Spain at the Table — A Culinary Journey from Barcelona to Madrid
Culture & City · Spain

Spain at the Table — A Culinary Journey from Barcelona to Madrid

A private two-week gastronomic journey from Barcelona to Madrid through Penedès, the Basque Country, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Segovia and Toledo.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
From
Rates upon request
Region
Spain
Style
Culture & City
The Journey

An overview

Savor Spain on a private 14-day food and wine journey from Barcelona to Madrid, including cava, Rioja, pintxos, private chefs and Castilian heritage. Discover culinary traditions alongside history and architecture, staying at a curated selection of luxury hotels.

Highlights
  • Barcelona, Gaudí and a chef-led market experience
  • Two private winery visits in Rioja
  • Private Empordà paella and Penedès cava experiences
  • Ribera del Duero, Segovia and Castilian dining
  • Bilbao architecture, pintxos and a private Basque sail
  • Madrid art, flamenco and Toledo countryside
Best time
April to June and September to October for vineyard landscapes and comfortable touring.
Group size
A fully private journey tailored to your party.
Pace
Immersive and active, with regular hotel changes and several full touring days.
The Journey

Day by Day

Arrival in Barcelona
Day 01

Arrival in Barcelona

Meet your private driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to settle in, explore the neighborhood, and ease into Barcelona’s unique rhythm.

Barcelona Highlights
Day 02

Barcelona Highlights

Join a private expert guide to explore Barcelona, connecting the city's historical quarters with the genius of Antoni Gaudí, including Sagrada Família and modernist landmarks such as Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. The itinerary is tailored to your pace and interests.

Empordà Paella Cooking Journey
Day 03

Empordà Paella Cooking Journey

Venture into the Empordà countryside for a private culinary experience. Meet a local chef, discover the traditions behind paella, participate in its preparation, and enjoy the finished dish in a tranquil rural setting.

Exploring Cava’s Origin
Day 04

Exploring Cava’s Origin

Journey into the Penedès wine region to visit a selected family-owned or biodynamic estate. Walk through vineyards and cellars, learn the traditional method of sparkling wine production, and enjoy a curated tasting of cava with regional snacks.

From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Day 05

From Market to Home with a Top Chef

Begin at a lively local market, where your private chef introduces seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. Continue to a private home or culinary venue for a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch, with the menu personalized to your preferences.

Zaragoza Highlights En Route
Day 06

Zaragoza Highlights En Route

Pause in Zaragoza while traveling west. Discover a city shaped by Roman, Islamic, Renaissance and modern influences with a private guided visit, including the Basilica del Pilar and the historic center before continuing after lunch.

Bilbao Highlights & Pintxos Journey
Day 07

Bilbao Highlights & Pintxos Journey

Explore Bilbao’s transformation through architecture, art, and food. Visit the Guggenheim Museum with a private guide, stroll through the old town, and experience a curated pintxos tour, introducing the city’s social dining culture. An exclusive lunch or dinner can be arranged upon request.

The Basque Coast by Sail
Day 08

The Basque Coast by Sail

See the Basque Country from the water aboard a private sailboat or yacht, conditions permitting. Along the way discover green headlands, harbors, beaches and coastal villages with time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

La Rioja Wine Journey
Day 09

La Rioja Wine Journey

Enter Rioja for a private winery visit. Tour the vineyards and cellars, learn about the region’s blend of tradition and modernity in winemaking, and enjoy a guided tasting with local pairings. The estate is chosen according to your interests.

The Tireless Search for Perfection
Day 10

The Tireless Search for Perfection

Visit an architecturally striking winery among the vineyards. Discover how heritage, technology, and design shape production, then savor a premium tasting with a gourmet menu. The estate is selected based on routing and availability.

Golden Mile Wine, Fine Dining & Segovia
Day 11

Golden Mile Wine, Fine Dining & Segovia

Spend the morning in the Ribera del Duero 'Golden Mile' with a leading producer and taste a selection of wines. Proceed to Segovia for a privately guided tour of its Roman aqueduct, historic streets, and skyline, with a refined lunch en route.

Madrid Highlights, Flamenco & Fine Dining
Day 12

Madrid Highlights, Flamenco & Fine Dining

Explore Madrid with a private guide, connecting the Royal Palace, the historical center, and the Prado Museum or another major collection of your choice. In the evening, attend an intimate flamenco performance followed by dinner at a carefully selected Michelin-starred or fine-dining restaurant.

Toledo — History, Landscape & Local Flavors
Day 13

Toledo — History, Landscape & Local Flavors

Discover the historic center of Toledo and then continue into the countryside. The day can blend heritage visits with a rural experience, sampling seasonal produce, olive oil or wine, and enjoying a leisurely lunch linking city and landscape.

Departure from Madrid
Day 14

Departure from Madrid

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to the airport or train station. The journey can be extended or combined with another region depending on your plans.

A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.

Where to Stay

Recommended Hotels

This journey includes several bases. The final hotel sequence is designed around driving times, restaurant reservations and whether you prefer iconic destination hotels or smaller boutique properties.

Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Refined City Luxury
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona

A polished central address for those who value design, discreet service and effortless access to Gaudí landmarks and shopping.

Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection
Boutique Heritage
Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection
Eixample, Barcelona

A character-rich heritage property with a residential feel and refined interiors, ideal for a shorter city break.

Bilbao & San Sebastián

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Bilbao Architecture
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Guggenheim District, Bilbao

A contemporary five-star base opposite the Guggenheim, chosen for art lovers and direct riverfront access.

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Iconic San Sebastián
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Urumea River, San Sebastián

A grand Belle Époque property with a central riverside location, perfect for walking access to the old town and gastronomy scene.

Rioja

Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Wine Country Icon
Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Elciego, Rioja Alavesa

An architecturally striking vineyard hotel making the Rioja wine experience a destination in itself.

Santa María Briones
Intimate Rioja Stay
Santa María Briones
Briones, La Rioja

A quiet, small-scale wine country retreat with authentic character, ideal for those seeking a peaceful village atmosphere.

Madrid

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
All-Around Luxury
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
Centro, Madrid

A contemporary landmark in the city center, offering spacious rooms, central location and a vibrant urban resort feel.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Iconic Madrid
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Retiro, Madrid

A restored Belle Époque icon beside the Prado and Retiro, perfect for travelers drawn to history, art and formal elegance.

Final property and room category are confirmed in your private proposal, subject to availability, routing and your party's preferences.

What's included

In your journey

  • 13 nights at selected luxury hotels with daily breakfast
  • Private transfers and transportation throughout the land itinerary
  • Private guides for city, museum and heritage tours
  • Private cooking, market, cava, pintxos and winery experiences as described
  • Private Basque coastal sailing experience, subject to weather
  • Selected tastings and meals as outlined in the final proposal
Not included

Worth knowing

  • International or domestic flights and rail tickets unless specifically listed
  • Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated
  • Hotel city tax, personal expenses and minibar charges
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff and boat crew
  • Travel insurance and optional experiences not listed in the confirmed itinerary
Gallery

A sense of place

Spain at the Table — A Culinary Journey from Barcelona to Madrid — view 1
Good to know

Questions, answered

Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.

+1 210 303 9960

Yes. We can emphasize cava, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, natural wine, architecturally led estates, or food pairing, according to your interests.

Make it yours

A journey rewritten in your name

Share your dates, your party and the moments that matter. We'll return a private proposal within 48 hours.