Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

9 Days
From CAD $6,295
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(10 reviews)

Experience Overview

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 San Sebastian, home to beaches and a thriving arts scene, visit a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house) near Oviedo 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.

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 Oviedo, Barcelona and A Coruna 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 and paella 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.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 3295

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Public bus,Taxi,Train,Private vehicle

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ZMZZ

StartStarts: Barcelona, Spain

FinishFinishes: Santiago de Compostela, Spain

DurationDuration: 9 days

DeparturesDepartures: Not Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Farmstay (2 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6295 (CAD $699 /day)

Itinerary

1
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.

Included Activities:

  • Barcelona - Welcome meeting

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
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).

Included Activities:

  • Barcelona - Market visit and tapas tour for lunch with Urban Adventures

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

3
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.

Included Activities:

  • Logrono - Orientation walk
  • Logrono - Pintxos tour
  • Logrono - Winery visit and tasting

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)

4
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).

Included Activities:

  • Basque Country - Dinner at Farmstay
  • San Sebastian - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Farmstay (Number of Nights: 1)

5
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 tonight, 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.

Included Activities:

  • Basque country - Cooking class
  • Basque country - Visit to the fish market

Accommodation:

  • Farmstay (Number of Nights: 1)

6
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.

Included Activities:

  • Oviedo - Orientation walk
  • Oviedo - Cider House visit in Picos de Europa including lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

7
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela

This morning, take a bus to A Coruna in the region of Galicia, taking in the scenic Galician coastline along the way. Visit the fish market in the Praza de Lugo and see the range of seafood on offer. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Santiago de Compostela - Stops in coast towns on the way from Oviedo
  • Santiago de Compostela - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

8
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!

Included Activities:

  • Santiago de Compostela - Farewell Dinner
  • Santiago de Compostela - Visit to cane factory and tasting
  • Santiago de Compostela - Seafood workshop in Cambados

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

9
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.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

Sandra and Neil   -  Traveled, October 2023

Excellent tour. Well organised and planned itinerary. A variety of experiences and locations with great food and drink. The tour leader, Silvia, was friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and excellent! Would thoroughly recommend to anyone who appreciates food made with fresh local ingredients and love and attention.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/19/2023

 

  -  Traveled, September 2023

Great tour leader who introduced us to fresh food markets and cooking classes throughout northern Spain. Trip ran smoothly and was a lot of fun. Our group shared food each meal which added to our enjoyment.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/21/2023

 

  -  Traveled, September 2023

This is not a trip for a vegetarian - it's most definitely for people who love meat, fish and wine, and exploring food they've not experienced beforehand. For meat and fish lovers it's perfect.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2023

 

Hennedige   -  Traveled, August 2023

I really enjoyed this trip, not only been able to eat food from different provinces in Spain but visiting places I would have not done otherwise.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/04/2023

 

Rose   -  Traveled, May 2023

This trip was everything I had hoped for! We had a small group and an amazing guide who helped us taste wonderful food and drink all across Spain. The tour made everything so easy and every meal was delicious. Highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to guarantee a great food experience without having any of the hassel.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/06/2023

 

Joanne   -  Traveled, May 2023

If you are deciding whether to take this trip, do it! We had a fabulous time exploring a very different part of Spain. The itinerary and food were varied and interesting. Olalla is a fantastic guide and made sure our group of 7 got the most out of every moment. She was careful, clear, informative and great fun. Be prepared for a couple of long transfers. The hotels used (with one exception) were fine to excellent.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/07/2023

 

Rik   -  Traveled, May 2023

This tour is an in depth exploration of the diverse historical and cultural variety of Spain's food culture. The amazing range of tastes and flavours explored across our 10 days were phenomenal. Cannot recommend enough. If you're lucky enough to get Olalla as a guide, you will have simply the best time.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/04/2023

 

Graeme   -  Traveled, May 2023

Northern Spain is a great area to visit and this could be a good trip but needs to be refined considerably by Intrepid to make it a great trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/27/2023

 

Kerry   -  Traveled, May 2023

Great tour! We had an amazing time touring Northern Spain with other like-minded foodies. Think cooking classes, wine tastings, tapas, amazing culture, fabulous scenery and fun. Highly recommend!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/14/2023

 

Ron & Sioni   -  Traveled, October 2023

This was more than expected. Travel, food and adventure all in one. We will definitely consider taking another trip with Intrepid. Thank you.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2023

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