Food and wine enthusiasts can now indulge in a five-day trip inspired by the glorious food, wine and cooking culture of Spain’s Basque Country.
If sitting by the pool or long walks on the beach doesn’t quite cut it for you, two of Spain’s premium hotels have joined forces to bring travellers a holiday experience to remember.
Launching early 2013, sister hotels Astoria7 in San Sebastian and Hotel Viura in Rioja Alavesa have teamed up to create tailor made gastro-tours throughout this part of Spain. Guests will be spoilt for choice whether they’re taking in breathtaking San Sebastian city views or sipping wines from the famous vineyards of Rioja Alavesa.
The gastronomic adventure runs over four nights, with guests traveling around and staying in unique four star boutique hotels, whilst they’re taste buds are treated to delicious Riojan wine and Basque food.
Kicking off at La Rioja Wineries, those who fancy themselves as somewhat of a sommelier can indulge in the local wine. Guest will visit the best bodegas in the area, meet the winemakers and of course, taste a wealth of deep, rich wines. Should one too many glasses of wine been consumed during the day, guests can head back to the Hotel Viura where they’ll be treated by a delectable dinner.
Guests will then move on to iconic San Sebastian, where a choice of two events will be on offer. The Pintxos Tasting Tour takes place in what is known as Spain’s foodie capital, and here guests can mingle with the locals as they eat and drink their way through six of the best pintxos bars in San Sebastian’s beautiful old quarter.
For those after a more hands on approach, guests can choose The Gourmet Experience. Visit the vibrant fish and vegetable market in the day to choose ingredients from some of the region’s seasonal, fresh produce all with the helpful guide of a local chef. Then it’s on to the Old Town to visit the Gastronomic Society, one of San Sebastian’s famous male-only eating clubs, before putting those well chosen ingredients to good use in a traditional Basque cookery lesson.
Why not ditch the tried and tested holiday format this spring and indulge in the best way to see and taste the spirit of one of the world’s most famous food and wine districts.
The Gastro-Tour is available from €837, for two people, including 2 night’s accommodation at Astoria 7 in San Sebastian and 2 nights at Hotel Viura in Rioja. The price will vary according to the choice of activity in San Sebastian. To book call +34 94 344 20 20
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