MEDD

Discover the heritage, architecture and unique traditions of Valencia from both the comfort of the tour transport and on foot, walking the streets of its oldest neighborhoods. This exploration begins with a narrated drive along the Avenida del Puerto, past such landmarks as the bullring and the central station, into the heart of historic Valencia. The guided walk begins in the Plaza de la Merced, by the central market, a gorgeous 1928 structure. Nearby is La Lonja, the former silk exchange, whose grand Gothic style is a symbol of Valencia’s 15th-century Golden Age.

Dedicated foodies and casual home chefs will love this full-day experience that unlocks the tastes and techniques of Valencian cuisine, led by Chef Sole Ballester, daughter of culinary icon Pepa Romans. Chef Romans founded the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Valencia – Casa Pepa – which her daughter later operated. Like her famous mother, Chef Ballester grew up with a passion for Mediterranean cooking inspired by the Marina Alta region, and on this excursion she will pass her inherited knowledge on to you.

A short drive up the coast from modern-day Valencia brings you to one of the most important ancient cities on the Iberian Peninsula. Called Arse by the Iberians, it was colonized by the Romans who named it Saguntum, and it is now known as Sagunto. Your guided tour focuses on the layers of history found amid the ruins and monuments. A Sagunto native and experienced guide leads the fascinating and informative visit of the hillside castle complex where Hannibal, the famed general of Carthage, waged an epic battle that sparked a war with Rome.

Relax on the scenic drive across the island of Tenerife to the course at the Ritz-Carlton, Abama, celebrated as one of the toughest – and most beautiful – in Spain. The legendary Dave Thomas, a four-time Ryder Cup player, served as the course architect, designing 18 holes that would put all of a golfer’s skill to the test. Golfers of all levels will enjoy both the lush subtropical landscapes and the challenges posed by 22 water hazards and white sand bunkers. This excursion includes the use of a GPS-equipped buggy and the latest Taylor Made M4 clubs.

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, sits above a pristine stretch of coastline in the town of Guia de Isora. Built on a cliff, the lushly landscaped resort delivers gorgeous views of the Atlantic and La Gomera, the second smallest of the Canary Islands, throughout. A funicular connects the expansive property with a private beach. It’s a beautiful drive along coastal roads from the yacht to reach the Abama. Upon arrival, your time is your own. Your visit includes a yoga class, a welcome gift, and the use of a lounge chair at your choice of two pools.

Local ingredients derived from natural sources like bananas and papaya are showcased in a series of restorative treatments at the spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Abama. It’s a scenic drive across Tenerife to the resort, which sits on cliff overlooking the southwest coastline and out to the nearby island of La Gomera. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Abama’s serene spa for a trio of treatments: a full-body exfoliation, followed by a body wrap and a massage, all aimed at brightening, soothing and hydrating the skin. Pineapple and papaya tea will keep you refreshed.

As you meander the pedestrianized cobblestone streets in the heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, you will admire not only the pastel-colored historic architecture that frames the narrow lanes but also the urban planning, which became a blueprint for New World colonial towns like Havana, Lima and Cartagena. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, La Laguna’s original layout remains intact, transporting you into the past as you explore some of the more than 350 buildings constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Far from the modern architecture and high-rise hotels of Tenerife’s bustling capital, in the shadow of the 12,200-foot Mount Teide, you will find historic Tenerife looking much as it did hundreds of years ago. In Orotava you will have superb views of the sparkling azure seas as you stroll along cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored colonial architecture, including the beautiful House of Balconies built in the 1600s. Stop for coffee in Icod de los Vinos, founded in the early 1500s, and stand under the ancient dragon tree that has centuries of stories to tell.

With delightfully warm temperatures year-round, it is always a good time to enjoy a nightcap on a rooftop bar overlooking Santa Cruz de Tenerife. When you gaze out from Ático by NH on the sixth floor of the Hotel NH Tenerife, the city lights begin to twinkle as the festive nightlife awakens below. You’ll feel the gentle caress of the trade winds that maintain the island’s perfect temperatures, while ambient music plays in the background and the sun dips below the horizon.

Not long after grapes were planted in the rich volcanic soils of Tenerife in 1497, the island’s wines began pleasing the palates of notables like Walter Scott and Shakespeare. Learn about Tenerife’s unique terroir and winemaking history and taste a selection of white, red and rosé wines on this epicurean tour. Over 1,600 feet above sea level, you will find Bodegas Monje, where more than 260 years of winemaking in the Monje family informs the wines produced today.