This memorable culinary journey will introduce you to three of Spain's most emblematic gastronomic regions: Andalusia, La Rioja, and the Basque Country-- famous worldwide for the quality of their products and outstanding cuisine. Sample traditional tapas and sherry wines, dine at one of Madrid's most emblematic eateries, visit the Wine Museum in La Rioja, and top it off with a full gastronomic tour of San Sebastian, one of the temples of Spanish cuisine and home to several celebrity chefs. Come and enjoy our Spain Wine Tours!
DAY 1: Arrive in Seville: Unfasten, unpack, unwind
Upon arrival at the airport in Seville, you will be greeted by our local crew and escorted to your hotel in the city. Join your personal guide for a fresh cup of coffee or tea and leisurely plan the days ahead before retiring to your room for some deserved rest. This afternoon we have arranged a soothing massage session so your body and mind can start tuning in to your restful holiday ahead. Tonight dinner is a private affair. Your guide will share his favorite spots and let you delve into the culinary delights of this ancestral land. Overnight.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Airport transfers
- Meeting with your personal guide
- Soothing massage
- Accommodations for three nights in Seville
DAYS 2/3: Seville
A fertile land and favored climate have made Seville a preferred settlement for numerous civilizations, from Phoenicians to Romans to Arabs. In fact, the city boasts an impressive collection of Moorish architectural jewels and was the birthplace of two of ancient Rome emperors. But there is more to Seville than its expansive history and aesthetic treasures, something ethereal and magical that cannot be put into words, and that locals refer to as "embrujo" or spell. The city is bathed in a special light, carries a unique passion that is most faithfully represented in the arts, in the universal character of Don Juan or in the notes and spirited dances of flamenco. Locals are borne with an innate and legendary sense of humor, life is lived outdoors, in cafes and tapas bars and impromptu debates in squares and alleys, and any occasion, religious or mundane, is good enough for another fiesta. Under the spell of Seville we will stroll along traditional districts sampling tapas and everyday scenes, attend a fiery Flamenco show, taste Jerez famous sherries, and visit Arcos, epitome of Moorish Andalucia with its whitewashed facades, cobblestone streets and rural atmosphere.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Accommodations for three nights in Seville
- Your choice of:
A walking tour
A rolling panoramic tour OR
A private shopping tour
- A tapas walking tour and flamenco show
- The wines of Al Andalus excursion: Sherry and "Paso" horses w/lunch in Parador in Arcos (not included)
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas in Seville (at extra cost):
- Join a group of spirited dancers and take your first steps on Flamenco
- Watch a premier league soccer match with a true aficionado
DAY 4: Seville to Madrid
Originally the enclave of an Arab fortress which spurred an ugly dispute with neighboring Christians, Madrid became (once the Christians took over the fortress) an unassuming, small town until a cunning king decided to move his Court from the intrigues of nearby Toledo and build Madrid as the capital of his vast empire. Unlike other Spanish cities, studded with Roman and Arab relics, Madrid stands out as one of Europe's most beautiful neoclassic cities, with its grand squares, broad boulevards, monumental fountains and graceful palaces. Beyond its architectural façade, Madrid is a feast for the senses, a melting pot of Spain's regional cuisines, a kaleidoscope of taverns, inviting cafes and posh restaurants, a never-ending entertainment affair and one of the world's cultural capitals thanks to its impressive museum collections. Lively, elegant, vibrant, glowing, and fashionable, its philosophy of life could be best summed up in the final words of Luis Candelas, Madrid's most famous bandit and ladies' man: "Be happy, my beloved city".
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Hotel transfers in Seville and Madrid
- AVE train tickets Seville – Madrid
- Accommodations for three nights in Madrid
DAYS 5/6: Madrid
Your personal bilingual guide will pick you up at your hotel for a lovely private walking tour of the old quarter. The tour includes the Madrid of the Austrias, the city center, Plaza Mayor, and a visit to the Royal Palace. Tour lasts approximately three hours and can be customized to meet your needs. Then there will be plenty of free time to continue exploring the city on your own, visit the museums, do some shopping, or join your guide on an optional (not included) excursion to nearby Toledo. This evening we have made reservations at one of Madrid's best and most typical restaurants. Bon appétit!
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast daily at your hotel
- Your choice of:
A walking tour in the historic district
A rolling panoramic tour and visit to the Royal Palace OR
A private shopping tour
- Reservations at one of Madrid's best and most typical restaurants
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas in Madrid (at extra cost):
- Gastronomic experience: Cooking class with a private chef
- Tapas walking tour
- Touring the museum of your choice with a private curator
- Private excursion to medieval Toledo
DAY 7/8: La Rioja
For years part of Castile and today an independent region, La Rioja is worldwide famous for its excellent red wines that rank among the best in the world. Along with endless vineyards, La Rioja is also a prime producer of vegetables that are the base for its celebrated gastronomy (don't miss the famous red peppers). Haro, the wine capital city, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a medieval town and major stopping point in the Saint James Route, will be mandatory stops during our visit to the region. We will also visit local wineries, the extraordinary Wine Museum, and en route to La Rioja, we will stop at medieval Segovia, home to the famous Roman Aqueduct, the Alcazar castle (Disney's inspiration for Cinderella's castle) and succulent lamb and piglet dishes, both stars of traditional Castilian cuisine.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Chauffeured-driven excursion from Madrid to La Rioja via Segovia
- Accommodations for two nights in La Rioja
- Wine tour of La Rioja
- Visit to the unique Wine Museum
DAY 9/10: San Sebastian
The drive from La Rioja to San Sebastian is no ordinary affair. Estella and Puente la Reina continue to welcome pilgrims on their way to Santiago as they have been doing for centuries, while Olite and Tudela fascinate the traveler with their monumental castles and medieval atmosphere. Pamplona, a good stop for lunch, was one of Hemmingway's favorite spots in Europe, and the scenic road through Hernani and Astugarraga is a fabulous introduction to Basque culture and customs. At the end of the road, San Sebastian, summer resort of kings, awaits with its gorgeous beach, rich culinary traditions and renowned chefs, arguably the world's best. We'll take you to la Brecha, the famous produce market, introduce you to the Pinchos culture (a variant on tapas) in the Old Quarter and top if off with reservations at one of Basque cuisine most revered palaces. Bon appétit!
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Chauffeured-driven excursion from La Rioja to San Sebastian
- Accommodations for two nights in San Sebastian
- Customized tour including La Brecha market and a Pinchos walking tour
- Reservations at one of San Sebastian best Basque cuisine restaurants
DAY 11: Return home, energized and wiser
Time to bid farewell to this ancestral land. Your guide will drive you to the airport in time for your return flight. We hope you have enjoyed your Exclusive Journey and look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Safe journeys...
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Airport departure transfer
Included:
- All land transportation at the destination
- Lodging
- Breakfast daily
- Other meals per itinerary
- Private guide services except as indicated
- Excursions per itinerary
- Hotel taxes
- English-speaking assistance
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Airport departure taxes
- "Spice up" ideas
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Incidentals at hotels
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
* Itineraries subject to change.