15 days/14 nights
Day 1 - Paris The tour begins with welcome drinks at a centrally located hotel in Paris. If you wish to extend your stay we can book pre-tour accommodation at this or a wide variety of alternative hotels. Day 2 - Sarlat Transfer to the train station or airport for the trip to Bordeaux, where a private driver awaits. A bus ride of approximately 1½ hours takes us to your home for the next 3 nights, Sarlat-La-Caneda. Sarlat is an exquisite restored medieval town set amid forested hills. The town is a seductive tangle of golden cobblestone alleys that are off-limits to cars, and peppered with beautiful buildings and tempting shops. Warmly lit at night, the town is perfect for after-dinner strolls. The hotel is a charming 3-star residence five minutes away from the centre of historic Sarlat, offering tastefully decorated rooms, a bar and swimming pool. Enjoy the freedom to wander the village in the evenings. After arrival in Sarlat, partake in an orientation tour for an introduction to the history and architecture of the village. This evening, savor a welcome dinner in a favorite local restaurant, the beautiful “Le Presidial” restaurant, once the Royal Court in the 16th century! Day 3 - Sarlat This morning, visit the C12 Chateau of Castelnaud, with its fascinating medieval military museum and stunning views over the Dordogne Valley. Afterwards, take the scenic route along the Dordogne River to the feudal village of Beynac, tumbling down a steep hill from its massive castle to the river far below. Discover the fascinating history of both these castles, linked with the Hundred Years‘ War between England and France. This afternoon, enjoy an entertaining day of cooking classes with Jim Fisher at a beautiful stone farmhouse, “Bombel”, owned by the charming chef Jim. Afterward, receive all recipes, a complimentary “Cook in France” apron and, of course, enjoy the fruits of your labors at lunch and dinner! Day 4 - Sarlat environs Start today by exploring the beautiful riverside village of La Roque Gageac, classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. The visit here includes an hour cruising on a “Gabare” or traditional Dordogne riverboat, affording wonderful views of the village and castle from the river. A highlight today is a gourmet lunch at the undiscovered village of St. Chamassy - the restaurant is a well-guarded secret by the locals. Many past travelers have commented that this is the most memorable meal they have ever had (and no tourists know about it!). Day 5 - Sarlat and environs Today, savor a full morning to relax and explore the colorful mid-week market in Sarlat, and then enjoy a visit to the spectacular historic village of Rocamadour, an ancient pilgrimage center steeped in history. Famous visitors to this religious shrine (part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela) included Eleanor of Aquitane, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry Plantagenet. On the way home, stop for dinner at a fantastic local restaurant, set in a picturesque location on a tiny waterway. Day 6 - Sarlat and environs The Dordogne region is famous for its prehistoric caves and cave paintings, and this afternoon visit Grotte de Font de Gaume, one of the only remaining original caves open to the public. Tour the area with an expert guide who will highlight the incredible display of bison and reindeer in reddish hues, which date back 15,000 years. Continue on to explore prehistoric France with a visit to “La Roque St Christophe”, the largest cave site in Western Europe, which has been occupied by man over a history encompassing prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Day 7 - San Sebastián Leave Sarlat this morning and drive south via Bordeaux across the border into Spain and the next destination, San Sebastián - the gastronomic capital. Settle into the luxury hotel and enjoy some leisure time. This evening, participate in a guided pintxos tour in the charming Parte Vieja of this beautiful, elegant city. An engaging local resident and specialist in Basque cuisine will serve as the guide for the evening. Enjoy this eating experience like no other. Pintxos range from the traditional grilled wild mushrooms, spicy stuffed peppers, and Iberian ham, to elaborate creations made by young chefs trained by the greats who have decided to take their culinary talents down a new path. Day 8 - La Rioja Full-day excursion to La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region. Visit a wine producer during an exclusive tour arranged especially for the group. After a wine tasting guided by the winery owner, experience a defining Riojan meal of baby lamb roasted over grapevine cuttings. Marvel at the taste of this lamb, which is like none other because the lambs are milk-fed and the grape vine fuel imparts a unique, sweet flavor to the meat. Following this special lunch, enjoy a visit to another renowned winery, with plenty of time to savor the wine and discuss winemaking with the cellar owner. Return to San Sebastian. As evening falls, a private guide picks up the group for a private pintxos (tapas) tour through the atmospheric Old Town. This is a fantastic experience; the guide shares his favourite pintxos “route”, which consists of a pintxos taste and a glass of wine or beer in each establishment. Everyone will greatly enjoy the company of the locals along the route, both inside and outside on the streets. Day 9 - San Sebastián Enjoy a marvelous coastal walk today, from the heart of San Sebastián to the fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan, gently climbing Monte Ulia along the way. After a picturesque 3-mile walk along the scenic and rugged coastline, arrive at La Plata Lighthouse before turning down to the large fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan. Enjoy a spectacular lunch overlooking the water in this charming village that inspired Victor Hugo to write the 1843 Voyage aux Pyrenees. This evening, enjoy a very special dinner at Arzak, the restaurant of Juan Mari Arzak, a three Michelin-starred chef. Day 10 - San Sebastián This morning, partake in a guided visit through the farmer’s market with a skilled epicurean guide, and receive an interactive overview of local products and delicacies. Visit some of the best specialty gourmet market stalls to enjoy tastings of raw sheep’s milk cheeses and top quality bellota ham. Walk to the Gastronomic Society to take part in a cooking class in a traditional Gastronomic Club frequented by leading chefs and culinary aficionados, and renowned as the most prestigious gastronomic society in the region. A talented Basque chef will lead in the creation of a multi-course lunch accompanied by regional wines. Day 11 - Barcelona Transfer to the airport to fly to Barcelona. Upon arriving in Barcelona, spend some time relaxing in the luxury hotel in which you will spend the next four nights. This hotel is a beautiful and historic four-star boutique hotel. Typical of the 18th-century palace the hotel was in its former life, its reception area is lofty, grand, and made to impress. The designers have shaken off the onerous formality of its haughty past and created a vibrant, polished, and light-filled space that feels truly modern and inviting. With its chic interiors, 22 stylish rooms, and upscale dining, this hotel is at the forefront of hip small hotels. This evening, enjoy a light dinner in one of the local Cava (sparking wine) bars. Over dinner, discuss the plan for Barcelona and its environs, which includes the historic, the contemporary and the gourmet! Discover the wonderful architecture of Gaudi, Catalan traditions, and history, some of the loveliest squares in Europe, and several exceptional restaurants. There will also be time to explore some great local shopping areas, cafes and bars! Day 12 - Barcelona Treasure a private guided walking tour through the Modernist District, stopping by architect Antoni Gaudi’s most famous buildings. Enjoy a private minibus up to the hilltop overlooking Barcelona to visit Gaudi’s Parc Guell and savor an unforgettable view of the city. At the end of the tour, the guide will accompany the group to one of Barcelona’s Bistronomic restaurants. These Bistronomic restaurants are making news for their market-driven contemporary approach to Catalan cuisine, and many appear in the 2011 Michelin guide. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Day 13 - Barcelona This morning, meet for a Catalan cooking class in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The experience will start with a tour of Barcelona’s famous Boqueria Market, guided by a culinary expert who will highlight the market’s stellar seafood and charcuterie selections. Then, spend over three hours at the cooking school learning how to prepare a savory and distinctly Catalan meal. Afterward, take a walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, admiring the boutique food shops specializing in Catalan cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and even artisanal candy. As the sun sets, gather on the seaside terrace of a traditional Catalan restaurant in the seaside Barceloneta district, where the owner, Enrique, will hand select the wines to accompany memorable seafood and rice dishes. This evening why not look for one of the local guitar concerts that are held almost nightly in the local churches?! Day 14 - Girona Today, visit historic Girona, a vibrant city known as “Little Barcelona”. Participate in a private walking tour through the winding streets of the city’s market, the old town and the historic Jewish quarter. The city has a rich heritage, full of historic and cultural beauty. The narrow, twisting lanes and closely huddled houses of the old city have a magical quality, peppered with small boutiques and charming restaurants. Take in the scenery, the street life, and the local flavor, stopping along the way at specialty food shops for tastings of Catalan cheese, Iberian ham, and typical regional sweets. Visit the stunning Costa Brava and marvel at this spectacular seascape. Have lunch in one of the coast’s outdoor restaurants overlooking a delightfully picturesque cove filled with painted fishing boats. Return to Barcelona and enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner at the prestigious hotel restaurant. Day 15 - Departure Prepare for your journey home. Notes: The trip price is based on the included services and the number of people traveling. Trips start from $400 per person per day. This trip is available year round and is fully customizable, whether your ideal trip would last three days or three weeks. Please contact Epicurean Ways for detailed information and suggestions. Let us help you complete your Spanish experience. 
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