Eight days / Seven nights

With the aim of bringing to the gourmet traveler a first glance of the mosaic of cultures and cuisines that Spain represents, we have put together this tour of three of the most representative gastronomic regions of the country: Basque Country, Madrid and Andalusia.

Basque Country is situated in the green and wet northern Spain, by the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its gastronomy is source of inspiration and influence for the high-standing Spanish cuisine. Food is an essential element of the Basque Culture, much more than in any other region of Spain.

We will be based in San Sebastian, one of the most elegant cities of Spain, the old summer capital of Spanish aristocracy and center of the new Basque cuisine. From there we will go to nearby Bilbao, center of traditional Basque cookery, to visit the impressive Guggenheim museum, designed by Frank Ghery, which has caused a world impact.

Madrid, capital of Spain, vibrant and modern, has managed to keep the authenticity of its majestic historical quarters. You will be lodged at the historical center to enjoy the city as much as possible.

And then, Andalusia, land of olive-trees, deep blue skies and whitewashed towns… We will focus our visit in one of the eight Andalusian provinces, Cordova, a rural area far from the topics of the coastal Andalusia. We will visit the countryside of Cordova, land of olivegroves, vineyards, small orchards and smooth downs. We will visit an old traditional olive oil mill. We will learn how to taste their different olive oils and discover Cordovan cuisine which has its own recipes like "salmorejo", local version of "Gazpacho".

Day One Group transfer from San Sebastian airport to the smart 19th Century four star hotel located on the famed La Concha beach. Meet with your guide for an aperitif and learn about the adventures that await you. Welcome dinner at a traditional Basque restaurant. D Day Two Morning cooking lesson followed by lunch at a Sociedad Gastronomica or Gastronomic Society, a club once only open to men who gather once a week to cook, eat, and socialize. Alternatively, the lesson can be held at a well-known private professional cooking school, depending on the size of the group. In the afternoon, you'll travel by boat to Pasajes, an old and picturesque town. Then on to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), important fishing port on the French border as well as monumental town marked out by medieval mansions.Back to San Sebastian, dinner on your own. Lodging in San Sebastian. B, L Day Three Today you'll take a day's excursion to Bilbao, where you'll visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum. Prior to that, you will experience the food market of Bilbao, one of the best supplied markets in Spain. Lunch is on your own. Return to San Sebastian for an evening tapas tour in the old quarter. Lodging in San Sebastian. B, D Day Four Fly to Madrid where you will be lodged in a four star stately hotel in the heart of the town. You'll enjoy a lunch featuring cocido madrileno, the most representative recipe of the cuisine of Madrid in a traditional restaurant. Afternoon free to explore the city, alone or with your guide if you wish. Dinner on your own. Lodging in Madrid. B, L Day Five Morning cooking lesson: learn how to prepare classical Spanish dishes in a prestigious cooking school. Lunch follows the lesson. Afternoon free. Evening tapas tour, featuring some of the liveliest spots in the city center. Lodging in Madrid. B, L, D Day Six This morning you'll travel early by high-speed train (AVE) to Cordova, one of the oldest Spanish cities with an impressive Roman and Muslim legacy. Check-in at a beautiful four star hotel, an 18th century building right in the Jewish quarter and incorporated into the old walls, a former mansion features a Mudejar courtyard and carved wood ceilings. From there, you will make an excursion to Baena to visit a old traditional olive mill. Here you'll have an olive oil tasting, followed by lunch. Then it's on to the white mountain village of Zuheros, with its incredible views of olive groves. Back to Cordova, evening at leisure. Dinner Free. B, L Day Seven Morning visit of Cordova in the company of a local guide. Important city in Roman times, it would be centuries later in hands of the Arabs, who established there the seat of the Caliphate. That is the reason why the place enjoys a fascinating Muslim legacy, being The Mosque a superb exponent of their art. Together with this legacy, the Jewish past is always present particularly in the old part of the town or "Juderia". Then enjoy a tapas tour for lunch in the historical center. Afternoon free for shopping, resting, or sightseeing. Tonight celebrate the end of your culinary discovery trip with a sumptuous farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, considered the best address in Cordova. Afterwards, you can attend an optional flamenco show. B, L, D Day Eight Group transfer to the Cordova AVE train station. End of the trip Price per person (land only, double occupancy, in Euros): 2+ pax: 3,870 EUR 4+ pax: 3,198 EUR 6+ pax: 2,958 EUR Single Supplement: 430 EUR Optional The program includes: 7 nights accommodation Breakfast daily Transfer from and to the airport/train station All domestic transportation, including flight San Sebastian-Madrid and AVE train Welcome drink 5 Lunches 4 Dinners 2 Cooking Lessons All culinary and cultural excursions English speaking guide Local taxes Entry fees as per the itinerary A culinary adventure present   Reservation Form *Your e-mail address: Name: # Adults: Preferred Date(dd/mm/yy):  Additional Requests: