Beyond Barcelona: The Flavours of Catalunya [Spring]
Overview
Catalunya is a region with a strong sense of identity. Culture, language, and gastronomy are deeply rooted, with traditions passed down through generations. While many travellers focus on Spain’s larger cities, much of Catalunya remains wonderfully authentic. Locals gather for seaside lunches, countryside weekends, and lively village festivals celebrating food, wine, and community.
Throughout the week we explore the region’s many landscapes — from fishing towns along the Costa Brava to vineyard-covered countryside and beautifully preserved medieval villages. Food is central to everyday life. Markets, seasonal ingredients, and traditional recipes shape generous meals meant to be shared.
During the journey we meet local producers, visit markets, cook regional dishes, and gather around long tables where conversation flows as easily as the wine. Because here, the best way to understand a place is through its food, its people, and the moments shared around the table.
Adventure Details
Highlights
- Olive oil tasting and pairing beneath ancient olive trees on a magnificent Catalan estate
- Exploring the Mediterranean coastline from the water in the charming seaside village of Cadaqués
- Disgorging and finishing our own bottle of Cava at a traditional winery
Accommodations
Our home for the week is a beautifully restored Catalan mas — a historic countryside estate rooted in the agricultural traditions of Catalunya. The word mas refers to traditional rural farmhouses that have shaped the Catalan landscape for centuries.
Built from local stone with terracotta roofs and shaded courtyards, these homes were once the center of family life surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and olive groves.
Today, restored masos preserve their rustic character while offering refined comfort. Stone walls, handcrafted furnishings, and elegant rooms reflect the understated style of the region.
Surrounded by gardens, terraces, and countryside views, the estate invites slow afternoons, shared meals, and relaxed gatherings in the Mediterranean sun.
More than a place to stay, a Catalan mas offers a true sense of place — where days unfold around food, conversation, and the rhythm of the countryside.
Experiences We Share During the Week
Our week in Catalunya blends culinary discoveries, cultural exploration, and the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean life as we move between coast, countryside, and historic towns.
Experiences throughout the journey include:
- Barcelona Vermut Time & Historic Neighbourhood Exploration with a local guide
- Olive Oil Estate Visit with Guided Tasting & Pairing enjoyed in the garden beneath ancient olive trees
- Kayak or Boat Exploration of Cadaqués, a picturesque Costa Brava fisherman’s town
- Medieval Village Discoveries with time at leisure to wander stone streets and quiet squares
- Cava Winery Workshop where we learn the secrets of traditional sparkling wine and disgorge our own bottle of cava
- Girona Food Tour through the medieval streets tasting regional Catalan specialties
- Goat Cheese Farm Visit with tasting in a unique cork-lined aging cave
- Scenic Mediterranean Coastal Hike leading to a charming seaside village
- Seafood Cooking Demonstration & Traditional Fish Auction Experience
- Catalan Winery Visits with tastings hosted by local winemakers
- Wine Workshop at the Masia exploring regional grape varieties and wine traditions
- Paella Cooking Experience with our private chefAs with all Epicureans journeys, the program is thoughtfully curated yet intentionally flexible, allowing space for spontaneous discoveries and the natural rhythm of the region.
Who Is This Trip For?
You will likely feel at home on this journey if you are someone who:
- Love Mediterranean cuisine and want to explore the authentic flavors of Catalonia
- Appreciate the Spanish tradition of sharing generous meals around the table
- Enjoy both rustic mountain cuisine and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean coast
- Are drawn to picturesque fisherman’s towns and charming medieval villages
- Want to experience the places where Spaniards themselves love to spend their holidays
- Are curious to discover a different side of Spain beyond Barcelona and Andalucía
- Relish staying in a large historic countryside estate surrounded by nature
- Enjoy meeting passionate local producers and artisans
- Want to discover lesser-known wine regions such as Empordà and Penedès
- Are interested in discovering the distinct identities of both Spanish and Catalan cultures
If you’re beginning to picture yourself here, give us a call or connect with us to learn more about the experience.
Morning begins slowly at the Masia as soft Mediterranean light fills the gardens.Breakfast is simple and deeply Catalan — pan con tomate, rustic bread with local olive oil, warm pastries from the village bakery, seasonal fruit, and strong coffee.
Late morning we explore the region. One day may lead us through the medieval streets of Girona on a guided food walk. Another may take us into the countryside to meet small producers crafting traditional cheeses.
By midday, we pause for one of Catalunya’s favorite rituals: vermut time. Chilled vermouth is served with olives, anchovies, and local cheeses, followed by small tapas shared around the table.
Afternoons bring new discoveries — perhaps a village market, a coastal fishing town, or time back at the Masia preparing a traditional paella with our chef.
As evening settles over the countryside, we gather for apero before sitting down to a long dinner outdoors, where wine flows and conversation lingers late into the night.
Logistics & What's Included
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Group Size: A small group of 18 – 22 guests, allowing for meaningful encounters with local producers and a convivial atmosphere around our long-table meals.
What’s Included
- 7 nights in our private historical Catalan Mas,
- Daily breakfast at the Masia featuring local specialties
- Selected lunches throughout the week (with one or two lunches left at leisure)
- Long-table dinners prepared by our private chef, served family-style and paired with regional wines
- Curated winery visits and tastings in Catalonia’s wine regions, including
- Empordà
- Penedès
- Hands-on culinary experiences including a paella cooking class and seafood cooking demonstration
- Guided food experiences including our Girona food tour and traditional vermut time in Barcelona
- Visits to local producers including an olive oil estate and a goat cheese farm
- All local transportation for scheduled activities and excursions
- Hosting by the Epicureans Co. team throughout the journey
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from Spain
- Transportation to the meeting point on arrival day
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Wines outside curated tastings and above what is served during hosted meals
- Gratuities for local guides and service staff (optional — in Europe they are appreciated but never expected)
Arrival
Arrival Location
The journey begins in Barcelona, Spain. Guests will be greeted at a Arc de Triomph in Barcelona, where our private coach will meet the group before departing for the Catalan countryside and our Masia.
Arrival Timing
Our Culinary Adventures truly span eight full days, with experiences planned on both arrival and departure days. To make the most of the journey, we recommend arriving in Barcelona the day prior to the start of the trip and staying one additional night after the program concludes. Barcelona is a vibrant and fascinating city well worth exploring, and we will gladly share some of our favorite recommendations.
Airports & Trains
The closest airport is Barcelona–El Prat International Airport (BCN), which offers excellent international connections. Barcelona is also well connected by high-speed train, with convenient rail links from cities such as Madrid, Paris, and Girona. From the airport, the city center can easily be reached by taxi, airport shuttle, or train.
Transportation
During the Week: All transportation for scheduled activities and excursions is included on our private coach.
Language
The journey is conducted in English, with local guides, producers, and winemakers joining us throughout the week.
Mobility
The program is low to moderate in activity, though it is best enjoyed by guests with good mobility. Some experiences involve walking through medieval villages, navigating cobblestone streets, coastal paths, and vineyard terrain.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.Detailed arrival information and travel recommendations will be shared after booking.
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Book Your Trip Now
Join a small group and take your seat at our table.
Explore Europe through generous tables and vineyards while staying in exclusive villas rooted in place. Travel differently. Eat locally. Connect deeply.