Tee, Taste & Travel With Sarah

Day One: From Estepona to Seville via Jerez & Arcos de la Frontera

We left Estepona early in the morning and made a charming roadside stop in a tiny village for fresh coffee and orange juice — the kind of moment that sets the tone for the day.

From there, we drove straight to Jerez de la Frontera, where we parked underground near the old town. The Cathedral of Jerez is absolutely worth a visit — a guided tour includes a 360° headset experience, allowing you to explore the structure virtually as well as in person.

Just across the street lies Tío Pepe, the world-renowned sherry bodega. The grounds are stunning, ideal for a slow walk. The guided tours only run at set times, but the visitor centre is worth a browse even without one.

Next, we continued to Arcos de la Frontera, often called one of the prettiest towns in the region. We parked just outside and took a relaxed walk through its mini churches, pedestrian streets, and the main cathedral. For lunch, we highly recommend the Parador Hotel beside the castle — we had an excellent meal with beautiful views.

Back on the road, we made our way toward Seville through rolling countryside and sunflower fields — a golden, picture-perfect drive.

Day Two: Seville by Foot, Bus & Boutique Finds

We woke up early in the H10 Boutique Hotel and had our bags packed by 8:20. After checking out, we dropped our luggage at the El Corte Inglés car park and set off to pick up a few things for breakfast.

To our surprise, the hop-on hop-off buses didn’t start until 10:00 AM. But luck was on our side: we managed to board a staff shuttle bus at 9:15, which dropped us near Stop 1 — perfect timing.

Walking Tour Highlights

We walked through some incredible sights, including:

• Teatro de la Maestranza
• Ruinas del Castillo de San Jorge
• Torre del Oro
• Capilla del Rosario

Each one had its own character — from grand architecture to hidden gems tucked between the winding streets.

After the bus loop, we hit the pavement again for more city exploration. Eventually, we popped into El Corte Inglés for a short shopping spree — and left with a few stylish finds.

At 1:00 PM, it was time to hit the road again — though getting out of Seville’s tight car parks and narrow streets was an adventure in itself! Mirrors folded in, nerves slightly frayed, we finally escaped the maze and started the drive to Córdoba..

Day Two (Continued): Seville Streets, Scenic Detours & Poolside Rosé in Córdoba

After wrapping up our Seville visit with a final wander and a productive stop in El Corte Inglés, we hit the road around 1:00 PM. Escaping the maze of narrow city streets and tight car parks felt like an Olympic event — but we made it out in one piece and headed east toward Córdoba, taking the scenic route.

A Magical Stop in Carmona

We made one spectacular detour: the ancient hilltop town of Carmona. This is the kind of place that isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience. If you’re passing by, don’t miss it. Park the car, put on your walking shoes, and take your time. The history here stretches back thousands of years, layered through Roman, Moorish, and Christian legacies.

Here are just a few of the incredible sites we visited:

• Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla – the city’s historic gateway
• San Fernando Plaza – central and full of life
• Market Square – charming and authentic
• Churches: El Salvador, Santa María, San Pedro – each unique, with stunning details
• Santa Clara Convent & Hospital de la Caridad – peaceful and atmospheric
• Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro – more fortress magic
• Puerta de Córdoba – the original Roman exit from the city
• Cerezo Theater
• Roman Necropolis & Amphitheater – spine-tingling remnants of the empire

Walking through Carmona feels like stepping into a living museum — yet it’s far from crowded or overrun. It was a real highlight of the day.

Lunch Fit for Royalty

We treated ourselves to a long, delicious lunch at the Parador de Carmona, built into the ruins of a Moorish castle overlooking the plains. The view from the terrace? Breathtaking. The food? Impeccable. If you’re ever nearby — go. Just go.

Evening Arrival in Córdoba

We arrived at the Parador de Córdoba around 5:00 PM, greeted by the full blast of 36°C heat and cloudless skies. Thankfully, a cool swim in the pool and a chilled glass of rosé made for the perfect welcome.

Feet up, spirits high, and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities just waiting to be explored the next day

you gotta love the “poor potatoe””

Day 3 – Cordoba to Toledo: Ancient Paths & Air-Conditioned Highways


We started Day 3 bright and early with a 7:30am breakfast, ready to explore the beautiful city of Córdoba before the summer heat (and tourist crowds) descended. It was the perfect plan—peaceful streets, golden morning light, and the scent of orange blossoms in the air.

d

Day 3 (continued) – Toledo: History, Heat & Heavenly Tapas

We arrived in Toledo, and honestly—nothing could have prepared us for how breathtaking it is. Set high on a hill and steeped in layers of history, the city is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, grand plazas, and awe-inspiring architecture.

It was also hot. As in, 40°C kind of hot. But with views like this, we didn’t mind.

Our hotel, Entre Dos Aguas, was a destination in itself. We were warmly welcomed by Sara, who sat with us and mapped out the perfect walking route to make the most of our limited time. After that, we were shown to our spacious suite overlooking a beautiful old church—a peaceful spot to cool down and soak in the city vibes before heading back out.

First stop: the Toledo Cathedral. One word—magnificent. Well worth the €12 entrance fee. The soaring Gothic structure, golden altars, and intricate artwork made it feel like a living museum of Spanish history and religion. Truly unforgettable.

From there, we explored:

• A historic synagogue, reflecting the city’s rich Jewish heritage.
• A surprise live concert, tucked into a small courtyard—one of those magical travel moments you never plan but never forget.
• And, by complete luck, we caught part of the Corpus Christi parade, a colorful, festive procession that filled the streets with music, incense, and celebration.

As the sun dipped lower, we found a perfect little spot for a well-earned break: Alfileritos 24. We enjoyed wine and gorgeous tapas at the bar before heading into their restaurant for dinner. Everything was delicious—from delicate bites to heartier dishes—one of our top meals of the trip.

After dinner, we weren’t ready to call it a night, so we strolled through Toledo’s softly lit streets, stopping for a couple of nightcaps at some of the many inviting bars dotted throughout the old town. The whole city has this glowing, timeless quality at night—quiet, romantic, and just magical.

We finally returned to our suite, happily exhausted and ready for a great night’s sleep.

Day 4 – Onward to Burgos

We started the day with what might have been the best breakfast yet—freshly made, beautifully presented, and served in the peaceful courtyard of Entre Dos Aguas. Recharged and excited, we packed up, said our goodbyes to Toledo, and hit the road.

Next stop: Burgos, with new adventures waiting ahead!

Evening in Burgos: A Toast to the City

We’ve arrived in Burgos and checked into a charming apartment with an incredible view—right across from the majestic cathedral. It’s easy to see why this Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; even from our window, the intricate spires and detailed stonework are awe-inspiring.

The wine tasting has officially begun! We’ve decided to skip a traditional dinner tonight in favor of something more spontaneous and local—a “vino y pincho” adventure through the city. With each stop, we’re sampling regional wines paired with small bites, soaking in the cool northern evening and the rich medieval atmosphere that fills the streets.

We’ll keep you posted as the night unfolds. ¡Salud!

Burgos Wine Crawl: Bar #3 and a New Plan!

We’re on bar number three of our wine-and-pincho crawl through Burgos, and spirits are high—figuratively and literally! We’ve just enjoyed a beautiful Rivero for a change of pace. Still on the hunt for our favorite pour of the night, but we’re more than happy to keep trying. It’s just after 7:15 PM, and the city is coming alive around us.

The mix of crisp northern air, cobbled streets, and lively locals has us completely enchanted. The energy here is infectious, and each bar has its own charm (and wine list to match).

In a spontaneous twist, we’ve also just made a change to our travel plans: instead of leaving Bilbao to Rosslare on Thursday, we’ve pushed our boat trip to Sunday—more time for adventures, tapas, and of course, a few more glasses of wine.

We’re having so much fun and loving every moment. More updates to come—cheers to the journey!

Day Three & Five – From Glove Compartment Chaos to Wine Country Magic

Our GTA5 adventure took a slightly comical turn at the start — a quick stop at the garage turned into a minor crisis when we accidentally locked the glove compartment and couldn’t get it open. Naturally, we gave up and hit the road. Turns out, the best way to forget a jammed glovebox is with a scenic drive through some of northern Spain’s most charming villages. And we didn’t leave empty-handed… our wine stash grew significantly with every stop.

We rolled into LaGuardia in the late afternoon — and what a sight! Our hotel, Villa de Laguardia, came with a gorgeous pool where we unwound for a blissful two hours before heading into the old town. Let me tell you: one bar was better than the next. The whole place is dripping with atmosphere, perched high on a hill with jaw-dropping views. Luckily, there’s a hidden gem — a futuristic lift carved into the mountainside that whisks you effortlessly to the top of the old town (goodbye steep hike, hello sunscreen and sunset views!).

Dinner was a highlight: a stunning seafood sharing platter, perfectly paired with some of our newly acquired wines. Photos and full details are, of course, below!

Last night, after dinner, we explored the incredible cave system beneath the hotel. It’s a hidden world of winding tunnels and vaulted stone chambers — an unexpected adventure and a brilliant way to end the evening. (Photos below — trust us, it’s worth a look.)

This morning, we set off into the heart of Rioja’s wine culture with two unforgettable experiences.

First stop: the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture — hands down one of the most informative, interactive, and inspiring wine museums we’ve ever visited. You don’t need to be a sommelier to appreciate it; it’s pure magic for any wine lover.

Afterward, we took a short taxi ride to Bodega Baigorri for a luxurious wine tasting and premium tasting menu lunch. The setting was stunning, the food was phenomenal, and — naturally — we added more bottles to the growing collection.

Now we’re back at the hotel, basking in the late afternoon sunshine at Villa de Laguardia. As for tonight? Who knows… but if the last two days are anything to go by, it’s bound to be delicious.

Day Six & Seven – Farewell to LaGuardia, Onward to Haro and Bilbao

Our final days in LaGuardia were nothing short of magical. This stunning medieval hilltop town is wrapped in vineyards in every direction and brimming with atmospheric bars and restaurants. It was the perfect base for three days of exploring the heart of Rioja — and what a journey it’s been.

We wandered through ancient cave systems, visited wineries built into mountains, and soaked in the contrast between traditional family-run bodegas and ultra-modern wine temples equipped with the latest technology. Everywhere we turned, there was something new to discover — dramatic rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and an endless supply of incredible food and wine.

One highlight so far today was our visit to Bodega Orbalo, where we had a lovely tour with the winemaker himself. It was relaxed, personal, and full of charm. We tasted a selection of wines, learned about their process, and left with a few bottles we’re genuinely excited about. There’s already talk of a tasting night when we get home… any excuse for a party!

If you’re looking for an active holiday with a twist — full of character, culture, and vino — Rioja is an absolute must. Just make sure you have a designated driver… or a really reliable taxi! We’ll be sharing more details soon about the specific places we visited. A full photo reel is coming below, and we’ll be tagging everything later today.

This morning, we said a fond goodbye to LaGuardia and hit the road again. Our next stop: Haro, for a visit to the iconic Bodegas Muga — one of the region’s most respected wineries. From there, we’re taking the scenic country roads all the way to Bilbao for the final stretch of our journey.

We’re down to the last two nights of our road trip, but spirits are high and we’re really excited for what’s next. Stay tuned — Basque country, here we come!

Day 8: Boiling in Bilbao

We’ve officially arrived in beautiful Bilbao and checked into our hotel — bags down, hats on, and straight out into the city! We kicked off with a walking tour… or at least attempted to. With the temperature soaring over 40°C, the heat quickly turned our city stroll into a search for the nearest bar (strictly for survival, of course).

After cooling off with some much-needed refreshments, we made our way to the river that cuts through the heart of the city. We had grand plans for canoeing, but with the sun blazing, we’re now leaning towards a shaded boat trip instead — preferably with a breeze and cold drinks involved.

Despite the heat, it’s been a fantastic day so far. The drive into the city was stunning, with stops in charming little villages, all rich in scenery and character. Now it’s time to soak up the buzz of the big city, explore Bilbao’s culture and cuisine, and see where the evening takes us.

Let the (less sweaty) adventures continue!

We woke up in the centre of Bilbao, thankfully to a much more manageable temperature in the mid-20s—yesterday’s 41°C was just too hot for us! We’ve spent the morning wandering the charming streets, admiring the beautiful cathedral, lush gardens, and local highlights. A real standout has been the Guggenheim Museum—an architectural and cultural gem.

This afternoon, we’re taking a relaxing boat trip along the river, and later we’re heading off to visit our friend John Mullins in a small nearby village. The city is full of character, with amazing little in-house bakeries and every kind of shop you could possibly imagine. We’ve loved soaking it all in and hope you enjoy the photos below!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

What a journey it’s been! This trip was truly something special—an unforgettable experience made even more meaningful by sharing it with my brother, Barry. From the thrill of discovery to the quiet awe of stepping into beautiful, tucked-away religious sites across Spain, every moment felt rich with history and heart.

Bilbao was a standout—such a vibrant and welcoming city. I’d highly recommend it for a long weekend getaway. With its mix of culture, architecture, food, and charm, it’s the kind of place that stays with you.

We wrapped up our adventure by departing Bilbao by boat on Brittany Ferries and making our way back to Rosslare. A peaceful close to a trip full of color and life.

Now it’s time to unpack, reflect, and start planning the next adventure…