Gourmet Series: Catalonia

Arrive Barcelona airport and get whisked away to Catalonia’s most famous wine region, Priorat. This region covers a small area, less than 20,000 hectares, of which just 1,600 are planted with vines. The terrain is very abrupt, even “cataclysmic”, in the words of Catalan writer Josep Pla. This makes wine-growing hard, demanding, and very costly. Enjoy a very special tasting of one of the best wineries, paired with excellent local delicacies!

Start with the mystic and religious legacy: the Cistercian monasteries, dated from the 12th century. We will explore Poblet Monastery, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, which holds all its monastic activity to this day, as religious life is still present. Poblet is an impressive architectural complex and one of the largest monasteries in Europe. Continue with another monastery, The Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, one of the most important historic sites of the Priorat.

Walk across the ruined monastery, around its three cloisters, church, and refectory, whilst learning the purpose of each building. End the day with olive oil tastings to discover and enjoy an essential part of Mediterranean cooking. And beyond any doubt, the oil of the Priorat is one of the finest products of its kind.

The Romanesque ensemble of the Vall de Boí is exceptional for its state of conservation, built in 11th and 12th centuries, following the models of the Italian Lombard Romanesque. The Romanesque churches of the Vall de Boí also serve as an instrument for learning about medieval history as they are the artistic reflection of a society structured around ecclesiastical and stately hierarchies, in which the church fulfilled not only a religious function, but also had an important social role, as a meeting place and refuge for the people. This social function of the temples is evidenced in the use of their slender tower bell towers as elements of communication and surveillance. From each of the towers, you can see that of the neighboring town, to facilitate communication.

A day trip adventure and gastronomy program in the Pyrenees which aims to explore several nature wonders and magnificent landscapes, as well as discover the cuisine and producers in the surrounding areas of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and make your own Ratafia Workshop.

Visit Aigüestortes National Park, a unique protected natural area that offers us an incomparable natural environment with its peaks that exceed three thousand meters high; rivers, ravines, waterfalls, swamps and more than 200 ponds. The vegetation of the Aigüestortes National Park consists mainly of forests of Pino Silvestre, Pino Negro and Abetos. Where there are no trees, we can see large grasslands that delight ruminants. There are also more scattered areas of Birch and Beech. The picture that gives us this flora, the meadows, the rocks and the water, leave us landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Start by visiting Olot, “the city of volcanoes”, known especially for its natural attractions and for being part of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park but it also has an interesting cultural heritage. Taste the Volcan Cuisine in Santa Pau, with local products from the orchard to the table, harvested and cooked. This turnip that has just arrived in the kitchen still has bits of moist soil on its wrinkled skin… precise seasoning and the wise combination of produce. A cuisine that is strong and convincing, born and raised here, with dishes such as patates d’Olot (potatoes from Olot) or beans of Santa Pau.

The ancient walled city of Girona stands on a fortress-like hill, high above the confluence of two rivers, and has a long and distinguished history. The huge 15th century cathedral with the widest unsupported gothic arch in the world, dominates the skyline. Yet much of the city’s attraction lies in exploring its labyrinthic cobbled streets, especially around the charming Jewish quarter. Its maze-like distribution, its medieval atmosphere, the charm of “Barri Vell” stores and beautiful corners make it a fascinating visit. The Jewish Call also retains much of its Kabbalistic mystery, which characterized Girona Jews in a setting that has remained in the same location since the Middle Ages. Also known as the city of four rivers or Little Florence, travel back to Iberian and Roman times and discover Romanesque monasteries, Arab Baths, Gothic gems and charming squares and corners.

At the heart of the Costa Brava and close to beautiful Palamós, a fishermen village with outstanding coves, we find a magnificent 16th century masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) and cellar with a lot to discover. Surrounded by vineyards, this appreciated wine is made with natural and artisanal procedures. The cellar was built underground, letting us in on the secrets and enigmas of the site as we discover the process of winemaking and the light and shadow plays created by its singular, unique architecture. An ensemble of medieval-style vestiges sits in the estate, spawning intense debate among experts and intellectuals, and bestowing the place with an extra feel of uniqueness and originality. An appreciation of the landscape, of modern art, of cultural tradition and heritage, and indeed of gastronomy and oenology meet in this unique site, open to the sea and enclosed in the beautiful Empordà landscape.

Spend the day enjoying the grounds of the hotel. Book a treatment at Mas Spa or enjoy the wonderful facilities including a indoor heated pool, four treatment rooms, a dry sauna and hammam, a water circuit, fitness equipment by Technogym and spaces reserved for yoga, meditation or Pilates.

Embark on an exclusive experience where two of the most appreciated gifts of nature come together. Under the guidance of an expert who’s both a sommelier and a botanist, we will enjoy a fascinating journey away from the bustling city, discovering and tasting the Catalan nature. Along the Costa Brava there are no walks more spectacular than the coastal footpaths, a wonderful way to discover small coves, vertiginous cliffs, charming beaches and other unmissable seaside beauty spots.

Walking around some of the most emblematic landscapes in the region, we will learn about the landscape and the flora surrounding us. Discover why this is one of the richest aromatic herb territories. But why not take a step further… and try some? Aromatic plants and flowers have been a symbolic, artistic and medicinal part of human life since ancient times. Used to express love, sympathy, good wishes or worship, flowers have always been appreciated by their colors, shapes, scent and ability to create beauty. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Barcelona.

The Art Nouveau movement had a particular development in Catalonia at the end of the 19th century, where it acquires an own and differentiated personality denominated Modernism. As opposed to mid-century industrial architecture, this movement develops new concepts based on nature, introducing new building materials, organic shapes and facades inspired by motifs and structures of nature. With this visit we will get to know the masterpieces of two of its greatest Architects. On the one hand, Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, an indispensable visit in Barcelona where you will appreciate the perfect harmony in the interrelation between the structural and the ornamental elements. On the other hand, the lesser-known Sant Pau Recent Modernista, an impressive monument designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as a “garden-city” hospital. The two buildings are facing each other and, linked by an avenue, they counteract and complement one another. Visiting these two exceptional architectural ensembles together is a unique experience. Afterwards, discover an outstanding early example of Modernisme and Gaudí’s first major building, Casa Vicens. Visit the house and its rooms and enjoy this beautiful, organic, harmonious and ornamented testament to Gaudí’s genius. As night falls, we will see the light and colors change, discovering the magical Casa Vicens and finishing with a glass of cava.

A slow morning starts the day, breakfast at the hotel before check-out, with time to take in Barcelona, Spain, one last time. A private transfer to the airport follows, whether that means flying home or connecting onward to your next stop in Europe.