Wine, Culinary & Cultural Tours in Spain, Portugal & SW France
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Food & Wine Tours
The Finest Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain
Itinerary | Features | Prices | Travel Options
Highlights of your unforgettable visit include:
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Spanish Cities: Private Guided visits to the spectacular Jewish heritage sites, architecture and museums of Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Cordoba and Barcelona
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Accommodation in 4* luxury, hand selected hotels in all locations
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Tastings of delicious typical foods and wines of Spain
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Spanish Countryside: Private Guided visits to Spain's foremost kosher winery, medieval villages,markets, cooking classes with local chefs and more
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You will start your vacation with airport collection and chauffeured transfer in a luxury vehicle to the beautiful and serene countryside of Emporda where you will move to your new home for the next four nights, an authentic Spanish medieval castle, an architectural jewel that was built eight centuries ago. A basket of fruit and chocolate will be waiting for you in your room to welcome you to Spain. The rest of your day is free to relax after your long journey and you will have plenty of time to get acquainted with the grounds of the castle and enjoy all the amenities of your fairy tale residence (including a gorgeous swimming pool) before perhaps a peaceful dinner by candlelight.
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, your guide will escort you to the romantic city of Girona, enchanted by stretches of cobblestone streets, the very famous old Jewish Quarter and the Centre Bonastruc ça Porta, an institute of Jewish learning built around the old Synagogue on Carrer de la Força, the main artery of the medieval quarter which has remained amazingly intact over the centuries. Recently, much of the Call has been restored under the supervision of the Centre also home to the Museu d'Història dels Jueus (Jewish History Museum) – which has developed a map of the maze-like streets and hosts small exhibits on Carrer de la Força. Many of the restored buildings now house art galleries, upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants. Containing the most accurate information about medieval Jewish communities in Spain, particularly those in Catalonia, the museum’s exhibits provide a picture of daily life in the quarter, Jewish traditions and the region’s most influential calls. The Hebrew lapidary (tombstone) collection is considered to be one of the finest in the world. You will wind through the narrow streets and stoned walls of the old Gothic Quarter and encounter the magnificent Girona Cathedral affording a great view of the area, little shops, cafes and medieval homes that families have passed down through the generations.
OPTIONAL: Lunch today will be at an exquisite 3-star Michelin restaurant owned by three local Catalan brothers, El Celler de Can Roca. 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 of them are also complemented by their third brother, Jordi's, delightful desserts. From the aperitif to the dessert, you will remember this dining experience for years to come!
You will now leave for a visit to the medieval town of Besalú, former seat of the counts of the same name, which is a magnificent historic-artistic site, renowned for its beauty and the 11th century Roman bridge that once was necessary to adjoin this small village to land. The strategic situation between the Rivers Fluvià and Capellades, on the boundary of three counties, granted Besalú an important role in the history of Catalonia. You will visit the ruins of the Jewish quarter of Besalú, dating back to the 9th century and the mikvah or Jewish ritual bathhouse, dating from the 12th century, which is the only one of its kind discovered in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the few known in Europe. The local public gardens await you where villagers grow herbs for their well-known and traditional homemade wine, ratafia. The different families of Besalú have variations of this sweet wine, and use their own secret combination of aromatic herbs to flavor this digestive liquor.
Surely, after such a very busy day, you will enjoy returning to your hotel and relaxing by the pool, sipping a glass of sparkling cava and having a quiet dinner.
This morning, after a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will await you and you will make a visit to a most prestigious winery where the house wine expert will await you and together you will make a complete visit to this famous cellar with a long tradition of wine making, which was commenced by the Carmelite monks in the 14th Century. Your visit will start with a stroll along the beautiful vineyards, then you will visit the modern cellar and learn about the wine making techinques - the Gran Claustre cava or Grand Cloister cava, which is the finest cava available at this vineyard, is a cava that is still fermented in the same location and with the same process used by the Carmelite monks of the 14th century at their monastery. This cava was selected in a blind tasting between the world’s finest champagnes to be served at the wedding in 2004 of the Spanish Prince Felipe. Afterwards you will cross the lane to a 13th century Romanesque Castle, which is home to an ancient wine press. The castle visit will also include a tour of the largest private library in Spain, a visit to the castle's church and a collection of crystal and ceramics. You will finish your visit with a taste of the winery´s best cavas, whites and reds, including of course Gran Claustre.
For lunch today you will be the guest of a local Catalan chef as he invites you into his cooking school nearby. You will join him for a feast of tapas, wine and traditional dishes! The menu will be personalized to your liking. You will have the opportunity to participate in the chef's preparations or, if you prefer, you can sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy his artful work. Lunch will surely be completed with Catalan crème or another local favorite.
After lunch you will have a private guided visit to view the masterpieces of Dali in his museum. The great artist purchased the museum building and personally oversaw its reconstruction and renovation. Now restored in a style appealing to Dali, it is home to some of his greatest works of surrealism. Our guide is a real expert on Dali's work , so you can ask her all the unofficial and unconfessed secrets about the artist.
This morning, after a delicious breakfast, our chauffeur will transfer you to Barcelona, to your hotel, a 4-star traditional Spanish style hotel in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Formerly, your hotel was the palace residence of a wealthy Duke in the city and is deep-seated in history. After settling in, during the afternoon, your Official Licensed Guide will meet you and together you will traverse the city on a gourmet walking tour through the Gothic quarter of Barcelona!
The Gothic Quarter is considered the heart of Barcelona and home to an abundance of tucked away gourmet cafes and shops. You will make 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 which 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!You will visit the old Jewish areas of Barcelona; A Jewish community settled in the Barri Gotic from the 2nd century onwards in the area now called El Call close to Plaça St. Jaume and Calle Ferran. A medieval synagogue, discovered beneath a 17th century building at the corner of Sant Domènec and Marlet, has been restored and opened to the public. Our guide is a real specialist in this field and will be ready to answer all your questions.
Continuing your walk, you will enjoy a taste of some of the best Spanish cheeses at a charming local cheese shop paired with some excellent local wine. You will be able to judge yourself why the Tou de Tilers, Cabrales or Mahon cheeses are so appreciated by the locals.
Your journey will continue with a visit to the famous Sant Jaume Square and Barcelona Cathedral, as well as Santa Maria del Mar Church, which is a beautiful and important 14th-century church and is considered the finest and most complete example of Catalan Gothic architecture anywhere. This church figures in the famous book by Ildefonso Falcones, Cathedral of the Sea and our guide can also show you other sites featured in this novel, should you be interested.
This morning, following breakfast, our experienced, Official Licensed Guide will meet you at your hotel and you will then leave for a visit to the incredible La Sagrada Família, 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. Continuing your very special Gaudi tour, you will head for the Passeig de Gracia to see the other famous works of Gaudi, including his famous Casa Batllo and la Pedrera. 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. You will take a leisurely stroll through this neighborhood and also admire the Catalan art Nouveau buildings by Domenech i Mutaner and Puig i Cadafalch, to name just a few.The Catalan Art Nouveau cultural movement, which demonstrated extraordinary vitality and artistic qualities, is one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions and one of the most convincing reasons for getting to know the city. Even today, Modernisme, as it is known locally, still characterises the city, giving it a very special charm. It is the style of many buildings in Barcelona, which you will see clearly for yourself. You will visit Gaudi´s famous Pedrera built between 1906 and 1910 for the Milà family. This is one of the main Gaudí residential buildings and one of the most imaginative houses of the history of the architecture, this building is more a sculpture than a building.
Nearby, there is a grand and fashionable gourmet chocolate boutique where you will sample the city’s finest, together 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.
This afternoon you will have free to discover the lively city and restaurants of Barcelona on your own. We have many suggestions for restaurants which will suit your mood of the moment.
Our chauffeur, in a luxury air conditioned vehicle, will collect you from your hotel in Barcelona first thing in the morning, following your breakfast and you will depart for the famous and very beautiful Priorat wine region, which is less than 2 hours drive south of Barcelona. There you will visit a prestigious Kosher winery, where you will be attended on a private tour by the bilingual house wine expert, who will gladly explain to you their long history and tradition of wine making. Kosher wines were introduced there when the Jewish community of Barcelona asked the winery to begin making kosher wines in 1995. Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, as well as excellent indigenous Spanish varieties of Garnacha and Cariñena are present. The special equipment allows the winemakers to identify, isolate and vinify under controlled "non-Mevushal" conditions small parcels of high quality fruit. Your complete cellar tour will finish with a commented tasting of the winery’s best red, white and modern sweet wines.
Following your winery visit you will depart for Celler de L'Aspic Restaurant, where you will surely enjoy an amazing luncheon with wines as the restaurant has an excellent reputation and Tony Bru, its owner and head chef, is renowned in the area.
On your return journey towards Barcelona you will visit Montjuic Mountain (Jewish mountain) which has been, throughout its history, the protagonist of many events. The historical symbol and oldest monument is the Castell de Montjuïc (Castle), from where there are beautiful views of the city.
After such a full day, you will no doubt enjoy a relaxing meal this evening at one of the many restaurants we have to suggest.
After a very early breakfast at your hotel, you will be ready for the journey to another part of your tour, in Seville. You will be collected at your hotel by our Chauffeur who will drive you to Barcelona Sants Station, where you will take a fast and comfortable train to Seville. At Seville, you will take a taxi to your hotel, situated in a delightful area, in the picturesque and authentic Barrio Santa Cruz, this luxurious, 19th-Century building is constructed around a lovely traditional Andalusian patio, with a rooftop terrace boasting striking views of the Giralda.
You may wish to have a relaxed lunch, perhaps something typically Andalusian (much of the cuisine in Seville is influenced by the Moors), after your long journey before joining your guide for a private tour of the Barrio Santacruz, which is the old Jewish quarter. It is a real joy to amble around its beautiful squares and narrow streets, which form a labyrinth, where it is easy to get lost, but this is part of its charm, because when one is lost, one may discover a convent or a palace or an hotel. The air in the barrio is perfumed by jasmine flowers and the orange trees that one finds there. Many of the palaces have wrought iron gates that allow one to peep into their beautiful patios. The area abounds in small stores and artisan shops, as well as good art galleries.
For tonight, we have several suggestions for a delightful dinner in the Barrio Santa Cruz
Today, after breakfast, your Seville guide will be waiting for you and you will commence a tour of historic Seville, visiting the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda and the Reales Alcazares. The cathedral is the largest gothic edifice in the world and is an incredibly imposing building. The Giralda which is the cathedral tower was once the minaret of the mosque on whose site the cathedral was built. Climb to the top of the tower for wonderful views across the city.The Reales Alcazares is a fortress/palace which dates originally from the 9th century. Many additions have been made to the building over the centuries but the Alcazar is most famous for the Mudejar architecture from the 14th century. Not to be missed are the beautiful gardens. Reales Alcazares is the oldest royal palace in Europe and is the residence of the Spanish Royal Family when they stay in Seville.
In the evening, make yourself ready for a wonderful Flamenco Show, where the swirling skirts and tapping heels of the dancers will amaze and thrill.
This morning you will take a taxi to Seville Railway Station and take a very comfortable high speed AVE train to Cordoba, the former home of many Jewish scholars and poets. Awaiting you at Cordoba station will be our guide, who will take you on a complete tour of everything that Cordoba has to delight. Jews formed a part of Cordoba's cultural mix from as early as the 2nd Century until their expulsion from Spain in 1492.
Once the biggest city in all of Europe, Cordoba thrived and expanded with its unique blend of cultures. These are beautifully expressed with a visit to Mezquita, the most significant Muslim architectural achievement in the Western world. This 8th century structure was first a church, then a mosque, and today has a cathedral oddly placed in its center. Walk the street leading up to the Juderia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful courtyards and shops. Though not Jewish in its current expression, a few signs hint of the Golden Age of Jewish life. Note, for example, the statue of the great court doctor and Torah sage, Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon) and the tiny, gem-like Synagogue, (the one in which Maimonedes prayed) which is one of only three remaining synagogues in Spain from before the Expulsion of 1492. The Jewish Quarter is the best-known part of Cordoba's historic centre, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and is one of the largest in Europe.
As you wander down picturesque and evocative streets in the restored heart of Cordoba - one of the largest medieval quarters in Europe - it is not difficult to imagine the days when Cordoba was one of the most important cities in Europe. Cordoba's large Juderia has been recently restored and is now filled with charming shops and cafes. Following your wonderful day in Cordoba, you will take a train back to Seville and will have the evening to relax and perhaps have dinner in a local restaurant - we have many suggestions.
This morning, after a lavish breakfast you will check out of your hotel and take a taxi to the railway station where you have reservations for seats on a train for Madrid. On arrival in Madrid you will take a taxi to your 4* hotel which is situated in the centre in a beautiful 19th century building which was the first US Embassy and was restored as a charming hotel in 2001. Is protected by Patrimonio Nacional (National Heritage) due to its historical interest and the original staircase and lift have been preserved.
After checking into your hotel and having time for a light lunch and rest after your journey, your local guide will be waiting for you. This afternoon he/she will take you on guided tour of the area and a private visit to El Prado Museum, but on the way you will pass by various historical sites and will learn about Madrid’s intriguing past. The Prado Museum is the biggest art gallery in the world. It has more than 7,600 paintings, but can exhibit only one part of its collection for lack of space. However a recent addition to the museum increased the space by 50%, so more paintings will be on display. Prado means meadow, and the museum got the name of Prado because there was an open meadow where the museum now sits.
Then, your guide will lead you to the best tapas places in town, starting at the Mercado de San Miguel, the hottest gastronomic spot in Madrid. Recently re-opened, it functions as a food market during the day, but in the evening its bars and restaurants make it the place to meet in old Madrid. Tonight be ready to stand in bars, drinking slowly but surely and sampling a variety of tapas and wines which, although originally from different Spanish regions, have found their place in the melting pot that is Madrid. By the end of the evening you will have discovered the key to wine and gastronomy (some of it is for the fearless only!) and heard many anecdotes of 17th century Madrid, along whose streets you will stroll.
This morning you are off to Toledo for the day. On arrival, your local guide will be waiting for you and will lead you on a visit to the Cathedral, which is one of the most outstanding buildings in the city and is considered to be one of the high points of Gothic art. The construction of this monumental building, with a basilica floor plan and five naves, commenced in 1226, although it was not finished until the 15th century. On its main facade the outstanding feature is the doorway, made up of three doors: Infierno (Hell), Perdón (Forgiveness) and Juicio (Judgement). The exterior is topped by the two cathedral towers, one of them in flamboyant Gothic style and the other in Gothic-Renaissance.
Following on your guide will lead you to the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Remains of the Jewish community are still preserved in the city in the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito. The former, built possibly in the 12th century, is also a good example of Toledo's Mudejar art. It has five naves with decreasing heights as well as the characteristic geometrical and botanical decoration and horseshoe arches. Meanwhile, in the synagogue of El Tránsito, built in 1357, you can admire one of the best Mudejar coffered ceilings of all those preserved in Toledo, along with walls richly decorated with geometrical and botanical designs and Hebrew inscriptions. Nowadays, this Jewish place of worship houses the Sephardic Museum, in which an interesting collection of pieces of art and various objects used in Jewish ceremonies are exhibited.
Your fantastic visit to Toledo, will terminate with a visit to the church of Santo Tomé, famous for housing El Greco's famous picture entitled “El entierro del Conde Orgaz” (The burial of Count Orgaz). You will then have free time to enjoy Toledo and have lunch, for which we have several suggestions, prior to returning to Madrid.
Back in Madrid, the rest of the evening is free to do as you wish – relax, have a light dinner, wander around Madrid, the choice is yours. We have many suggestions for great restaurants.
Following breakfast this morning your personal guide will be waiting and you will make a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum. The building that the museum now occupies started out as the San Jose Hospital, a building designed in the 18th century by the architects Jose de Hermosilla and Francisco Sabatini. The building was remodeled in 1981 and in 1992 the Museo Reina Sofia was inaugurated by the King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. In 1990 the collection of modern Spanish art from the Museo Español de Arte Contemporaneo was transferred to the Reina Sofia. After that Picasso’s Guernica was taken from the Cason del Buen Retiro, a part of the Prado Museum, and placed in the Reina Sofia. The museum specializes in Spanish contemporary art, art from the 20th century. The most famous Spanish artists of this time period are found in this museum and if one is a modern art lover then the Reina Sofia is the museum one should see. The main attraction of the museum is Picasso’s Guernica, which generates powerful emotions and shows the horrors of war.
This afternoon you will surely appreciate time on your own to explore all that the bustling Spanish capital has to offer. As always, we are at your disposal with suggestions. You may wish to take a walk in El Retiro Park which is located in the center of Madrid and is quite big, occupying a space of 12 hectares. One of the features of the park is the large artificial lake (El Estanque del Retiro) that is located by the monument to Alfonso XII. This park is gorgeous and is a very enjoyable place to visit and see beautiful gardens and enjoy nature. Following onward you could make a visit to the Palacio Real in Madrid, which is also called the Palacio de Oriente. This palace is in the center of Madrid and is used by the king for ceremonial purposes. The king does not live here, but lives in the Palacio de la Zarzuela in the outskirts of the city. You can also visit the Holocaust memorial at the Parque Juan Carlos.
After your busy day you will no doubt be delighted to put your feet up for a while, prior to your final evening in Madrid, which is free for you to spend how you wish, perhaps doing some retail therapy at the boutique shops found in the Chueca neighborhood. OPTIONAL: You may care to have the privilege to dine at what is claimed to be the oldest restaurant in the world. You will enjoy a traditional Spanish cuisine at this establishment that dates back to 1725.
This morning after breakfast, you will check out of your hotel – sadly your tour is now over and our chauffeur will collect you and take you to Madrid airport for your journey home.
We do hope you will join us for this very memorable visit to, amongst others, the main Jewish Heritage sites in Spain.
Your The Finest Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain includes:top
- Accommodation for 3 nights in authentic 13th century stone Castle converted into a luxury 4 star hotel (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for 3 nights in luxurious 4-star Spanish palace hotel in Barcelona Gothic quarter (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for 3 nights in an historic 4* hotel in the centre of Seville (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for 3 nights in a 19th century 4* hotel in the centre of Madrid, (double occupancy)
- 12 full breakfasts
- Assistance of an experienced bilingual Official Licensed Guide, as indicated in the tour itinerary
- Chauffeured transfers in a luxury vehicle, as indicated in the itinerary
- Train tickets on a preferential basis (1st Class) from Barcelona to Seville, Seville to Cordoba, Seville to Madrid; and on a standard basis from Madrid to Toledo and return.
- All the culinary, cultural visits and tastings indicated in the itinerary
- One private cooking class followed by a delicious meal, paired with local wines
- 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 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
Your The Finest Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain does not include:
- Flights
- Meals and Drinks not specified
- OPTIONAL: Luxury gastronomic menu lunch, paired with wines at one of the best Spanish restaurants, Michelin 3*
- Personal Expenses such as Telephone, Minibar, etc.
- Tips and Gratuities (Restaurants, etc.)
- Cancellation Insurance
The Finest Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain dates:
Available upon request all year round.
The Finest Jewish Heritage Tour of Spain 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.
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