Vibrant and artistic, Barcelona offers the traveler a feast for the senses. From its Gothic quarter to its modern architecture it is a visual wonder. Artists such as Miro, Dali and Picasso spent time here and left their mark on the city’s history. Now, as the capital of Catalonia, it is at the epicenter of a renewal of Catalan cuisine. Restaurants celebrating local products from the sea and mountains abound. Dishes such as mar y montany, (surf and turf), habas a la catalana(broad bean stew), and pa amb tomaquet (bread with olive oil and spread with tomato) are finding renewed popularity.

Join us for a culinary discovery of Barcelona and Catalonia, learning all about its culture, cuisine, and history. Your home base  for the journey is Barcelona, where you will stay in a charming, three star hotel in the city center. Cooking lessons take place at the city's top cooking school located in the heart of the city on La Rambla. Market visits, tours of the Catalonia coast, and private guided tours complete your Spanish culinary holiday.

Day One

You will be met at the Barcelona airport by an English speaking hostess and transfer via private car to your hotel.

Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at a typical restaurant in the heart of Barcelona.

Day Two

Meet at the cooking school for your first hands-on lesson featuring typical dishes and will conclude with a tasting of what you've made.

The remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a guided tour of the city.

Dinner on your own.

Day Three

Today will be devoted to a full day off the beaten path in northern Catalonia. First you’ll visit Figueres, a bustling country town and home to the Dali museum.

Lunch will be at a typical Ampurdan restaurant.

Then it’s on to the ancient city of Gerona, with its narrow medieval streets, Arab baths, and 15th century Gothic cathedral.

Return to Barcelona for an evening on your own.

Day Four

This morning, meet at the Boqueria food market, Barcelona’s largest, to shop for ingredients for today’s cooking lesson. Lunch follows the lesson.

This afternoon and evening, you are free to shop or sightsee on your own.

Day Five

Today you will enjoy a full day tour to the region west of Barcelona. First stop will be at the Cavas Codoruniu, one of the premier winemakers in Spain where you will enjoy a tasting. Then you will visit the world famous basilica of Montserrat, set high in the mountains of the Serra de Montserrat. The surrounding jagged, pink peaks have given rise to numerous legends and are dotted with hermitages. During your visit you’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the boys’ choir sing in the Basilica. Lunch will be in a nearby restaurant.

Return to Barcelona. Evening on your own.

Day Six

Morning cooking lesson followed by lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore Barcelona or the surrounding areas.

Day Seven

Morning transfer to the airport for departure.