Madrid
The vibrant capital of Spain is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture. Madrid’s atmosphere is complemented by its culinary scene, which is influenced by both the city’s urban life and the surrounding countryside.
Our trip starts with a tour of the city the first evening and each following day we explore Madrid’s surroundings to taste the bounty of the agricultural wealth of Castile. From the markets of Aranjuez, the cheese of El Escorial, and the marzipan of Toledo, our tastebuds will be astounded by what the surrounding countryside has to offer.
Whether enjoying a traditional meal or exploring a modern take on Spanish cuisine, Madrid offers an unforgettable experience for food lovers.
This tour is very dynamic and fun – Madrid is the home town of our tour partners, John and Anna, and they have organized a tour filled with definitely-not-tourist stuff!
So, come, join us in the warm sun of central Spain for a week of leisurely exploration of the wines and foods that make this place special.
Madrid, Spain
DATES - May 2 - 10, 2026
TRAVELERS - 12 people
PRICE - $10,500 Per Person
Who?
The trip is designed for experienced travelers with a passion for great food made the traditional way – food that is deeply connected to the people and culture of the place. We encourage open minds, adventurous spirits, and a deep passion for traditional foods. Our guests are adults of all ages, who enjoy walking and exploring places on their own, as well as with the group. We keep the group small: no more than 12 guests will travel with our experienced hosts from Zingerman’s, plus our longtime Spanish friends John and Ana.
ACTIVITY LEVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
The activity level is medium, with lots of walking in both city and country. You should be able to stand for long periods for some aspects of the tour. We are visiting ancient towns so expect some uneven ground, cobblestones, picturesque steps of different sizes, and some hills.
You will be staying in clean, comfortable, conveniently located accommodations with private baths.
What’s Included?
Behind the scenes visits to artisanal producers, local wine makers, hands-on tapas experiences, ancient cities, and visiting the beautiful terrain of Andalucia.
Amazing food—all breakfasts, most lunches, and most dinners. Lunch will be the large meal, as per the culture. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made from local, fresh ingredients. There will be plenty of meat, fish, and, to be clear, a healthy dose of pork in the local cuisine. This tour not recommended for vegetarians.
A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will be at your disposal at all times.
Transportation by taxis, train, and air-conditioned private bus during the tour.
What’s Not Included?
Airfare
Airport transfers
Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)
Personal spending money
Additional Tips
Sample Itinerary*
Day 1
Madrid
We will meet up in the lobby of our lovely hotel, Pestana CR7 Gran Vía, in Madrid, for introductions in the early evening. From there, our own personal guide will take us on a walking tour of Madrid. We will see historical sites, architectural landmarks, and some of Madrid’s beautiful parks. After the tour, we will sit down for our first dinner together.
We’ll begin today with some free time to explore the city. Perhaps to visit one of the art museums or relax in one of the parks we saw on the tour.
In the evening, we’ll head to a local restaurant for a cooking class, where we’ll learn to prepare a few classic dishes that Madrid is known for. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a dinner featuring the dishes we made in the class.
Day 2
Madrid
Day 3
Aranjuez
After breakfast, we’ll board the Strawberry Train to Aranjuez. In 1851, Isabella II inaugurated Madrid’s first railway line, connecting the Royal Palace in Aranjuez with the capital. Today, the train offers a unique cultural and leisure experience.
Upon arrival in Aranjuez, we’ll visit a local market and the Strawberry and Asparagus Garden. After lunch, we’ll take a guided tour of the city before returning to Madrid by train.
Day 4
El Escorial
After breakfast, we will take our bus to the town of El Escorial. There, we will meet up with the folks at Creamery La Cabezuela and learn about their special goats and the marvelous cheese they make.
We will have lunch nearby and a walking tour of the beautiful town of El Escorial. In the evening, we will return to Madrid. We’ll have a stroll for tapas for those who would like to!
Today promises a full day of adventure and flavors. After breakfast, we’ll board the bus and head to Arganda. There, we’ll visit Vinícola de Arganda, a winery and olive mill co-op that has been producing olive oil and wine for 80 years. We’ll learn about their production methods and have the opportunity to taste both their olive oil and wine.
After a short bus ride, we will stop in Chinchón for lunch at a restaurant that specializes in recipes that feature garlic and anise, two products that have left their mark on the area. We will follow up with a tour of a local anisette factory. We’ll head back to Madrid for some time to explore on your own, or join us for tapas.
Day 5
Arganda
Chinchón
Toledo, an ancient city perched on a hill above the Castilla-La Mancha plains, is famous for its medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian landmarks and as the former home of El Greco. We’ll head there after breakfast.
We’ll begin with a tour of Santo Tomé, renowned for its marzipan since 1856, where we’ll witness the delicate crafting process and enjoy a taste. Afterward, we head to a local restaurant that highlights small producers and regional ingredients for a memorable lunch.
From there, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming city, exploring its historic streets and strolling along the ancient walls for stunning views. We’ll return to Madrid, and enjoy a different variety of tapas this evening.
Day 6
Toledo
After breakfast, we’ll board the bus to Alovera to visit the Mahou Brewery, founded in 1890 and now one of the largest in Europe. We’ll take a tour of the facility and enjoy a taste of their beer.
Next, we’ll take the bus to Brihuega for lunch, followed by a visit to the famous lavender fields. Known as the "garden of La Alcarria," Brihuega is home to Spain’s most renowned lavender fields. We’ll stroll through the fields, soaking in the fragrant aroma while learning about the growing and harvesting process.
We’ll then board our bus, lavender-scented as we are, back to Madrid.
Day 7
Alovera
Brihuega
Day 8
Madrid
This morning, we’ll experience market day in Madrid, visiting one of the city’s many vibrant fresh markets. To truly see how the locals shop, there’s no better place than a mercado.
First, we’ll explore Mercado de Maravillas, where stalls from all corners of Spain and beyond offer an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. Then we will have enjoy a delicious lunch at one the market’s restaurants.
Afterwards, we’ll have some free time before gathering for our final dinner of the tour, where we’ll bid our farewells—just in case we don’t cross paths in the morning.
Breakfast in the hotel. Some of us will be leaving today, and others may be staying on to explore.
day 9
Madrid
*One thing to note: this itinerary is the current plan, and, things may change. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described above. However, the nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.
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