You are invited to take a culinary journey through Spain, savoring the flavors and contrasts of a country with a cuisine as varied as its history. The discovery begins in Barcelona where you will savor a cuisine that is unique, imaginative and varied. Through combinations of surf and turf Catalan chefs are able to marry both worlds with dishes that are among the most sophisticated of Europe. Then it's on to Madrid, the center and melting pot of Spain, where  you will find dishes like cocido madrileno (chickpea stew) and tortilla de patatas (omelet with potatoes). Along the way you'll learn about Spain's rich wine region of Ribera del Duero and its cultural traditions.

Day One

Arrival in Barcelona and check into our small, charming hotel situated in the center of the city. Enjoy a welcome drink and tapa with your guide as you learn about the fun-filled days ahead.

Dinner on your own..

Day Two

Our meeting point will be Casa Batllo, five minutes walking distance from your hotel. From here join your English speaking guide for an amazing walking tour of the city. Stop for a tapas style lunch and experience the Spanish way of sampling small portions of many different dishes, accompanied by wine or beer. From Iberian cured ham to Catalan sausages, tomato bread, stuffed shrimp in garlic sauce, there is quite an array of dishes to try.

Late afternoon cooking class at one of Barcelona's most prestigious cooking schools. Don your apron and get ready for a three hour hands-on lesson in which you will prepare a complete meal. Dinner, accompanied by excellent Spanish wine, follows the lesson.

Day Three

Morning visit to the Boqueria market, just ten minutes from your hotel. Situated in Las Ramblas, a famous and cheerful pedestrian street, the fresh market is one of the most spectacular in Spain. Meet your chef-instructor to buy ingredients for the second cooking session. You will prepare a first and second dish followed by a dessert. Lunch after the lesson.

Afternoon free to explore fascinating Barcelona. Suggestions for dinner will be given.

Day Four

Transfer to the airport for flight to Madrid where you will check in to your fabulous four- star hotel, set in the center of the city.

Then it's off for a walking tour of Madrid's historic quarter and its unique old taverns.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city.

Day Five

Today you are invited to visit the fasinating wine region of Ribera del Duero. You'll enjoy a tutored tasting at one of the best wineries then enjoy a traditional Castillian dinner, featuring dishes slow cooked in huge wooden ovens.

Then it's off to Penafiel, home of kings and nobles to visit its castle and wine museum. You'll also take a stroll around the beautiful Plaza del Coso where bullfighting festivals have been held since the Middle Ages.

Back to Madird for an evening on your own.

Day Six

Morning cooking class in Madrid's well known cooking school The work shop will last about two and a half hours and will consist of a complete menu based on regional specialties. Lunch follows based on the lesson.

Remainder of the day at leisure.

Optional farewell dinner and Flamenco show.

Day Seven

Check out and transfer to airport.