Luxury Culinary Vacation Spain

Luxury Culinary Vacation Spain:

Highlights:

View images of Rioja & Gourmet Basquelands

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 Gabriela Llamas, a dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world, and Michelin starred dining at Sergi Arola's "La Broche". 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 Marques de Murrieta and Finca Valpiedra, a blend of the old and the new. Murrieta is on of the oldest cellars (dating to the 1800's), and is the picture postcard of how you imagine an ancient Spanish cellar, complete with castle and caves. Valpiedra contrasts dramatically, being a completely modern cellar designed to resemble a cross between a Greek temple and a Spanish colonial hacienda- the result is stunning. Both make excellent 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.

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

Overnight:

4* elegant Historic Palace Hotel in quiet, pretty downtown plaza

Welcome Aperitif, Gourmet Dinner with wines

Transfers:

Madrid Airport- Downtown Madrid

Full breakfast with beautiful views over the historic Opera House of Madrid

3 hour Cooking class with Gabriella Llamas, a prestigious culinary professional with 15 years experience as instructor at one of the best cooking schools in Madrid, "Juan de Altamiras". Class and lunch included. Menu could include: Pimientos de Piquillo Rellenos (Stuffed, spicy peppers from Navarra), Gallina en Pepitoria (Historic Castillian dish composed of Hen cooked in a white wine sauce with almonds, saffron, and hardboiled egg) and "Mousse chocolate" (Interesting Chocolate Mousse made with olive oil, the chef's signature dishes), etc. After the class, enjoy a free afternoon in Madrid, for shopping or museums.

Dinner at la Broche- Gourmet Tasting Menu at this Michelin starred eatery under the helm of the very talented Catalan chef, Sergi Arola

Overnight:

4* elegant Historic Palace Hotel in quiet, pretty downtown plaza

Meals Included in Price:

Full Breakfast, Gourmet lunch with wine, Michelin starred dinner with wine

Transfers:

None

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!

Overnight:

4* Wine Hotel in medieval village

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine at Parador

Transfers:

Madrid- Burgos-Laguardia (La Rioja)

Full buffet breakfast in the wine hotel

Today is a wine tasting day, with VIP visits to 2 famous estates- one historic, one modern

The first special winery visit is to Marques de Murrieta or Marques de Riscal (both beautiful, historic estates). VIP winery visit and tasting of all wines on the market, along with special old vintages. The next winery visit is planned for the lovely modern cellars of Finca Valpiedra.

Gourmet lunch in the wine cellar of Finca Valpiedra, with wine of course!

Dinner on your own in the atmospheric medieval village, where a multitude of gourmet restaurants abound.

Extras: Wine Gift at each winery, personalized tasting sheets

Overnight:

4* Wine Hotel in medieval village

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Gourmet Lunch with wine in ancient Asador, Phenomenal dinner in a 10th century cave with wine

Transfers:

Laguardia-Logrono-Laguardia

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.

Overnight:

4* Belle Époque seafront hotel, rooms with sea views

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, gourmet lunch with wine, gourmet dinner with wine (cooking class)

Transfers:

La Rioja- Getaria- San Sebastian

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.

Overnight:

4* Belle Époque seafront hotel, rooms with sea views

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, Michelin starred Feast with wine at Arzak (3 stars)- Deluxe Tasting Menu

Transfers:

San Sebastian- Idiazabal Cheese Farm- San Sebastian

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

Overnight:

5* exclusive small luxury hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Lunch with wine

Transfers:

San Sebastian- Jaca- Somontano wine region- Barcelona

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

Overnight:

5* exclusive small luxury hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, Gourmet 6 Course Taster Dinner with Paired Wines

Transfers:

Tibidabo-Barcelona downtown- Tibidabo, Transfers to and from dinner restaurant

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.

Overnight:

Overnight: 5* La Florida, Barcelona's most exclusive small luxury hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Lunch with wine, cheese workshop, Michelin starred dinner with wine

Transfers:

Hotel-downtown-hotel

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.

Overnight:

5* Relais Chateaux, Spain's most prestigious

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Cooking Class with Lunch and wine, Gourmet Dinner with Paired Wines at Relais Chateaux

Transfers:

Barcelona- Torrent

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.

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, rustic lunch with local wines

Transfers:

Barcelona

What's Included:

What's Not Included:

Prices:

This is a SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY. Please note that our chauffeured luxury tours have the following starting prices:

More Information on Luxury Culinary Vacations in Spain:

If you are interested in this package, contact us today for pricing (which depends on group size and specific requirements). All Culinary Vacations 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 Spain, Portugal & Italy.

Email us at: info@cellartours.com