Spain’s Castilla y León region is home to more medieval castles than anywhere else in Europe. Segovia - 30 minutes north of Madrid via high-speed train - is the jewel in this area’s crown with scenic castles, cathedrals and palaces. Like a fairytale come to life….

stay

For a truly authentic experience, stay in a parador. Paradors are Spanish state-run hotels converted from historic buildings- usually convents, castles or palaces. The Parador de la Granja is housed in the 18th century palace used by Charles III for Princes Gabriel and Antonio. http://www.parador.es/en

eat

Manchego, Jamón ibérico and morcilla (blood sausage) are regional specialties. Sorry vegans! Roast suckling pig, or “conchinillo asado”, is the most famous Segovian dish. The meat is so tender that it is traditionally cut tableside with a dinner plate. Our favourite was at Mesón de Cándido, a Spanish Inn founded in 1786. www.mesondecandido.es

drink

Sangria, what else?! Throw a rock anywhere in Segovia’s Plaza Mayor and you are bound to hit a pretty patio with a spectacular view. Prefer your wine with less fruit? Tempranillo a good bet in this region. If you want to wander around with a drink in hand, ask for yours “para llevar” (to go).

explore

The Alcázar de Segovia is one of the most recognizable and beautiful castles in Spain. Walt Disney thought so too- the Alcázar served as a key inspiration for the iconic Cinderella castle.

do

The Catedral de Santa Maria is not to be missed! Literally. It is massive, so really, you can’t miss it. The cathedral was built starting in 1525, making it the last Gothic style cathedral to be built in Spain. The interior is ornate but light and bright- one of the most beautiful I’ve visited.

see

Segovia’s Roman aqueduct is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient monuments in Spain. It is the symbol of Segovia, and one of the many reasons the town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

visit

Palacio Real de La Granja is an 18th century baroque palace, located 15 minutes outside of Segovia. Visit at dusk, when most of the turistas have left and there is a beautiful dappled glow cast over the extensive French-style gardens. You can still make it back to Segovia in time to watch the sun set over the Alcázar.  

—Laura Cropper

Find yourself watching more Jamie at Home than making Jamie at home?

The Cookshop in City Square offers nightly classes that will increase your culinary prowess. Led by some of the best local chefs, there’s theme nights to please every palette, from Thai to Tuscan. We went to learn Mexican and walked away with the skills to prepare a mole poblano worthy of an olé.

This coming Wednesday, sign up to make five Spain-inspired courses that include asparagus and shrimp risotto and rock fish sautéed with prosciutto and white wine. With So.Cial Executive Chef Romy Prasad as your guide, you’ll be top chef in no time.

“Springtime in Spain” ($69), 6-9 p.m., March 18, 2009, Cookshop, 3-555 W. 12th Ave, Vancouver, 604-873-5683, www.cookshop.ca