Compare Northern Spain Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Between the Land and the Sea by Cycle Catalan

Day 1 Barcelona

Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. 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 La Rambla, or take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for some incredible views. After the meeting, jump straight into your Real Food Adventure by feeling the rhythm of Barcelona, sipping a locally produced cava or vermouth in a local bar then perhaps continuing on a tapas crawl, tasting rustic bite-sized Catalan dishes.

Day 2 Barcelona

This morning, get ready for a truly authentic introduction to Catalan cuisine with a passionate and well-regarded local chef. Taste your way through the stalls of La Boqueria Market and pick up some fresh ingredients for a cooking class. Hang out with the stall holders as you select the best piece of meat, feel for the crispest vegetable and choose the freshest seafood. Afterwards, your host will guide you in crafting the Spanish classic - paella. Sit down to a leisurely lunch accompanied by a glass or two of wine from the nearby Penedes region. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the city's food hotspots or get cultural with some Gaudi at the Casa Mila or La Sagrada Familia. Maybe get lost in the mysterious alleys of the Gothic Quarter and finish the day with a sip of red wine from a Porron – a traditional glass pitcher.

Day 3 Logrono

Ride the rails east to the prized vineyards of the La Rioja wine region and Logrono. Logrono sits on the banks of the Ebro river and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. It also boasts one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the country and is home to some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, all crammed into its small medieval centre. Logrono is a charming 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 Calle del Laurel and the 60 or so taperias (tapas bars) that line the way. This is the perfect opportunity to sample a bit of everything, as each bar has its own speciality – taste your way through some grilled chorizo or wild mushrooms, and wash them down with a glass of the region’s famous red.

Day 4 San Sebastian

This morning you’ll stop past the Logrono market where you might like to pick up some treats for a picnic lunch later. Then take a local bus and go back in time to the historic walled town of Laguardia, perched atop a rock foundation. 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. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the stunning seaside San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country and a city obsessed with food. Take an orientation tour of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) – a mix of alleyways wedged between the bay and the Urumea River. This evening perhaps join your leader for an optional tour of the neighbourhood streets for a txikiteo of pinxtos, a Basque-style tapas crawl that will fill the senses – and stomach – with the unique flavours of the region. Don’t forget to wash them down with txakoli – a slightly fizzy white that’s the region’s signature wine.

Day 5 San Sebastian

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 firsthand it to visit the traditional food markets of La Bretxa or San Martin, and you’ll do just that this morning before 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 Basque products including idiazabal – a local cheese, and txakoli – a lightly 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 San Sebastian’s beaches, shops and charismatic streets, or dive into pinxtos bars that range from the traditional to the experimental.

Day 6 Bilbao / Picos de Europa National Park

Continue east to Bilbao – a city that was revitalised by the arrival of the Guggenheim Museum. Spend some free time perhaps visiting Frank Gehry’s sweeping metal building and the artistic treasures housed inside and out. After, climb by bus 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 Asturias, Cantabria and Leon. For dinner, a classic Cantabrian dish is on the menu – Cocido Lebaniego. Cocido Lebaniego is a rich, hearty stew of black pudding, pork shoulder, chorizo and locally grown chickpeas. Preparing this dish starts the day before, so while you savour this rich and satisfying local delicacy, take a moment to learn about the ingredients and preparation. Be sure to enjoy it with some crusty bread and a glass of cider.

Day 7 Oviedo

This morning you'll have the option to head into the National Park where you can go for a walk or you may like to take the funicular higher into the mountains for spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. Afterwards, head to the small mountain town of Potes, nestled in the National Park. Bordered by ancient monasteries, Potes is brimming with centuries of history, and is a quaint tapestry of bridges, narrow streets and old houses. You will arrive in time to experience the wonderful weekly food market, where you’ll enjoy a market brunch. Depending on the season, you may get to savour locally grown apples, cherries, tomatoes, olives, asparagus, or walnuts. On the way to Oviedo, the ancient capital of the region, drive to the charming hillside village of Arenas de Cabrales. Here there’s the opportunity to taste famous Cabrales cheese – a natural blue cheese produced by farmers using a traditional artisan method. After arriving in Oviedo, stop past an Asturian cider house – the traditional drink of the region. Enjoy a glass in the local style, poured from a bottle held high over the head into a glass at the knee to produce natural carbonation. Enjoy a free evening to tuck into whichever local delicacies tempt you.

Day 8 Oviedo

Take a walk around the handsome city of Oviedo, with its unique personality, quaint pre-Romanesque churches, elegant streetscapes, fine monuments and grand houses. At the heart of the town sits the impressive Gothic San Salvador Cathedral. 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 fishing village of Luanco for a relaxing drink on the promenade. For dinner, consider heading to Calle de la Gascona, which is lined with lively sidrerias (cider houses) serving a wide range of raciones (tasting plates).

Day 9 La Coruna / Santiago de Compostela

This morning, take a bus to A Coruna in the region of Galicia, taking in some of the spectacular Galician coastline during the drive. Here you will visit the impressive fish market in the Praza de Lugo and marvel at the range of seafood on offer. Lunch on fresh seafood at a nearby café, with other delicious non-seafood options available. 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. 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 streets, the spacious Praza del Obradoiro and past the Archbishop’s imposing palace. Santiago is home to more than just pilgrims, with the large population of students from the university enhancing the city’s nightlife. Perhaps spend the night in one of the cafes, bars or tapas restaurants in the Old Town.

Day 10 Santiago de Compostela

Your journey through Spain comes to an end today. Say adios to your leader and group before parting ways. If you’d like to extend your time in Santiago de Compostela, chat with your booking agent.

Day 1: Palamos

A representative of Cycle Catalan will meet you at Palamos bus station and transfer you to the Hotel Marina. Perfectly situated, the hotel has a comfortable colonial interior and is a two minute walk from the old quarter and the port. Palamos is the most important fishing port in Girona province with a history going back many centuries. The harbour makes a very interesting visit with the Museu de la Pesca and the fish market. A welcome glass of Cava awaits you in the bar where we will introduce the walking itinerary. Early evening why not take a tapas tour in the old quarter sampling some of Carmen’s delicious tapas at Can Nicanor. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2: Camins de Ronda

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 12kms 200m ascent and 170 descent

You leave Palamos and follow the old smugglers coastal path “Camins de Ronda” to Calella de Palafrugell via Castells, one of the last totally undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava. Walk past the remains of an Iberian settlement founded in 6 BC before arriving at Cap Roig where you visit the castle and the botanical gardens created in 1927 by the aristocrat Elizabeth Webster.

After a packed lunch check into the Hotel Garbi which is perched on a hill with great views to the sea. The hotel is only 5 minutes from the centre of town. Explore this delightful whitewashed village where the narrow cobbled streets meander down to the sandy beach. Tonight we offer a fact sheet with recommended restaurants in and around Calella.

Day 3: Begur

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 13kms 170m ascent and 150m descent

You pick up the Camins de Ronda path and head towards Begur passing through the picturesque former fishing villages of Llafranc and Tamariu. First stop is Sant Sabastian lighthouse “ El Far”. The views are spectacular and worthy of a photograph. Explore the beautiful chapel, the old watchtower and the remains of another Iberian settlement. We suggest a seafood lunch in Tamariu. There are many cafes and restaurants dotted along the pretty harbour.

Time for a quick swim before continuing the path over to the lively hill top medieval town of Begur.

The narrow streets are packed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and jewellery shops. Arrive at the Hotel Rosa, a traditional Catalan hotel in the centre of town run by Maria and Narcis Rosa. The hotel owns the restaurant across the street, Fonda Caner which has an excellent reputation. We have booked you in for dinner here tonight. Please note that hotel also offers spa treatments.

Day 4: Cliffs, coves and splendid views

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 10km

Today’s walk guarantees peace and privacy. Explore some of the unspoilt coves which can only be reached by foot or by boat. The path takes you to Mirador de la Creu. From the viewing point there is a wonderful view over the plain of Emporda and the coast. You then join the old Cami de Ronda which takes us to Marine Reserve of Ses Negres which is a protected area rich in aquatic species. Next we come to Aigufreda, a pretty cove with its own beach. Here we recommend stopping for your packed lunch which has been prepared by the hotel and a swim in the sea before heading back to Begur via Mas d’en Pine a beautiful fortified house with a 16th century tower. There are plenty of choices for dinner at local restaurants just off the square.

Day 5: Pals, Fontclara and Peratallada

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 17kms 10m ascent and 100m descent

Today’s walk is a little longer, but the good news is that it is a gentle descent to Pals then fairly flat to Peratallada. First stop is Pals a perfectly preserved hilltop medieval village. The old quarter known as El Pedro within the medieval walls contains many historic buildings.

There is a Gothic church at the centre surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets leading to the old Castle. The views from the ancient wall to the sea and the mountains are spectacular. After morning coffee your route takes you to Fontclara meaning “clear spring”. where you can sample the famous spring water for yourself. The path takes you on to Peratallada through the pretty village of Palau-Sator where you should stop for lunch.

The next two nights’ will be spent at the Hotel Aatu, a relaxing oasis set in beautiful gardens with two swimming pools to choose from.. Peratallada means “cut stone” and you will see evidence of the way some of the houses have been carved into the rock. This village has many artisan shops, cafes and restaurants making it quite lively but at the same time retaining its charming character .We provide a list of recommended restaurants for you to try in Peratallada.

Day 6: Can Solivera artisan olive oil producer

Level: Easy

Distance: 10kms nominal descent and ascent

This morning you set off for Can Solivera where Hans and Daida will offer you an olive oil tasting. You will have the opportunity to look round the olive groves and admire the 12th century Masia before continuing on your walk to the medieval village of Vulpellac via the village of Canapost where you can admire some Roman sarcophi in the church yard. Tonight we recommend you enjoy a farewell dinner in the next village of Palau Sator. Mas Pou is a beautifully restored farmhouse with great terraces and their Pica Pica menu enables you to experience small portions of different local specialities.

Day 7: Departure

In the morning stock up with some last minute gifts before transferring to Girona/Barcelona airport for your flight home.