in the museum devoted to Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice.  After a stop at Consuegra Castle, you visit the area best known for the twelve windmills immortalized in the novel ‘Don Quixote’, four of which are still in working condition, and all of which are spectacularly photogenetic.  At a local farm, you will learn about the preparation of the Spanish specialty, Manchego cheese and will taste the different varieties.  Finally, your day comes to a close at an authentic local restaurant, where renowned Iberian Ham is featured.

 
ANDALUCIA: Cordoba, Flamenco and Wine

This extraordinary visit provides a one-stop peek into Andalusian history and traditions.

While the term ‘bodega’ originally designated a warehouse where wine was stored, today the meaning has expanded to include wine cellars, vineyards, restaurants and mini museums.  In short, a visit to a bodega can be an all-encompassing experience.

The bodega we visit, is a collection of houses and courtyards representing various stages of Spanish history and many aspects of Spanish culture and traditions where Montilla-Moriles wines will be featured.

Flamenco music originated in Andalusia as acapella songs accompanied by complex hand clapping rhythms. Later guitar music and dancing was added, so appropriately, our tour concludes with a gourmet dinner served under the stars in a Cordovan courtyard accompanied by flamenco guitar music.

 
EXTREMADURA: “The Stars at Night are Big and Bright”:  Monfrague National Park:

A picnic featuring local produce is a relaxing beginning to this remarkable evening. As you allow yourself to be enveloped by the gradual darkness, the night sky starts to reveal its treasures.

As a Biosphere Reserve, the Monfrague National Park provides a prime location for viewing the canopy of night stars with the unaided eye.  While that alone is an extraordinary experience, your guide will also have the expertise and all the professional optical equipment needed to extend and enhance your astronomical encounter. Truly, a night to remember.


GALICIA:  Ribeira Sacra  (Sacred Valley)  and Heroic Viticulture

Whether seen from above, or from below in a boat, the views of the Ribeira Sacra, are breathtakingly spectacular.   The valley derives its name from the numerous fortified Romanesque monasteries located there, some of which have been adapted for tourist accommodation, while others retain their original religious intention.

But it is ‘Heroic Viticulture’ that is so mesmerising. To be officially so designated, a vineyard must be at high altitudes, on steep slopes, on terraces or embankments and always in difficult growing and harvesting conditions. With some slopes here approaching 100% verticality, and vines planted on what seems to be impossible to reach terraces, this area definitely practices Heroic Viticulture. 

The day concludes with an excellent local meal where you will feast on expertly prepared regional dishes paired with local wines.