Spanish Wonders and Culinary Delights
Highlights
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Experience the exhilaration of a live Pilota game
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Indulge in wine tasting within hand-carved caves
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Be impressed during an exclusive tour by the curator of a remarkable contemporary art museum
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Stroll amidst millennia-old olive trees, immersing yourself in the timeless beauty of these ancient groves
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Discover the art of crafting a perfect paella as a master guides you through the process
Immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythms of the Mediterranean. This curated adventure along the Orange Blossom Coast (Costa de Azahar) unveils the region's hidden gems and small wonders, weaving together a tapestry of off-the-beaten-path towns, sites, and experiences.
​Picture yourself sipping cava aboard a privately chartered sailboat, enjoying leisurely multi-course meals in beautiful restaurants, exploring an unexpectedly contemporary art collection tucked away in a small medieval village and lounging in your hotel hammock with the sea so close you could almost touch it. Each moment promises to charm and delight.
More than a journey, this tour offers you a meticulously crafted experience that embraces slow travel and an opportunity to forge genuine connections to the place and the people you meet along the way.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Valencia
Boutique Hotel SH Ingles or similar
Welcome Dinner
Get settled at your hotel located in the heart of Valencia, Spain's third-largest city. As evening falls, join us for a leisurely stroll through the vibrant and charming pedestrian center en route to our welcome dinner. Our featured chef for the night is a true auteur, whom we fondly dubbed Valencia's culinary Dali. Brace yourself for a unique and unexpected tasting adventure that will leave a lasting imprint on your culinary memories. It's an evening you won't soon forget!
DAY 2
Artists and Athletes in Valencia
Boutique Hotel SH Ingles or similar
Breakfast, Cocktails
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This morning, we'll be joined by a local city guide as we visit several Valencian artists in their shops and studios in the historic center, pointing out major sites along the way. From the charm of traditional hand-painted fans to the innovation of modern eco-friendly art prints crafted with computers and vegetable ink, our city tour promises a unique look into the city.
Later in the day, we'll gather to enjoy some Agua de Valencia, a local cocktail, as we immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of Pilota, a sport with roots tracing back to the ancient Greeks. We'll start to unravel the complex rules of Pilota, a centuries-old game that once held the title of the most popular sport in Europe. Picture team tennis, but with a twist –no rackets! Instead, players use their bare hands to skilfully bat a small, hard ball across a net. While we may not be taking to the court ourselves, we'll share in the athletes' adrenaline rush, seated on the playing field. Get ready to master the art of duck and cover while attending a live game.
DAY 3
Wine Caves and Jaw-Dropping Views
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on an enchanting adventure today as we descend into hand-carved caves beneath a Moorish fortress, originally designed as secret escape passages. We'll sample local wines in this captivating underground setting nestled in Spain's oldest wine region.
Afterward, we'll explore one of Europes's longest navigable underground rivers as we gently drift along by boat –a truly surreal and unforgettable experience. From the heart of the earth, our journey ascends to the majestic peaks of Desierto de las Palmas, a National Park where we'll indulge in a multi-course lunch. As you savor each dish, take in the breathtaking panoramic views down to our base for the rest of the trip, the delightful town of Benicassim.
Benicassim, once the playground for high society and even a temporary home to Hemingway, maintains an unspoiled allure, steering clear of mass tourism. Our accommodations at Hotel Voramar, a historic gem with personality, grace the beachfront, nestled at the end of a scenic promenade adorned with palm trees and 1920s villas. You'll immediately fall in love with its unique charm and the sea views from the hammock on your private balcony will not disappoint!
DAY 4
Coastal Views and a Mediterranean Sunset
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
Breakfast, Lunch, Cava & Snacks
Today, we'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas from the Santa Lucia Hermitage, perched atop one of the highest hills along the last undeveloped coastal stretch along the entire Spanish Mediterranean shoreline and practically next door to a wonderful restaurant.
Our lunch promises a culinary adventure with a multi-course meal, featuring Fideuà –a tantalizing seafood dish that swaps rice for noodles, alongside delightful desserts that will surely leave a lasting impression. Afterward, we'll venture to an unusual beach where natural springs create quicksand, and form the shortest rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea.
​As the day gracefully winds down, find yourself enveloped in the enchanting pink and blue hues that characterize Mediterranean evenings. From the deck of our privately chartered sailboat, we'll leisurely sip on cava and savour local snacks. Our calm sail will stay within the sheltered embrace of the Bay of Alfacs, nestled along the Delta Ebro, where vast rice fields and marshes provide a sanctuary for over 350 bird species. Keep an eye out for the graceful presence of pink flamingos!
DAY 5
Olive Oil and Ancient Trees
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
Breakfast, Brunch, Snacks &
Dinner
To kick off the day, we'll share an Almuerzo, the second of Spain’s traditional five (!) daily meals. It’s as beloved to Spaniards as brunch is to North Americans. We'll relish in this truly authentic culinary experience at a simple bar enroute to Maestrazgo, a region known for having the largest concentration of ancient olive trees in the world. Our journey then takes us to a small family orchard where we'll meet Pablo, the passionate owner, whose artisanal olive oil holds a spot among the top 10 internationally. Amongst the fantastically gnarled trees, many dating back to the first century AD, we'll enjoy a special tasting experience. Upon our return to Benicassim, the day concludes with dinner at a beloved chiringuito –a beachside open-air gem, just a short walk from our hotel.
DAY 6
Contemporary Art in a Medieval Hilltop Village
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
Breakfast, Lunch, Cockatils &
Dinner
Today, we'll venture to the hilltop medieval village of Vilafamés, officially recognized as one of Spain’s prettiest villages. With stunning views over the surrounding countryside, the village exudes an ambiance reminiscent of an undiscovered corner of Tuscany. The highlight of our visit awaits in a lovingly restored city mansion, housing one of the most significant contemporary art collections in all of Spain. This exclusive experience grants us access to the normally closed art museum on Mondays, with the curator himself leading us through the collection. We'll have time to explore on our own and enjoy some tapas before we return to Benicassim. Concluding the day, an elaborate dinner awaits in a hidden yet stunning location near our hotel.
DAY 7
Paco’s Paella Among the Orange Trees
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
Breakfast, Paella Lunch & More
Today marks the finale of our journey together and to celebrate we will finally savor the world-renowned Spanish dish –paella. At a privately owned beautiful stone finca, nestled amid fragrant orange trees, we'll be welcomed by our chef, Paco, who also happens to be the father of one of our trip leaders.
Engage in the art of paella-making as we lend a hand in chopping and prep work, guided by the expertise of a true master. Step back and observe the process, sipping on dry martinis, as we absorb the intricacies of crafting paella over an open fire.
But our experience will be about so much more than food because the most important part of sharing a paella is the gathering of friends and family to spend time together. Embrace an essential and beautiful aspect of Spanish culture –sobremesa– a leisurely tradition of prolonged conversations at the dinner table. Joined by local friends and family, we'll linger, allowing conversations to flow for as long as they naturally unfold.
It's a fitting farewell to conclude our magical Spanish adventure together.
DAY 8
Return to Valencia and Farewell
Breakfast
Valencia airport is located a 1 hour drive from Benicassim. A group transfer returning to Valencia airport (or city) is included and will be pre-arranged for you. We kindly ask you to book your flights for after 12pm. If you are continuing your journey by train, it may make sense to book from Castellon instead of going all the way back to Valencia. If you book a journey from Castellon we will arrange and include your transfer there as well. Please ask us for advice before booking; we are happy to help.
Trip Price
$4950/person based on Double Occupancy
**If you've traveled with us before, please contact us for a 10% discount code!
$375 Single Supplement for Solo Travelers
**We do not offer a room share option for travelers who do not know each other (see our Booking Terms & Conditions for more details).
Price Includes
Price Excludes
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All accommodation as listed in itinerary:
SH Ingles, Valencia (or similar), Superior Category Room (2 Nights)
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim, Upper Level Sea-View Room (5 Nights)
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Group transportation during the trip
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Group transfer back to Valencia airport/city, or Castellon train station at the end of the tour
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Alcoholic beverages as described in itinerary, and the option of a glass of wine/beer with most included meals
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Sightseeing, entertainment and meals according to itinerary
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24/7 services of an experienced trip leader
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All gratuities​
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Flights or other transportation to tour destination
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Transfers from arrival airport/train station to Valencia hotel
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Food and drinks not explicitly included in the itinerary
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Medical insurance
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Travel insurance/protection plans
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Visa and passport fees, medical fees or other expenses incurred which are not explicitly listed as included
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Third party credit card processing fees
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Group Size
This trip requires at least 5 travelers and will never have more than 11.
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*If the minimum number of travelers is not met, the tour will be canceled. Refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for details on your entitlement to a full refund.
Payment Schedule
A $500/person deposit is required at the time of booking.
**Your deposit becomes non refundable 10 days after it is paid, or 100 days before the trip begins -whichever comes first. You always retain the option to transfer your deposit to a new booking.
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Full payment is due 100 days before the trip is scheduled to start.
(See our Booking Terms & Conditions for more details about our Payment Schedule and Cancelation Policy).
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Arrival and Departure
Valencia has an international airport but previous guests have sometimes opted to fly into Barcelona or Madrid and then travel to Valencia by train. Madrid is a 1.5 hour ride away and Barcelona is 2 hours & 45 minutes away. If you have questions, we are happy to help!
Dietary Restrictions
Food and leisurely communal meals play a central role in this trip, and meat and seafood are featured heavily in the menus. While we make every effort to cater to various dietary restrictions, it's important to note that vegetarian options are limited, and vegan choices are even more scarce. If this poses a concern, please contact us for more details before making your booking.
Available Upon Request*
Pre-Tour Hotel Room:
SH Ingles, Valencia
Post-Tour Hotel Room:
Hotel Voramar, Benicassim
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*at an extra cost and subject to availability