Itinerary

8 days/7 nights

Sevilla

Day 1

Check in to your historic hotel, which is located in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, Sevilla’s central district and medieval Jewish Quarter. This charming neighborhood is one of Spain’s largest intact historic districts and today mostly pedestrianized. In the early evening your private guide will pick you up for a tapas tour through the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Sample authentic traditional tapas, accompanied by wine and beer, at a four or five tapas bars, each with their own specialty.

Sevilla Cooking

Day 2

This morning meet one of Sevilla’s renowned chefs for a walk through the market.  At the market, he will explain some of the most typical ingredients used in Andalusian cuisine, including the many types of fish and shellfish from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Afterwards your local Sevilla guide will take you on guided walking tour through historic Sevilla and its charming labyrinthine streets. Marvel at this ancient city’s astonishing monuments, including the Alcázar, a Moorish-built palace complete with traditional patios, fountains and amazing hand-crafted tile work. Visit the Gothic cathedral – the third-largest church in the world – and climb to the bell tower to appreciate magnificent panoramic views of the city, including of the Guadalquivir River and the many stunning bridges that span it, old and new. Enjoy lunch at the chef’s restaurant in the historic Jewish quarter of Sevilla. After lunch our local guide will pick you up for a walking tour of Sevilla’s historic quarter, the Alcázar, and the cathedral. This evening, you may want to enjoy a flamenco performance in one of Sevilla’s flamenco performance centers.

Iberian Jamón Tour

Day 3

Take a full-day Iberian ham tour. Marvel at the unique Holm oak-studded landscape while you travel through the Iberian countryside. The production of Iberian ham, or jamón ibérico, is an example of the ultimate traditional, sustainable, and low-impact agricultural system. Accompany a local expert on a visit to a farm to see how the native pigs are reared, ranging free, feeding on acorns.  After sampling the mouth-watering ham at the farm, continue on to the town of Aracena to enjoy a lunch that truly highlights what “eating local” should be: savor the finest local ham, cheese, mushrooms, pork, and produce.  Back in historic Sevilla, enjoy dinner on your own, and perhaps a glass of wine in Sevilla’s oldest bar.

Jerez de la Frontera

Day 4

Today, learn why many of the world’s top wine critics believe that sherry is the most underrated fine wine in the world.  Travel to nearby Jerez de la Frontera, where a private wine expert will guide you through tastings of Jerez sherries and brandies.  The first visit will be to a vineyard outside of Jerez to see how the Palomino grapes are cultivated and to learn what factors affect grape production and quality.  Once in town, come to understand the sherry-making process by exploring two bodegas and participating in a tasting of various sherry types, ranging from dry fino to sweet sherry.  Savor a delicious lunch in one of the best restaurants in Jerez, sampling traditional local delicacies and fine wines. After lunch, when available, attend a performance of the world-famous Andalucían “dancing stallions”, run by the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art, which maintains the classical traditions of Spanish baroque horsemanship (this show is only available on certain days). Return to Sevilla. For dinner you may want to revisit some of the tapas bars in the historic quarter. Or we can reserve you a table at one our favorite restaurants.

Córdoba

Day 5

Take the 45 minute high-speed train trip to nearby Córdoba, which was once the most populous city in the world, the intellectual center of Europe, and the capital of an Islamic caliphate.  Enjoy a private walking tour of the old city including the charming, winding streets of the Juderia and the impressive Mezquita, an 8th-century Moorish mosque with a 13th-century Christian Cathedral inserted within it.  In the afternoon, savor a delicious lunch of tapas in one of Córdoba’s best tapas restaurants, and explore Córdoba’s charming neighborhoods. In the evening spend time in the beautiful arabic baths, or attend a classic Andalusian equestrian show in the Royal Stables before dinner in a Michelin star restaurant serving modernized Andalusian cuisine.

Granada

Day 6

Take the train to the stunning city of Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. After a light tapas lunch your afternoon will be dedicated to a private guided visit of the Alhambra. The Alhambra was the palace of the rulers of the Kingdom of Granada. Once left to neglect and abandon, the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens are today stunning reminders of long ago glory. The city of Granada is fascinating beyond the Alhambra, with the Albaícin neighborhood and the stately streets surrounding the Cathedral. Enjoy dinner in a highly regarded traditional restaurant.

Granada - Madrid

Day 7

Take the train north to Madrid. After checking in to your hotel meet Madrid’s leading culinary expert and food historian for an exploration of the current tapas scene in Madrid. Traditional tapas, avant-garde tapas, minimalist tapas–you will try them all. The remainder of your day will be free to visit boutiques, specialty food shops, the world class museums like the Prado, the Reina Sofía, or visit the city’s Retiro Park.

Depart Madrid

Day 8

Private transfer to the Madrid airport for the return journey home.