Luxury Spanish Culinary Vacations:
- Private chauffeured tours
- Private cooking classes in Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona & Costa Brava
- Wine tasting in La Rioja and Somontano
- Guided gourmet walking tour of Barcelona
- Professional Cheese Tasting
- Special “foodie” Experiences
For wine loving culinary professionals, semi-professionals, even food enthusiasts, this "Cook's Tour of Spain" is perfectly designed to incorporate: cooking lessons
with top chefs of regional specialties (Castilian, Basque, Catalan, etc); an equal balance between rustic dining and Michelin starred refined novelties; gourmet activities such as Olive Oil tasting and cheese making tours; VIP wine tastings and
vineyard walks at top Spanish cellars; and ultra charming and luxurious hotels. You'll cook in four Spanish regions and taste an array of diverse wines from such appellations as La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Txakoli, Penedes and Priorat. Gourmet gifts will be
arranged for you to include (among other surprises) Saffron, olive oil and the best
smoked paprika in the world. This trip is for cooks and foodies who want to be pampered..
This Luxury Gourmet Cooking Vacation begins in the vibrant Spanish capital, Madrid. Over the next few days,
you'll enjoy walking tours of the aristocratic "Austrias" and "Bourbon" districts (including the Royal Palace, Opera House, Retiro Park and Prado Museum), a fun cooking class with the famed Pilar Latorre, a dinner at the oldest restaurant
in the world, and gourmet dining at Viridiana. From Madrid,
we'll take you north, where the gastronomy is perfectly suited to the rich red wines
of the area. In the pilgrimage city of Burgos, we'll dine on roast lamb, slow cooked
in ancient wood fired ovens in the most charming "Asador" in town. From Burgos our
"Gastronomic Pilgrimage" takes us into the lovely wine-producing region of La Rioja,
where we'll spend a few nights.
In la Rioja, we'll visit a few of the most prestigious wineries including Muga and Roda, a blend of the old and the new. Muga is one of the oldest and most beautiful cellars (founded in 1932, in a beautiful Chateau style estate), and is the picture postcard of how you imagine an ancient Spanish cellar, complete with romantic caves. Roda contrasts dramatically, for of a stylish "design" cellar. Both make stunning wines. The cuisine in
la Rioja revolves around vegetables (artichokes, leeks, peppers, asparagus, chard, fava beans and eggplant are all grown here, lending Rioja's the nickname 'Breadbasket'), roast lamb and
kid, olive oil and of course, Rioja wine. We'll dine at the cellars and in a 10th century wine cave, before moving to the coast.
Spain's Basque country (including Bilbao and San Sebastian) is known by chefs
across the planet as being a gourmet Mecca, with an almost startling array of Michelin starred restaurants for such a rural area. We'll have the opportunity to take in a cooking
class with one of the exclusive "Gastronomic Societies", by special invitation. A seafood lunch in the mythical fishing village of Getaria, and a visit to a cheese producing estate
are also on the menu. From the pretty village of San Sebastian, our cooking journey will conclude in Catalonia, famed for its creative cuisine. Our hotels in Barcelona and the Costa
Brava are plush and luxurious, the best on the tour. Cooking, market tours, a tapas tour, and excursions are all included during our last few special days in the beautiful region of Catalonia.
You will leave this Gourmet Cooking Vacation with new recipes under your belt, an enormous amount of new wine knowledge, new friendships with Spanish chefs, and plenty of hot recommendations for your friends back home.
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Spanish Cooking Vacations Day By Day Itinerary |
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Day One - Welcome Dinner in Historic Restaurant
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Madrid's Palace Hotel
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From Madrid's Barajas Airport, Madrid- transfer by luxury coach to the elegant palatial hotel in Madrid's downtown area, located in a quiet square. Free time to settle in.
Early evening, you'll be collected at your hotel to commence a relaxing short walking tour of the Bourbon quarter, followed by a fabulous champagne aperitif at the emblematic Palace hotel, with its exquisite stain glassed dome. Aperitifs served with Spanish cheese and chocolates.
Welcome Dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world -We will be greeted by the owner, Aristocrat Don Jose, and shown the old cellar and the ancient oven before being seated down to an aperitif and magnificent meal.
Extras: Surprise gourmet gift in your bedroom upon arrival
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Overnight:
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4* elegant Historic Palace Hotel in quiet, pretty downtown plaza
Welcome Aperitif, Gourmet Dinner with wines
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Transfers:
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Madrid Airport- Downtown Madrid
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Day Two - Private Cooking Class & Gourmet Dining at Viridiana
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Spanish Vine Tomatoes
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Full breakfast with beautiful views over the historic Opera House of Madrid
You will throughly enjoy a cooking class today with Pilar Latorre, Madrid´s darling society chef. Pilar will take you on a creative culinary adventure today. learn how to cook some of her signature dishes such as Spanish Tortilla with caramelized onion, potato foam and truffle shavings; Sea bass with olive oil infused with pine nuts, basil and olives with a fruit and vegetable tartar; Artichoke Tatín on a cheese crust; Entrecôte cooked with fresh rosemary and peppercorns with a selection of different olive oils and sea salts to taste it with; and Duck magret with a Pedro Ximenez wine sauce with caramelized onions and raisin. Desserts may include her mythical “Maceta” of Chocolate, Mint and Flowers (fun surprise); Dessert wine infused Saballón on an orange and sunflower seed cookie crust; or “Crema Catalana” presented creatively with edible flowers. You´ll also enjoy Pilar´s amazing food photography from her many foodie trips abroad to Asia, South America and Africa. After the class, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Madrid, for shopping or museums.
Dinner tonight is at the whimsical Viridiana, our favorite in Madrid! Charming chef Abraham Garcia runs this wonderful neighborhood restaurant and has many faithful diners, from politicians to celebrities. You´ll enjoy the tasting menu paired with top wines.
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Overnight:
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4* elegant Historic Palace Hotel in quiet, pretty downtown plaza
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full Breakfast, Gourmet lunch with wine, Michelin starred dinner with wine
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Transfers:
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None
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Day Three - Traditional Riojan Dinner in Wine Caves
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Burgos
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Full breakfast with beautiful views over the historic Opera House of Madrid
From Madrid, we'll make our way for the wine region of La Rioja, stopping in Burgos for a wonderful, traditional Asador lunch.
Before lunch, we'll visit the gorgeous 13th century gothic cathedral. A rustic roast lamb lunch and wine at the best Asador in town, is planned. This Asador has beautiful (and delicious smelling) wood fired ovens and has been a restaurant since 1910!
From Burgos, we'll drive out of the castle studded Castille region, into the lusher lands of La Rioja. Our hotel is right in wine country with views of the vines, at the base of a medieval village. Dinner is planned in a 10th century wine cave- rustic four course Riojan fare. Wine and dine with the owner host!
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Overnight:
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4* Wine Hotel in medieval village
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine at Parador
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Transfers:
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Madrid- Burgos-Laguardia (La Rioja)
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Day Four - VIP Wine Tastings at Muga and Roda Wineries
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Rioja Wine Cellars
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Today is a fabulous wine tasting day with VIP visits in Spain´s famous La Rioja region. You will visit two contrasting estates in the town of Haro- Muga and Roda. Begin with a first visit to Muga, the prestigious cellar that produces Prado Enea and Torre Muga. You´ll receive a fantastic tour of the wine cellars and learn about the process of fining the wines with eggs! You´ll also see their working cooperage and learn about the different "toasts" they give the barrels. Follow with a tasting of flagship wines. Carry on to the second winery today, the splendid Roda estate. This winery makes the most stylish modern Rioja and you´ll taste all of their wines including the mythical Cirsión wine (over 100 euros a bottle in Spain). Complement the wine tasting with a tasting of the Dauro olive oils from Catalonia (the owners of Roda are actually Catalans, not locals).
After a wonderful morning of wine tastingm you´ll be famished and we will have an exceptional lunch organized for you in a converted moanstery where Three Michelin starred chef Pedro Subijana (of Akelarre, San Sebastian) is the consulting chef. Enjoy a tasting menu paired with top wines formt he Sirra Cantabria estate. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to relax in Laguardia. Dinner is on your own in the atmospheric medieval village, where a multitude of charming small restaurants abound.
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Overnight:
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4* Wine Hotel in medieval village
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine in ancient Asador, Phenomenal dinner in a 10th century cave with wine
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Transfers:
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Laguardia-Logrono-Laguardia
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Day Five - Private Cooking Class in San Sebastian
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Views from your hotel in San Sebastian
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Full buffet breakfast in the wine hotel
Gourmet Basque country awaits! From La Rioja, we'll make our way north towards the aristocratic jewel of San Sebastian, but not before stopping for lunch first in the pretty fishing village of Getaria. We'll lunch at the most famous seafood restaurant on the Basque coast. Wine included. After lunch and a walk around Getaria, we'll go to San Sebastian.
After check in at the gorgeous seaside hotel, you'll enjoy an afternoon of free time. You can visit the Aquarium (really interesting visit), take in treatments at the nearby spa, visit the old town, go swimming, etc.
In the early evening, a very special event will be organized for you: a cooking class and dinner in gastronomic society, what a treat! This will be a cooking highlight of the tour.
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Overnight:
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4* Belle Époque seafront hotel, rooms with sea views
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, gourmet lunch with wine, gourmet dinner with wine (cooking class)
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Transfers:
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La Rioja- Getaria- San Sebastian
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Day Six - Private Gastronomic Tour of San Sebastian & Dinner at Azak's
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Elena Arzak & Head Sommelier of Arzak, 3Michelin Stars
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Full breakfast at the seaside hotel
Our day begins with a guided market visit in San Sebastian after which we will delve into the world of boutique olive oils with a commented tasting. We will then travel into the green misty mountains and meet a Basque shepherd whose 300 head flock is at the forefront of a program to preserve and improve the Latxa breed. Idiazabal, a famous raw sheep's milk cheese is produced exclusively with the milk of the Latxa. The Shepard's wife will offer us a tasting of their award winning cheeses accompanied as tradition mandates by a fine Rioja wine.
Dinner at Arzak, (Three Michelin starred restaurant). The famed chef Juan Mari Arzak, will meet the group, sign menus etc. Wine included.
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Overnight:
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4* Belle Époque seafront hotel, rooms with sea views
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, Michelin starred Feast with wine at Arzak (3 stars)- Deluxe Tasting Menu
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Transfers:
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San Sebastian- Idiazabal Cheese Farm- San Sebastian
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Day Seven - VIP Wine Tasting in Somontano
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Barcelona's best cheese shop, site of our cheese workshop
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Early breakfast at the seaside hotel
Today takes in a beautiful drive from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, stopping enroute for lunch at one of Spain's most famous wineries. Wine tasting at in the Pyrenees foothills, followed by lunch in the wine cellar. The restaurant has Akellare chef Pedro Subijana (3 Michelin stars) as their head consultant. Keepsake menu will be printed. From the winery, enjoy a nap on the drive to Barcelona.
Dinner- free time to enjoy the wonderful restaurant at the plush hotel, or taxi to downtown Barcelona for city dining
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Overnight:
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5* exclusive small luxury hotel
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Lunch with wine
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Transfers:
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San Sebastian- Jaca- Somontano wine region- Barcelona
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Day Eight - Private Market Tour, Barcelona & Cooking Class
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Barcelona's most famous Patisserie
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Wonderful breakfast at the luxurious hotel
Today will take in a cooking class with Jaume Brichs, one of the city's most famed chefs. But first, Jaume will lead us on a cook's tour of the famous La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas in the medieval quarter of Barcelona. After the fascinating Market tour, we'll carry on to a fantastic Catalan cooking class, making our own lunch.
Late Afternoon- free time
Dinner at Barcelona's hottest new creative restaurant. Special food and wine pairing dinner will be organized with 5 special wines. Keepsake menus will be printed
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Overnight:
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5* exclusive small luxury hotel
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, Gourmet 6 Course Taster Dinner with Paired Wines
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Transfers:
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Tibidabo-Barcelona downtown- Tibidabo, Transfers to and from dinner restaurant
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Day Nine - Privately Guided Tapas Tour in Barcelona's and Gastronomic Dinner
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Spa at your Barcelona Hotel
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Wonderful breakfast at the luxurious hotel
Tapas Tour of Barcelona with local gourmet guides to include a cheese tasting which will entail a fabulous 3 hour gastronomic walking tour. This "Tapas Tour" of old Barcelona is to include a cheese workshop, wine tasting and plenty of eating your way through the Barri Gotic.
Afternoon on your own to enjoy the Picasso museum, Parc Guell, etc
Dinner at Michelin starred venue, gastronomic heaven. A special taster menu will be organized and menus printed for you.
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Overnight:
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Overnight: 5* La Florida, Barcelona's most exclusive small luxury hotel
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, cheese workshop, Michelin starred dinner with wine
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Transfers:
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Hotel-downtown-hotel
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Day Ten - Excusrion to Costa Brave & Private Cooking Class
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Your hotel in the Costa Brava
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Wonderful breakfast at the luxurious hotel
From Barcelona, we'll travel north along the "wild coast" to the dramatic Costa Brava. Our first stop is to the Aula Gastronomica, the region's most famous culinary school. A professional cooking class will be arranged with top chefs as well as a wine tasting of Catalan wines. Our three course lesson could include such typical dishes as Escalivada (roast pepper, eggplant dish), various seafood dishes and of course Crema Catalana.
Dinner at the luxurious Relais Chateaux restaurant, where you will receive your own private salon, and your own sommelier. Superb 6 course taster menu, specially designed for your important group by the head chef.
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Overnight:
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5* Relais Chateaux, Spain's most prestigious
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, Cooking Class with Lunch and wine, Gourmet Dinner with Paired Wines at Relais Chateaux
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Transfers:
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Barcelona- Torrent
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Day Eleven - Excursion to Cadaques
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Local veg stand, Cadaques
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Magnificent breakfast at the Relais Chateaux, in the garden.
From Torrent, we'll take in an excursion to the delightful fishing village of Cadaques
Walking tour of lovely fishing village, taking in the romantic alleyways. Informal lunch on the sea of grilled sardines and traditional Catalan fare. Lots of pottery shops and olive wood shops here.
Afternoon transfer, back to Barcelona, where our tour will conclude.
You'll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel of choice, depending on your plans. Extensions can be arranged for in Barcelona.
End of services.
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Meals Included in Price:
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Full breakfast, rustic lunch with local wines
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Transfers:
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Barcelona
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What's Included:
- All Transportation in luxury, air conditioned Coach for 11 days
- Aperitif upon arrival
- All luxury accommodation in superb 4 and 5 star hotels, including a Relais Chateaux (10 nights)
- 10 Full Breakfasts
- 7 Gourmet Dinners with wine (including two Michelin starred restaurants)
- 10 Gourmet Lunches with wine
- Bottle of Wine in Room on arrival night
- 4 professional cooking classes
- 3 VIP Winery Visits and Tastings in famed Cellars
- Expert Bilingual Guide throughout tour
- Cellar Tours Gourmet Gift
- Walking tours of San Sebastian, Laguardia, Getaria and Cadaques
- Keepsake Bound Itinerary and Tasting Notes workbook, for wine tasting and chef's notes
- All local taxes
What's Not Included:
- Flights
- Meals and Drinks not Specified
- Personal Expenses such as Telephone, Minibar, etc
- Tips and Gratuities (Guides, Restaurants, etc)
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
- Cancellation Insurance
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Prices:
This is a SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY. Please note that our chauffeured luxury tours have the following starting prices:
| Pricing |
2 People |
4 People |
6 People |
8 People |
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500-1000 euros
per person per day |
450-850 euros
per person per day |
400-800 euros
per person per day |
375-750 euros
per person per day |
- Final price depends on chosen style of accommodation and dining. Please contact us with your group size (minimum 2 guests, no maximum group size), travel dates and preferences and we will send you custom pricing.
- Discounts available for larger groups
- Please note that our tours are available upon demand for PRIVATE GROUPS and are not scheduled tours for mixed groups.
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More Information on Luxury Spanish Cooking Vacations:
If you are interested in this package, contact us today for more information. This tour can also be adapted for bigger groups with a substantial discount. All of our tours are available year round upon request for your private group of minimum 2 people. If you would like us to customize a luxury gourmet tour for you, contact us with your requirements, and we can send you a free itinerary and quote with no obligations. We organize cooking packages and wine tours from 1 day, to weekends to longer food and wine discoveries throughout Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.
Email us at: info@cellartours.com
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“I know that Ritz-Carlton knows a lot about luxury experience and exceeding expectations but you and Cellar Tours could teach us a few things.”
Peter J. Watzka, Executive VP, Ritz Carlton
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Customer Feedback:
“The organization was superb. Actually, it surpassed our expectations. We had great time at the dinner party. I already recommended some of my friends to experience the cooking class with Pilar. Food and wine were excellent and perfect choice to make it at her house. They were most gracious and made us feel very welcomed at their home. I have to say that the wine and tapas tour tour totally surpassed our expectations. No better way to learn about local food and wine! Mary was gracious, vibrant , and all her recommendations were right on target. We totally loved her! This tour is a must if you are in Madrid! I believe the trip was perfect. It was so good and I would recommend to keep some items as surprise! Totally would recommend Cellar Tours! I have done tours with Cellar Tours twice and in both occasions I learned and experienced more about the culture and food of the country that in any tours elsewhere!”
Jose Marques, Texas