Unrivaled Culinary Journey through Spain

In the center of Madrid, you will find a lively neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere. The city is home to a variety of shopping, entertainment, and culinary delights. The neighborhood has been graced by some of Spain’s greatest writers and has thus given the area its name: Barrio de las Letras. Today you will be treated to a comprehensive introduction to Madrid’s culinary traditions, such as fresh, fried churros, hot chocolate, artisan cheeses, olives, and Spanish ham. Your private tour will lead you to local markets, delis, and bakeries, which will all allow you to sample as you go. You will then conclude your tour at one of Madrid’s most iconic bars for a lesson on tapas culture.

Today, you will travel by high-speed train to Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region. A private driver will transfer you to the Madrid train station, and another will collect you upon your arrival in Seville. You will have the afternoon to explore the city on your own before having a special evening in the Triana quarter on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Seville is famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in Triana. Tonight, you discover how magical and powerful professional flamenco can be. Following the performance, your guide will make sure that you enjoy tapas like a local at a family-run tavern.

After breakfast, you will set out this morning on a guided walking tour of Seville’s old quarter to witness many of the city’s grandest landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Seville Cathedral is where you will find the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda bell tower, which was originally built as the minaret of the Great Mosque. You will also visit the ornate Alcazar of Seville's royal palace complex, which was featured as a setting in HBO's Game of Thrones. You will then be transported in a horse-drawn carriage further afield to Parque de María Luisa and the Plaza de España, which was built especially for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

Olive oil production has a long history in Andalucia. Though olive trees already existed on the Iberian Peninsula, they were not specifically cultivated and processed for oil until the Romans came in the 3rd century BC. Today, you will visit a traditional country estate that has been producing olive oil for more than 500 years with the same process. Here, you can explore the grounds during a carriage ride through the olive groves, learn about the production process, and sample the finished product. You will then return to the city for an afternoon at your leisure.

Your destination today will be the mountaintop village of Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful communities. Your guide and driver will collect you at your hotel for a scenic drive through the countryside. In Ronda, you will enjoy a special wine-tasting activity at a boutique winery that converted an old monastery chapel into its wine cellar. Here, you can learn about the winemaking process and sample the local product before continuing to Ronda. Upon your arrival, you can check in to your hotel before basking in the spectacular views from the stone bridge across the gorge.

You have spent the week sampling the regional cuisine and wines of Madrid and Andalucia, so today, it will be time to get in the kitchen and learn how to cook traditional Spanish dishes yourself. Under the tutelage of a local chef, you will use seasonal ingredients from local farms to create a delectable home-cooked meal to pair with fine local wines. In the afternoon, you will transfer by private vehicle to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the city of Granada. Upon your arrival, you can check in to your hotel before having the afternoon and evening to explore the city.

Granada has an enduring history that dates back to the Moorish occupation. None is more famous than the Alhambra, an extensive complex of palaces, patios, and reflecting pools. You will explore all of this today with a private guide. Originally built as a military fortress, it has also been used as a palace by both Arabs and Christians. You will also explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site palace and Generalife Gardens. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps, stopping in at an Arab tea house a Moorish pastry.

This morning, you will be collected by your private car and transferred to the airport for a flight to Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia. Famous for its art and architecture, Barcelona is also a cosmopolitan city known for its culinary scene. Upon your arrival, you will have a private journey through the neighborhoods of Revel, Gotico, and El Born. To make everything even more delicious, you will be accompanied by a local food expert. By wandering the streets in search of the best local spots, you will be able to sample dishes from all over Spain in addition to witnessing the revival of historical buildings, bars, and restaurants. You will also learn how the climate, history, and politics have influenced the food and drink of the city.

Barcelona was the artistic playground of Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect who created some of the most distinctive and celebrated structures in the world. Your private guide will collect you from the hotel this morning to visit two of Gaudí’s most famous masterpieces: La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. You will begin at the easily recognizable La Sagrada Familia. The still-unfinished Roman Catholic basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site will be sure to evoke a sense of wonder. You will then continue to Park Güell, a hilltop park that Gaudi’s turned into a colorful wonderland. After your tour concludes, you can explore more of the city at your leisure.

Today, you will take to the sea on a comfortable motor yacht for an unforgettable sailing and wine experience. Setting out from Barcelona with a professional sommelier as your guide, you will enjoy a journey to one of Catalonia’s most beautiful wineries. After an hour’s scenic cruise, you will disembark and travel by comfortable van to the Serralada de Marina Natural Park and a winery with views of the sea. Here, the cellars have been carved into the rock. This region of Spain has been producing wine since the time of the Romans. A guided tasting paired with tapas will be sure to highlight the quality of these exquisite wines.

This morning, you will indulge in a delightful breakfast before departing this amazing city and country. A private vehicle will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the Barcelona airport in time to connect with your homeward-bound flight.