Itinerary
B =Breakfast L =Lunch D =Dinner
Day One
The program starts in Seville. Check-in at a charming and cozy four star hotel, an old palace home in the heart of town. The day is yours to rest, settle in and make yourself at home… or maybe take a stroll and begin to explore this incredible city!
In the evening, meet your guide for a welcome drink offered at the hotel.
Night in Seville.
Day Two
Begin the day with a walking tour of Seville. Crossed by the Guadalquivir River, a main artery during the golden years of trade with the Americas, the city had the monopoly of commerce with the Indies, and gloriously displays an extraordinary monumental legacy. A leisurely stroll with your guide will give you an idea of it all… the famous Plaza de España and beautiful Maria Luisa Gardens, the lively Triana quarter across the river, the Torre del Oro, the bullfighting ring, and of course the magical Santa Cruz quarter, a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, just behind the impressive Giralda and Cathedral of Seville.
Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch at a select local restaurant, specializing in traditional Andalusian cuisine. This will be an ideal introduction to the exciting culinary discoveries in store for you... The recipes are full of local flavor, with special attention to seasonal specialties, and, needless to say, the use of premium quality olive oil.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy on your own.
Night in Seville.
B, L
Day Three
Today you’ll be moving on to Jaen, in Northern Andalusia, with olive-trees as the inseparable companions of your journey. The first stop is a visit to Castillo de Canena, and the Vañó family, who own this impressive Renaissance castle, and produce one of Spain’s finest extra virgin olive oils, under the same name. Your time with them will not only be a thrilling plunge into history, but a master lesson on the “abc’s” of making excellent olive oil.
After the visit, lunch will be taken at one of the finest restaurants of the area, and then you’ll continue to the beautiful town of Úbeda, where you’ll check in at your hotel, a charming palace – home in the heart of town. After you’ve settled in, visit the local Olive Oil Museum, for a comprehensive look at the origins of olive oil production, traditional harvest and pressing methods, olive varieties, and much more. Following this visit, discover nearby Baeza, a small but splendid monumental town that will, once again, bring you back in time. Then it’s back to Úbeda, for a leisurely walk with your guide. The evening is free for you to rest and enjoy on your own.
Night in Úbeda.
B, D
Day Four
After leaving your hotel, you’ll be headed for Cordova. Check in at one of the most attractive hotels in the historical city center, an 18th century palace home, built right into the old city walls. Enjoy some free time to settle in and perhaps get a bite for lunch.
At the afternoon, we’ll pick you up for a guided tour round the old town. The ancient walls, the narrow winding streets, the beautiful patios of the homes, and the richness of architectural styles will all astound you. But from the very first step into the famous Mezquita (Cathedral and former Mosque), you will simply be taken aback... the sea of columns and the lavish mixture of veritable treasures that are held inside can hardly be described, they have to be seen.
Tonight’s dinner will be served at one of the finest restaurants in Cordova. Located in a beautiful winery that was the origin of this family business, it bears the splendor of several generations of culinary expertise. You’ll be tasting a dazzling succession of local recipes; many of them originating in the peaceful coexistence of the three cultures that lived in this city for hundreds of years... all of them are made with premium olive oils, of course.
Night in Cordova.
B, D
Day Five
Today you’ll be making an excursion along the Route of the Caliphate, a scenic route uniting Cordova and Granada during Arab times, marking the boundaries with Christian lands, hence the numerous remains of watch towers and castles that can still be seen today.
The first stop is the charming mountain town of Zuheros, with its spectacular views of the endless olive groves. Next is Baena, the home of some of Spain’s finest olive oils. Take a guided tour of the traditional olive oil mill of an organic producer and from there move on to Castro del Rio, for an olive oil tasting session with another producer.
Lunch will follow, a simply scrumptious meal with the authentic air of “home cooking”. The setting is an old almazara (mill), converted into a wonderful rustic restaurant, where the friendly chef and owner will indeed make you feel at home.
After lunch, it’s back to Cordova, where you’ll have some free time to rest, maybe do some shopping or take a leisurely walk…
Tonight, your farewell dinner will be served in the best restaurant in Cordova, just a minute’s walk from your hotel. You’ll get an authentic taste of local flavor, sitting in one of the many salones (different rooms) that make up what used to be a large aristocratic home. The menu will be made up of an appetizing range of traditional recipes, based on the basic ingredients of Andalusian cuisine; enjoy it to the fullest, complemented by select wines from their remarkable wine cellar, already used in Roman times.
Night in Cordova.
B, L, D
Day Six
Enjoy your breakfast before leaving Cordova to get back home, or maybe continue your trip in Spain!
B
