Priorat & Matarraña Food Wine Tour
Priorat & Matarraña: slow wine travel
Ninety miles Southern Barcelona you will find one of the stand-out Spanish wine regions, Priorat. Small but so dynamic and set in a terrific scenery, it’s homeland of some of the most prestigious wines. Even if its fame and glory seem recent, winemaking tradition in Priorat dates back the 12th Century when monks of the Carthusian Order settled here and planted the first vineyards.
The terroir is key; not only for the slate soil (locally named licorella) but for the hard climate, being one of the warmest and driest regions in Spain with very low yields. Priorat extends its arms to the Montsant area, in fact both appellations are separated by the Montsant mountain, a ancient sacred natural space. And next to them their neighbor Terra Alta region, with a higher altitude and a rare mineral identity favored by the limestone. Ancient tradition combined with extreme natural conditions produce wines of extraordinary flavor concentration in an unparalleled spot. Embark in this Priorat wine tour to experience a serious wine adventure.
Matarraña is one of the furthest flung corners of Spain. It is compared to Tuscany for its continuous hills, somewhat feral rivers and towns that appear suddenly dominating heights and are fully integrated into the landscape. Olive oil, almond trees, black truffle and vineyards complement the landscape.
Discover rustic offbeat spots, hard to find restaurants and impressive vineyards, a hearty cuisine and places with a unique identity.
Day 1
Barcelona
Day 2
Barcelona
Day 3
Barcelona - Terra Alta - Matarraña
Day 4
MATARRAÑA
Day 5
MATARRANYA - TRUFFLE HUNTING – ALCAÑIZ - HOTEL
Day 6
MATARRANYA – OLIVE OIL – HORTA DE SANT JOAN – PRIORAT
Day 7
PRIORAT
Day 8
PRIORAT – PENEDÉS - BARCELONA
Day 9
BARCELONA, END OF JOURNEY
Inspiring itinerary
IDEAL LENGTH: 8 NIGHTS ✧ WHEN TO GO: ALL YEAR ROUND
Day 1
BARCELONA, ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Time to relax after your flight to recover from the jet lag.
WINE & TAPAS TOUR
Later in the evening, at 6 pm we propose a stylish tapas tour dinner. Barcelona is a tempting destination for wine enthusiasts. Keeping the art of wine appreciation alive, bars have opened around Barcelona the focus on wine tasting itself, offering lists that span the width and breadth of Spain. This private Wine Bars tour in Barcelona will uncover a different side of Barcelona by immersing you in those cozy establishments only-for-locals while strolling through the city. Let your smiling sommelier lead the way through less-than-famous but wonderfully-unique Catalan wine regions, guiding you eagerly with knowing hands.
Dinner
Luxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 2
GAUDÍ IN DEPTH
In company of one of the most influential persons in the arts scene in Barcelona, visiting the Sagrada Familia in a private-guided tour and then take the unique opportunity to visit the workshop of a renowned Spanish sculptor who is currently working on the tetramorphs that will crown the towers of the evangelists of the Sagrada Familia. This is an opportunity to meet the artist that is working on the last sculptures for the temple. His studio is located in a beautiful creative space full of artist studios, designers, and architects: Palo Alto. A place of great interest that shows the creativity beat of Barcelona.
Lunch is foreseen in a tertulia and tapas style mode with your expert guide to discuss about any of your doubts.
Free afternoon and evening to enjoy the city at your own pace, we can assist you in any extra activity or booking.
Breakfast, lunchLuxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 3
TERRA ALTA WINES & ART NOUVEAU
Leave this morning after a restorative breakfast to southern Catalonia ready to discover the wines from DO Terra Alta. Get to know the vineyards of this historical wine region where olive trees and almond trees grow side by side. Back to the winery, ready for the wine tasting and a hearty light tapas style lunch.
After lunch, you cannot leave without visiting the Cooperative of Gandesa, an impressive Art Nouveau wine cathedral from architect César Martinell - direct disciple ofAntoni Gaudí – it was listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the Catalan government, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Catalonia.
Finally, transfer to your charming hotel.
Breakfast, lunchLuxury Boutique Countryside Hotel
Day 4
DISCOVER MATARRAÑA
Clean air, natural springs, hiking, charming villages, slow food and starry nights: the perfect rural getaway is in Matarraña.
Located in the province of Teruel, the Matarraña region is made up of 18 towns headed by Valderrobres, the capital. Valderrobres and Calaceite belong to the coveted list of The Most Beautiful Towns of Spain. Today you will explore four of them; Valdrerrobres, La Fresneda, Calaceite and Beceite.
Switch on your slow mood.
Lunch is foreseen at a local restaurant.
Back to your hotel, free evening to unwind.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Countryside Hotel
Day 5
TRUFFLE HUNTING
Did you know Teruel is the largest black truffle producer in the world? You cannot miss the opportunity of truffle hunting* while in the area.
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After a yummy lunch, on the back to the hotel you will stop by the lovely town of Alcañiz, The old town of the town is one of those that best conserves its original structure of streets and blocks in the form of a grid, and is perfect for traveling back in time and going back to the Middle Ages. Did you know Alcañiz is homeland of Motorland Aragón, a sports, technology and leisure complex that hosts internationally renowned events such as the Moto GP World Championship, the Superbike World Championship and the World Series by Renault?
Back to the hotel, one more evening to unwind in your oasis of peace.
*Truffle season goes from December to February. Our of season an alternative activity will be organized.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Countryside Hotel
Day 6
OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE
Lovely olive oil experience to discover one of the greatest EVOI made out from some of the very unknown native olives such as Arbequina, Empeltre, Arroniz, Frantoio and Corbella.
PICASSO INFLUENCES
Then, continue your way to the town of Horta de Sant Joan, the hilltop village that Picasso said taught him ‘everything’. This beautiful medieval town with an immense heritage declared a Site of Cultural Interest, was the painter's inspiration, coming to paint more than 70 pieces here. The Picasso Center gathers the reproductions of all the works that the malagueño painter did in this town. An experience that must be lived at least once in life.
MICHELIN STARRED LUNCH
After the tour, a fine dining experience will do well to your soul and body. We propose a Michelin lunch at Villa Retiro by chef Fran López. This will give you a chance to try some of the specialties of the Ebro river delta region in the finest interpretation.
After lunch, transfer to your dream hotel in Priorat. Free evening to unwind.
OPTIONAL: While in Matarraña, active travelers can undertake amazing biking trails longing the Greenway, or hiking across the Parrizal, through a beautiful valley longing the river Matarraña up to the final part where the river canyon stretches to 1,5 meters large and walls reach about sixty meters high. Its great attraction lies in the wooden walkways that cross beautiful natural pools of crystal clear and turquoise waters.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Countryside Hotel
Day 7
PRIORAT WINES
A full day devoted to discover the internationally famous wines from Priorat. Your guide-driver will say hello after breakfast and take you on an exciting day of wine discoveries. You won’t miss the Cartoixa de Scala Dei, the priory established by the monks in the 12th century.
Ready for two wineries private visits to discover the distinctive and powerful expression of Priorat wines. Lunch foreseen at some winery or traditional restaurant.
Back to the hotel, relax and disconnect.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Countryside Hotel
Day 8
DO CAVA
After a restoring breakfast you will start your way back to Barcelona and we will make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the most prestigious cava producers in the wine region of Penedés. Learn about amazing cava wines from organic vineyards. A FEW MORE TEXT.
After lunch, final transfer to Barcelona.
Free evening.
BreakfastLuxury Hotel or Boutique hotel
Day 9
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Barcelona airport, or to your next destination in case you decide to extend your trip.
BreakfastThis is an itinerary for your inspiration; the final route will be unique and tailor-made to your schedule, party details, objectives and travel personality. All private arrangements are quoted individually.
TELL US what you're looking for and we’ll make it happen!.
Price & Booking Terms
DATES:
- Every journey is tailor-made to your trip dates.
INCLUDED:
- 8-Night accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- Meals as stated
- Private-guided wine & tapas tour in Barcelona
- Exclusive Extra Virgin Olive Oil tour and tasting
- 3 Exclusive winery visits (DOCa Priorat, DO Terra Alta and DO Cava)
- Private-guided tours of Barcelona and Matarraña towns
- Private Mercedes chauffeured transport throughout
- Restaurants bookings
- Airport private transfers
- All taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
HOTELS:
We make every stay unique, where every detail counts. Therefore, we treat every request individually and we will present a curated selection of the properties that better suit your personality.
PRICE:
Every trip is quoted individually.
*Prices are in Euros
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
- At the time of reservation: 40% of journey cost per person
- 45 days before departure: Balance due
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard)
