Wine, Culinary & Cultural Tours in Spain, Portugal & SW France
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Spain & France
The Very Best of Northern Spain Luxury Tour
Itinerary | Features | Prices | Travel Options
Highlights of your unforgettable visit include:
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5* accommodation at unique luxury character hotels
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Fine dining at the best Michelin 3* restaurants in Northern Spain and bordering France
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Private guided visits to prestigious wineries with samplings of the very best wines
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Chauffeured transfers in luxury vehicle throughout your tour
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Privately guided visits with Officially Licensed Guides throughout your tour
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Your Chauffeur will meet you on your arrival at Barcelona Airport and drive you to your beautiful hotel, a 5-star grand luxury hotel in the fashionable Eixample district of Barcelona! The hotel, a restored 19th century landmark designed by Spanish architect Luis Domenech i Montaner, provides a world-class combination of modern luxurious accommodations and superb panoramic views of downtown Barcelona. The elegant staircases and high ceilings are reminiscent of times passed by and exude uniqueness and exclusivity. We look for nothing less in a luxury vacation escape! A fruit and chocolate basket will be waiting in your room to welcome you to Spain.
You will meet the Gourmand Breaks' Representative, responsible for your tour, at the hotel and share a welcome cocktail and together you will discuss your personalized itinerary for the rest of your tour. Apart from having available your Online Personal Travel Webpage, you will receive a your Personal Travel Journal with details of your daily itinerary. We will also hand to you a cell phone for your use for assistance whenever you may need the help of your Gourmand Breaks' Representative. We recommend dinner tonight in the hotel’s restaurant, which has received excellent reviews. The night provides the opportunity to get acquainted with your hotel and to venture out into the city if you wish!
Overnight Barcelona
This morning you will meet your personal Officially Licensed Guide for a visit to La Boqueria, Spain’s most important, and world-famous, marketplace. It offers the absolute freshest and most diverse selection of produce. At the market, you will visit the famous bar where in-the-know celebrities of Barcelona frequent. Here you will try the best aperitifs, perhaps a reserve cava (Spanish champagne) and sample some of the finest products of the marketplace! Next, you will traverse the city on a gourmet walking tour through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, home to an abundance of tucked away gourmet cafes and shops. You will see a few architectural feats as well, including the amazing Gothic Santa Maria Church.
You will take the path of Picasso on the famous Avignon Street and taste fresh Spanish cheeses paired with quality wines at charming local specialized shops in the fashionable port district. For something sweet, we will stop into the oldest venue in Barcelona for dried nuts, fruits, coffee, toasted almonds where you will sample some of their nuts and fruits with a glass of sweet wine.
Your light lunch of exquisite tapas will include Spain's best Iberic “bellota” ham, Joselito, fine cold meats and sausages, the finest wild tuna, anchivies, clams from Galicia, a selection of the best Spanish olive oils, cheeses, salads, etc., all enjoyed at one of the best delicatessens in the city. Winewise, you will be in very good hands, with English speaking sommeliers, to guide you through more than 6000 wines.
Surely after this day of activity you will welcome the Spanish siesta time and relish a free evening on your own. As always, our guide will direct you to the best Spanish shops and restaurants in the city.
Private Barcelona Tour, Lunch, Overnight in Barcelona
Your first destination this morning will be one of the best gourmet sites in the city, Colmado Quilez, where you will browse some of their 10,000 references of wines and liquors, 200 types of olives and 100 types of vinaigrettes. And there will certainly be time to sample a few olives or bread, with olive oil! Next you will head up the Passeig de Gracia for a walking tour of the fanciful works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi to visit his famous Casa Batllo. Nearby, there is a fabulously fashionable gourmet chocolate boutique where you will sample the city’s finest with a glass of cava. Many of these chocolate recipes were created by Albert Adria, the dessert chef of “el Bulli” and the brother of Ferran Adria, acclaimed the best chef in the world. After a quick rest, the architectural walking tour will be concluded with a remarkable rooftop view from La Pedrera, one of Gaudi´s renowned architectural works in the most chic zone of the city.
You and your guide will then leave in taxis to visit the incredible La Sagrada Familia, a work on a grand scale which was begun in 1882. At the end of 1883 Gaudí was commissioned to carry on the works, a task which he did not abandon until his death in 1926. Since then different architects have continued the work after his original idea. Throughout Gaudi's work, you will see much of his architectural inspiration came from his experiences in nature. Gaudi is the city's most internationally renowned and emblematic architect.
This afternoon you will have free to either enjoy a siesta followed by perhaps a relaxing evening or a further exploration of the Passeig de Gracia area, perhaps taking advantage of the city's shopping, or returning to the old Gothic Quarter.
Tonight you will have dinner at 2 starred Michelin restaurant, ABaC, Located in the newly constructed pavilion of the ABac hotel, in direct contact with the garden, the interior and the exterior are viewed through large windows. It is a caprice of whites, in all tones. In a calm, neutral and elegant atmosphere, you will enjoy a delicious tasting menu paired with wines.
Private Guided Barcelona Gaudi Tour, Dinner, Overnight in Barcelona
This morning, after a delicious breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and your Chauffeur will drive you to Girona where your guide will await you and will escort you through the romantic city, enchanted by stretches of cobblestone streets, the old Jewish Quarter and its luscious gardens, and the magnificent cathedral affording a great view of the area. You will wind through the narrow streets and stoned walls of the old Gothic Quarter and encounter little shops, cafes and medieval homes that families have passed down through the generations. In the old town, you will discover a magnificent cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in all of Europe. You can meander through the famed Jewish Quarter, where each winding narrow street brings quaint and specialized shops to discover.
Afterwards your Chauffeur will drive you to the outskirts of Girona for lunch at the famous Celler de Can Roca, voted the second best restaurant in the world by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine. Owned by three local Catalan brothers, Joan, Josep and Jordi, local recipes are the inspiration for the exquisite dishes served here, from delectable parfaits to the most appreciated wild mushroom soufflé. The enthusiasm and creativity of Chef Joan in his cooking is only matched by sommelier Josep’s expertise at pairing the perfect wines with your dinner. Both are complemented by the youngest brother, Jordi, and his delightful desserts. From aperitif to dessert, you will remember this gourmet experience for years to come!
Now you can sit back in your comfortable car whilst your chauffeur transfers you to your new home, a 5-star hotel and spa, located in a Catalan villa picturesquely surrounded by country landscape, indoor and outdoor pools, fine dining and complete spa amenities.
Surely following this very busy day you will enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel, perhaps a visit to the spa or a glass of wine on the terrace, the choices are yours.
Private Guided Tour in Girona, Lunch, Overnight in Emporda region
Today, following breakfast, your Chauffeur will be awaiting to take you to Cadaques. The town is known for its breathtaking beauty and its history of famous Bohemian artists, including the master of surrealism, Salvador Dali. You will notice the laid-back and creative atmosphere lingering in this town from the long influence of artists. You will visit to the summer seaside home of Dali, complete with his works and arrangement of rooms, where you can have a glimpse into his life. Next, you can follow his footsteps as you enjoy a delightful lunch in one of the small charming local seaside aunts of the artist. You will experience the atmosphere of this town in an authentic way as you try a few of the locals’ favorite seafood dishes. After lunch, you will cross through the natural park of Cap de Creus to a lighthouse on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. This point is the first place in Spain where the sun's rays shine every morning. But rather than waking up at dawn to see this, we will visit Cap de Creus for the impressive and romantic view of a beautiful Mediterranean sunset.
Your chauffeur will now drive you to the mountains overlooking Port de la Selva – where the view to the sea will take your breath away with its magnificence. You will see the imposing Sant Pere de Rodes Benedictine Monastry, constructed in the hillside below the ruins of the castle of Sant de Verdera that gave protection for the monastery. Dating from the 10th century AD, it is a prime example of the Catalan-Roman era.
After your busy day, you will surely enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel and perhaps dinner in the hotel restaurant or at one of the local restaurants.
Day in Cadaques, Visit to Dali Seaside Home, Visit to Sant Pere de Rodes Benedictine Monastry, Lunch, Overnight in Emporda Region
Today, after breakfast, you will leave with your chauffeur for Carcassonne in France (a drive of approximately 2 hours). On the way you will visit the spectacular castle of Peyrepertuse, the largest of the famous medieval cathar castles, and relatively well-preserved. The views across Languedoc are spectacular, with sister castle Quéribus, the Pyrenees and even the Mediterranean, clearly visible.
Finally, you will arrive at Carcassonne - a perfectly restored, medieval walled fortress town which sits majestically above the River Aude and Canal du Midi. Carcassonne has an entire city that is a castle, in La Cite, the fortified upper city; it is an excellent example of a medieval fortified town whose massive defences were constructed on walls dating from Late Antiquity. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and browse the numerous small shops.
For lunch you will visit the Michelin *** Restaurant l’Auberge du Vieux Puits, hidden in the sleepy village of Fontjoncouse. In the rustic dining room with stone floor and exposed beams overhead, this restaurant has the feel of a simple country locale rather than a formal temple of gastronomy – but that it certainly is and you will enjoy a delicious tasting meal with wines.
Your day continues and time permitting, you will stop in Toulouse where you will have a short visit to this famous Ville Rose ("Pink City") of France and the capital of good life. The cosmopolitan and enthusiastic Ville Rose joyously mixes heritage and lifestyle, great cultural events, chic boutiques and very typically French cafes on many of it's beautiful squares. You are bound to be seduced by the incomparable Toulousain lifestyle! However, time waits for no man and you must continue your journey to Biarritz where you will check into your wonderful 19th century palace hotel, with wonderful views of the ocean.
May we suggest that after such a very long day you relax this evening, perhaps enjoy the spa at the hotel, take a massage and a light dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. However should you wish to enjoy the high life, why not make a visit to the incredible Biarritz Casino and try your luck at the tables!
Peyrepertuse Castle, Carcassonne & Castle, Lunch, Toulouse (time permitting), Overnight in Biarritz
After breakfast this morning you will have a good chance to visit Biarritz. In the 18th century doctors recommended that the ocean at Biarritz had therapeutic properties, inspiring patients to make pilgrimages to the beach for alleged cures for their ailments. Biarritz became more renowned in 1854 when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a palace on the beach (now the Hôtel du Palais in which you have been staying). The British royal family regularly took vacations in Biarritz: European royalty such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and Alfonso XIII of Spain were frequent visitors. Biarritz's casino (opened 10 August 1901) and beaches make the town a notable tourist centre for Europeans. Having toured the town and perhaps relaxed on the front overlooking the sea and "taken tea" or enjoyed a cool, long drink, your journey continues with a short drive to San Sebastian where you will check into your hotel and have a chance to relax and perhaps have a light lunch and siesta prior to your evening’s activities. Known for the still, brilliantly sparkling waters of La Concha Bay surrounded by luscious green hills, San Sebastian will immediately draw you in due to its beauty alone.
In the early evening your experienced Official Local Guide will be waiting for you and you will leave for a tour of San Sebastian, its wonderful "beach in the city"; so famous as the best city to eat in Spain! Your guide will show you around all the most interesting parts of the city, prior to leading you to the tapas area, where you will be privileged not only to go to the best bars, frequented by local foodies, but also to sample the specialities of each place. Although tapas were invented in Andalucia they became perfected in San Sebastian! Each bar is bursting with so many different tapas and the Spanish tradition suggests to have one or two tapas and a wine in one bar and move on to the next bar. For sure you will try a glass ( or two...) of the best local Txakoli wine!
Biarritz, Private Tour with tapas in San Sebastian, Overnight in San Sebastian
Today, following a relaxed breakfast, your Chauffeur will drive you to Bilbao and you will have a private guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum is a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, built by Ferrovial and located alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao to the Atlantic Coast. The Guggenheim is one of several museums belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The museum features permanent and visiting exhibits of works by Spanish and international artists. The curves on the building were designed to appear random. The architect has been quoted as saying that "the randomness of the curves are designed to catch the light". When it was opened to the public in 1997, it was immediately hailed as one of the world's most spectacular buildings in the style of Deconstructivism, although Gehry does not associate himself with that architectural movement. Architect Philip Johnson called it "the greatest building of our time".You will follow your tour with luncheon at the Guggenheim Restaurant.
Afterwards, your chauffeur will be waiting and will take you to the medieval fishing village of Getaria nestling in a stunning bay on the wild and dramatic coastline of northern Spain where you will make a visit to a prestigious Txacoli Winery, followed by a tasting of this very different wine. Getaria is most famous not only for Txacoli, but also for fish and seafood of the best quality, which is mainly cooked simply on a parilla, or barbecue. This evening you will have an opportunity to taste some of this fare as we will arrange for you to have dinner at the best restaurant in Getaria and enjoy the fish and seafood of your choice, paired with local wines.
Bilbao, Private Guided Visit to Guggenheim Museum, Lunch, Getaria, Dinner, Overnight in San Sebastian
Today you will have a leisurely breakfast following which your chauffeur will be waiting for you and you will make a visit to Hondarribia, just a few kilometers from the French border, high in the mountains. The old town is surrounded by a 15th century wall and is entered through the Puerta de Santa Maria gateway which looks like a tiny castle. In the old town, above the harbour, wander through the narrow cobbled streets flanked by old houses with intricately carved wooden balconies. Hondarribia's 10th century castle, the Palacio de Carlos Quinto, is now a fabulous looking parador, which dominates the top of the old town. The huge church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion is built in the gothic style. The buildings are a real delight. Find the lovely sunny squares and stop and pass some time in one of the street cafés; maybe have a light lunch – this is a day for relaxing! However, should you wish to visit other villages in this very pretty area, your Chauffeur will be at your service.
The rest of your afternoon is free and on your return to San Sebastian you may wish to take a siesta prior to preparing for your dinner at Michelin 3 starred Akelarre, run by the prestigious chef Pedro Subijana. His famous tasting menus have been developed with culinary awareness, balance and are constantly being updated with his latest innovations, utilizing the finest seasonal products.
Hondarribia, Dinner, Overnight in San Sebastian
This morning, after breakfast, you will checkout of your San Sebastian hotel and leave with your chauffeur for a drive into the La Rioja region. Here you will make a visit to Laguardia, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval villages in Spain, located right in the midst of La Rioja wine country Laguardia is a medieval hill hamlet and is surrounded by an ancient wall. There is a meleé of cobblestoned streets lined with "Tabernas", wine shops, palaces, and cafes. The entire village became protected as Patrimony of Spain in 1964. The name "Laguardia" originates from "La Guardia de Navarra", the "Guard" of Navarra, referring to its strategic importance in the kingdom of Navarre.
Continuing your day you will arrive at the Marques de Riscal Hotel, a magnificent new building designed by Frank Gehry. Like the Guggenheim Museum, the building designed by Gehry is covered with titanium. In this case, however, the architect wanted to infuse his work with the signature colors of Marqués de Riscal: pink like the wine, gold like the mesh on the Riscal bottles, and silver like the bottle top. After check in you may wish to lunch in the very dramatic hotel restaurant and have time to rest a little prior to, if you wish, making a visit to the very famous Marques de Riscal Winery, which was founded in 1860 and was one of the first in the region to use French wine-making techniques. As one of the oldest wineries in La Rioja, Marques de Riscal produces some of the country's most flavorful wines and always commits itself to continuous improvement of quality and technique. You will sample some of the vineyard's best wines after a tour of the vineyard and the cellar with the house oenologist.
Relax this evening after your eventful day and perhaps you may wish to use the spa facilities prior to a light dinner either at a local restaurant or indeed, at your hotel.
La Rioja, Laguardia, Overnight in La Rioja
Immediately after breakfast, you will leave with your chauffeur for the famous Barrio de la Estacion in Haro, the cradle of la Rioja wine and start with a private guided visit to a unique, still family run Lopez de Heredia Winery. Proud of being old-fashioned, they still construct their own barrels on site and do not expect to see modern sophisticated machinery there, it is all done traditionally - and the wines are truly outstanding. For a hundred and thirty one years, three generations of the López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to vineyard care, a scrupulous selection of grapes, ageing in oak barrels in the heart of deep underground galleries, and the later ageing in bottles – the result being wines with an exceptional bouquet. Special mention ought to be made of their white wines. If there is one bodega experienced in producing old white wines, it has to be López de Heredia where they age white wines in oak for as long as reds; the result is much more surprising than might be expected. You´ll have an excellent tour of the facilities finalised with a tasting in the rather modern Zaha Hadid designed wine shop where you will sample their main wines such as Viña Tondonia Reserva and the very individual Viña Gravonia white.
Continuing your day, you will make a private visit to nearby modern style Bodegas Roda, founded less than 20 years ago by a Catalan couple Mario Rottlant and Carmen Daurella. Well aware of the significant number of excellent traditional wineries in la Rioja, their objective was to create superb, high expression red wines in a modern style, reflective of the region and the constituent varietals, yet embodying something unique. The main wines from their vineyard are released onto the market as Reservas. You will surely enjoy the tasting of la Roda wines, especially as we have included in your tasting experience a bottle of their incredible Cirsion "Cult" wine, one of the best in Spain. The owners of the winery also produce incredibly high quality extra virgin olive oils in the Emporda region and in Mallorca, which you will also have an opportunity to sample.
For lunch you will stop at a local reputable hostelry and sample the delicious food of the area, paired with wines. Just outside Briones you will make a visit to the Dinastia Vivanco, the largest Wine Museum in Spain, containing multimedia information on everything from corks and how they are made to the blowing of bottles. Time permitting you will also visit Briones a little medieval village with some marvelous churches and ruins dating from the 16th Century.
Your day continues with a drive through the countryside to Ribera Del Duero where you will check into your luxury hotel for the night. The Abadia Retuerta winery is presided over by a spectacular XII Century abbey that has recently been renovated on a magnificent scale and now houses one of the world’s most exclusive wine hotels. The ancient abbey hotel is an enchanted place to retreat, relax and restage your life. Voluminous light-filled cloister halls provide the setting; murmurings of fountain and birdsong are the soundtrack. Acres and acres of Spanish vineyards unfurl like ornate tapestry all around you.
We suggest you dine tonight at your hotel, in the Refectorio where the gourmet chef reinvents classic Spanish cuisine. Seasonal produce in recipes based on regional traditions are enhanced with contemporary culinary ingenuity. Dining in elegance today where the monks dined for centuries makes the restaurant an extraordinary embodiment of old and new, traditional and contemporary
La Rioja, Private Visits to Two Wineries with tastings, Briones Wine Museum, Lunch, Overnight in Ribera del Duero
After breakfast this morning, you will make a private visit to the Abadia Retuerta Winery, where you will have a full tour followed by tastings of their best wines. Abadía Retuerta, located at the heart of the Spanish winegrowing Golden Mile, owns over 200 hectares of vineyard and is one of Spain’s most modern wineries. You will be able to taste Abadía Retuerta’s exceptional Pago (single vineyard) wines, which are the fruit of the excellent maturity obtained along the unique terroir created by the Duero River and the valley’s extreme climatic conditions.
Next, you will leave with your chauffeur for Pesquera de Duero, where you will make a private guided visit to the famous Bodegas Emilio Moro. This prestigious winery has links to three generations of winemakers and is family owned with an impressive range of wines. The 3rd generation Moro, Emilio, started working in the wine trade with his father at 14. However, it was not until 1987 when the family decided to sell their wines commercially from their small winery, Bodegas Emilio Moro. Currently, Bodegas Emilio Moro has 200 hectares of its own vineyards, planted and grafted with the excellent clone recovered from its oldest hundred year old vines.
You will lunch locally at a 16th Century Mill Restaurant, famous for asados and local fresh produce for typical local food.
Your journey continues to Peñafiel, where perched on a cliff above the city and the Duero is the impressive Peñafiel Castle. At 210 meters long and only 35 meters wide it would resemble a ship if you could see it from above. The castle was founded in the 11th century and rebuilt several times, the walls and towers were constructed in the 13th-14th centuries, the keep is from the 15th. It has a double defensive wall. They take winemaking seriously here, so what better place to locate the museum of wine. The museum has been inserted into one of the finger like courtyards of the castle over three floors. This place is really worth a visit!
May we suggest you dine at your hotel tonight or at a good local restaurant.
Ribera del Duero, Private visits to two Wineries with tastings, Lunch with wine, Peñafiel Castle & Museum, Overnight in Ribera del Duero
This morning you will take a leisurely breakfast, after which you will check out of your hotel and leave with your chauffeur for Barcelona. On arrival in Barcelona you will check into your luxury hotel in the Eixample District and the rest of your day will be free to do a little last minute shopping, take a stroll along the Ramblas, enjoy a farewell seafood meal in the Harbour, the choice is yours.
Barcelona, Free Time in Barcelona, Overnight in Barcelona
Day 14 top
It’s always sad to say farewell, but your tour is now over and our chauffeur will be waiting this morning to take you to the airport for your journey home.
We hope you will join is for this very memorable tour of some of the most magnificent areas of Northern Spain and indeed, a little of South Western France!
Barcelona, Chauffeured transfer to Airport, Return Home
NB: This tour may also be taken with exceedingly good 4* hotels substituting the 5* hotels listed in this itinerary
Your The Very Best of Northern Spain Luxury Tour includes:top
- Accommodation for four (4) nights in a 5* luxury hotel in the Eixample District of Central Barcelona (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for two (2) nights in a 5* villa & spa hotel in the Emporda Region of Northern Catalonia (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for one (1) night at a 5* palace hotel and spa in Biarritz (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for three (3) nights at a 5* beachside hotel in San Sebastian (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for one (1) night at 5* Marques de Riscal Hotel in the heart of La Rioja (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for two (2) nights at a 5* exclusive converted abbey wine hotel in Ribiera del Duero (double occupancy)
- 13 Full breakfasts
- Services of a Chauffeur in luxury vehicle for all transfers during your tour, excepting in central Barcelona, when taxis will be used where necessary.
- Services of Bi-Lingual Officially Licensed Guides for all private tours mentioned in your itinerary.
- All the tastings of foods and wines as listed in your itinerary
- Private guided visits to six (6) prestigious wineries, with In-House Bi-lingual Wine Specialists, complete with tastings of their best wines
- Four Gastronomic Tasting Lunches/Dinners at Michelin 3*/2* restaurants in Barcelona, Girona, Nr Carcassonne in France and San Sebastian.
- Six lunches/dinners with wines at prestigious local restaurants
- Online Personal Travel Webpage including daily itinerary, general local information, restaurant reservations, details of places of interest and suggestions for your free time, etc.
- Customized Personal Travel Journal, which will include the information on your Personal Travel Website, that you can take with you to use as a reference throughout your tour
- 24/7 Back Office Assistance
Your The Very Best of Northern Spain Luxury Tour does not include:
- Flights
- Meals and Drinks not specified
- Personal expenses such as Telephone, Mini-Bar, etc.
- Tips and gratuities (restaurants etc.,)
- Basic Travel Insurance may be included in your quotation on request. We strongly recommend you take out separate Cancellation Insurance
The Very Best of Northern Spain Luxury Tour dates:
Available upon request all year round.
The Very Best of Northern Spain Luxury Tour Prices:
Please note our tours are available for PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY and are not scheduled tours for mixed groups.
The tour price varies depending on the Travel Option you choose. Please click on the option which suits you best in order to request a quotation.
In order to find out more about Gourmand Breaks' Travel Options, please Click Here
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