| Basque and Mediterranean Culinary Routes 9 days/8 nights
2395€ pp (for 12 pax)
Cataluña, Navarra and the Basque Country |
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| This tour of Basque and Mediterranean culinary routes covers the highlights of two very different and exciting regions in northern Spain: Cataluña and the Basque Country, with side trips to the Rioja wine region and Navarra. These very different regions are regarded as Spain's uncontested gourmet strongholds, and you'll have the opportunity to try the food and wine that give it this reputation. From visiting arbequina olive producers in the Priorat region to hopping through the Rioja wineries, to a demonstration at a txoko (culinary society) in San Sebastian, a great range of hands-on activities and exciting food experiences await you. |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trip facts:
- 9 days/8 nights
- Sunday to Monday
- Starts/finish: Barcelona-San Sebastian
- €2395 per person - (Min. 12 people in double occupancy; single occupancy €480 extra.)
- €450 deposit per person
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Highlights of the Tour:
- A visit to the rice fields of the Delta del Ebro to learn about paella
- A tour of a Priorat wine bodega and learning about arbequina olive oil
- A tour of a tuna and anchovy cannery in Bermeo
- Tapa hopping in San Sebastian
- Touring the famous Rioja wine region
- Enjoying a cooking demonstration with dinner at a typical txoko
- A visit to Guggenheim Museum
| Itinerary at a Glance:
- Days 1-4: Cataluña (3 nights)
- Days 4-5: Basque Country (1 night)
- Days 5-7: Rioja wine region (2 nights)
- Days 7-8: Navarra (1 night)
- Days 8-9: San Sebastian (1 night)
- Day 9: Departure
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Days 1-4: Cataluña (3 nights)
After arriving in Barcelona we'll drive straight to nearby Penedès, where we'll spend our first night. In the morning we'll visit a bodega (winery) that produces both wine and cava, Spain's Champagne-like sparkling wine. From there we'll head toward the delta of the Ebro river, where we'll spend the next two nights, using it as a base to visit the fields where rice for paella is grown, learn about local arbequina olives in Priorat and see lovely hilltop villages and visit the fish market in Sant Carles de la Rà pita.
|  | Days 4-6: Basque Country (3 nights)
On day four we'll drive to Barcelona and catch a plane to Bilbao, where we'll have a short visit to the Guggenheim museum before heading to Bermeo to visit a tuna cannery. We'll spend the night in the quaint fishing and surfing village of Mundaka. The following day we'll stop in Gernika, famously bombed by the Nazis in 1937 and represented in Picasso's "Guernica," then continue to the beautiful hilltop town of Laguardia, where we'll have some free time in the afternoon. Though Laguardia is in the southern part of the Basque Country, the vineyards that surround it produce Rioja wines, and we'll have a chance to visit some of the wineries on day six. We'll finish the day with a delicious dinner featuring wine pairings. |  | Days 6-9: Navarra and San Sebastian (2 nights)
We'll leave the Basque Country temporarily, making a detour to Navarra, famous for its spectacular produce. We'll see how the famous roasted Piquillo peppers are produced in Lodosa, then continue on to Olite, with its fairy tale castle and beautiful Parador, where we'll spend the night. On day eight we'll curve back up to the Basque Country, this time heading to San Sebastian. In this lovely resort city we'll have a walking tour and a hands-on culinary demonstration with dinner in a txoko, or culinary society, as well as some free time. We'll spend the final night of the tour in San Sebastian and depart the following day.
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What's included: - Fascinating culinary and wine classes, presentations and activities
- Knowledgeable, fun and interesting escort guide throughout the tour
- Expert guides in La Rioja, Navarra, San Sebastian and the Guggenheim Museum
- 5 full dinners including regional specialties and wine
- Tapas tour in San Sebastian
- Entrances to the Guggenheim Museum
- Orientation meeting in Penedés with Letango escort
- 9 days/8 nights accommodations in charming, centrally-located hotels
- All transportation in Spain, beginning in Barcelona and ending in San Sebastian
- Documentation, maps and hand-outs
- Travel assistance insurance
- All our travel tips and recommendations
See terms and conditions |  "What a great trip this was for us. We enjoyed every single moment of it. Thanks again Carlos and Jen for all your planning and great service."Â --John and Sussi, North Carolina, June 2007
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