Culinary Spain

Your mouthwatering gastronomic tour though Spain begins in the capital city. Upon arrival into Madrid, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel. After taking time to refresh and unwind, stretch your legs by enjoying some of the sights, or perhaps simply relax at one of the outdoor cafes in Puerta del Sol, people watching while sipping coffee or wine in Madrid’s most historic plaza before delving into the food scene. You’ve got lots of choices here – for expertly prepared traditional local fare, head to a family-run taverna like San Mames, a 15-minute train ride from Puerta del Sol.

Dive deep into the culinary delights of Madrid on a four-hour walking tour, stopping at three gourmet shops, starting with a purveyor of artisanal cured meats where you’ll taste Iberian ham, one of the country’s favourite specialities. Learn how it’s made and why it’s unique before continuing to a shop specialising in olive oil. Spain produces over 240 types of olives, each with a unique flavor profile. An expert will guide you through a tasting of oils from various regions while you learn about the olive oil making process and more. End by visiting a chocolatier, tasting truffles, chocolate bars and more.

Your driver/guide will pick you up for an exciting day trip, with your first stop Segovia, an hour north of Madrid. Explore its famous UNESCO-listed Roman Aqueduct and medieval Old Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour, while learning about the history behind them. The Old Town, set atop a bluff overlooking two rivers, contains architecture that reveals its history as a place where Jews, Christians and Moors all coexisted in harmony, like the 11^th-century palace, 14^th-century synagogue and 16^th-century cathedral. Continue to the medieval walled village of Pedraza, taking a walk back through time in its central plaza.

Travel by train from Madrid to Bilbao (private arrival and departure transfers included). After checking into your hotel, meet your local guide for a tour of the colourful neighbourhoods – if there are particular types of sites you’d like to see, it can be personalised to suit your interests. You’ll have time to explore Guggenheim Museum, with its massive space holding an impressive collection of works from the greats like Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Anish Kooper, and Eduardo Chillida. The exterior is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that looks more like a sculpture, with sensual curves and sleek lines that seem to defy physics.

Your private driver/guide will bring you on a day trip into the Basque countryside and Cantabrian Mountains. Enjoy the scenery while learning all about Basque culture and what makes it unique, from deep traditions, customs and even their own music. Visit a rural village to meet the locals and experience the culture firsthand. You’ll even get a front-row seat to watch Basque rural sports – here, a number of sporting events were created based around displays of physical prowess, like tug-of-war games, stone-lifting contests and a wood-carving competition called aizkora proba. After watching, sit down for a homecooked lunch with local wine.

While your final destination is San Sebastian, you’ll enjoy a full-day coastal tour first, stopping at the islet of Gaztelugatxe. It’s known for its long stone bridge which links it to the mainland, spotlighted in the hit series “Game of Thrones.” Continue to colourful Bermeo, a fishing village that sits at the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that includes some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in Spain. You’ll visit Gorka Izagirre winery, sampling its wonderful white wine on a tasting tour before enjoying a gourmet tasting menu with wine pairings at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

San Sebastian was named one of Europe’s two cities of culture for 2016, and it has a ton to offer. See many highlights on a three-hour bike tour, including the Old Quarter and more modern areas, with your expert guide filling you in on its history and culture. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps riding the funicular up Mont Igualdo for a panoramic view and strolling alongside Urumea River, admiring the aristocratic homes. The city boasts one of Spain’s most impressive foodie scenes – consider booking a Basque tapas tasting tour or an extraordinary chef’s table dinner this evening.

A day trip to nearby wine country with your private driver/guide begins in the coastal town of Hondarribia near the border of France. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled Old Town, to the Gothic and Renaissance Castle of Emperor Carlos V and the 16th-century Iglesia del Manzano church. Afterwards, you’ll visit Pasai Donibane where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and exploring on your own. From there, head to a winery where you can stroll through the vines and lear about the Txakoli wine-making process. A wine tasting follows and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a tasty aperitif.

Say farewell to San Sebastian, catching the train to Barcelona. Upon arrival, take private transfer to your hotel, relax and then get a preview of what the city has to offer. There’s lots to see, with everything from world-class art and magnificent architecture to historic sites, buzzing nightlife, outstanding shopping and beautiful beaches. We suggest a stroll on the main avenue, lively Las Ramblas, which travels from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lined with cafes, food carts and street performers. This evening you can take an optional luxury yacht excursion, enjoying live Spanish music, wine, fresh fruit and snacks while cruising.

Begin your day by meeting your private guide for a half-day walking tour that will take in many of the famous spots with a focus on architect Antoni Gaudi, including his spectacular masterpiece, the world’s largest unfinished Roman Catholic Church, La Sagrada Familia, built in a mix of gothic, art nouveau and Catalan-modernism styles. Your guide will tell you all about the renowned architect while you stroll. Towards the end of your tour, visit some of the liveliest markets to sample some of the local delights accompanied by your guide who will answer any questions you have and provide recommendations on top dining spots.

After many busy days, you can enjoy today on your own, exploring or relaxing at your leisure. Alternatively, you may want to book a day trip to experience Catalan life beyond the city, with golden stretches of sand, rugged mountains, and charming small towns only a short drive away. Girona is a popular day trip, renowned for its medieval Old Quarter enclosed by stone walls, cobbled streets and majestic churches. It also has a very well-preserved Jewish Quarter. Figueres, north of Girona, is home to the Salvador Dali Museum, set inside a former theater which now serves as the artist’s final resting place.

While it’s time to depart Barcelona, you’re sure to leave with a satisfied appetite. Enjoy one last breakfast in the city before it’s time to check out of your accommodation, with your private driver transferring you to the airport to catch your flight back home. With so much to see in this part of the world, and practically an endless number of delicious eats to sample, our travel experts will be happy to help if you aren’t ready to return just yet.