Catalonia Culinary Tour: A Moveable Feast
Our feast starts in colorful, dynamic Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Food, wine, art and architecture, and rich Old World history combine to create a vibrant culture and unforgettable Catalonia culinary vacation. The fantastical Sagrada Família Church —a work in progress since the 1880s—and other modernist landmarks designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi dot the city. The culinary scene might be anchored by La Boqueria in the Ciutat Vella, but deliciousness is everywhere in this city, and it goes on all day and all night. Tasty aperitifs, long and large lunches, dinners at all hours of the night—there is so much to love about eating in Barcelona. The Catalan city and its surrounding areas have become a favorite of foodies across the world, and in recent years, a new wave of experimental chefs, such as Ferran Adria, have brought the region to the world's attention. But it’s Catalonia’s traditional cuisine—cured hams, the freshest seafood, rich cheeses, and regional wines—that will steal your heart. Catalonia has much to offer beyond the treasures of Barcelona. Traveling north along the Costa Brava, you’ll go back in time as you explore undiscovered Catalonia. Delightful fishing villages and pristine beaches offer a relaxing Mediterranean vibe and some of the freshest and most exclusive seafood in Spain. With charming Girona as your base (Game of Thrones fans will recognize Braavos in Old Town Girona!), visit some of the many medieval hilltop towns that still look and feel as they did in ancient times. Nibble on regional delicacies and sip Catalan wines at every stop—it’s a moveable feast.
Top 5 Catalonia Culinary Tour Experiences
Walk the Gaudi Route of whimsical architecture and the Sagrada Familia cathedral
Taste the most expensive and prized ham in Spain: jamon iberico de bellota
Spanish chefs guide you in preparing the perfect paella, paired with regional wines
Sip wine and cava, paired with rustic local bites, at a family-run organic vineyard overlooking the Mediterranean
Walk atop the medieval walls of Girona, also knowns as Braavos on Game of Thrones
Our signature cooking classes, stellar local guides, and unique experiences provide exclusive access to Barcelona and beyond. We offer this tour as a private trip year-round. For more information, please call 1-800-567-9400 or email us today.
Is this Catalonia Tour for You?
This Catalonia tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the postcard version of Spain. You’ll love it if you’re drawn to vibrant markets, crave immersive food experiences, and enjoy exploring both buzzing cities and medieval towns.
Expect a balance of cultural depth and indulgent bites: tapas in tucked-away wine bars, wine tasting the Catalan countryside, and quiet moments wandering ancient cobblestone streets.
You don’t need to speak Spanish or Catalan—but you should be hungry to connect, open to a slower pace of travel, and excited to discover the real stories behind the food. Please note that although this trip is not an exceptionally active trip, there is quite a bit of walking, including some on uneven pavement, and the weather can get quite hot.
This experience is ideal for couples, friends, or small families who want a private, flexible adventure—with plenty of room for spontaneous joy.
QUICK FACTS
7 days
April - October
Private tours from $3,890* per person
*Pricing is for a group size of four, double occupancy. Prices may vary based on group size and travel dates.
Trip Details
Itinerary … learn more
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Accommodations … learn more
Travel info … learn more
Catalonia in the Blog
7-Day Catalonia Culinary Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
Your Catalonia culinary tour begins when you arrive in Barcelona, the chic and thriving capital of Catalonia, a perfect harmony of Catalan and Spanish, traditional and modern, and exciting and laid-back. We’ll be happy to recommend a dinner spot near your hotel where you can experience regional cuisine and wines. Overnight in a four-star Barcelona hotel.
Meals included: None
Day 2: Gaudí’s Barcelona, Gourmet Tastings & Hands-On Cooking
This morning, explore the architectural wonders that define Barcelona's unique spirit on a guided walk along the famed Gaudí Route. Stroll the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to marvel at the fantastical facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, then enjoy an exclusive tour inside the breathtaking Sagrada Família—Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece still in the making.
Midday, dive into Barcelona’s vibrant food culture with a guided tapas tasting at a selection of local favorites. Sample a variety of classic dishes like pan con tomate, marinated olives, grilled padrón peppers, tortilla española, and delicate anchovies—each bite offering a delicious reflection of Catalan tradition.
In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a lively cooking class in the heart of the old city. Guided by local chefs, you’ll prepare classic Spanish paella—paired with regional wines from Rioja and Galicia. Overnight in a stylish four-star hotel in Barcelona.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Markets, Hidden Streets & Iconic Flavors of the Old Town
Today, dive into the heart of Barcelona’s culinary and cultural heritage with a guided walk through the Gothic and Born quarters. As you explore hidden alleyways and historic plazas, you’ll visit some of the city’s most beloved markets and food halls—bursting with colorful produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods.
Along the way, enjoy a progressive tasting of Spain’s most iconic flavors: creamy cheeses from the Pyrenees, rich olive oils, and expertly aged Iberian jamón, sampled right where locals shop. The experience ends on a sweet note with a tasting of classic Catalan desserts paired with regional sweet wines.
Meals included: Breakfast, tastings
Day 4: From Barcelona to Girona – Sparkling Wines & Scenic Roads
Today you’ll leave the bustle of Barcelona behind as we journey north toward the medieval beauty of Girona. But first, a stop in the hills just outside the city for a visit to a boutique organic winery with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of elegant sparkling and still wines—crafted with care just steps from the vineyard—paired with a traditional Catalan “pica-pica” of cured ham, aged cheese, and rustic bread rubbed with tomato.
Afterward, we’ll continue through the Catalan countryside, with time to soak in the changing landscapes before arriving in Girona. The evening is yours to relax or begin exploring this beautifully preserved city of stone walls, winding alleys, and golden light.
Drive Time: 1 hours, 45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast, snacks
Day 5: Medieval Girona, Market Wanderings & Roca Tastings
Step into the storybook charm of Girona, a city where medieval history and modern creativity live side by side. Begin the day with a guided walk along the ancient city walls on the Passeig de la Muralla, offering panoramic views of the old town’s red-tiled rooftops. Wind through the remarkably preserved Jewish Quarter, El Call, a labyrinth of cobbled lanes and centuries-old stone homes. Along the way, admire landmarks like the Arab baths and the Girona Cathedral—both iconic for history lovers and “Game of Thrones” fans alike.
Visit the city’s lively market, where locals shop for seasonal produce, cheeses, and specialties that reflect the region’s deep culinary roots, and enjoy tastings at the Roca brothers’ acclaimed eateries, where inventive Catalan bites offer an approachable glimpse into the creative spirit of one of the world’s most celebrated culinary families. Overnight in a boutique Girona hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6: Hilltop Villages, Artisan Cheese & a Farmhouse Feast
Venture into the heart of the Empordà region to explore two of Catalonia’s most enchanting medieval towns—Pals and Peratallada. With their cobbled lanes, stone towers, and flower-draped balconies, these hilltop villages offer a glimpse into another era.
Along the way, visit a small, family-run cheese workshop known for its handcrafted goat cheeses. Enjoy a tasting that includes recuit de drap—a soft, cloth-drained dessert cheese that’s a beloved local delicacy—served with fresh honey and warm hospitality.
Lunch is a relaxed affair at a nearby farmhouse turned restaurant, where rustic Catalan dishes are paired with wines from the surrounding Empordà vineyards. In the afternoon, follow the coastal path to discover the whitewashed beauty of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc—two postcard-perfect fishing villages. Take in sweeping Mediterranean views and pause for coffee at a beachfront café where time seems to slow down. Overnight in a boutique Girona hotel.
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Farewell to Catalonia
Your culinary journey through Catalonia comes to a close today. After a final breakfast, we’ll transfer you back to Barcelona, where you can continue your travels or begin your journey home—taking with you the flavors, stories, and memories of an unforgettable week.
Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast
This Catalonia itinerary is an idea of what to expect, but what we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored to the interests of the group.
What Foodies Love About Catalonia
Barcelona and its surrounding areas have become popular for foodies across the world. While there’s no shortage of gourmet delicacies from Spain, Catalonia’s traditional dishes are unique. Not paellas but fideuas. Similar to a seafood paella but made with short noodles instead of rice. Monkfish, squid and prawns are usually added before cooking. The presentation of a fideua is always spectacular. And for meats, not chorizo but butifarra, an uncured spiced sausage used both in cooking and for tapas. Barcelona’s location on the Mediterranean offers generous and varied ingredients, and tomatoes, red peppers, eggplants, mushrooms, and artichokes are in abundance. The surrounding hills provide pork and lamb and cheeses that are the envy of the world. It’s a Catalan trait to have fish and meat on the same plate.
Got a sweet tooth? Who doesn’t! Make sure to hunt down regional desserts. Crema Catalana is similar to the French crème brulée. Mel i mato is a soft, unsalted goats cheese served with honey and walnuts. Panellets are small round sweets made with almonds, sugar, eggs and pine nuts that are rolled in any number of coatings.
Cava is the official name for Spanish sparkling wine, and it’s making a name for itself as a rival to France’s champagne. Spain is home to more than 70 different recognized wine regions, 11 of which are in Catalonia. That means that all around Barcelona, exciting things are happening in the world of wine. Locals tend to drink regionally, often ordering wines that are produced right in Catalonia. So when you’re not having a bubbly, refreshing copa de cava (glass of cava), then try a Priorat, Penedes, Montsant, Conca de Barbera, or Alella—and don’t forget to say “Salud!”
All breakfasts, three lunches and one dinner (including the meal we cook in our cooking class) as well as many snacks and tastings are included in this tour.
Boutique Catalonia Hotels
We’ve scoured the region for hotels that are upscale, in walkable neighborhoods, and reflect the local culture, and we think you’ll love what we found. In Barcelona we have found the perfect hideaway for the first part of your Catalonia food tour. Located in the historic center of Barcelona, just minutes from the famed La Rambla pedestrian street and Gothic Quarter is our elegant and chic hotel. Our 4-star Barcelona hotel features complimentary wi-fi and a seasonal rooftop terrace with a pool, cocktail bar, and views of the Ciutat Vella, or old city.
We’ve chosen Girona as our base for the second half of our Catalonia culinary tour. You’ll spend three nights centrally located in Girona’s old town, just steps from the River Onyar and exceptional cafes and restaurants. Our lovely 4-star hotel has retained the character of a typical Catalan building while offering sophisticated, well-appointed rooms. It offers the only garden with a swimming pool in the center of town, as well as complimentary wi-fi.
All hotels are subject to availability and may be changed as needed.
Catalonia Travel Information
Arrival and Departure Travel Information
Arrival
If you’re not coming from other travels before our trip, you should make your flight arrangements to arrive at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (BCN). We suggest arriving by 4pm in order to have time to check in to your hotel, relax a bit, and then enjoy a nice dinner.
Departure
If you’re not planning to stay in Spain beyond our trip, you should plan to depart from Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (BCN). We will transfer you from your Girona hotel to Barcelona’s airport, train station, or cruise terminal.
Flights
We do not book international flights to or from Spain. If you would like assistance with purchasing your flight, please contact a travel agent.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPAIN
Travel Insurance
Travel medical insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is compulsory for all our trips. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes cancellation protection so that you will be covered in the event that you are unable to attend our trip (due to injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances). Please do not attend any of our trips without purchasing appropriate insurance coverage and providing the details to Access Culinary Trips.
Please note: proof of insurance is due within 14 days of booking, and delay in receipt may result in late documentation charges.
We can help you purchase travel insurance, or you can find insurance recommendations on our website here.
Passports & Visas
Travel to Spain requires a valid passport (most countries require a minimum of 6 months validity) and US citizens do not require a tourist visa. To learn more about visa and entry requirements for Spain, please check out the State Department’s website at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation.
HEALTH & SAFETY IN SPAIN
Emergency Contact
If your friends or family need to contact Access Culinary Trips due to an emergency while you are on the tour, please have them refer to the pre-departure email that is sent out three weeks prior to departure, which will have specific contact information relevant to your trip. If you need to contact Access Culinary Trips while traveling, please also refer to the emergency contact information in the pre-departure email.
Health Requirements
Guests with preexisting medical conditions are required to disclose this information prior to traveling with Access Culinary Trips, and all guests with preexisting conditions are required to provide a note from a doctor clearing them for travel. The US Department of State recommends that travelers with medical prescriptions consider bringing small additional amounts of prescribed medicines as well as a copy of the prescription and a letter from the prescribing physician explaining the need for prescription.
We strongly recommend that all of our guests visit a travel doctor before embarking on international travel. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you receive any necessary vaccinations before traveling on your trip with us. If there is a chance that you may be pregnant during your trip, please discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
Please carefully review the health information section of the following webpage for up-to-date health information, including information on the quality of medical care, the availability of medications and the necessity for vaccinations in Spain: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain
Fitness Requirements
Our trips are open to anyone who wants to explore our destinations through cuisine. We do engage in multiple walking tours, some of which last several hours.
Safety & Security
To maximize your safety during our tours you should exercise common sense and caution at all times. We recommend that you always stick to set travel arrangements, and avoid unknown areas. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items (including cell phones) safely stored. Always keep a copy of your passport, airline tickets, and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. For more information on safety and security in Spain please review the safety and security section of the following webpage: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Age
While we can accommodate any age on this tour, we recommend children be at least 12 years old in order to enjoy it fully.
SPANISH CULTURE
Spain is a nation marked by both distinct regionalism and a strong and unifying national history. Spaniards are known for their strong social ties and an open and lively communication style.
Out of respect for the culture we are visiting, please note the following etiquette tips:
Try to learn a bit of Spanish beforehand – this demonstrates respect and your effort to connect with the people of Spain
Be respectful when visiting churches. Shorts and sleeveless tops are often discouraged. Casual dress is fine as long as it’s relatively conservative, although many Spaniards are smart dressers.
Dining and daily life are on a different time schedule in Spain. Lunch for Spaniards is generally eaten after 1:30 or 2pm, dinner after 9 or 10pm. Be prepared that many shops and businesses close in the afternoons between about 2 and 4pm for a daily siesta.
Spaniards are generally friendly and helpful to strangers. Simple greetings such as hola (hello) and buenos días (before noon), buenos tardes (good afternoon) or buenos noches (good evening), and pleasantries (gracias) are always appreciated by locals, especially when entering or exiting shops.
It is impolite to waste food, so you should only put on your plate or order what you can eat.
Be sensitive around difficult subjects such as local nationalism (Catalan independence), Francoist Spain, and the economy, and be prepared to receive locals’ opinions on the matters, even if you didn’t ask.
Language
Although most people in Spain do speak and understand Spanish, regional languages are quite prevalent, especially outside of big cities. On our tour, you’ll see and hear Catalan throughout the Catalonia region.
Spain’S CLIMATE
Spain’s climate varies between inland regions and the coast. Our tour is based in the coastal region of Catalonia, which boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best months to visit Spain are in the spring and fall, from April to June (generally between the upper 60 and lower 80 degrees F) and September and October (between 70 and 80 degrees F). July and August tend to be quite hot, and busy with lots of travelers.
If you are looking for warm weather and the convenience of peak season, our summer departures are a great idea. However, this is also the busiest time of year for Catalonia. Therefore, if the tranquility of a slower season interests you, we recommend our fall departures.
CURRENCY, BANKING & SPENDING MONEY IN SPAIN
Spain is part of the eurozone and therefore uses the Euro. There are exchange bureaus in airports, certain hotels, and most banks. Counters require your passport for the transaction.
For the latest currency exchange information please go to: https://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter
ATMs are available in all cities and major towns. It is recommended to notify your bank or card issuer that you intend to travel abroad so that no block will be put on the usage of your credit or ATM cards.
Spending Money
Meals in Catalonia: All breakfasts, three lunches and one dinner (including the meal we cook in our cooking class) as well as many snacks and tastings are included. Please plan to bring at least $10-$20 per lunch and $20-$30 per dinner for those meals that are not included, as well as money for snacks and drinks.
Tipping
Tipping is not always expected in Spain, and many Spaniards leave no tip or a few small coins. Should you feel the need, small change at a bar or 5% at a very nice restaurants is sufficient. Taxi drivers, hotel porters, and others who provide services can be tipped in small change, if at all. We’ve included some additional guidelines below should you need to tip.
Tour Guide/Drivers: If you are pleased with the services provided by your tour guide and driver, then a tip for their hard work will be very much appreciated. In general, we recommend around US $10 -15 per day, per traveler for guides and US $5-7 per day, per traveler for drivers if less than 4 people in a group. We recommend around US $5-10 per day, per traveler for guides and US $3-5 per day, per traveler for drivers if there are 5 people or more.
Hotel & Restaurant Staff: In restaurants, the tip is usually included in the final bill (IVA or Impuestos sobre el Valor Añadido). However, we recommend checking the bill first to make sure. If it is not included, a tip is not customary at cheaper restaurants but a tip of up to 10% will suffice at nicer ones. For cafes or bars, just round up to the nearest euro on the bill. In hotels, a tip of €1 per night is appropriate for exceptional housekeeping. A tip of about 1-2 euros is customary for porters.
Other expenses: There are no required additional expenses for this trip, but you might like to take spending money for such things as souvenir shopping and nightlife.
ELECTRICITY & INTERNET IN SPAIN
In Spain the power sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 - 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Wi-fi access is available at our Spain hotels.
Most US cell phones will not work in Spain, unless you have a specific international plan. Contact your cellular provider to see what options you have in terms of international calling plans.
WHAT TO TAKE
We strongly recommend using TSA approved luggage locks on your bags and to hand carry valuables on the plane. We recommend that you pack as lightly as possible. There may not always be someone available to help you carry your bags so you should only bring as much as you can carry on your own.
We suggest that you bring the following items:
Clothing & Equipment
Season specific clothing including items to layer with
Clothes to wear for optional upscale restaurants
Comfortable walking shoes
Toiletries
Sunscreen / sunglasses / hat
Insect repellent
First-aid kit (should contain lip balm, aspirin, band aids, a cream for sore muscles (e.g. deep heat), Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Travel Documents
• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
FINAL NOTES ON YOUR catalonia TOUR
This is a tool meant to help you decide what you should bring on your upcoming trip. It is by no means comprehensive. While we do our best to be as thorough as possible, we cannot foresee every possible condition. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The information contained in this document is provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, details in this document may change. You should thus use the above information as an indication only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Access Culinary Trips.