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Savor Barcelona's creative vibe, then venture to the countryside on a cooking vacation unlike any other—this one's a true immersion in the food and culture of Catalonia. Learn about the locavore roots of Spain's much-raved-about culinary revolution, as you taste your way from market to tapas bar and from villa to vineyard.
Chef/owner Gérard Lopez of Boston's Elephant Walk restaurants will join us on this tour, exploring his own culinary roots and inviting you to experience Catalonia from a chef's point of view: September 30 - October 9, 2010.
- 2 nights in a chic little downtown hotel in Barcelona;
- 2 nights in a charming rustic rural farmhouse inn (and yes it does have private bathrooms);
- 4 nights in a gorgeous villa dating to the 14th C and stylishly restored as a boutique hotel;
- 2 hands-on cooking classes with local chefs in professional teaching kitchens -- along with several other informal culinary learning experiences;
- Guided strolls in Barcelona's old city and famous Boquería market;
- A Barcelona tapas tour;
- A guided tour of historic Girona;
- Tickets to Dalí's quirky "casa-museu" -- the 14th C. palace he restored for Gala;
- Tickets to the 8th C. monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes high above Cadaqués;
- A mushroom hunt in the garrotxa hills, with a local expert;
- A traditional cookout at our villa owner's private vineyard getaway;
- A trip to the auction at a coastal village fishing port;
- Visits with artisans including tastings of olive oils, artisanal cheeses and liqueurs;
- A tour and tasting at a beautiful vineyard known for its biodynamic wines;
- All breakfasts and dinners, and most lunches—a great mix of rustic and sophisticated meals, including a meal at Mas Les Cols, a Michelin 2* restaurant run by the sister of our farmhouse host. (We have made time for 2 lunches on your own, with suggestions on the best places);
- Group transportation;
- Gratuities at our restaurant meals.
Course fee: $4600, double occupancy; single supplement: $550
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This trip delivers a delicious one-two punch: You'll get a true taste of Barcelona, but you'll also really get off the beaten track—in the best possible way. Venture into the countryside where the Catalan culinary revolution began in the company of a chef who loves this land with all his palate.
Besides being a great cook and teacher, chef Gérard Lopez grew up spending summers on the Costa Brava, right here in this little corner of Spain. Join us for an itinerary that represents an inspiring return home for chef Gérard.
As for those off the path adventures: For starters, after a couple of days in the city, you'll stay in a farmhouse inn then in a luxe 14th century villa. You'll visit a hidden jewel of a vineyard and take a trip to the seafood auction at a port on the coast. You'll meet some great cooks but also chat with artisans who make local cheeses and liqueurs. You'll roll up your sleeves for two cooking classes. But that's not where your hands-on experiences end: you'll also go on a mushroom hunt, do a little barbecuing (Mediterranean-style), mix up some alioli, and drink from a porrón.
The course fee of $4600 covers double occupancy accommodations, all classes and activities, tastings, and meals as outlined, including selected wines paired with our meals (not cocktails or other beverages). It covers group transport from and to the airport and all our transfers and excursions throughout.
Visit Chef Gerard's website at www.elephantwalk.com
Go to postcards to read what our travelers say about their Spanish Journeys experiences.
Go to enrollment details to register for this trip or contact us with questions.
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