Andalusia Private Food & Wine Tour

Arrive at Málaga airport this morning, and your elegant and very friendly professional chauffeur will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. Hit the ground running and head straight to the beach, just over a half-hour drive. Lunch is with a sea view at the mythical La Milla beach shack restaurant in Marbella. This is the ultimate shabby chic venue, right on the sand with a glamorous crowd yet casual at the same time, perfect for your casual arrival day lunch. Enjoy a delicious seafood-centric lunch, tasting their classic dishes like Charcoal-grilled sardines, heirloom tomatoes with grilled tuna preserved in oil and confit garlic cream, calamari, and Scarlet shrimp paella style rice. Meat lovers are also well served here as they do nice sirloin steak. Relax and enjoy free time before or after lunch for a beach walk.

After lunch, visit the nearby historic quarter of Marbella for a free hour to enjoy the charming flower-adorned streets, orange tree line squares, and high-end shops. Carry on to your hotel and base for the next two nights at your preferred time this afternoon- Ronda. Possibly our favorite village in Andalusia, this is a great destination to kick off your grand tour of Andalusia. You’ll stay at a dreamy country house, Hotel la Fuente de la Higuera, outside Ronda amid olive groves, vineyards, and wild herbs. Settle in, and why not treat yourself to a bubble bath in your gorgeous copper bathtub? Welcome to Andalucía!

Begin your day leisurely, savoring a late-morning start and catching up on any remaining jet lag. At 11 a.m., your private local guide will meet you and take you on a two-hour fascinating walking tour through the breathtaking mountaintop hamlet of Ronda. Explore the movie-worthy Plaza de Toros bullring, Casa Don Bosco (a hidden gem in Ronda- it’s an Art Nouveau Palace with an idyllic garden and mesmerizing views over the valley below), and the striking Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor de Ronda ( whose foundation was right over the Moorish Mosque in the 13th century). Almost every step you take will present you with breathtaking views. Its extraordinary picturesque scenery makes this village a uniquely beautiful and memorable destination.

Lunchtime will be calling you after your fascinating stroll through Ronda, and a highlight of the trip awaits at Descalzos Viejos. This alluring winery is inside a restored 16th-century Convent of S. Trinity XVI chapel. Architects Flavio Salesi and Paco Retamero have restored this precious monument and planted award-winning vineyards in the ancient Decalzos monks’ fertile estate. Argentine owner Flavio is charming and an effervescent host, and you will sit down to a super VIP private tour, wine tasting, and lunch with the owner himself! This is such an atmospheric and bijou wine estate, one you will undoubtedly remember.

Enjoy a late afternoon in Ronda to go shopping, strolling, or an aperitif, and then a free evening to dine at your graceful country house.

Today is a great sightseeing day, and this morning, you will travel through a beautiful national park, stopping in the mountains in Grazalema. You will go past cork trees, whitewashed “pueblos,” and peaceful herds of sheep. Stop for a short morning walk around Grazalema, enjoy a coffee in the main plaza, or take in its shops selling woolen blankets; these are ultra-high quality and considered the best in Spain. Your driver will then escort you through the rolling vineyards and scenic valleys to the Huerta de Albalá estate just outside the charming town of Arcos de la Frontera.

Founded by the charismatic Vicente Taberner from Valencia, this winery is renowned for crafting exceptional dry red wines. The estate offers breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas of vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll be taken on an exclusive tour of the property, led by the vineyard manager, who will impart fascinating insights into the grape varieties grown here. You will taste their Barbazul—a complex blend of Tintilla de Rota, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon—as well as their premium Taberner No. 1, a robust blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon that has been aged for 24 months in barrels.

After the wine experience, head into quaint Arcos de la Frontera, the archetypal Andalusian pueblo blanco. This little gem of a hamlet is characterized by its winding, steep, cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed homes and churches with decorative wrought-iron railings. You will have some free time to venture to the Plaza de España, with its sweeping vistas of the Guadalete Valley. On the square’s other side stands the Santa María de la Asunción church, an enthralling fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar architectural styles, featuring a plateresque portal, a Renaissance altarpiece, and a baroque organ.

Lunch will await you at the gorgeous Aljibe restaurant on an utterly delightful laneway in the historic center. History and culinary tradition blend seamlessly at this charming restaurant. The essence of Andalusian flavors is beautifully interwoven with enchanting Moroccan dishes. Lunch will be authentic Andalusian fare, deeply influenced by the region’s Arabic heritage. Their tagines, couscous, pastries, falafel, briouats, harira, and muhammara, will transpor you across the Mediterranean to the “other shore.” The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection, emphasizing varieties from the Sierra de Cádiz.

After a great lunch, carry on to your final destination, the winemaking town of Jerez de la Frontera. Your accommodation for the next few nights will be at the Casa Palacio María Luisa. The building dates from the early 19th century and was once home to an aristocratic family and even a casino. The property has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and you will not want to leave. Once you have checked in, relax and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace or a dip in the rooftop pool.

Enjoy breakfast in the stylish dining room. Today, you will discover the Sherry Triangle! You will visit El Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera today (both nicknamed “El Puerto” and “Jerez”), which are famed for their Sherry wines. The word “Sherry” was created when 17th-century British wine importers mistakenly pronounced “Jerez” and inadvertently coined the name. It is called “de la Frontera” because it once stood on the frontier between the Moorish and the Christian kingdoms. Begin your day with an exclusive private tour and tasting with the owner at the uber-prestigious Fernando de Castilla bodega in downtown Jerez de la Frontera. Expect outstanding sherry wines, prestige brandies, and charming hospitality in this authentic Andalusian town still untainted by tourism. Learn about the fascinating Solera aging system, an intricate method for producing premium sherry.

Lunch will follow at Three Michelin-starred Aponiente, the only restaurant in Southern Spain to have this honor. We first discovered chef Ángel León at his Casa del Temple restaurant in Toledo over a decade ago. Ángel is charismatic, dramatic, passionate, highly skilled, and creative- all of the prerequisites to becoming an internationally famous chef. Aponiente is an elegant and beautiful restaurant in El Puerto de Santa Maria, where Angel (AKA “Chef del Mar”) now showcases his creative seafood.

After an extensive, tasting menu lunch, you will experience the pleasure of visiting Cádiz, called the “Havana” of Spain. Indeed, Cádiz has been used as a movie double for Havana in James Bond’s “Die Another Day.” This fascinating and ancient Phoenician city, attacked for centuries by English pirates, is today a magnet for food and wine lovers. You will have free time to wander through beautiful plazas, admire the baroque and neoclassical Cathedral, and walk along the Santa Catalina Castle fortress. For the best viewpoint in town, climb up the 173 steps of the Tavira tower and be rewarded with vistas of the ocean and the city’s rooftops, including the Cathedral. In the early evening, return to charming Jerez de la Frontera. The evening is yours to explore Jerez’s old quarter on your own. For some traditional tapas tonight, head to the popular Tabanco Plateros.

The magical Andalusian city of Seville is your next port of call, and we have a fun foodie activity planned for you on the way at Hacienda Guzmán – Fundación Juan Ramón Guillén. This excellent olive oil-making estate dates back to the 16th century (!) and is home to a stunning manor house and over 300 hectares of organic olive groves. Enjoy a private visit to the property, including the 17th-century mill, a private collection of historic horse carriages, beautiful Andalusian patios, and olive groves. Learn how to select the best olives from their 150 olive varietals to obtain oils of extraordinary quality that you will have the opportunity to taste during an unforgettable picnic in a shady and picturesque corner. You will become an expert and learn all about the differences between virgin and extra-virgin oils.

Continue next to Seville, Andalucía’s jewel in the crown with its alluring Arab palaces, lush gardens, Jewish Barrio, and lovely, narrow streets. Check in to your landmark hotel, the Alfonso XIII, built for King Alfonso XIII in the early 20th century. This Mudejar palace is still one of the finest hotels in Europe today. Its grand dame spaces are adorned with Bohemian crystal chandeliers, lavish marble floors, Arabic arches, hand-painted tiles, and art deco furniture. Very Agatha Christie! Settle in, and you will have some free time to relax, freshen up, and unpack.

Dinner tonight is a food tour! Seville is one of the best cities in Spain to experience the famed Tapas Bars. Eating is an art form in Seville, and “Tapa Hopping” is what the locals do, starting at one bar and slowly making their way down to four or five different bars, sipping wine and chatting along the way until they get full at which point, they drink more wine! This ritual is called “Tapeo,” the historic quarter is conducive to this fun “culinary traveling.” The Santa Cruz barrio, for example, is lined with bar after bar, each specializing in various Tapas and Vinos.

Tapas you might taste on this tour include “Pringá” (very typical, it’s a little toasty topped with different meats such as pork, bacon, and chorizo); “Montaditos” (these are pieces of rustic country bread that can be topped with blood pudding, spicy sausages, Roquefort and walnuts, anchovies, pork marinated in Jerez wine, etc.); Papas Aliñás (cold potato salad doused in gorgeous Olive Oil and tossed with prawns, onions, garlic, tomatoes and a splash of vinegar); and Garbanzos con Espinacas (chickpeas lightly sautéed with fresh spinach, olive oil and garlic.) While you can enjoy dry white or red if you prefer, should you like to taste what the locals drink, the most traditional wines are the wonderful sherries from Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlucar de Barrameda, which include Manzanilla, Fino, Oloroso, and Amontillado. The ultra-rich Pedro Ximenez is often served for cheese-based tapas and desserts.

This morning, your professional art and architecture guide will take you on a private visit to the Barrio Santa Cruz, the spectacular Cathedral, and the enchanting Reales Alcázares y Jardines (the Moorish palaces and gardens). Seville is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is almost like a living museum, particularly in the evocative old Jewish quarter, the Santa Cruz. There is a unique quality of light in Seville, and the sensual perfume of the ubiquitous jasmine blossoms lends itself to the romance of the place. Unbelievably narrow streets lined with whitewashed palaces and balconies bursting over with fuchsia-colored bougainvillea, leading you from one tiny square to the next, inevitably full of orange trees, graceful courtyards which passers-by can sneak a peek at, and charming Tapas Bars covered in typical tiles and lined with wine barrels.

You’ll take in the best of Seville this morning and then head to a gourmet lunch at Taberna del Alabardero, a carefully and discerningly restored mansion (and birthplace of the great 19th-century poet Cavestany) that still radiates a certain fin-de-siecle elegance. The square layout includes an attractive inner patio, bar, and summer terrace on the ground floor. Upstairs, you will enjoy a memorable gourmet meal of fusion Andalusian / Morrocan cuisine, served with flair in a historic setting with an updated touch of class fabulous decor. The late afternoon and evening then are yours to enjoy a quiet evening of romantic strolls, a sunset walk along the Guadalquivir River, wine bars, rooftop cocktails, perhaps some shopping, and even a flamenco show or evening horse-drawn carriage ride.

Next up on this exciting tour of Andalucía: Córdoba! Situated on a curve of the Guadalquivir River, with countryside spreading out in every direction, Cordoba boasts a fascinating and romantic history. In its heyday, the former capital of Al-Andalus (the Muslim-controlled parts of medieval Spain), Cordoba was a magnificent representation of Moorish power. Its former Mosque, the Mezquita, is one of the most spectacular Islamic buildings in the world; visitors today remain entranced by this remarkable piece of architecture, in addition to Cordoba’s charming medieval quarter, which comes alive at night with its atmospheric cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants.

With your personal art guide this morning, you’ll visit the “Mezquita” (the 8th-century Mosque and one of the wonders of the Ancient world, now a Christian church), and you’ll stroll through the lovely gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Saunter down the Callejón de la Flores”, one of the prettiest whitewashed laneways decorated with bright flowers, and peek into the many patios whose facades are covered in lush plants and flowers.

Savor a charming tasting menu lunch with wine pairing at the delightful former home of Spain’s most famous bullfighter, Casa Manolete. Dating back to the late 1800s, the palatial home is gorgeous and updated with chic décor. The mansion was built in 1890 by José Ortega y Munilla, father of the famous Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. Over the years, it has attracted many illustrious personalities in Spanish society. Today, Chef Juanjo Ruiz offers lucky guests delicious tasting menus featuring dishes like beetroot “Salmorejo” with tuna belly and capers; artichokes with palo cortado wine sabayón; roast venison with sauteed shallots and a red wine sauce; Castro del Río “Albacor” cod with red shrimp emulsion; artisan cheese plates; and Spanish cheesecake with quince and violets.

In the late afternoon, your driver will collect you and take you to your 5-star Palacio del Bailio hotel in a beautiful 16th-century noble palace with luxurious and contemporary décor and remnants of a Roman grand villa beneath the restaurant. Check in, relax, and the evening is yours to enjoy the hotel services; maybe indulge in the hotel spa and wellness with a massage or enjoy the warm water of the underground Roman baths.

Later, for dinner, try the on-site restaurant Arbequina, where you can see the remains of an ancient Roman house under your feet through the glass floor. Or, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, visit the Jewish barrio and have some Spanish tapas and wines for dinner tonight. You can check your Cellar Tours keepsake itinerary and guide for tips on the best restaurants and tapas bars, or your chauffeur will have some insider advice to help.

After breakfast, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby, and today, you will travel about 40 minutes south of Córdoba to the historic village of Montilla, where you will spend the morning wine tasting. While similar to sherry wines, the wines of Montilla-Moriles are not fortified with alcohol. The wines here are fermented naturally into high-strength wines and then left to age in the traditional “Tinajas” (huge Ali Baba-style clay amphora). The main grape in this appellation is the Pedro Ximénez (also called “PX”), with smaller quantities of Moscatel, Airen, Torrontes, and Baladí grapes used.

You will begin your Montilla wine tour with a visit to the oldest winery here, Bodegas Alvear, founded in 1729! The cellars are supremely atmospheric, with mounted oak casks, old black and white photos, and high ceilings. Amazingly, the winery is still family-owned after eight generations. You will receive a private VIP tour and follow with a tasting of their Grandes Soleras range of high-end wines like the Amontillado Carlos VII, Fino Capataz, and Fino en Rama de Añada.

Next is a visit to a contrasting, small organic winery, Bodegas Robles, which has been run by the Robles family since the 1920s and is now in its third generation. A private tour of the wine cellars and organic vineyard is in store, then sit down to a tasting of four flagship wines.

By now, you will be quite ready for lunch, and your driver take you for a short spin down to the wonderful Alma Ezequiel Montilla restaurant, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The lunch menu will take you on a gastronomic journey through Spain, Morocco, and Northern Europe.

Specialties include:

• Cordoban salmorejo with red tuna.
• Raspberry Cod and white shrimp bomb and lime and lemon aioli.
• Bluefin tuna tartare, avocado, mango, and turmeric.
• Chicken, almond, and cinnamon pie.
• Moroccan lemon, raspberry, and quince mousse.

On to Granada next! Settle into your newly opened luxury small hotel, Seda Club, in the leafy Plaza de la Trinidad in Granada. This stylish hotel is beautiful with its small “members only” vibe. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an ambiance of luxury, with rich wooden finishes, marble, bronze, and lavish textiles that nod to Granada’s 15th-century silk trade. The lobby features emerald walls, plush velvet curtains, antique mirrors, and a beautifully carved wooden ceiling, creating an atmosphere of whimsical secrecy. This playful theme continues in the vibrant rooftop Sky Lounge. The lavishness extends to each room, adorned with warm colors, bronze details, romantic lighting, and mirrors, alongside a bathroom inspired by the Alhambra’s famed glazed mosaics. The evening is yours. We can reserve a table for you tonight at Trillo, with great views of the Alhambra lit up at night.

Granada is one of Spain’s most precious gems. The classic flamenco guitarist Andres Segovia described the city as a “place of dreams, where the Lord put the seed of music in my soul.” Occupied by the Moors for several centuries, Granada boasts a rich historical legacy, not least the Alhambra palace-fortress, which dominates the skyline from its hilltop perch. Indeed, the city’s setting, with the often snow-clad Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, is simply magnificent, as is the benign climate and stunning architecture. Not to mention a vibrant student population, a buzzing cultural life, and enough nightlife options to fill several lifetimes.

Today, you will explore this ancient Moorish Kingdom of Granada! Your excellent local art guide will meet you and take you on an unforgettable private tour of the ancient Moorish citadel, the Alhambra. You will learn all about the city’s fascinating history, from when the Moors gave Granada the name Karnattah (both these names mean pomegranate, Granada’s heraldic symbol). The Alhambra is a fortress dating back to the 11th century with many later additions. Listen to anecdotes and romantic tales as you walk through the romantic Patio de los Leones and the Salón de Embajadores. This is a very memorable tour and experience.

Make your way to lunch, then to our favorite lunch venue, Maria de la O. Chef Chechu González creates light, Mediterranean dishes served in a bright and airy little palace. It’s casual, busy, and buzzy in a nice environment. Enjoy a chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings that will feature dishes like white Asparagus with sea salt, wild asparagus buds, smoked Riofrío caviar Hollandaise and Monkfish Micuit; charred Iberian Pork in Truffle Sauce and Gordal Olive and Aquanaria sea bass with La Vega artichokes, Foie Gras and Lecrin Valley Orange Sauce. Try wines you have never heard of, like delicious Finca Moncloa and Tesalia from Cádiz.

Your last leg of this grand tour of Southern Spain is the dynamic Mediterranean port city of Málaga, an ancient trading port since it was founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BC. The Ancient Romans left their mark (you can still admire the ancient Roman theater here), as did the Moors, who ruled from the 8th century and built the wonderful Alcazaba fortress. Apart from Phoenician and Roman remains and vestiges of the city’s Moorish heritage, Málaga is also home to opulent Baroque churches and stunning contemporary art and architecture. Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga, as was Antonio Banderas, who still has a home here and spends much of the year. It’s a vibrant city at the top of its culinary and cultural game, and you can explore the “best of” the city today with your private guide.

Your tour will commence at the majestic Alcazaba, a fortress strategically overlooking the sparkling sea and the vibrant city. This formidable structure, constructed in the 11th century, is a testament to the ingenuity of the Muslim Berber dynasty. They rose to power following the disintegration of the Moorish Caliphate in Córdoba, leaving behind this impressive fortification as a symbol of their legacy. The Alcazaba offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect starting point for your journey. Apart from being a defensive structure for protection against pirates and invaders, it doubled as a palace. Within its walls lies an archaeological museum showcasing exhibits such as Roman mosaics and Moorish pottery.

Soaring above the Alcazaba stands the Gibralfaro Castle, constructed in the 14th century as a defensive measure for the fortress. Stop here with your guide for an aperitif at the castle’s panoramic café as you take in the sweeping panoramic views. Your last visit before lunch is the Picasso Museum in the Palacio de Buenavista, in the heart of the old town and just a short walk from the house where Picasso was born on Plaza de la Merced.

You’ll check into your hotel, the Grand Hotel Miramar and the rest of the afternoon is yours to have a leisurely lunch, shop, pack, and sightsee. We suggest wine and tapas at Bar Pimpi, an institution and one of Málaga’s most cherished bars. Set in a rustic and cozy “bodega,” it’s a magnet for celebrity visitors, including famous Spanish actors and artists. The walls are adorned with photographs and autographs of these well-known figures, adding to the bar’s unique character. If you are an art lover, we highly suggest an afternoon visit to the Carmen Thyssen Málaga Museum (located in the 16th-century Palacio de Villalón displaying workings of art by masters like Zurbarán, Sorolla and Romero de Torres with an emphasis on Andalusian paintings.

Your final dinner is elegant and sophisticated at Michelin-starred José Carlos García tonight in the atmospheric setting of Muelle Uno in the marina with views of luxurious yachts and sparkling lights on the water. Native chef Chef José Carlos García creates playful and imaginative seasonal tasting menus served in a soothing setting with vertical gardens, an “Ibizenco” chill-out space, and a quintessential Mediterranean ambiance. Expect a refined menu of delicacies that could include local oysters, “quisquillas” (tiny shrimp), cuttlefish with amontillado wine and black pudding, catch of the day with fennel and Ricard sauce, and an array of sweet dishes including novel flavor combos with pistachios, chocolate, sesame, passionflower and more. It will be a demure evening to remember!

Depending on your flight time, you can start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, savoring the local flavors one last time. After that, your driver will be ready to escort you to Málaga airport. As you arrive at the airport, your driver will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth airport check in. We hope you have enjoyed your unforgettable wine tour of Andalusia, and we would be delighted to customize your next luxurious adventure until we meet again. Have a safe trip, and cheers to many more discoveries!
Full Breakfast