Wine and Culinary Tour of Spain

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona, you will be transferred to your hotel for checkin. The capital of Catalonia and with a population of 1.6 million, Barcelona boasts fairy-tale architecture, spectacular weather, eight UNESCO heritage sights and beaches overlooking the Mediterranean. Rest of the day at leisure as you begin to explore this exciting city. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant el Tragaluz (City Centre), known for its modern approaches to traditional dishes. 
Overnight in Barcelona

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your half-day sightseeing tour of Barcelona, where you will explore both the historical landmarks and modernist architecture that give the city its unique character. Begin on Passeig de Gràcia, where you will see two of Gaudí’s most famous creations: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Continue to the Olympic Village and Port to observe how the 1992 Olympic Games transformed the city and visit Plaza de Colón, where the world-famous Ramblas begins. Take a cable car to the top of Montjuïc for panoramic views of the city and harbor, then proceed to Pueblo Español to explore a collection of 117 traditional buildings and handicraft workshops from across Spain. The tour concludes with a guided walking tour through the old quarter, where you will admire the Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter and San Jaume Square. In the afternoon, put on your apron and join an interactive cooking class led by a professional chef, where you will learn to prepare authentic Spanish dishes such as paella, potato omelette, or tapas (menu to be confirmed). Enjoy a lunch banquet featuring your creations and receive an authentic chef’s hat in recognition of your culinary accomplishments. Later, visit Gaudí’s awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although still under construction only a quarter was completed when Gaudí died in 1926 the basilica remains a masterpiece of design, light and color with plans for 18 towers in total. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Barcelona

After breakfast at the hotel, take a short journey to the Penedès wine region, located less than an hour to the southwest of Barcelona. This region has a wide variety of landscapes and microclimates, which result in high quality and varied wines including the Traditional Method (sparkling) white and rosé Cava (made with the indigenous grapes of Xarel.lo, Macabeo and Parellada), dry reds, dry whites and dessert whites. Then you will visit the Miguel Torres Winery, perhaps Spain’s most successful winery. Torres family wines are now available in 115 countries worldwide and are found on the wine lists of top restaurants and hotels virtually everywhere. This evening, experience the energy and dynamism of a Flamenco show at the Restaurant Palacio del Flamenco (City Centre) and enjoy a traditional paella dinner. 
Overnight in Barcelona

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will travel by train through the Spanish countryside. Arrive in Sevilla this evening and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local Restaurant La Cueva (City Centre). This restaurant is famous for its lovely courtyard surrounded by orange and palm trees as well as for its seafood soup, lamb and fish dishes. 
Overnight in Sevilla

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half-day tour of Sevilla. This city’s rich Moorish heritage can be found in the lively streets and squares of the historic quarter. Today you will discover the most emblematic monuments of Sevilla: the University, the Old Tabacco Factory, the Plaza de España, the centerpiece of the 1929 Iberoamerican Exposition, San Telmo Palace, The Golden Tower, Isabel II bridge. Then you will visit Santa Cruz, the famous Jewish quarter: a labyrinth of narrow streets which lead to the gorgeous Plaza de los Venerables.  Witness the spectacular Royal Alcázares, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best remaining examples of Mudéjar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula. Also explore the Sevilla Cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Christopher Columbus’ remains rest here. Experience a wine tasting at El Catador (four wines per person). Get an introduction to fine wines of Andalucia, considered unique in the world of wine. Learn about the differences between wines such as Finos and Manzanillas, Olorosos, Amontillados, Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez. In the evening enjoy, dinner at the Restaurant Taberna Alabardero (City Centre). This restaurant has spent over 40 years celebrating the best in Seville gastronomy. Only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used to create traditional meals with a touch of innovation. 
Overnight in Sevilla

Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Jerez, in the province of Cádiz. Jerez is known around the world as the capital of sherry wine. Experience a wine tasting at Bodegas Tradicion, enjoying three VORS wines (Oloroso, Amontillado, Palo Cortado with more than 30 years of age), one VOS wine (Pedro Ximénez VOS with more than 20 years of age) and two solera gran reserva brandies. Learn about certified aged wines and get a tour of the winery’s Spanish paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries. Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Hosteria del Laurel (City Centre), a traditional pical Andalucian cottage restaurant specializing in tapas, grilled meats and fish. 
Overnight in Sevilla

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then you will be transferred to the Sevilla train station and board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be transferred to your hotel. Experience an unforgettable evening of Flamenco with a Tapas dinner (included). 
Overnight in Madrid

Today after breakfast, you will have full day to experience Spain’s bustling capital city. The third-largest city in the European Union, Madrid offers modern infrastructure, historical heritage and is Spain’s economic, financial and cultural centre. Begin your Madrid tour: see the elegant Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de España. Then drive to Mayor Street, Plaza de la Villa and Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Neptuno, Atocha, Puerta de Alcala y Calle Alcálá, the memorial Retiro Park, Plaza Colón and the Bullring, a colourful place from the great days of “Corrida.” Then in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to prepare lunch at a local restaurant with the help of a professional chef. Learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes such as paella, gazpacho, or tapas (menu to be decided). Show your kitchen skills and discover the tricks of the trade to make authentic Spanish meals. After class, sit down with your fellow chefs and enjoy what you have created. Receive a chef’s hat at the end of your class. Continue on to the Royal Palace (guided tour), a beautiful exponent of the 18th century and one of the best preserved buildings in Europe. While it is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, it is currently only used for state ceremonies.
Overnight in Madrid

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day in magical Toledo. This marvelous city is picturesquely situated on a hill and behind the medieval walls surrounding the city lies much evidence of the city’s rich history. In the Middle Ages, Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures lived side by side here, and it was during the same period that the Cathedral, the city’s most outstanding monument, was built. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, which dates back to the 13th century and is an outstanding example of the Spanish Gothic style. Discover the Synagogue del Tránsito, famous for its rich stucco decoration. The building, now currently a museum, is one of the most important historical buildings in Toledo. Continue on to the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, which has one of the best coffered ceilings in Toledo. Stroll Toledo’s historic streets and view the great diversity of artistic styles of the “city of three cultures.” This evening, return to Madrid and enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant Capilla Dolsa (Plaza Mayor). Located in a building dating back to the Middle Ages, this restaurant fuses traditional Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary cuisine, and boasts an extensive wine list. 
Overnight in Madrid

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport for your return flight home.