Hola! Welcome to Spain. Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please check with hotel reception or look on the reception noticeboard for where and when the meeting will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Have your insurance and next of kin details on hand as we'll be collecting them at this meeting. For those who arrive early, perhaps explore the streets of the old Gothic Quarter, check out the Picasso Museum, wander the tree-lined pedestrian boulevard of ...

This morning, get ready for a truly authentic introduction to Catalan cuisine with a passionate Barcelona foodie and respected chef. Catalan cuisine is strongly based in the Mediterranean tradition, featuring fresh local ingredients like tomato, eggplant, garlic and capsicum. Intensely flavoured fish including sardines, anchovy and salted cod and a myriad of pork products are also celebrated within Catalan food culture. Be sure to seek out favourites like botifarra (pork sausage) or faves a la catalana (broad beans with Iberian ham). Taste your way through the stalls of Santa Catarina Market, a huge trove of local produce beneath a colourful, undulating roof, and pick up some ingredients for a cooking demonstration. Hang out with the locals as they select the best piece of meat, feel for the crispest vegetable and choose the fr...

Ride the rails east to the prized vineyards of La Rioja wine region and Logrono (approximately 3.5 hours). The town sits on the banks of the Ebro river and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. It also boast one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the county and is home to some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, all crammed into its small medieval centre. Stroll the streets of this favourite stopfor pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela. Logrono is a handsome city of medieval fortifications, where much work is being done to restore it to its full glory. This evening you’ll go on a walking tour of the Old Quarter, wandering down Calla del Laurel and the 60 or so taperias (tapas bars) that line the way. This is the perfect opportunity to sample the regional delicacies. Each bar has i...

This morning you’ll stop past the Logrono market and select some provisions for a picnic lunch.. Much of the produce on sale is grown or made within a few kilometres of town. Then take a local bus (approximately 30 minutes) and go back in time in the historic walled town of Laguardia, perched atop a rock foundation. This is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval villages in Spain. The entire centre of Laguardia is traffic free as underground lies a maze of tunnels, used to make and store wine for centuries. Here you’ll tour Laguardia's wine caves and then enjoy a guided tasting through some of the region's distinct varietals. If the weather’s on your side, stroll through enchanting vineyards. Later in the afternoon, catch a bus (approximately 2 hours) to the stunning seaside San Sebastian, jewel of the Basque country a...

One of the secrets to the success of San Sebastian’s food scene is the obsession with high quality, local, seasonal ingredients. The best way to experience this first-hand it to visit the traditional food markets of La Bretxa or San Martin, and you’ll do just that this morning as you collect ingredients for a masterclass in Basque cuisine. In this hands-on cooking class you’ll learn how to prepare some of the signature dishes of the region, and you’ll also taste iconic Basque products including idiazabal, a local Basque cheese, and txacoli, a lighly sparkling dry white wine. The afternoon is free you to explore the town or surrounding area more. Perhaps catch a cable car to Monte Igueldo for some truly spectacular views  or take a trip along the winding coast to the nearby small fishing village of Getaria. Maybe discover S...

Continue east to Bilbao (approximately 1 hour), a city that was revitalised by the arrival of the Guggenheim. Spend some free time visiting Frank Gehry’s iconic sweeping metal building and the artistic treasures housed inside and out. The skyline here has changed rapidly since the arrival of the museum, this industrial city now boasting over 40 landmarks for architecture and design enthusiasts. After lunch, climb by bus (approximately 3 hours) up to the Picos de Europa National Park. The park is not what many people picture as Spain; it’s an Alpine landscape, high, cool, lush and green, with forests, deep gorges through the cliffs, and grassland dotted with photogenic toffee-coloured cows. Covering some 647 square kilometres, Picos de Europa is Spain's second largest national park and spans across the three provinces of Astur...

This morning take a short trip to the beautiful small mountain town of Potes, nestled in the Picos de Europa National Park in the Cantabria province. Bordered by stunning ancient monasteries, Potes is brimming with centuries of history, and is a quaint tapestry of bridges, narrow winding streets and splendid old houses. You will arrive in time to experience the wonderful weekly food market. With some documents dating the market back to 1291, this is considered one of the oldest markets in Spain. Enjoy a market brunch of Cantabrian products purchased from the stallholders. Depending on the season, you may get to savour locally grown apples, pears, cherries, walnuts, chestnuts and Cantabrian cheeses such as 'Picón Bejes-Tresviso' and 'Quesucos'. On the way to Oviedo, the ancient capital of the region, drive to the charming hills...

Take a guide walk around the handsome city of Oviedo, with its unique personality, quaint pre-Romanesque churches, elegant streetscapes, fine monuments and grand houses built by those who sailed to the New World and returned wonderfully rich. At the heart of the town sits the impressive Gothic San Salvador Cathedral, built between the 14th and 16th centuries and home to a staggeringly elaborate altarpiece. You’ll also enjoy an introduction to wonderful local products of Asturia at El Fontan market, home to excellent fish stalls beneath a canopy of wrought-iron and glass. This afternoon is free for your own exploration. Perhaps take a trip up to the port city of Gijon for fresh seafood and sweet-filled bakeries, or the attractive fishing village of Luanco for a relaxing drink on the promenade. For dinner, consider heading for C...

This morning, take a bus to A Coruna in the region of Galicia (approximately 3.5 hours), taking in some of the spectacular Galician coastline. A Coruna is an important port city. Here you will visit the impressive fish market in the Praza de Lugo, learning about the Galician mussel industry from a local seafood expert. You’ll then lunch on delicious fresh mussels at a nearby café (there will be alternate meals available for non-seafood eaters). Then, like thousands of pilgrims before you, end your journey in the capital of Galicia, believed to be the final resting place of the apostle St James (approximately 30 minutes). The beautiful old city of Santiago de Compostela holds many delights within its walls, all overseen by the mighty cathedral. Take a walk around the Old District lit up at night, through the arcaded stone stre...

There will be other passengers joining you today in Santiago de Compostela so there will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm today where you will meet your new leader and group members. After your welcome meeting, get to know your fellow travellers on a tasty tapas tour through the city.

Travel to Vigo on a morning train, leaving around 8:30am and arriving an hour later. The vibrant city of Vigo is found on the banks of the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay), one of the most important bays in the Rias Baixas region. Not surprisingly, the city has a proud fishing history, with a rich bounty of seafood at its fingertips. The city is one of Europe's most important producers of shellfish. Take a ferry ride to a seafood market, then take part in a Galician cooking class, culminating in a delicious lunch. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred over the border and into Portugal. Arrive in the charming city of Porto by evening (approximately 1.5 hours) and enjoy a free evening to explore.

Start your day with coffee and pastries on a guided food walk, taking in Mercado do Bolhao, one of Europe's most vibrant food markets. Sample local specialties including bacalhau and finish with a sip of the city's namesake drop. The afternoon is free to enjoy. Perhaps pull up a chair in one of Porto's atmospheric cafes or tavernas.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Douro Valley. See the beautiful landscapes of the Duoro River region on a relaxing drive around the villages of Sabrosa and Pinhão, home to the stepped terraces and vineyards where port is made. Visit two wineries, learn about port production and enjoy a tasting or two of this signature wine of the region. Lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to Porto in the late afternoon.

Travel south to Lisbon by train (approximately 3 hours), then take a private vehicle to an agriturismo located near Arraiolos in the Evora district (approximately 1 hour). Surrounded by undulating wheat fields dotted with grazing cows, this is the perfect way to experience the Alentejo. This area is renowned for its cork plantations, vineyards and celebrated local products, including the coveted Azaruja sausage, made from black Alentejo pigs (more commonly known as Iberico pigs in Spain). Perhaps take a pre-dinner walk on one of the surrounding hiking paths, then enjoy local hospitality with a home cooked dinner of Alentejo specialties.

Wake early and enjoy a tour of the agriturismo's on-site distillery and small cheese-making facility. Then it's time to sit down and taste some of the region's signature flavours - from sheep's milk's cheeses made on-site, to honey, jams, sausages, olives, bread and wine sourced from nearby farms. In the afternoon, take a trip to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora, capital of the Alentejo region. Marvel at the ancient Roman Temple of Évora and the Cathedral of Évora, a massive Gothic structure begun in the 12th century. Return to the agriturismo in the evening.

Say goodbye to your hosts and travel back to Portugal's charming capital by private vehicle (approximately 1 hour). Get acquainted with this beguiling city by the sea on an afternoon orientation walk. Perhaps stop past the Mercado da Ribeira for your pick of dishes from some of Lisbon's top chefs and producers in the impressive food court. Make sure you also enjoy a glass of ginjinha (wild cherry liqueur) alongside the locals at a hidden bar - which serves its patrons from morning to night! Perhaps celebrate this final night of your Food Adventure with dinner accompanied by fado, a genre of Portuguese soul music that originated from Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon.

Your Real Food Adventure ends this morning. There are no activities today and you are free to leave at any time.