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Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

From $ 6,650 AUD

Description

Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this nine-day food-focused adventure. Immerse yourself in the buzz of street life at market stalls in Barcelona, whip up Catalan specialties in a cooking class and hang out at tapas bars in Logrono. Then, venture north to Basque Country, home to beaches and a thriving arts scene, visit a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house) near Picos de Europa and taste fresh seafood on the coast in Galicia. With Santiago de Compostela in your sights, your Spanish food pilgrimage is a path worth taking.

Trip Name
Northern Spain Real Food Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Learn tried and tested techniques to make the best and most authentic Catalan and Basque cuisine from local experts.
  • Stroll through the markets of Barcelona and Ondarroa where stallholders will show you how to spot the most flavourful ingredients. After all, who knows where to find the freshest produce better than the locals?
  • Sample the plates that make Northern Spain a true foodie's delight. Whether it’s tapas or regional specialty cheeses, hams and fresh seafood, your tongue and tummy will be happy you made the trip.
  • Discover the iconic sights of Spain as you journey through La Rambla in Barcelona, wander along the streets of Parte Vieja in San Sebastian and explore Santiago de Compostela.
  • Try the vast range of delicious drops that Spain is known for, like cava, vermouth, wine and cider. Learn their production methods and the traditional ways to drink them, then sit back and enjoy a glass in the sunshine.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Barcelona
Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Barcelona. If you arrive early, maybe explore the streets of the old Gothic Quarter, check out the Picasso Museum or wander the tree-lined boulevard of La Rambla. After the meeting, maybe jump straight in and sip on a glass of cava or vermouth in a local bar, or head out on a tapas crawl with your group and taste some bite-sized Catalan dishes.
Day 2 - Barcelona
This morning, get ready for an authentic introduction to Catalan cuisine on an Urban Adventure market visit and tapas tour. Join locals as they indulge in the fine art of eating and drinking, something Spaniards are champions of! Immerse yourself in the buzz of street life and market stalls and listen to stories of the past and everyday life in Barcelona. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore more of the city's hotspots. You might like to get cultural with some Gaudi at the Casa Mila or check out the La Sagrada Familia. Maybe get lost in the mysterious alleys of the Gothic Quarter and finish the day with a sip of red wine from a porron (a traditional glass pitcher).
Day 3 - Logrono
Ride the rails east to the prized vineyards of the La Rioja wine region and Logrono. Logrono sits on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. It also boasts one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the country and is home to some of the best tapas bars in Spain. When you arrive, get your bearings on an orientation walk, then visit a nearby winery and enjoy a tasting of their locally grown produce. Later, you’ll go on a walking pintxos tour – a Basque-style tapas crawl. This is the perfect opportunity to sample a bit of everything, as each bar has its own specialty. Taste some grilled chorizo or wild mushrooms and wash them down with a glass of the region’s famous red.
Day 4 - Basque Country
This morning you’ll travel to the seaside city of San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country and a city obsessed with food. When you arrive, take an orientation tour of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) – a mix of alleyways wedged between the bay and the Urumea River. This afternoon, maybe continue exploring the city before heading to your farm stay accommodation. Tonight, sit down to a traditional Basque dinner at your accommodation – maybe try marmitako (tuna and potato soup), bacalao al pil-pil (cod in olive oil sauce) or txuleton (grilled beef steak).
Day 5 - Basque Country
One of the secrets to the success of San Sebastian’s food scene is its obsession with high-quality, local and seasonal ingredients. This morning, you’ll head to Ondarroa Port – a small fishing village on the Basque coast. Here, you’ll stroll along the port and fish market, learn about the daily work and discover the historical role women have played in the fishing industry. After, visit a local business where you’ll explore different types of fish and the preparation process – and choose the fish you’ll cook later today! Back at your farm-stay accommodation, you’ll join a cooking class. Here, you’ll prepare your chosen fish alongside locally produced vegetables and pair the dish with local wines before sitting down to enjoy your homemade meal.
Day 6 - Oviedo
Visit an organic cider house in the Picos de Europa National Park. Here, you’ll discover the artisanal cider-making process, from the organic cultivation of the apples to their final production. Taste different varieties of cider, including the exclusive Ice Cider, then sit down to lunch. Designed exclusively at the cider house, the apple will be the star of every dish and each bite will be a tribute to local cuisine and sustainability. Later, travel to Oviedo – the capital of Asturias located between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk through the medieval Old Town and past pre-Romanesque churches, monuments and grand houses with your local leader.
Day 7 - Santiago de Compostela
Today, you’ll drive from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela, stopping in charming coastal towns along the way before reaching the Galician capital. Maybe sit down to a fresh seafood lunch, then, like thousands of pilgrims before you, end your journey in the capital of Galicia – believed to be the final resting place of the apostle St James. The old city of Santiago de Compostela holds many delights within its walls, all overlooked by the mighty cathedral. Take a walk with your local leader around the Old District, through the arcaded stone streets and past the archbishop’s imposing palace. Maybe spend the night in one of the cafes, bars or tapas restaurants in the Old Town.
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, travel to Cambados – a municipality in Galicia known for its seafood and white wine. When you arrive, you’ll join a seafood workshop. Discover the ancient trade of shellfish gathers, see firsthand the different cultivation jobs of the prized mollusk, and learn how the specimens are harvested. Next, it's time to visit a canning factory. Watch the production process, ending with a tasting of different products paired with local wines. Tonight, head out for dinner with your group to celebrate your last night in Northern Spain!
Day 9 - Santiago de Compostela
Your journey through Spain comes to an end today. Say adios to your leader and group before parting ways. If you’d like to extend your time in Santiago de Compostela, just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 10 - Santiago de Compostela
Your journey through Spain comes to an end today. Say adios to your leader and group before parting ways. If you’d like to extend your time in Santiago de Compostela, chat with your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-04-202601-05-2026AUD $ 7,660-
14-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 7,030-
04-06-202612-06-2026AUD $ 6,650-
27-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 6,650-
03-09-202611-09-2026AUD $ 6,890-
10-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 6,890-
17-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 7,395-
01-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 7,190-
08-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 6,890-
22-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 7,135-
06-05-202714-05-2027AUD $ 7,135-
20-05-202728-05-2027AUD $ 7,135-
03-06-202711-06-2027AUD $ 7,135-
17-06-202725-06-2027AUD $ 7,135-
08-07-202716-07-2027AUD $ 7,135-
12-08-202720-08-2027AUD $ 6,795-
02-09-202710-09-2027AUD $ 7,135-
16-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 7,135-
23-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 6,795-
30-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 7,135-
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $ 7,135-
14-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 7,135-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Farmstay (2 nights)

Transport

Public bus, Taxi, Train, Private vehicle

Map