Today we explore San Sebastián, a place that many refer to as the world’s food capital. We will start our day strolling the old quarter, including a visit to a food market and taking in the breathtaking views on the best rooftop in town. We continue our day with a private cooking class followed by a Gastronomic Society and Tapas Tour where we will walk around the city to find the best pintxos to eat.

Today we depart San Sebastián for Spain’s premier and oldest Designation of Origin Qualificada (DOQ): Rioja wine country! Along the way, we will stop at two award-winning wineries for private tastings and visits. Afterwards, we enjoy a group lunch and then get back on the bus to head to our hotel in Elciego, the Hotel Marques de Riscal. This marvelous hotel was designed by Frank O. Gehry, one of the world's most renowned architects, and it is truly a one of a kind. After checking in, we'll take a brief tour and enjoy a tasting at the Marques de Riscal winery. Tonight, the evening is free to do as you wish with dinner will be on your own to enjoy. The property has plenty of culinary options for you to explore.

We will start our day as we do best, by visiting two wineries and having private tastings. Lunch will be at the delectable 2-star Michelin star restaurant, Restaurante Venta Moncalvillo, which of course, will be served with wines. This culinary haven was created by the Echapresto brothers, who in 1997 were two self-taught 18-year-olds supported by their mother Rosi. Ignacio took charge of the kitchen, Carlos managed the dining room and cellar. Nearly 30 years from that first moment, they have their prestigious ranking from the Michelin guide in one of the smallest villages in Rioja – a town of 50 people! Fresh vegetables and regional cuisine rule here with a seasonal biodynamic garden on the grounds and foraging from a nearby woods. The evening is yours to relax with dinner on your own.

After checking out from our lovely hotel, we will drive to the Priorat wine region, which will take about five hours. To break up the drive, we will be stopping at a local restaurant for a lovely lunch with wine.  

Upon arrival, we have an amazing hotel waiting for us there, making the journey to this ruggedly beautiful wine region worth it. We will check-in at the luxurious boutique Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno in the heart of Priorat, named one of the best new hotels in 2024 by Travel & Leisure. With its glorious pool, spa and other experiences, plus world-class gastronomy, there will be a lot for you to do tonight. Relax and enjoy dinner on your own this night. 

The DOQ Priorat wine region, located in the Caralonia province of northeastern Spain shot to fame in the past few decades thanks to its singular, intense, full-bodied red wines. It’s a region that has a long history dating back to Roman times. Today is all about Priorat’s rugged, remote and rocky hills, its highly regarded Garnacha wine and its delicious food. Today, Priorat is one of the only two DOQ wine regions in Spain (the other is Rioja, where we just visited.)

We will start today at the lovely Clos de L'Obac winery for a private tasting with the winemaker and owner, then have a lunch pairing at a local restaurant. Next, we continue on to a second winery before we end our night with a gourmet dinner with comparative tasting of top Priorat wineries. 

Today we're going to switch it up a bit and get a little drier, or maybe dirtier? Along with its well-known wine, Priorat has a tradition of Vermouth, as well. It’s been the aperitif of choice for nearly a century in this region. We'll start our day with a private Vermouth tasting and experience where you get to try several styles of Vermouth and talk about what type of food pairs with each one. 

Lunch will be served by the coast today with local wines we will select along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time at the hotel for rest, enjoying the spa, or exploring the property. Then, we'll spice it up again and go to a Sangria tasting! We will explain the origins and mixing proportions for this traditional beverage, and we'll taste the different types while enjoying some Spanish snacks.

Your trip ends here? April Fools! 

We still have another magnificent city to explore. After we check out from our hotel in Priorat, we will depart for Barcelona! As Spain’s major cultural center in Southwestern Europe, Barcelona is a vibrant art city like no other, and it’s a fantastic place to enjoy our last day together. Once we arrive, we'll check-into the 5-star El Palace for our final day. We will start our time in Barcelona with a walking tour of the old quarter, including Boqueria Market and other specialty shops. Then, we'll head over to the Barceloneta neighborhood for a paella lunch overlooking the old port. The late afternoon is free for you to rest, pack, or continue exploring the magnificent Art Nouveau architecture of this Mediterranean jewel. We will end the trip with a farewell dinner with a fabulous tapas experience. 

We end our trip today by checking out from your Barcelona hotel and heading to the airport. Packed full of amazing memories, we’re sure you will talk about this journey all the way home. Adios for now!