Essential Catalonia & France (trip)
Essential Catalonia & France
- Airport near Paris, France
- Culinary & Wine Travel
| from $2,400* per person | 7 Days | Year-round |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Epicurean Ways | 16 people max | |
I really liked the blend of Provence and Catalonia...enough of a contrast to keep our interest, but not so much scurrying about not to have time to enjoy both. This was a trip I can never imagine coming close to replicating. Locations, private guides, amazing food and wines, lodging, sights, EXPERIENCES. I would encourage anyone who is remotely thinking about a gastronomic tour to sign-up for this one...because you will find it to be so much more.
–Suzanne B.
A Taste of Two Worlds
Discover the traditional beauty of the villages and countryside of Northern Spain and Southern France on this intimate experience. Local food and wine experts will escort you, sharing their professional insights along the way. Experience the delights of Catalan and Basque cuisine, partake in a unique private cooking class with a world-class chef, and explore fabulous coastal Girona.
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Locations visited/nearby
Spain, Spain (Barcelona)
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Epicurean Ways:
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Reviewer: Carl
located in
NYC,
San Sebastian’s charm and having eaten at Etxebarri that day definitely made a positive impression. Everything was wonderful and perfect. Gabriella was a delight, generous, and so well connected. Thank you so much for such a fantastic trip. We could not have done it without you and Gabriella, and everyone else involved with the tour.
–Carl, NYC -
Reviewer: Deborah
located in
Indiana
Just returned from a fabulous trip to Spain. Thanks to Jane and her superb connections with great tour guides, my husband and I enjoyed a trip of a lifetime! We visited 7 wineries, learned much about Spanish wines, history (including my Sephardic Jewish ancestory) and culture and ate delicious food. The arrangements and accomodations were perfect. Will go back, hopefully soon!
–Deborah, Indiana -
Reviewer: Manuel, Viridian Farms
located in
Oregon
I just wanted to let you know how delighted we were with our cooking class in San Sebastian. Chef Haritz did an incredible job of exposing us to what San Sebastian has to offer on a deeper, market-driven level—and made our day with him at the market and cooking class the highlight of our trip.
By introducing us to various fish mongers, farmers, produce importers, and specialty food shopkeepers, we gained a greater understanding of how Donosti chefs acquire the raw products for their culinary creations. Later, the dishes we prepared during our cooking class were inspired by what we selected at the market in the morning—improvised and truly driven by what was fresh and in season. His friendliness, professionalism, culinary knowledge, and sincere enthusiasm in helping us learn about gastronomy in San Sebastian were outstanding.
We typically shy away from organized tours, but we were so impressed with our Epicurean Ways experience that we will definitely “travel” with you again whenever we go to Spain.–Manuel, Viridian Farms, Oregon
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Essential Catalonia & France
Itinerary
7 days/6 nights
Northern Wine and Cheese
Day 1
Today you will travel a little closer to the Pyrenees Mountains to a village dating to the 14th century. In the morning we head off to visit an award-winning Catalan goat cheese maker, whose fresh and aged cheeses are made daily on the premises, and aged in the underground cave. Taste the cheeses with accompanying local wines. Next see a prestigious winery set in the Pyrenees foothills. Wine production in the region is enjoying a renaissance fueled by the introduction of modern methods and grape varieties. Visit one of the best local wineries where the owners will show you the vineyard and the cellar. Grill Catalan sausages and lamb with the winemakers for lunch. See a ceramic-producing town where Mediterranean tableware and decorative objects line the streets. Tonight, enjoy contemporary Catalan cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.
Girona
Day 2
The Girona region lies between France and the Mediterranean, and includes the city of Girona, the stunning Costa Brava, and gentle pre-Pyrenean countryside. Our first stop is the vibrant city of Girona. Enjoy a private walking tour through the winding streets of the historic Jewish quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe. Witness the medieval Arab baths, the Jewish Culture Museum, and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral. Next you will be treated to a tasting of local cheeses accompanied by artisanal membrillos (quince paste). Lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern, local cuisine. Continue with a private cooking class at your hotel. Once finished, savor dinner in the hotel’s dining room with local D.O. Empordà wines.
The Costa Brava
Day 3
Spend a relaxing day along the stunning Costa Brava (Wild Coast) with a private guide. First, visit Púbol, where Salvador Dalí’s restored castle is found, complete with Dalí artwork. Next, visit the town of La Bisbal whose streets are lined with Mediterranean pottery stores. Lunch is in a Mediterranean coastal village, where fresh fish and shellfish are from the morning’s catch. Return to the hotel after lunch for the rest of the afternoon at leisure. For dinner tonight, consider the three-Michelin starred Celler de Can Roca Restaurant, whose chef Joan Roca creates some of Spain’s most stunning modern dishes in elegant surroundings. If you choose this option, you would be treated to a private kitchen tour before dinner. Or choose one-Michelin starred BoTic restaurant.
Avignon / Saint Remy
Day 4
Transfer to the Girona train station for your train to Provence. Arrive in Avignon where you will be met by your driver and taken to your hotel nestled amidst the Alpilles mountains in Provence. Just a few minutes walk into the charming town of Saint Remy once home to Van Gogh and Nostradamus. You can relax by the pool or enjoy your time in town, you will want to stop and try the famous alphabet chocolates. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel.
Saint Remy / Gordes
Day 5
This morning, take a market tour of Saint Remy des Provence. Enjoy lunch in the perched village of Gordes overlooking the Luberon at the gastronomic restaurant by Chef Pascal Ginoux. The Les Bories, 1 star Michelin restaurant offers amazing Provencal flavors with an impressive presentation. Following lunch you will explore the hilltop town with its narrow streets and quaint shops. There may also be time for a short visit to the Senanque Abbey before heading back to your hotel. Dinner this evening is on your own.
Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Day 6
Your driver guide will pick you up for a wine blending workshop in the Rhone Valley to learn to blend your own personal wine (choosing from different single varietals). Meanwhile, you will learn how to taste wines and you will leave the class with your personalized bottle. Following class you will stop for a Chocolate & wine pairing. For lunch you will picnic in the vineyards of the Cotes du Ventoux & wine tasting. Then after lunch a scenic drive in the Dentelles de Montmirail before doing a muscat wine tasting and olive oil tasting in Beaumes de Venise
Departure
Day 7
Driver will pick you up and take you to either the Marseille airport or to the Avignon Train station for your departure.
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