London to La Mancha. Fly at c. 9.30am from London Heathrow to Madrid. Drive south into La Mancha to the small walled town of Belmonte. Settle into the hotel before leaving for dinner in nearby Las Pedroñeras. Here Michelin-starred chef Manuel de la Osa marries bohemian bonhomie with a passion for garlic. Overnight in Belmonte.

La Mancha to Andalucía. In Belmonte visit the Gothic church of San Bartolomé and the superbly sited 15th-century castle. In the surrounding countryside visit the vineyards of Pesquera, of Ribera de Duero fame, for a tasting and lunch. Drive through the magnificent pass of Desfiladero de Despeñaperros and enter Andalucía. The handsome town of Ubeda has with streets and squares lined with palaces, one of these our hotel. First of two nights in Úbeda.

Úbeda, Baeza. The twin towns of Ubeda and Baeza thrived in the 16th-century and are richly endowed with Renaissance monuments. Spend time in both with lunch in Baeza at Casa Juanito. The arab Castle of Canena is deep in olive-grove country of the Guadalquivir valley and home to the Vañó family, famed producers; tasting and visit here. Overnight Úbeda.

Córdoba, Seville. Drive west to Córdoba and focus on La Mezquita, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, and within it the 16th-century cathedral. Walk through the old Jewish quarter, with 14th-century synagogue, to a chilled aperitif and a Moorish lunch. Continue to Seville for an evening tapas walk through the flower-filled Barrio de Santa Cruz. First of four nights in Seville.

Seville. Begin at the Alcázar, one of Spain’s greatest buildings, built by Moorish architects for Spanish kings, with its courtyards, gardens and magnificent tapestries. The 15th-century cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches anywhere, with a Late Gothic retable and paintings by Murillo, Zurbarán and Goya. Lunch is in a neighbourhood restaurant with Michelin-starred contemporary Andalucian cuisine. In the early evening visit to the Fine Arts Museum, the finest collection in Spain after the Prado. Overnight in Seville.

Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz. Drive south to Jerez, at the heart of sherry production. Special arrangements include a tasting at the Lustau bodega and Bodegas Tradición with its own art collection. Continue to the historic port of Cádiz; laid-back and unspoilt, and with a renowned fish restaurant. There is time after lunch to visit the city museum with a significant archaeological collection. Overnight in Seville.

Sierra de Aracena, Sanlucar la Mayor. Drive north to the Sierra de Aracenca, the low mountains which form the border with Extremadura. Here we taste the exquisite jamón ibérico. There is an optional walk in the foothills along farm tracks lined with oak, chestnut and olive trees and livestock. Alternatively remain in the town of Aracena. The evening is spent at Martin Berasategui’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Santo. Overnight in Seville.

Seville. Free morning in Seville; we suggest visiting the Casa de Pilatos, the best of the Mudéjar-style palaces, or the church and hospital of the Caridad, with paintings by Murillo and Valdés Leal. Drive to Seville airport for the flight to London, arriving c. 4.45pm.