Focus your visit to Spain around Madrid and a stay at one of the the Paradores in the Ribera del Duero Wine Region.

Visit Madrid, Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalís, Mirós and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.

Then discover Spain along its Wine Routes and venture into some of the country's most important wine-growing areas. Ribera del Duero, the birthplace of one of the most acclaimed Designations of Origin for wine, surprises visitors with beautiful historic towns. Aranda, Peñaranda and Roa (all within the region of Duero) exhibit Gothic relieves, Renaissance coffered ceilings and interesting cellars.

SORIA

It?s history is linked to the neighboring Celtiberian settlement of Numancia, whose inhabitants led a heroic defense of the city against the siege of the Roman Empire ( II c. B.C.). Later, due to its strategic situation, the area was the subject of a battle between Christians and Muslims (IX c.). Soria still retains an important Romanesque legacy in its network of medieval streets. In the historic centre of the town is one of the most important churches in the city, the church of Santo Domingo, a beautiful XII century construction whose main front is considered one of the best of the entire Romanesque period.
SORIA - 4 stars
Situated in the Parque del Castillo, on the hill where the medieval fortress formerly stood. From this hotel you can admire one of the best views of the capital and the River Duero. The Hotel?s high position gives it an extraordinary panoramic view of this monumental city and the river Duero. Its splendid windows overlook a unique landscape. The spirit of the poet Antonio Machado, present all over the city, can be felt in the Parador too.
143 miles from Madrid

LERMAS

Dating back to pre-Roman times, the village reached its maximum splendor under the rule of the Duke of Lerma, favorite of Phillip III between 1598 and 1618.The stately appearance of the historic quarter can be seen, for example, in the majestic Ducal Palace, which at present houses the Parador de Turismo. Across from the palace we see the huge Ducal square, which used to be fully arcaded. Also worthy of note are the hermitage of La Piedad; the monasteries of San Blas, of Madre de Dios (Mother of God), and of La Ascensión de Nuestra Señora (the Ascension of Our Lady), all three from the 17th century; and the arch of Cárcel, gate to the ancient medieval wall, remodeled by the Duke of Lerma, and turned into a prison.
LERMA - 4 stars
The Ducal Palace is located in the highest part of the town of Lerma. It was constructed taking advantage of the site of a 10th century castle and was implemented according to the plans of the architect Francisco de Mora in successive phases between the years 1601 and 1617. The palace was commissioned by the order of the first Duke of Lerma, Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas for the accommodation, rest and general enjoyment of his master, King Philip III.
125 miles from Madrid

TORDESILLAS

A former defensive bastion against Muslim invasion, its most representative building is the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara, a palace built by King Alfonso XI in 1350 and converted into a convent by his son, Pedro I the Cruel. Declared to be a site of Cultural Interest in 1931, the monastery stands out because of its façade in the Almohad style, its Arabic baths and the reredos in the exceptional chapel of Saldaña. Other points of interest in the town are the Casas del Tratado (houses of the treaty), also declared to be a site of Cultural Interest, which are two adjoining palaces that received this name because it was here the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494, by which Spain and Portugal established the division of the territories which were being colonized in the New World; the main Square; a medieval bridge of 10 arches and some remains of the wall which surrounded the entire town.
TORDESILLAS - 4 stars
Mansion in the shelter of a pine forest. In the historic Castilian city of Tordesillas, a crossroads since Roman times, stands this mansion, in a green, natural landscape. A lovely wood of pines and a large, well tended garden surround the hotel with the tranquil calm and serenity of nature.
113 miles from Madrid