Catalonia Cava

Catalonia Cava & Coastal Culinary Quest

Price: $4,000 per person (based on double occupancy)
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Location: Penedès and Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Inclusions: Accommodation in a 14th-century Catalan masia, daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, guided Cava winery tours, La Boqueria market visit, paella cooking class, stargazing with an astronomer, all transfers, and expert-guided tours.
Group Size: Maximum 12 guests for an intimate experience

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This 5-day tour celebrates the sparkling wines and vibrant culinary traditions of Catalonia. Sip Cava in the Penedès region, explore Barcelona’s iconic La Boqueria market, and master paella in a seaside cooking class. Your home is a 14th-century Catalan masia, nestled among vineyards with a private pool, where nighttime stargazing with a local astronomer adds a celestial touch to your coastal quest.

Detailed Itinerary & Activities

Day 1: Arrival & Masia Welcome

Activity: Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the 14th-century Catalan masia in the Penedès region, near Vilafranca del Penedès. Settle in with a welcome glass of Cava and a dinner of escalivada, fideuà, and crema catalana, paired with a local Xarel·lo wine.

Evening Entertainment: Enjoy a guided stargazing session in the masia’s vineyard, led by a local astronomer using a high-powered telescope to reveal constellations and planets.

Highlight: Sip a glass of Cava under the Catalan stars, surrounded by the masia’s ancient stone walls.

Day 2: Penedès Cava Wineries

Activity: Visit two renowned Cava producers in the Penedès region, including a family-run winery and a historic estate. Learn about the traditional method of Cava production and taste sparkling wines, from crisp Brut to complex Gran Reserva, paired with Marcona almonds.

Lunch: Dine at the second winery on coca de recapte (Catalan flatbread) and grilled calçots with romesco sauce, paired with a Penedès rosé Cava.

Evening Entertainment: Relax with a classical guitar performance in the masia’s courtyard, featuring Catalan folk melodies.

Day 3: Barcelona & La Boqueria Market

Activity: Journey to Barcelona for a guided tour of La Boqueria market, one of Europe’s most famous food markets. Sample jamón ibérico, Manchego cheese, and fresh figs, guided by a local food expert who shares tips on Catalan ingredients.

Afternoon: Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, visiting the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia and the historic Plaça del Rei.

Evening Entertainment: Return to the masia for a wine tasting of Penedès reds and whites, hosted by the estate’s sommelier in the cellar.

Day 4: Seaside Paella Cooking Class & Sitges

Activity: Travel to the coastal town of Sitges for a hands-on paella cooking class led by a Catalan chef. Master the art of seafood paella, using fresh prawns and mussels, and enjoy your creation for lunch, paired with a Penedès Cava.

Afternoon: Stroll Sitges’ promenade and visit the Maricel Museum, showcasing Catalan art.

Evening Entertainment: Celebrate with a farewell dinner in the masia’s garden, featuring a five-course menu of botifarra amb mongetes, suquet de peix, and turron, paired with vintage Cava, followed by a final stargazing session with the astronomer.

Day 5: Departure

Activity: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the masia’s private pool before transferring to Barcelona for your departure.

Highlight: Receive a parting gift of a bottle of estate Cava and a recipe card for paella.

Accommodation: The 14th-Century Catalan Masia

Your home for the tour is a 14th-century Catalan masia, located in the rolling vineyards of the Penedès region, near Vilafranca del Penedès. Originally a fortified farmhouse, the masia has been restored to preserve its medieval charm while offering modern comforts. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, it provides a tranquil and authentic base for your Catalan adventure.

Features

Architecture & Design: The masia features thick stone walls, arched doorways, and terracotta floors, with wooden beams and wrought-iron chandeliers adding rustic elegance. Its central courtyard, shaded by a fig tree, is perfect for al fresco dining.

Guest Rooms: 12 en-suite rooms, each with handcrafted furniture, linen curtains, and views of the vineyards or Penedès hills. Modern amenities include plush bedding, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with mosaic tiles and rainfall showers.

Facilities: A private wine cellar with Penedès Cavas and wines, a professional kitchen for cooking classes, and a private pool surrounded by lavender. The masia also offers a small library with Catalan literature and a rooftop terrace for stargazing.

Gardens & Grounds: Lush grounds with a vineyard producing estate Cava, an olive grove, and a herb garden. A telescope platform supports stargazing, and a shaded pergola offers a space for relaxation.

Ambiance: The masia exudes Catalan warmth, with fresh flowers, candlelit dinners, and staff in traditional attire. Its intimate size ensures personalized service and a deep connection to Penedès culture.

Unique Aspects

Historical Significance: The masia served as a defensive stronghold during the Catalan Revolt of the 1640s, with its cellars used to store wine for local nobility. Its stone tower, still intact, offers panoramic views of the region.

Sustainability: The masia uses solar energy and maintains an organic garden, supplying herbs and produce for meals. Guests can join a garden tour to learn about native Catalan plants.

Cultural Immersion: Stargazing sessions and paella classes connect guests to Catalonia’s coastal and culinary traditions, while the masia’s vineyard offers tastings of its micro-production Cava.

Additional Notes

Accessibility: The masia includes some uneven stone paths and stairs; please inquire about accessibility accommodations.

Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.

Weather: Catalonia enjoys mild springs and autumns, ideal for winery tours and coastal excursions. Summer tours include shaded activities for comfort.

Booking: Contact the tour operator via the website for availability and single-occupancy rates.

This tour blends Catalonia’s sparkling Cava, vibrant markets, and coastal cuisine with the timeless charm of a historic masia, offering a sparkling and savory escape.