#MAGIC TOWNS - IBERIAN HAM ROUTE: HISTORY AND TRADITION

3:00 p.m – Arrival in Medellín

• Check-in at the accommodation.

3:30 p.m – Tour through Hernán Cortés Square and the Archaeological Park

• Start at Hernán Cortés Square, admire his statue and the foundations of the house where he was born.
• Enter the Archaeological Park and travel 2,000 years back in time.

4:30 p.m – Visit to Medellín Castle

• Learn about its historical role during the Reconquista.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Renaissance Bridge of the Austrias and the Guadiana River.

18:00 p.m - Wine tasting at Quinto Cecilio Restaurant, a unique spot with views over the village of Medellín (Duration: 60 minutes).

• Includes: Professional sommelier, 5 wines, and tasting notes.
• Pairing: with cured pork loin and cheese.

19:00 p.m - Free time to wander and uncover hidden gems.

8:30 p.m – Dinner at the accommodation featuring:

• Extremaduran lamb stew.
• Wine pairing: Crianza red wine from Ribera del Guadiana.
• Overnight stay in Medellín.

08:30 a.m - Breakfast: Rustic bread toast with fig jam and coffee.

09:00 a.m - Tour of Medellín’s Roman bridge: Learn all the details about its construction and its role in connecting ancient Lusitania and Baetica. (Guided)

10:30 a.m - Traditional cooking workshop: Learn how to prepare Extremaduran sweets like perrunillas and taste your own creations.

12:00 p.m - Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Extremaduran migas with chorizo and bacon.
• Pairing: Dry white wine from Ribera del Guadiana.

2:30 p.m - Transfer at the client's own expense to Fregenal de la Sierra: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits.

• Distance: 85 km, duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes.

3:30 p.m – Visit to the Templar Castle: tour of the walls, bullring, and indoor market.

4:00 p.m – Walk through the Historic Quarter: Churches of Santa María and Santa Ana, the house of Bravo Murillo, and noble streets and houses.

5:30 p.m - Pottery workshop at Cerámicas Gallardo: Discover this traditional craft technique of the region and take home your own handmade piece.

8:30 p.m - Dinner at the accommodation: Iberian pork tenderloin with rosemary potatoes.

• Pairing: Chipurri red wine, PDO Extremadura
• Accommodation: Fregenal de la Sierra.

08:30 am – Breakfast: Rustic bread with extra virgin olive oil and fresh goat cheese

10:00 am – Guided walk through the holm oak dehesa:

• Walk among cork oaks and holm oaks while learning about the flora and fauna of the dehesa ecosystem

11:30 am – Visit to an Iberian sausage factory:

• Discover the curing and production process of Iberian products, and enjoy a tasting of hams and cured pork loin

1:30 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Hare rice
• Wine pairing: Young red wine from the Condado de Huelva

3:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Segura de León: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 25 km, Duration: 30 minutes

4:15 pm – Cultural tour of the historic center

• Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
• San Benito Convent and Cloister
• Capea Museum

5:30 pm – Visit to spiritual landmarks and panoramic viewpoints

• Church of Fátima
• Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Hermitage of the Virgin of Los Remedios

7:00 pm – Visit to the permanent exhibition of Antonio Aradillas

• A collection of religious artifacts, art, and local culture

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation

• Traditional mountain-style menu
• Main dish: Iberian pork cheeks in red wine
• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Condado de Huelva

08:30 am – Breakfast at the accommodation

• Toast with Iberian ham and extra virgin olive oil
• Coffee and fruit

09:30 am – Visit to the Santiaguista Medieval Castle

• Opening hours: 09:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Explore the parade ground, the tower, and its viewpoints
• A historical testament to the Order of Santiago

11:00 am – Free walking tour through popular downtown bars

• Recommended bars:
• Bar Casa Manolo
• Bar Puerta del Sol
• Bar Laureano

1:30 pm – Lunch at Mesón Restaurante La Teja

• Suggested dish: Iberian pork shoulder (secreto ibérico) or lamb stew
• Homemade dessert and fruity wine from the Condado de Huelva

1:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Calera de León: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits (Distance: 20 km, Duration: 30 minutes)

3:30 pm – Guided tour of the Monastery of Tentudía:

• Learn about the history and art of this important historical site

5:30 pm – Homemade pickling workshop:

• Use fresh products to prepare typical local pickles and preserves

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Free-range chicken with almonds

• Wine pairing: Dry white wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Calera de León

08:30 am – Breakfast: Cottage cheese with thyme honey and rustic country bread toast

09:00 am – Guided tour through the Tentudía dehesas (meadows):

• Walk among holm oaks and cork oaks while learning about traditional livestock farming practices

11:30 am – Sheep cheese-making workshop:

• Participate in the artisanal process of making both cured and fresh cheeses

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Extremaduran gazpacho and asparagus omelette
• Wine pairing: Young white wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Cabeza la Vaca: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits (Distance: 25 km, Duration: 30 minutes)

4:00 pm – Guided tour through the cobbled streets of Cabeza la Vaca:

• Visit the parish church and the town’s historic fountains

5:30 pm – Traditional pastry workshop:

• Learn how to prepare local sweets such as pestiños and perrunillas

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Iberian pork cheeks in wine sauce

• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Cabeza la Vaca

08:30 am – Breakfast: Rustic bread toast with olive oil and orange blossom honey

10:00 am – Guided visit to the caves of Fuentes de León:

• Discover this impressive cave system, its geology, and the prehistoric cave paintings it contains

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Kid goat stew with thyme potatoes
• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Fuentes de León: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits (Distance: 15 km, Duration: 20 minutes)

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the historic center of Fuentes de León:

• Walk through the village streets, visit its parish church and the main square

5:30 pm – Jam and preserves workshop:

• Learn how to make preserves using local fruits and enjoy a tasting

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Gachas extremeñas (traditional cornmeal porridge)

• Wine pairing: Fruity white wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Fuentes de León

08:30 am – Breakfast: Rustic bread toast with extra virgin olive oil and local honey

10:00 am – Guided tour of the surroundings of Fuentes de León:

• Enjoy a final walk through the landscapes surrounding the caves, with views of the holm oak and cork oak dehesas

11:30 am – Iberian product-making workshop:

• Learn how traditional sausages are made using local techniques and take part in a brief tasting

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Migas extremeñas with crispy pork belly and peppers
• Wine pairing: Young white wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Cumbres Mayores: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 50 km, Duration: 1 hour

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the old town of Cumbres Mayores:

• Discover its medieval castle and the village’s narrow streets, rich in history and tradition

5:30 pm – Traditional pickling workshop:

• Learn how to prepare pickles with local products such as peppers and eggplants

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Roast suckling pig with potatoes

• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Ribera del Guadiana
• Accommodation: Cumbres Mayores

08:30 am – Breakfast: Rustic bread with grated tomato, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh cheese

09:00 am – Guided hiking route through the dehesa:

• Explore the typical landscape of the Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aroche, learning about the local flora and fauna

11:30 am – Beekeeping workshop:

• Discover the artisanal honey production process and sample different varieties

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Migas serranas with local sausages
• Wine pairing: Dry white wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Puerto Moral: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits (Distance: 35 km, Duration: 40 minutes)

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the parish church:

• Explore the main temple of the village and learn about its history and architecture

5:30 pm – Traditional ceramics workshop:

• Design and paint your own decorative object using traditional techniques

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Oven-roasted lamb with aromatic herbs

• Wine pairing: Reserve red wine from the Ribera del Guadiana
• Accommodation: Puerto Moral

08:30 am – Breakfast: Country bread toast with extra virgin olive oil and honey

09:00 am – Interpretive guided walk along an old livestock trail:

• Learn about the historical significance of these traditional drover’s roads in the region

11:30 am – Goat cheese-making workshop:

• Participate in the full process, from curdling to molding, and taste the results

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Chickpea stew with spinach (potaje de garbanzos con espinacas)
• Wine pairing: Young white wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Higuera de la Sierra: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 25 km, Duration: 30 minutes

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the historic center:

• Discover the Church of San Sebastián, noble houses, and traditional fountains

5:30 pm – Traditional pickling workshop:

• Learn to prepare pickles using fresh products from the region

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Free-range chicken in almond sauce

• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Higuera de la Sierra

08:30 am – Breakfast: Almond sponge cake with honey and coffee

09:00 am – Guided hike through Sierra de Aracena Natural Park:

• Discover the park’s most stunning natural spots, including chestnut and cork oak forests

11:30 am – Traditional embroidery workshop:

• Learn typical regional embroidery techniques and create a small keepsake

12:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Rice with mushrooms and Iberian sausages
• Wine pairing: Dry white wine from the Condado de Huelva

1:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Cortegana: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 20 km, Duration: 30 minutes

4:00 pm – Guided tour of Cortegana Castle:

• Explore this medieval fortress and learn about its role in the history of the border with Portugal

5:30 pm – Homemade liqueur-making workshop:

• Learn to prepare liqueurs made with local fruits and herbs

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Iberian pork cheeks in red wine

• Wine pairing: Aged red wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Cortegana

08:30 am – Breakfast:

• Whole grain toast with grated tomato and extra virgin olive oil

09:00 am – Guided tour along Cortegana’s livestock trails:

• Explore ancient shepherds' paths with panoramic views of the Sierra

11:30 am – Traditional pastry workshop:

• Learn to prepare typical sweets such as pestiños and rosquillas

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Wild boar stew
• Wine pairing: Reserve red wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Minas de Riotinto: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 35 km, Duration: 40 minutes

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the Riotinto Mining Park:

• Learn about the mining history of the region, visit an old English neighborhood, and explore the mining museum

5:30 pm – Route along the Tinto River:

• Explore the unique landscapes and reddish hues that define this remarkable river

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Cod with pisto (ratatouille-style vegetables)

• Wine pairing: Dry white wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Minas de Riotinto

08:30 am – Breakfast: Rustic bread toast with olive oil and honey

09:00 am – Guided tour along the Tinto River and its old mines:

• Enjoy a final walk through the mining landscapes before heading to Palos de la Frontera

11:30 am – English-style ceramics workshop:

• Learn ceramic techniques once used in Riotinto’s English neighborhood and create your own piece

1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant:

• Dish: Baked fish with potatoes and lemon
• Wine pairing: Fruity white wine from the Condado de Huelva

2:30 pm – Transfer at guest’s expense to Palos de la Frontera: check-in and visit to the tourist office to stamp the passport and collect information about upcoming visits

• Distance: 55 km, Duration: 1 hour

4:00 pm – Guided tour of the historic center of Palos:

• Discover the place from which Columbus’ caravels departed, visit the Church of San Jorge, and walk through the Fountain of the Canons (Fuente de los Canónigos)

5:30 pm – Historical navigation workshop:

• Learn how ships of the era were prepared and explore the navigation techniques that led Columbus to the New World

8:30 pm – Dinner at the accommodation specializing in: Huelva-style garlic prawns

• Wine pairing: Dry white wine from the Condado de Huelva
• Accommodation: Palos de la Frontera

08:30 am – Breakfast: Country bread toast with Iberian ham and coffee

09:00 am – Visit to an Iberian ham winery and curing facility:

• Learn about the curing process of Iberian ham, from the selection of the pieces to drying and storage.
• Take part in a tasting to appreciate the different qualities and flavors

10:30 am – Guided excursion to the Dehesa del Estero caves:

• Explore these natural caves near the river estuary, discovering their geological formation and the wildlife that inhabits them

11:30 am – Seafood workshop at the port:

• Visit the fishing port and join a short activity where you’ll learn how to select and prepare fresh local seafood, such as wedge clams (coquinas) and prawns

12:00 pm – End of the trip:

• After the final activities, return to points of origin