The Al-Andalus Food Tour: Andalusia & Northern Morocco, the gastronomic expression of two cultures
Not only eggplant, spinach, sugar cane, rice, apricots and citrus fruits among other products were introduced by the Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula, but also the introduction of irrigation ditches, cisterns and draining systems contributed to expand the existing olive growing. Marinating technique for food preserving and the alcohol distillation were also valuable contributions.
The gastronomic expression of the Islamic civilization is a major indicator of the economical and cultural development of the Arabs who became the artistic, scientific and intellectual elite. They developed the most refined dining experiences up to unimaginable limits and considered gastronomy a successful means of restoring and preserving health at all levels.
Arabs upgraded gastronomy to a philosophical and human level. Delight and pleasure while eating were sacred and condiments and spices became essential: saffron, peppermint, cumin, lavender, cardamom, caraway, oregano, ginger, pepper, coriander, clove, nutmeg and so on. Honey and almonds, bread and meal; savor this ancient but fully alive culture while you admire traces of magnificence and unimaginable sceneries.
Embark on this Al-Andalus Food Tour a real hedonist escape from southern Spain to northern Morocco.
Day 1
Seville, arrival
Day 2
Seville
Day 3
Seville - Jerez de la Frontera
Day 4
Jerez - Vejer de la Frontera - Jerez
Day 5
Jerez - Tarifa - Tangier
Day 6
Tangier
Day 7
Tangier - Chefchaouen - Tetouan - Tangier
Day 8
Tangier - Tarifa - Ronda
Day 9
Ronda
Day 10
Ronda - Aguilar de la Fra. - Cordoba
Day 11
Cordoba
Day 12
Cordoba - Antequera - Granada
Day 13
Granada
Day 14
Granada, end of journey
Al-Andalus Food Tour : Inspiring itinerary
IDEAL LENGTH: 13 NIGHTS ✧ WHEN TO GO: ALL YEAR ROUND
Day 1
SEVILLE, ARRIVAL
Start this exotic adventure in beautiful Seville.
Arrival to Seville. Private transfer to your hotel and time to relax.
TAPAS TOUR
Tonight, time for your first genuine dining experience in Andalusia with a tapas tour style dinner. That’s the way we mostly eat in Seville and Andalusia, we like ordering several small portions and share them with a glass of wine, and very often by the countertop. Tapear has become a must for any foodie.
Experience first hand from the very first second the inner Andalusian spirit.
Day 2
MONUMENTAL SEVILLE
You will spend the morning in a private-guided tour visiting some of the most impressive monuments of Seville; the Cathedral and the Alcazar Palace (Reales Alcázares) all dating from the 11th to the 16th century. Discover the charms of Seville and its deep heritage. After the tour nothing better than a lovely lunch at some of our preferred restaurants in the city, trust us.
Free afternoon and evening to enjoy the city on your own pace. Why not attending a flamenco show before dinner? It’ll take your breath away.
Day 3
MONUMENTAL JEREZ
Private transfer from Seville, check-in and get ready for a private-guided visit to charming Jerez, the capital of sherry.
You’ll become aware of its rich historic tradition, diversity of activities and complex social structure.
Scholars insist that the word sherry is a corruption of the Spanish Jerez, but it seems more likely that both words stem from the Arabic Sherisch, as the city was called during the 400 years of Moorish occupation. Before that Jerez had been known as Xera by the Phoenicians and Ceret by the Romans. Jerez is in the Andalusia region, Spain's touristic cliché come true. The sidewalks are shaded by orange trees, the houses dazzling white, their black-grilled balconies geranium bedecked, the plazas boasting royal palm trees, bougainvillea, roses and camelias. Within minutes you find that climate and customs combine to slow the pace while quickening the senses. Follow your host and feel the local vibe.
SHERRY WINES
Then, enjoy a private visit to one of the most spectacular sherry bodegas, to learn not only about sherry wines but also about the origin of the oldest European winemaking tradition brought by Phoenicians 3,000 years ago…
After the tour, enjoy a hearty lunch in a second winery, this family wine business will steal your hearts and their wines will for sure make you devotees of sherry. After lunch, head back to the hotel to freshen up.
This evening, stroll around the city to discover new corner on your own, and enjoy a glass of sherry at some tabanco before dinner. We’ll take care of your restaurants bookings always making the selection to balance the trip and to suit your preferences.
Day 4
VEJER, A CHARMING TOWN
This morning your driver will take you to one of the nicest and cutest white little towns: Vejer de la Frontera. Vejer belongs to the club of The Most Beautiful Towns of Spain. Located at 200 meters of altitude, its position was already coveted by Tartessians, Romans and Arabs. Today its 12,812 inhabitants boast of being a walled town with winding streets and dazzling popular architecture. From the distance, only the walls, the castle (from the 10th and 11th century) and the church of the Divino Salvador (an interesting sample of Gothic-Mudejar built on a mosque) stand out with their stone seen. Explore the stunning white-washed cliffside architecture of Andalusia’s heart and admire tiled roofs, immaculate white walls and flowers everywhere.
BLUE FIN TUNA
Every spring shoals of massive Bluefin tuna pass through the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, preferring the balmy Mediterranean to harsh Atlantic waters for mating. It is on the beginning of this great migration, skirting the exclusive beaches of Zahara de los Atunes and Barbate in Cádiz, where the illustrious silver-backed “bulls of the sea” are captured “en paso” (or “on their way”) in a sophisticated and artisanal fashion: the ancient fishing tradition known as Almadraba. Enjoy what's probably the best blue fin tuna in the world during a superb lunch today in a one of the world best tuna restaurants.
After lunch, transfer back to Jerez, may you want to stop by some beach, let us know.
Day 5
CROSSING THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
Early departure to Tarifa’s harbor to embark on the ferry to Tangier, Morocco. In less than an hour you’ll cross the Strait of Gibraltar and find yourself in Africa.
TANGIER, AFRICA
Upon arrival, explore the city with our expert local guide, you’ll fall in love. Did you know Tangier was from 1923 to 1956 an international city? During the 1930s, the city became a center for espionage and a strategic point on trade routes due to its location by the Strait of Gibraltar. Discover and exciting history full of charm and intrigues.
After the tour, ready for a nice Moroccan lunch before heading to the hotel. Freshen-up, and don’t forget to book a hammam session.
Free evening, we will suggest some options or you decide to stay at the hotel.
Day 6
MOROCCAN COOKING CLASS
No rush, turn on the slow mode. We propose a lovely cooking class today, that will include a visit to the food market, making your own Moroccan bread and preparing a tajine to master the use if spices. Simple, authentic and fun.
Free evening.
Day 7
CHEFCHAOUEN, THE BLUE CITY
Ready for an exciting road trip of exploration in northern Morocco. Head to Chefchaouen - or Chaouen, as it’s sometimes called -nestled in the Riff mountains, an outrageously picturesque blue-walled city. Settled in the 15th century, Chefchaouen has been home to Moorish and Jewish populations, now it is an artsy, bucolic charming city.
TETOUAN
After lunch, on the way back to Tangier, stop by Tetouan, one could say it is almost an extension of the last white towns of Cádiz. Coquettish Tetouan is the best kept secret in Morocco and without a doubt an infallible claim for all lovers of the most chic bohemian and virgin beaches. The reason for its nickname the "white dove", lies on the immaculate whitewashed of its Medina and the unmistakable merengue tone of the 20th century Spanish buildings, which abound in the new part of the city, and once again recall the ties that unite us. Enjoy walking through six centuries of history in one day across this faithfully preserved medina off the Moroccan tourist circuit.
Last free evening in Tangier.
Day 8
OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE
Your driver will pick you up this morning and take you the port of Tangier, today you’ll cross the Strait if Gibraltar back to Spain for the second Spanish route following in the steps of the Moorish influence. Upon arrival to Tarifa, your driver will welcome you and drive you to Ronda, but not to the city yet. First, you will stop at a stunning olive grove for an exclusive private visit of the finca; learn everything from the coveted product. In the estate - nestled in a 26-hectare of land in an environment of high scenic and ecological value - you will immerse in an organic agricultural project that offers a complete guided tour with an idyllic itinerary through and along olive groves and vineyards. Visit followed by an olive oil tasting and a rustic lunch in the countryside.
After lunch, transfer to your hotel in Ronda, check-in and relax.
Free evening to stroll around the romantic city. We’ll take care of your dinner arrangement.
Day 9
RONDA
A man is not from where he is born, but where he chooses to die. The ashes of Orson Wells were placed at his own request, in the country estate of a close friend in Ronda. At the edge of a 120 meters deep and 70 meters wide canyon, there is Ronda. Surrounded by lush river valleys and sitting above a deep ravine, it is a place that literally takes your breath away when seeing it. Ronda (Acinipo) was first declared a city by Julius Caesar in the late 4C AD and is home of the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain (1.785). Enjoy a spectacular private tour.
WINES FROM RONDA
After the tour, you will visit one of the lovely and most impressive wineries in Ronda. After the visit and tasting - led by one of the owners -, enjoy a simple and fresh meal in the winery, in the gardens if weather allows.
Free afternoon and evening to enjoy Ronda at your own pace.
Day 10
DO MONTILLA-MORILES
After breakfast, way to poetic and discreet Cordoba but on the way you will attend a sublime exclusive tour to one of the best wineries in Spain: Bodegas Toro Albalá. Their wines from the designation of origin D.O. Montilla-Moriles are out of this world. All made from the indigenous Pedro Ximénez grape using the soleras and criaderas aging system as for sherry wines, you will face seducing and unique wines. Their 1946 PX was awarded with 100 Parker points. Enjoy a very intimate visit and premium wine tasting. Lunch in town before leaving to Cordoba.
Upon arrival to Córdoba, check-in and relax. Free evening. as usual we will assist you with dinner arrangements.
Day 11
CORDOBA
After breakfast, enjoy a lovely private-guided visit of La Mezquita and the Jewish quarter, and stroll around the cobbled streets of the former capital of the Al-Andalus. Cordoba downtown is listed UNESCO Heritage Site and you will quickly understand why.
NOOR, AL-ANDALUS FLAVORS
On our pursuit of Moorish flavors, lunch today couldn’t be anywhere else but in Restaurant Noor by chef Paco Morales, awarded two-Michelin stars. You will be wowed by the entire concept.
Free afternoon. In the evening we suggest a mouth-watering tavern's tour that will uncover genuine Cordoba's tapas bars. Or simply go on your own, Cordoba is friendly a charming, famous for its beautiful houses with blossoming patios in the historic city centre.
Day 12
ANTEQUERA
After breakfast, undertake your way to Granada and stop in Antequera where your guide will welcome you. Why not visiting El Torcal de Antequera, a unique natural setting, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco? It is known for its unusual and enigmatic landforms, and it’s one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe. Then, this is an opportunity to visit the three dolmens, also listed in the World Heritage, and you won’t leave without visiting la Peña de los Enamorados (the Lover’s Rock), an enormous 880m-high crag of limestone that overlooks the town and valley of Antequera.
At lunchtime you’ll find yourself in Antequera for a memorable tasting menu, famous for having recovered the historical cuisine malagueña. After lunch, enjoy a gracious stroll around Antequera Renaissance memories before driving to Granada.
After check-in, unwind, take a slow approach, tomorrow you will discover the greatest Granada. We will assist you in any restaurant booking for tonight.
Day 13
GRANADA
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for a memorable private tour of the Alhambra and the Albaycin district, both UNESCO Heritage Sites. Two competing hills, separated by the Darro River, with a common past: the glorious heritage of Al-Andalus in Granada. Enjoy a private tour of the secrets and symbols contained in the Alhambra’s lush gardens and magical palaces worthy of the Arabian Nights, and continue on to the Albayzin, for a step back in time in the oldest quarter of Granada.
Then, time for lunch with a view sampling traditional recipes.
Free afternoon to explore the city on your own, we will assist you in your evening plans
Day 14
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Granada airport or train station, or to your next destination in case you decided to extend your trip.
This 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:
- 13-Night accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in a curated hotels selection
- Lunches and dinners as stated in your final custom proposal
- Private tapas tour in Seville
- Private cooking class in Tangier
- Private visit to an olive grove and Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting
- Exclusive visit to a winery in Ronda (DO Sierras de Malaga)
- Exclusive visit to a winery from DO Montilla-Moriles
- 2 Exclusive visits to sherry wineries (DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry)
- Private-guided tours & Entrance tickets to all monuments described
- Private Mercedes chauffeured transport throughout
- Restaurants bookings
- Ferry tickets round trip Tarifa-Tangier
- 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)
You were truly instrumental in making our trip fantastic. Truthfully, I wish I were still there.
Many thanks and looking forward to something we can plan together again in the future. Abrazos,
Your restaurant choices were all very good as well.
As for the sherry and bodega visits, those were even more impressive. We had such a terrific time and the experiences were very personalized.
Thank you so much for arranging special tastings for us. It was absolutely incredible.
Everyone we met were so kind and welcoming. We are Sherry wine fans for life!!
We signed up and took a chance, and were rewarded greatly. The happy group is a testament to not only your planning and professionalism, but your kindness as well.
Hands down, best tour trip ever 🙂
So grateful for the opportunity to get to know all of you!
The trip was amazing in all aspects. We were really impressed with everything. The hotel choices were wonderful, the locations were perfect, the guides were terrific and very knowledgeable. Your restaurant choices were all very good as well.
As for the sherry and bodega visits, those were even more impressive. We had such a terrific time and the experiences were very personalized. Thank you so much for arranging special tastings for us. It was absolutely incredible. Everyone we met were so kind and welcoming. We are Sherry wine fans for life!!
I was so impressed with everything you arranged and your promptness and professionalism. Dillon had a wonderful time and was very complimentary.
Thank you for everything.
With gratitude, Star
Thank you so much for this helpful list! Gary and I are still talking about what a great time we had on the trip to Spain and how much we enjoyed meeting you, Fernando and Felix. You did an amazing job and we so appreciated seeing Spain's beautiful cities, historical treasures and of course the wonderful food, wine and people!
Gary and I wanted to thank you again for your continued care and concern as we spent three additional days in Madrid with the Millars. You and Fernando were so nice to make sure all went well and to see us off when we finally had to depart.
We are wishing you all the best and a wonderful holiday season ahead,
(...)
We had a winderful time particularly thanks to your superb arrangements. We will return! Arrivederci Marco
All the private excursions that she arranged were excellent. At some point during every tour our guide received a message from our agent checking in on how everything was going. We felt very well taken care of during our honeymoon and very thankful for all the assistance Valeska provided in making this dream vacation come true.