Epicurean Mediterranean Journey

Welcome to Barcelona!!! Where our tour director will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. You will have the rest of your day free to settle in and explore the surrounding area.

• Accommodation: Luxury heritage 4-star hotel or higher.

On our first day in Barcelona, we’ll spend the morning exploring Montserrat, a spectacular Benedictine mountain retreat that offers stunning views and deep spiritual significance.

The history of Montserrat dates back to 880 AD, when a group of shepherd children saw a bright light descending from the sky in the Montserrat mountains. This vision led to the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary in a cave, which soon became a revered pilgrimage site. Since then, Montserrat has been a place of devotion for pilgrims from around the world.

We’ll begin our journey at the foot of the mountain and take a cable car up to the entrance of the Montserrat Monastery. After a guided tour, we’ll continue our ascent via two funiculars, each offering breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona and the surrounding landscapes.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Barcelona to visit its most iconic landmark, La Sagrada Familia. This magnificent basilica, designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (added in 1984).

Construction began in 1882, and despite Gaudi’s tragic death in 1926—his remains rest in the crypt—the project has continued, with the expectation of completion in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s passing.

Enjoy dinner at your own pace—wander the lively streets of Barcelona to discover a hidden gem, or choose from one of our carefully selected restaurant suggestions for an authentic local experience.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Montserrat (tickets, cable car and funicular included) / Sagrada familia (guided and tickets)

On our second day, we’ll begin early with a visit to one of Barcelona’s most iconic spots: La Boqueria Market. Known for its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products, La Boqueria offers an unforgettable sensory experience. A traditional breakfast of fresh fruit and a delicious pastry from one of the market’s local vendors is a must-try- the perfect beginning to our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey.

Our next stop is just a short walk away: Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Here, we’ll wander through narrow medieval streets, admire the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, and explore the historical remnants of Roman walls. The Gothic Quarter is full of charming plazas, offering the perfect opportunity to soak in the city’s rich history and unique atmosphere.

From there, we’ll continue with a thematic journey into the world of Antoni Gaudi. We’ll visit two of his architectural masterpieces: La Pedrera (Casa Mila) and Casa Batllo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and essential icons of the city.

To finish our day in a more relaxed way, and once again following Gaudi’s creative path, we’ll visit the marvelous Park Guell. With its colorful mosaics, whimsical architectural features, and panoramic views of Barcelona, Park Guell is the perfect place to unwind while experiencing the genius of one of Spain’s most celebrated architects.

• Accommodation: Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Barcelona (Full-Guided day) / La Pedrera & Casa Batllo (tickets and audio guide included)

After breakfast, we’ll leave Barcelona behind to begin our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey along the coast.

Our first stop will be Vilafranca del Penedes, a town renowned for its sparkling wines. Here, we’ll visit VINSEUM, the Museum of Wine Cultures in Catalonia, where we’ll dive into the fascinating history of winemaking in the region. Interactive exhibits trace Catalonia’s traditions, from ancient practices to modern innovations, and of course, we’ll enjoy tastings of its celebrated sparkling wines.

We’ll then continue through the comarca to enjoy our first wine tasting of the trip at Torre del Veguer, a scenic estate that offers a unique experience centered on the perfect pairing of cheese and wine. While sampling locally produced cheeses, we’ll savor the surrounding vineyard views that make this area a true paradise for wine lovers.

In the late afternoon, after our tasting and a traditional local lunch, we’ll head toward Tarragona, where the rest of the evening will be free to explore this historic city — which we’ll discover in more detail the following day.

• Accommodation: Hotel Mas la Boella / Hotel Imperial Tarraco / Etc.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Vinseum Wine Museum (tickets included)
• Tasting: Torre del Veguer (Wine & Cheese tasting)

Today, we’ll fully immerse ourselves in Tarragona’s Roman heritage.

With a private guide, we’ll begin at the Roman Amphitheatre, dramatically set by the sea, where gladiators once fought. From there, we’ll continue to the Roman Circus, the site of thrilling chariot races, before visiting the Pont del Diable, an impressive aqueduct that once carried water to the city.

As we wander through the old town, we’ll encounter a remarkable blend of Roman ruins and medieval architecture, offering a vivid glimpse into Tarragona’s layered past. From the ancient city walls to the Roman Forum, every corner of this UNESCO-listed city reveals another chapter of history.

We’ll end the day with a traditional Catalan dinner, where regional specialties are paired with local wines, the perfect conclusion to our journey through Tarragona’s cultural treasures.

• Accommodation: Hotel Mas la Boella / Hotel Imperial Tarraco / Etc.
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities: Tarragona (Full-guided Tour day)

This day will revolve around flavors and the palate, another highlight of our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey.

We’ll start slowly at our hotel, enjoying a traditional breakfast where fresh bread and natural tomato are essential.

By late morning, we’ll leave Tarragona and the coast behind, driving inland toward the rugged hills of the Priorat DOQ, passing through olive groves and terraced vineyards clinging to slate slopes.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Siurana, a picturesque cliff-top village with sweeping views and a fascinating history of Moorish rule and medieval reconquest. Perfect for a peaceful stroll through stone-paved streets and historic landmarks, Siurana invites us to pause for a light lunch of local cheeses, olive oil, and artisan bread.

The afternoon will be unforgettable for wine lovers. We’ll visit two boutique Priorat bodegas for private tastings of their renowned reds — Garnacha and Cariñena — while learning how the region’s unique llicorella slate soil shapes their distinctive character.

In the evening, we’ll check into a charming boutique winery hotel. Dinner will feature a winemaker’s menu, perfectly paired with estate wines and served among the very vines that produced them — the perfect way to crown a day dedicated to the senses.

• Accommodation: Boutique Winery Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
• Tasting: Priorat Wine Tasting (X2)

We’ll wake up in the quiet beauty of a boutique winery, beginning the morning with a peaceful stroll through its gardens and panoramic views over the rolling green landscapes.

Enjoying a leisurely breakfast here is the perfect way to begin another chapter of our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey along Spain’s sun-kissed coast.

From here, we’ll descend from the mountains back to the sea, making our first stop in Reus, the birthplace of Antoni Gaudi. We’ll follow a Modernist walking route, discovering some of the city’s most striking modernist buildings — a true architectural gem in Spain’s history.

Reus is also celebrated as the capital of vermouth, so we cannot miss a visit to the Museo del Vermut, a one-of-a-kind museum that houses more than 1,500 international bottles, capturing the essence of this iconic aperitif.

Continuing south, we’ll pause in Sant Carles de la Rapita to enjoy a seafood lunch of oysters, mussels, and langoustines, freshly harvested from the bay’s farms.

By late afternoon, we’ll reach Peñiscola, one of Spain’s most photogenic seaside towns. Here we’ll explore the dramatic Papa Luna Castle — where the fascinating story of the two popes unfolds — and wander through narrow whitewashed streets lined with craft shops and tapas bars.

To end the day, nothing beats a relaxed dinner featuring a local rice dish, perhaps paired with a crisp white wine from DO Valencia or DO Terra Alta.

• Accommodation: Parador de Peniscola / Hotel RH Portocristo & Wellness
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Reus (Full-guided Tour) / Vermouth Museum (Tickets Included)
• Tasting: Vermouth Tasting

Today, you will start your morning with a leisurely breakfast overlooking Peñiscola’s waterfront before heading south along the Mediterranean coastal route.

Our next stop will be the city of Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, just an hour and a half away, where the road runs parallel to the Mediterranean.

After checking in at our hotel, we’ll visit landmarks such as the Valencia Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), and the El Carmen neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, lively atmosphere, street art, and trendy spots. This immersive experience highlights the city’s rich blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Modernist architecture.

We’ll also stop in the Ruzafa district for lunch. This vibrant neighborhood is famous for its art galleries, design shops, and gastronomic scene, offering a wide range of bars and restaurants serving everything from traditional Valencian cuisine to modern fusion dishes.

The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax or discover more corners of the city, such as the Jardines del Turia, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. This scenic green space follows the former riverbed and is ideal for wandering beneath the shade of orange trees, cypress trees, and jacaranda blossoms.

For dinner, we have special recommendations where you can savor local specialties paired with regional wines.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a guided visit to Mercado Central Valencia, a bustling food market brimming with vibrant colors, aromas, and local life. It’s the perfect place to discover fresh ingredients and traditional flavors at the heart of Valencian cuisine.

Next, as part of our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey, we’ll join a hands-on paella cooking class led by a local chef. Here, you’ll uncover the secrets behind Spain’s most iconic dish, preparing it step by step before enjoying your creation paired with fine Valencian wine.

In the afternoon, after this culinary immersion, it’s time for a memorable experience on the waters of Albufera Natural Park.

Aboard a traditional wooden boat, we’ll glide peacefully across Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon, surrounded by rice paddies, diverse birdlife, and the serene landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. As the sun sets, this tranquil cruise provides the perfect transition from cultural exploration to nature’s embrace.

To close this gastronomic day in Valencia, we’ll savor a delightful dinner in a charming restaurant overlooking the Albufera—an unforgettable finale to a day steeped in flavors, tradition, and Mediterranean beauty.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
• Activities: Paella Cooking Class & Albufera Natural Park (Private Boat trip)

On this day, we’ll say farewell to Valencia in the morning and head inland toward Requena, the heart of the Utiel-Requena DO wine region — a highlight of our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey.

We’ll stroll through the old town, known as La Villa, a charming maze of cobbled streets, noble houses, and medieval churches. As you wander its peaceful squares, you’ll step back in time to the Moorish and medieval eras that shaped this hilltop town.

Our first stop is the famous Requena wine caves, a network of underground cellars carved into limestone beneath the old town. These 12th-century caves, once used for wine storage and food preservation, now offer guided tastings of Bobal wines, the region’s signature varietal. Learn about the centuries-old winemaking traditions that have made Requena a key stop along Spain’s renowned wine route.

Next, we’ll visit a family-run bodega just outside town to witness modern winemaking techniques in harmony with ancient soil. A tasting here, combined with panoramic views over vineyards bathed in golden light, provides the perfect close to your Requena wine adventure.

From Requena, we’ll take the scenic national road south, winding through small villages such as Cofrentes and Ayora, where whitewashed houses and quiet plazas invite a short walk. Here, we’ll stop for a traditional lunch in a local tavern — hearty gazpacho manchego or grilled lamb are favorites in this inland region.

Finally, in the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Elche, a city steeped in history and famous for its Palmeral, a vast palm grove declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After checking into your boutique hotel, we’ll stroll through the Huerto del Cura Garden, where date palms and exotic plants create a serene Mediterranean oasis.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Requena Wine Caves (Tickets included)
• Tasting: Bobal Wine Tasting

We’ll leave Elche in the morning and head inland toward Jumilla, located in the Murcia Region, one of Spain’s most acclaimed DO wine regions.

Here, you’ll visit the Museo del Vino Hacienda del Carche for a fully guided sensorial experience. The museum takes you step by step through all aspects of winemaking — from soil preparation and traditional tools to modern laboratory techniques — while showing how these practices have evolved throughout history.

After discovering the secrets of this DO, we’ll visit a family-run winery to explore its cellars and enjoy a tasting of robust Monastrell wines paired with local delicacies.

From Jumilla, we’ll continue south toward Cartagena, with stops at hidden gems along the way. The route passes through the picturesque Ricote Valley, where whitewashed Moorish heritage villages such as Archena and Blanca preserve the charm of Andalusi tradition, surrounded by citrus groves and rugged hills.

We’ll pause for a traditional lunch in a local tavern, savoring hearty Murcian dishes that reflect the valley’s fertile land — think rice dishes, fresh vegetables, and regional tapas.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Cartagena. Your evening will be free to explore the city’s streets, where ancient Roman ruins, modernist façades, and the lively port atmosphere set the stage for tomorrow’s discoveries.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Activities: Museo del Vino Hacienda del Carche (Tickets included)
• Tasting: Monastrell Wine Tasting

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided visit of Cartagena’s remarkable Roman heritage.

We’ll explore the Roman Theatre, one of the most important in Spain, visit the Punic Wall Interpretation Center to discover the city’s Carthaginian roots, and stroll through the historic port area, where ancient and modern architecture blend beautifully.

We’ll bid farewell to Cartagena and take the scenic coastal road, making short stops in picturesque towns such as Aguilas, a charming fishing village with a seafront promenade and a castle overlooking the sea.

Continuing along the coast, we’ll reach Mojacar Pueblo, a dazzling whitewashed hilltop village known for its Moorish charm, narrow alleys, and breathtaking Mediterranean views. Here, we’ll savor the scenery and enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch accompanied by local wines.

Approaching the city of Almería along the coast, we’ll have the opportunity to pause and discover what is perhaps one of Spain’s most unspoiled coastal landscapes: Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

We’ll arrive in Almeria in the early evening, and after checking into our cozy hotel, you’ll have time to relax or take a stroll around Almeria’s Alcazaba fortress, the second-largest Moorish citadel in Spain, before enjoying a dinner of fresh seafood tapas.

• Accommodation: Hotel Catedral Almeria / Aire Hotel & Ancient Baths
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Cartagena Guided-Tour

It’s our last day on the road, and the longest in terms of distance. After an early breakfast, we’ll enjoy a brief guided visit with a short walk around Almeria’s old town, including the Cathedral-Fortress.

On our way to Malaga and the famous Costa del Sol, we’ll pass through the curious town of El Ejido, one of Europe’s largest agricultural hubs. The landscape of white greenhouses, often called the “Plastic Sea,” stretches endlessly and is even visible from space.

Continuing along the coast, we’ll reach Nerja, home to one of the region’s greatest natural treasures: the Nerja Caves. Formed over 20,000 years ago, these vast underground galleries are a geological and archaeological marvel. We’ll explore them on a guided one-hour tour.

Please note: moderate physical fitness is recommended; this activity is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

After this underground adventure, we’ll pause for lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoying fresh Mediterranean seafood, such as sardines “espeto” style. Afterwards, we’ll stop at the famous Balcony of Europe, a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean.

Our final stop before reaching Málaga will be Frigiliana, often hailed as one of the most beautiful white villages in Spain. Perched on the mountainside, its steep cobblestone alleyways, immaculate whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies offer a perfect blend of Moorish charm and Mediterranean color—a postcard-perfect destination you won’t forget.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Malaga, the heart of the Costa del Sol, a vibrant city full of life and spirit.

After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Malaga’s historic center, visit museums, shop, or simply enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere and golden evening light.

• Accommodation: Palacio Solecio / Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Nerja Caves (Guided and tickets included)

Our last day of our Epicurean Mediterranean Journey concludes in Malaga.

After a Mediterranean breakfast, the day is all about soaking up the charm and culture of this city, which perfectly blends history, art, and a lively Mediterranean spirit.

We’ll explore landmarks such as the Alcazaba, a well-preserved Moorish fortress with sweeping views over the city, and the magnificent Cathedral, often called La Manquita for its unfinished tower. Just below the Alcazaba lie the Roman Theatre ruins, a fascinating link to Malaga’s ancient past.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the city’s most famous son, while the historic center invites us to wander its bustling streets lined with boutiques, taverns, and lively tapas bars—the perfect setting to pause and enjoy a glass of local wine.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, bringing our journey to a close with Malaga’s delicious cuisine and warm hospitality.

It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable journey through Spain. After breakfast, we’ll arrange your private transfer to the airport, train station, or your next destination—ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.

¡hasta pronto!

• Meals: Breakfast