Where? Soria, Spain (located on the Duero River and surrounded by gentle mountains and spectacular limestone formations – Castile and León region)
When? 8-15 February 2015
Group size? Maximum 12 guests – Escorted by Christine (tour leader) and José (guide)
Costs? US$4,200 per person
Inclusions: all transportation from and to Madrid Airport or Madrid Train Station (Atocha); hotel accommodation; guided tours and mostly three meals per day including four special Black Truffle feasts with wine.
Detailed itinerary
-
Discovering the Roots of the Black Truffle: A winter pilgrimage to Spain
SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY
· Meet all the participants in Madrid
· Travel by bus to Soria (approx. 2 hours)
· Welcoming lunch featuring black truffles and regional wines at Restaurant Baluarte
· Evening walk in the city
MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY
· Truffle hunting with orchard owners and dog “Oli”
· Dine on the truffles we collect at the local village Inn, Los Villares
· Afternoon to explore Soria and the Hermitage of San Saturio
· Evening tapas in Soria
TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY
· Excursion to La Fuentona to see the limestone formations of this region
· Visit to the medieval village of Calatañazor and spanish lunch at historic site
· Travel to Berlanga de Duero (approx. 1 hour)
· Dinner at Casa Vallecas with Ribera del Duero wine tasting in Rueda
WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY
· Guided visit to San Buadelia, Berlanga de Duero and its castle
· Special truffle luncheon at Casa Vallecas accompanied with regional wines
· Afternoon time to relax and explore the village
· Simple supper
THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY
· Travel to the region of “Tierras Altas” of Soria (approx. 2.5 hours)
· Relax and explore the village of Valdelavilla
· Join chef Eduardo in creating truffle delights in his kitchen
· Celebratory truffle dinner
FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY
· Truffle hunting and guided visit to wild truffle region
· Explore habitat and other fungi collected in natural truffle beds
· Rustic picnic featuring black truffles served with “shepherds crumbs”
· Afternoon by the fireside enjoying a selection of wines from La Rioja
SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
· Relaxing morning in Valdelavilla
· Lunch in Valdelavilla
· Walking tour to beautiful old abandoned villages of this valley
· Light evening meal
SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
· Departure brunch with typical cheeses and cured meats of Soria
· Brief shopping for those who wish to purchase local specialties
· Return to Madrid-Barajas airport by 4 pm
Your hosts
Christine Fischer is an American truffle and forest ecology scientist who has lived and worked in Spain for 20 years. As a researcher and educator in the world of forest mycology, she is fascinated by the role of fungi in forest ecosystems and the culinary value of truffles and mushrooms. Christine has spent most of her life foraging for mushrooms and learning fabulous ways to prepare them. So you will be encouraged to touch, to smell and visually appreciate fungal fruit-bodies and to imagine what goes on below-ground in the forests. She is a “truffle insider” and enjoys a unique collaboration among farmers and chefs, nurserymen and scientists, dog-trainers, wine makers and wine lovers – all magnetised by the mysteries of the Black Truffle. Christine is a friend of Truffle Melbourne and has visited Australian truffieres twice as a guest of the Australian Truffle Growers Association.
A true lover of nature and the rich rural culture of his ancestral village, José is dedicated to promoting greater appreciation of the biodiversity and cultural knowledge of plants, fungi and animals in his native region of Soria and Burgos through educational workshops, programs and guided walks. José loves to share his knowledge as a plant geneticist and naturalist and is a frequent guest speaker on local radio programs, where his story telling ability combines with his passion for his native Soria.Tapas
Tapas can be ever so humble – a crust of fresh bread with a slice of spicy chorizo – and so very satisfying, but not too filling. They tempt you to try another – perhaps a cured cheese with a slice of smoked red pepper; perhaps a tiny skewer, loaded with olives, pickled onions and tuna, or a slice of Spanish tortilla, at the bar. 
Frequently a city will hold competitions to see what new tapas the chefs might invent, providing everyone with a good excuse to get out and enjoy a deliciously sociable walk through the neighbourhoods of competing cafes, bars and restaurants. Soria holds a competition with a mycological theme… mushroom heaven in a bite! Soria is famous for its “Torreznos”, which are perfectly fried pork belly slices. Salty and crisp, just scrumptious!