Itinerary
B =Breakfast L =Lunch D =Dinner
Day One
The Sierra de Aracena is today’s destination, just an hour’s drive Northeast of Seville, in the province of Huelva. You’ll be driving through the vast and wonderful landscape of the Dehesa, the unique habitat where Ibérico pigs are bred. These are majestic lands, comprising a unique ecosystem of sparse trees (mainly Holm oaks and Cork trees, but also Gall oak), which is the last of the Mediterranean forests. Check in at your hotel, a rural lodge with ideal location, in the heart of this landscape, very close to the village of Aracena.
Visit the interesting Museo del Jamón (Ham Museum) in Aracena, where you can learn all about the history and traditions behind the elaboration of Jamón Ibérico, the best ham in the world! Later, enjoy a stroll around this town, the most important in the area, giving name to the famous Sierra. You’ll love this delightful example of the charm of this region; the narrow cobblestone streets, the beautiful squares and whitewashed houses, the lively and busy atmosphere, a fabulous century-old pastry shop… all filled with undeniable charm.
Lunch today will be served at the best restaurant in town. Naturally, it will feature Ibérico Ham, with a demonstration of the fascinating craft of cutting it (a true art!). But you will also be discovering a varied range of charcuterie products made from the Ibérico pig: lomo, chorizo, salchichón, morcón… It’s up to you to choose your favorite.
In the afternoon, take pleasure in a visit to one of the typical small “white towns” of the area, and then enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
Night in Aracena
B, L
Day Two
Your first stop today is a private farm where the Ibérico pigs are reared in freedom. You’ll be stepping into the Dehesa, their natural habitat. The Dehesa covers over two million hectares in Spain’s Southwestern half, and the Ibérico pig is an essential part of it. Reared by natural, extensive methods, it grazes freely with other indigenous animals such as the Retinto cow or Merina sheep, feeding on everything the generous land will offer, from grass to mushrooms, but almost exclusively on its favorite treat, the acorns!
During the Montanera (main feeding period, generally from October to February), they can gain over 60 kilos, and are able to store large deposits of fat, which almost miraculously infiltrates in their muscles, producing the most tender and unctuous texture you will ever encounter in a pork meat!
Take a walk around, feel the peace and magic of these lands. You’ll probably get to see the pigs from up close, and easily spot their distinctive characteristics: long and pointy snout, dark skin, and long legs… but most important, you will learn all about their upbringing, and gain a completely new outlook.
Next we’ll move on to Jabugo, a small town, but with no small number of producers, making the most delicious charcuterie products you can imagine… The list is long, but no worries, you’ll get a close look at it all during your next stop: a visit to one of the best producers of Ibérico delicacies in the country. See the complete elaboration process, carried out with the help of the unique climate of the area, using exclusively natural curing methods that can take well over two years. Only the master jamonero (ham specialist), using centuries of tradition and knowledge, will know when the time is right. To finish off your visit, sit down to an appetizing tasting session, accompanied, of course, by fine Sherry, the perfect match!
Afterwards, you’ll be treated to a succulent lunch, featuring a number of dishes with local ingredients and, of course, an illustration of the various (mouthwatering!) fresh cuts of the Ibérico pig… the taste is so unique, the texture so smooth and silky, you’ll wonder if it’s pork you’re eating!
After lunch you’ll be moving on to Zafra, a picturesque town in the region of Extremadura, (one of Spain’s most delightful secrets), where the past will come alive with a magical medieval flair…
Check in at your charming hotel, located right in the center of town… take your time to settle in and perhaps take a stroll to discover the town. Enjoy the evening and dinner on your own.
Night in Zafra
B, L
Day Three
Start the day with a guided walk around the town of Zafra, the capital of southern Extremadura, and one of the most important locations in the province of Badajoz. Its magnificent historical city center, with its narrow and winding cobblestone streets, arched squares, and baroque monuments will take you on a journey back in time.
A visit to a selected winery in the area will follow. Wines from Extremadura are currently going through an authentic revolution, with an increasing number of interesting labels that are fast gaining recognition from wine lovers and professionals in Spain and abroad.
Afterwards, lunch will be served at a very special venue, a former convent from the 16th Century, set in the very heart of the Dehesa. You will enjoy regional cuisine with a modern twist, based on local ingredients including, of course, Ibérico products, and accompanied by fabulous wines.
On the way back to Zafra, stop for a short visit to the neighboring historical town of Jerez de los Caballeros. Its old town is surrounded by a Moorish wall with six gates and a number of watchtowers. It was the last stronghold of the Templar knights, hence the reference in its name: de los Caballeros (of the knights).
The rest of the day is free to enjoy on your own.
Night in Zafra
B, L
Day Four
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, follow the Roman Silver Route once again, through the spectacular Dehesa landscape, and arrive in Seville for the end of your trip.
B
