Best of Spain | Spain culinary tour

Day 1 – San Sebastian, Tapas tour, Transfer to Rioja

Bienvenido and Welcome to Spain.Meet at San Sebastian airport. 8:00 pick up. (There is an early morning flight from Barcelona)

We’ll make our way to San Sebastian. This seaside town is rich in history and lore and our local tour guide will no doubt keep us entertained as we stroll the streets of San Sebastian, tapas hopping in the historic quarter. As one of the world’s top culinary destinations, you’ll enjoy sampling the tapas and delight in the flavors of this seaside jewel.

In the late afternoon we will make our way to Rioja. Enjoy the scenic drive through the beautiful craggy landscape, marveling as the lush green foothills ascend to the majestic mountains, as we make our way toward our wine tour in Rioja. Known as one of the most prolific and celebrated wine regions in the world, Rioja is home to several wonderful wineries.

After you check into your castle-like hotel, located in a 13th century walled, medieval village, be sure to visit the magical underground cellar where you can sip a lovely glass of wine and sample some tasty tapas.
Enjoy your evening in the wine country.

Day 2 – Rioja Wine tour
After you enjoy breakfast, we’ll begin our busy day at 9:30 am when we gather to meet our tour guide in the lobby.
Our tour begins in the historic barrio del La Estacion where we will be tasting wines from one of the most renown wineries in the Rioja region. The bodega is known for it’s exquisite wines as well as the handcrafted barrels created on site.
From La Estacion (the Railway Station in Haro) we’ll stroll to a boutique winery where we’ll delight in a private tour. Lunch is sure to be a memorable experience when we savor sumptuous food as a tasting lunch, with 4 different wines, in a one-of-a-kind winery. This modern marvel, designed to resemble an empty glass box, sits underground and is split into several levels.
Evening at leisure.

Day 3 – Rioja Wine Country
After you enjoy breakfast, we’ll begin our busy day at 9:30 am when we gather to meet our tour guide in the lobby.
Rioja is lush with bodegas and small boutique wineries. Our first visit will be to a family run boutique winery, which has been passed down through the years. After our private wine tasting, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the charming old-world town of Laguardia. Below this beautiful town lie caves and cellars from ancient times. Inside these underground grottos we’ll find some of the oldest wineries in operation. We’ll learn how the first wines of Rioja were made and taste 4 distinct wines , each made with a single variety of red grape indigenous to Rioja.
Free evening

Day 4 – Transfer to Bilbao airport, Flight to Seville, Dinner.
Transfer from Rioja to Bilbao airport to board on a flight to Seville.

Upon your arrival to Seville, You'll be driven to your hotel near the historical center.
In the early evening, We’ll gather at our Seville hotel to meet our guide and walk for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 – Seville Monuments, Flamenco, Evening Tapas Tour
We’ll ease into our morning and, after a late start, begin with a walking tour of the historic center of Seville. Our tour will feature such famous landmarks as the magnificent Gothic cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century and the once upon a time Moorish fortress, the impressive Royal Alcazar, which is now a residence for Spanish kings. This breathtaking palace is one of the oldest residences in all of Europe that is still in use.
After our tour, we’ll return to our hotel to enjoy one of the oldest traditions in Spain-a siesta! Once refreshed, we’ll make our way to a Flamenco show. Our tour guide will escort us to a local club, off the beaten path, and popular among the local people. The tradition of Flamenco, stamping heels, proud stance, passionate gestures, is truly an art form. Underscored by emotionally-charged and expressive guitar music, Flamenco embodies the heart of Spain. After the show we will have a Spanish style late dinner/ tapas tour. With more than 3000 Tapas bars in Seville we’ll have several from which to choose. Seville’s maze of narrow streets sport traditional Tapas bars and we’ll enjoy our tour as the locals do.

Day 6 – Memorable Cooking Experience in the Mountains
We’ll meet this morning for our road trip to the Aracena mountains where we’ll spend our day in the cheerful country home of a couple, who will make us feel like family. We’ll learn to cook some of the regions more traditional recipes in true farm-to-table fashion using ingredients right from the family farm.
Upon our return to Seville, your evening will be free to spend as you wish.

Day 7 – White Washed Villages, National park, Olive Oil Mill
Today we will once again gather to embark on a day filled with cultural immersion. Our tour will take us to the famous Pueblos Blancos (white towns) of Andalucía. These whitewashed hill town homes shine brilliantly in the sun of southern Spain, and are made even more so by their red and brown tiled roofs. You’ll marvel at the ornate churches which perch atop steep cliffs, above plummeting river gorges, as you navigate the narrow cobblestone streets that wind their way through the towns.
We’ll pay a visit to the awe-inspiring hilltop fort village of Zahara, set in the beautiful Grazalema national park. The picturesque village of the same name, Grazalema will be our next stop. There we will sample the treasure of Grazalema, the sharp, rich, and highly coveted payoyo cheese.
Spain is most assuredly the undisputed powerhouse of olive oil production. Between 40%-50% of the world’s olive oil comes from Spain, most of it made in the region of Andalucía. We will visit an olive oil mill at Sierra de Grazalema, where we will be given an opportunity to taste some of the world’s most luscious extra-virgin olive oils, including organic varieties of Spain’s liquid gold.
After a short drive to a traditional olive oil mill, dating back to 1755, we’ll learn the centuries old, traditional method of olive oil production, using hydraulic presses, a craft that isn’t in use as much anymore.
Upon our return to Seville, your evening will be free to spend as you wish.

Day 8 – Cordoba
This morning we will venture to the medieval city of Cordoba. This vibrant and surprising city was once one of the most important capitals in all of Europe. Up through the mid 11th century, Cordoba was a hot spot for enterprise, commerce, and culture. Cordoba is famed for the peace and prosperity in which it’s three religious cultures (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) coexisted remarkably without incident. The cultural history of the Iberian Peninsula is represented in this fine city.

Today’s Cordoba is rich in cultural depth and intensity. The Mezquita cathedral is one of the many historic treasures of Cordoba. (You'll have a self guided audio guide to allow group members to spend time based on their interest). We’ll marvel at the history of the white-washed streets of Juderia, the medieval Jewish Quarter. Pass by patios brimming with fragrant jasmine and geranium, Renaissance palaces, dozens of churches, and convents and hermitages built by Moorish artisans, directly over ancient mosques.
You will be free this evening to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 9 – Sherry in Jerez, Horse show
After enjoying breakfast we’ll journey to Jerez, notable for the world-renown sherry as well as the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Arts, home to the finest breed of horses in Europe.
Upon arriving in Jerez, l. Then it’s off to the horse show. Like the Spanish riding school in Vienna, the Royal Andalusian school is famed for it’s epic horse show. This equestrian ballet is set to Spanish music, with riders adorned in 18th century style costumes.
We’ll enjoy a sumptuous lunch, then we’ll have a private visit to a sherry Bodega to sample the treasure of Jerez. We’ll then return to Seville where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon of exploring and shopping for treasures to take home.
You’re free to enjoy the evening as you like and prepare for your departure in the morning.

Day 10 - Departure

Transfer to Seville train station.

This tour is a combination of two itineraries. One in Northern Spain, Rioja wine tour. And one in the south of Spain, The Splendors of Andalucia. You can book one of them or both.

Arrival Details

Airport city:

San Sebastian
Pick-up Location:
Pick-up time:

Departure details

Airport city:

Madrid
Drop off location:

Seville Train station
Drop off time:

The program includes:

9 night accommodations
All breakfasts
6 Lunches
2 Dinners
Winery visits
Wine tasting
Sherry tasting
Olive oil tasting
Cheese tasting
2 Tapas Tours
Hands-on cooking class
Monument tour Seville
Entrance fees according to the itinerary
Flamenco show
Royal Horse show
Group transfer according to the itinerary
Transportation according to the itinerary
Flight from Bilbao to Seville or vice versa
Local tour guides (English speaking)
Tour book
Gifts
Small group (Maximum 12 guests)

The program does not include

International Flights
Travel insurance
Personal expense
Anything not mentioned in the program

TERMS & CONDITIONS

A deposit of $500.00 per person is required at time of booking to guarantee the space on the tour.
Balance of the full amount is due 90 days prior the first day of the tour.

CANCELLATION

Your deposit is refundable within the first 30 days of your deposit, so long as you have booked more than 180 days before the start date of the tour. If you book within 180 days of the start date of the tour, your deposit is immediately non-refundable. 90 days or less before the start date of the tour, the tour is non – refundable unless we are able to rebook another participant for the date/tour you are booked on.

Food N wine vacations, Inc reserve the right to re-calculate prices due to currency fluctuations. For full terms and conditions refer to Terms and conditions page.

ACCOMMODATIONS

VIEW PHOTOS OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Your hotel in Rioja is located in a beautifully preserved tiny walled town from the 13th century. he hotel has an impressive underground cellar curved in the 16th century which makes it a great spot to enjoy Rioja wine. It also has two restaurants and a spa. Each of the rooms at the hotel has a different decor and includes mini bar, Climate control, Free wi-fi Plasma TV.

Your hotel in Seville is a boutique hotel tha is located in an ancient palace dating back to the late fifteenth century. Despite substantial restoration the building has maintained the original structure and architectural features such as columns, capitals and polychrome coffered ceilings which can be found in several communal areas, as well as in some of our rooms. You can also enjoy our typical indoor Andalusian courtyard which is covered in flowers and plants, and features the building’s original well. The building’s location is second to none: It just 200 metres from Seville Cathedral and surrounded by all of the city’s major landmarks. It’s surrounded by a huge variety of shops, tapas bars and restaurants where you can spend many a wonderful evening.

DATES & PRICES

Available for private groups from May to October based on availability.

2024

A minimum of 6 people is required.

Price per person in a double room.

Single supplement: $ 1000.00

VIEW PHOTOS OF THE TOUR

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Many travel products are non-refundable.

You can get a quote here

Emergencies happen when you least expect it. Travel protection provides coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Medical and Dental, Emergency Assistance and Transportation, Baggage, Baggage Delay, Travel Delay and much more. Plus, we offer our exclusive One Call 24-hour Traveler Assistance Service to help you with emergency situations that arise during your trip.

You may also consider ‘Cancel for no reason’. It may seem costly, but if you are deeply concerned about things like Hurricanes, strikes, Coronavirus outbreak, terror attack and such, you should look into that.

For pre existing condition, it’s important to purchase a policy within 10 days of your deposit.

FAQ about Travel Insurance

FLIGHTS

Based on your plans you can fly to San Sebastian, Bilbao, Seville or Madrid.

We provide a complimentary consulting with your pre or post travel plans.

PRE AND POST IDEAS

You may visit Madrid for few days.

We provide a complimentary consulting with your pre or post travel plans. Don’t hesitate asking.

TOUR PACE

Walking pace is like walking around town.

You will be walking in cobblestone streets and some uneven roads.

We try to start the days after 09:00 am – 09:15 am.

The itinerary is balanced between activities, sightseeing and leisure time.

MORE INFO

What should I wear?

Stay casual and comfortable.

You won’t need to dress up anywhere you go. If you would like to try to blend in with the locals as much as possible, think “smart casual” or “preppy” for men, and “light and stylish” for women. Italians are very fashion conscious, but not formal.

In the summer months, you will most likely want to wear shorts. Make sure they have good pockets. However, always make sure you also have some long pants

Bring comfortable shoes, as you will be walking in medieval towns with cobblestone streets or farms with unpaved roads.

If you want to dress up for dinner, dress as if you are having dinner with friends.

How many bags can I bring?

We recommend bringing one medium suitcase and another small bag or trolley.

Please check our packing advice.

Packing

We advise you to pack light. We also recommend planning what you need based on each day of your travels.

You will need the extra space for souvenirs.

On that note, the best advice we can give you is “bubble wrap”. Bring bubble wrap with you. It’s cheaper and more convenient to bring it from the U.S and you will probably never leave home without it.

We highly recommend you use packing cubes for efficient packing and to keep things organized. You can search for videos on YouTube to learn more about it.

Do I need a passport?

Yes!

Copy of passport

We strongly suggest that you to make a copy of your passport.

Should I bring my cell phone?

It is a good idea to bring a cell phone. See our tips for communications while on a tour down below.

Do I need converters or transformers?

European power outlets run at 220 volts. You must buy a transformer to avoid shorting out and/or causing permanent damage to your devices. You will need it for cell phones, cameras, tablets, and other US-made electronics.

Tip: If your electronics can be powered by either 120 volt or 220-volt outlets (the device will usually have this listed in the technical specifications in a format like 120/240 volts, meaning the device can be powered from any power outlet around the globe), you will only need a plug adapter. Please note that a plug adapter is not a transformer, and using one with a device not capable of handling 240 volts will cause permanent damage and may even render the device unusable.

Money

We find that a debit/credit card of a credit union bank has low rates for an ATM withdrawal or credit card charges. In addition to credit union banks, here is a list of cards that offer a low or no foreign transaction fee: Capital one no fee hassle card, Chase Sapphire preferred, Chase ink business card, United mileage plus, Barclays arrivals world, Amex platinum card, Capital one venture reward, bank Americard travel reward, Marriott, Southwest, Barclaycard arrival plus, United mileage plus, Citi Hilton honors.

It is also important to let the credit card company or your bank know what country you are traveling to and the exact date

Communications

It is recommended to have a cell phone with you, however, if you plan to bring your smart phone, make sure to turn off mobile data right before you board the plane. If the data is not turned off, your mobile provider may charge you hundreds of dollars for using their services outside the U.S. On certain phones, you may be able to disable data roaming (phones that support this feature will most likely have it turned off by default). This will automatically turn off data outside the U.S.

You may want to check with your cell phone provider what data/voice/ text they offer when you travel to Europe. Things are changing for the better. For example, if you have an unlimited plus plan with AT&T you can pay $10 a day and continue using your phone in Europe as if you were at home.

WhatsApp is a free service that lets users message one another seamlessly between mobile and desktop devices.

WhatsApp is known for its enhanced privacy features, like end-to-end encryption, and its free, web-based international calling. Read on to find out how you can leverage the Facebook-owned messaging giant to make free international calls.