Gourmet Spain

Discover the gastronomic delights of Spain as you travel through the north of this vibrant country - sample delicious Basque pintxos in San Sebastian, try avant-garde Michelin-starred meals in Barcelona and immerse yourself in the cuisine of Catalonia.

1. Fly to Bilbao

2. Days 1-4: San Sebastian, Spain

   Start your foodie adventure in San Sebastian, the culinary capital of the Basque Country. One of Spain's most celebrated regions for gastronomy, this sophisticated city is where Michelin-starred restaurants meet traditional, lively pintxos bars.

   Spend three nights at the iconic Hotel Maria Cristina, the Grande Dame of San Sebastian and a true landmark of the city. From here, you'll have ample opportunity to explore the very best that San Sebastian and the Basque Country have to offer. Spend days admiring the elegant Belle Époque architecture of the Old Town, before joining your private guide, and the locals, in pintxos bars at night. A real San Sebastian delicacy, these mouth-watering bites are the Basque version of tapas and offer an insight into the local food culture. For a more hands-on culinary experience, try your hand at learning recipes in a cooking masterclass, or join a private guide for a truly memorable lunch at one of San Sebastian's mysterious members-only Gastronomic Societies.

   Outside of San Sebastian, there are several picturesque fishing villages such as Getaria dotted along the Basque coastline that are well worth exploring, and those looking to tick another country off the list could even make the short drive over to glamorous Biarritz in the French Pays basque. To the south, the Rioja region boasts a wide selection of wineries, renowned for producing some of the best wines in Europe. Spend a day winding your way between the region's hilltop villages, sampling the local produce at a handful of the wineries.

   Accommodation: Hotel Maria Cristina (3 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Barcelona, Spain

   After your discovery of Basque delicacies, fly east to bustling Barcelona. A city famed for its impressive architecture and cultural scene, Barcelona is also home to a huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants, boasting more than any other city in Europe. Spend three nights staying in Barcelona's picturesque Gothic Quarter, within easy walking distance from many of the city's main sights.

   For a culture fix, discover Antoni Gaudi's wonderful architecture - his surreal masterpieces have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy views over the city rooftops from the enchanting gardens of Park Guell and wonder at the towering spires and colourful interiors of the Sagrada Familia. Foodies can get to grips with local cuisine in a hands-on cooking masterclass, joining an expert chef to learn the secrets behind traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes. In the evenings, Michelin-starred meals are a must. With everything from the very best in tapas to the finest contemporary Catalan cuisine, Barcelona's culinary offerings are second-to-none.

   Accommodation: Hotel Neri (3 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Torrent, Catalonia

   For the final leg of your trip, it's time to head north to rural Catalonia, for three nights at the charming Mas de Torrent. An 18th-century farmhouse turned boutique hotel, Mas de Torrent is surrounded by the beautiful Catalan countryside, from pine forests to rolling meadows, with secluded beaches just a short drive away.

   Just 40 minutes from Mas de Torrent is Girona, a charming city boasting a wealth of Gothic architecture and a range of delicious dining options. Itself a hub for fantastic Catalan cuisine, Girona has excellent gastronomic credentials and is home to El Celler de Can Roca, twice ranked number one restaurant in the world.

   For culture lovers, nearby Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and now boasts a museum dedicated to his artwork. Admire his masterpieces with a tour of the museum, or continue towards the coast to discover charming fishing villages such as Cadaques, where the freshest seafood awaits.

   Accommodation: Mas de Torrent (2 nights)

5. Fly home from Barcelona

• Cooking masterclass and markets of Barcelona

  Immerse yourself in the world of Catalan and Spanish cuisines with a cooking masterclass alongside an expert chef. Head to the market to taste local specialities before returning to the kitchen to learn how to make dishes such as paella and gazpacho soup.

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• Tour of Girona and Figueres

  Explore the Catalan cities of Girona and Figueres, packed with history, art and beautiful architecture. Learn about Salvador Dali in Figueres, his birthplace, before discovering the medieval history of Girona.

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San Sebastian, Barcelona & Costa Brava