Epicopia

Passionate chefs. Vintage wines. Fresh, exotic, traditional foods. Share “Europe’s great undiscovered culinary destination” in this tour of Northern Spain. Discover a new cuisine!

We meet in Bilbao, then travel the short distance to the picturesque town of Laguardia. From this scenic base, we visit the Rioja Wine Museum in Haro, lunch in a wood-beamed 17th-century wine bodega, visit a private bodega for sampling, and visit the newly constructed Bodega of Marques de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry.

Next, we enjoy a drive through Navarre — crossing the paths of pilgrims bound for Santiago — while en route to enchanting San Sebastián, a famous beach resort and world-renowned food capital. Along the way, we visit a 15th-century bodega of the famous Chivite family, Shop at La Brecha market, dine at the world-famous Arzak, and enjoy a private, invitation-only gastronomy society dining event.

Guernica is famous for its “Tree of Guernica,” the Basque symbol for heritage, law and freedom. We travel along the coast, stopping along the way to view the sculptural monuments by Henry Moore and Eduardo Chillida in Guernica. We’ll shop at Bakio, known for its delicious red peppers and fruity young wine called Txakoli, visit a Txakoli bodega, shop at the Riverside Market, and indulge in a fabulous and memorable farewell banquet at Zortziko. Before our meal, Chef Daniel Garcia, who is famous for combining classical dishes and innovative touches, will host a private cooking demonstration as a grand culinary finale.

We also explore the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The physical structure itself is an artistic wonder, not to mention the impressive collection of modern art we find inside.

This tour includes:

• Knowledgeable, regional, English-speaking guides
• Transportation throughout itinerary
• 7 nights accommodation in four- and five- star hotels
• All taxes and services for included items
• Breakfast daily at your hotel
• All entry and admissions for visits listed in itinerary
• 7 regional specialty gourmet dinning experiences
• Cooking demonstration in San Sebastian
• Walking tours of Laguardia, San Sebastian and Bilbao
• Vineyard and winery visits in La Rioja and Bakio
• Pick up and return to Bilbao Airport

2010-2011 Tour Dates:

Select your preferred dates year-round.
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Land Cost:

Guaranteed departure*
*With a minimum group of 4 people.

Cost: 3495 Euros (estimate per person)
Single supplement: 410 Euros (estimate)

*Tour participants must purchase round-trip air to and from Bilbao.

Hotels:

• Hotel Villa de Laguardia in the heart and soul of La Rioja (2 nights)
• Hotel Londres in San Sebastián, located right on the beach, in the center of town (3 nights)
• Hotel Carlton in Bilbao — Beaux arts splendor within walking distance of the Guggenheim (2 nights)
  
  

For detailed information and General Inclusions, deposits and final payment information email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 972.771.3510 or 877.661.3844.

Unforgettable food and wine draw us to Spain’s scenic northwest land of the Celts.

Our tour begins in Vigo with an overnight stay at the reformed Monastery of San Clodio. We head to Lansbriga, before being introduced to Ribeiro wine by a local wine maker. We also visit Ribadavia, part of the world heritage of wine lands.

Next, we journey to the unique Ribeira Sacra. We learn about this area’s wine before enjoying our lunch. Exploring Monforte, the capital of the Ribeira Sacra, gives us a magnificent view of the valley of Lemos from the protective fortifications.

Next, we move to A Coruña, stopping at Lugo, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After a walking tour of the Modernist part of the city, we dine on some of the best seafood in Spain.