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Trip or Vacation
Cost: From $7,499 Based Upon Double Occupancy
Join Premier Tours & Travel for A Taste of Spain —a chef-led cultural, historical, and epicurean tour throughout the Andalusian region and Madrid, Spain. From the hand-selected, private experiences,J including the Cinco Jutas Ibérico farm tour and tasting, a Jerez de la Frontera sherry tasting, olive oil tasting, the guided tour of the Alhambra, and paella demonstration, to the guided city tours in Seville, Granada, Mijas, and Madrid, your Premier experience will surely quench your thirst for Spain. Only to be surpassed by the unique market and dining experiences with your Expert Host. Truly a Premier experience!
April 4-13, 2023 (departing April 3, 2023) with Chef Maria Jimenez Latorre
April 14-23, 2023 (departing April 13, 2023) with Chef Bob Waggoner
June 9-19, 2023 (departing June 3, 2023) with Chef Maria Jimenez Latorre
September 29-October 8, 2023 (departing September 28) with Chef Maria Jimenez Latorre
October 13-22, 2023 (departing October 13, 2023)
From $7499 Per Person (DBL); Single Supplement $1800;
Limited to 20 passengers; $1000 Per Person Deposit
Highlights of Seville, Spain (3 Nights)o
Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Seville, Spain.
Day 1: Seville — Welcome Dinner
A Premier Tours & Travel representative will welcome you to Seville and provide private transfers to your hotel. Spend the next three nights immersed in traditional 18th-century Seville architecture in the modernized, boutique Las Casa del Rey de Baeza in the heart of the old town of Seville. After time to refresh, enjoy a Welcome Dinner to ease you — and your palette — into this amazing itinerary.
Day 2: Seville — Market —Tapas Tasting
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Seville — a land loved by the Phoenicians, Tartessians, Romans, Arabs, and Christians, alike, which will be evident in the diverse architecture throughout the tour. Explore the Barrio Santa Cruz (the former Jewish Quarters) and the Giralda Bell Tower for spectacular views over the city along the way. Visit Seville Cathedral (where Christopher Columbus is buried) with entrance ticket included. Visit one of the most beautiful and active local food markets, the Mercado de Triana, in the charming Triana district, to learn about — and more importantly — to taste various local and seasonal products. Enjoy the balance of the day and your evening at leisure.
Day 3: Day Trip to Jabugo, Spain — Jamón Ibérico Tasting — Parrilla Experience with Chef
Today, a bespoke culinary experience awaits you in Jabugo, the Jamón Iberico capital of Spain. Discover Cinco Jotas Jamón Iberico Farm, located inside the Natural Park of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche in Andalusia. The 3,000 inhabitants of Jabugo have a distinct connection with Iberian ham and you will learn directly from several at Cinco Jotas, including the profound history behind their 100-year-old curing cellars, the unique ecosystem of the Ibérian hog, and the artisan process that goes into creating their indulgent, 100% acorn-fed Jamón Ibérico. Enjoy a private visit to the Cinco Jotas curing cellars in Jabugo and a VIP Jamón carving and tasting masterclass followed by an outdoor parrilla luncheon in collaboration with our friends and owners at Finca Buenvino, overlooking the picturesque valley and mountains in the distance. The exquisite food coupled with the beautiful views of the countryside make for an unforgettable experience. The evening will be at leisure.
Highlights of Jerez, Ronda, Mijas, Marbella, & Granada (4 Nights)
Day 4: Seville — Jerez de la Frontera – La Bobadilla
Today depart from Seville to head into Sierra de Loja and your 5-star accommodations, La Bobadilla, located in the countryside between the Costa del Sol and Granada. En route, visit our hand-selected bodega to learn about and experience the iconic Sherry wines and Vermouth of Jerez de la Frontera with tapas. Continue to La Bobadilla with a photo stop in the white-washed village of Zahara de la Sierra along the way. After checking into La Bobadilla, inspired by intricate Mudejar architecture, take time to refresh and relax in your well-appointed room, wander the gardens, or enjoy a cocktail on the patio in advance of the Welcome Dinner La Bobadilla.
Day 5: Mijas — Chef’s Dinner
Explore the white-washed village of Mijas at leisure today, meandering through the vibrant shops lining the narrow streets and relax in a restaurant of your choosing for your lunch at leisure. Return with time to enjoy the hotel or assist with preparation for this evening’s Chef’s dinner — you are invited to help as much or as little with the dinner prep as you wish for each of these bespoke chef’s dinners.
Day 6: Ronda – Olive Oil Tasting — Chef’s Dinner
An organic olive farm, picking your own organic vegetables, and wandering the wonders of Ronda will be on your itinerary today. More than 200 years ago, a religious community of nuns in Ronda — one of the most emblematic and beautiful cities in Andalusia — began to make olive oil using the fruit of centuries old olive trees. Walk in the footsteps of the nuns and the Gómez de Baeza family — owners of LA Organic — through the olive groves, learning about the science and art of creating this delicious olive oil. Leave as an olive oil expert after an educational tasting masterclass.
Stroll around Ronda, famous worldwide for its dramatic cliffs and uninterrupted views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge dating to the 9th century that carries the Rio Guadalevín through its center. Make your way into the old town, a maze of winding streets, mosques, palaces, and charming white-washed Andalusian homes. Ronda’s Plaza de Toros is one of Spain’s oldest bull rings. Refresh for this evening’s Paella collaboration with La Bobadilla and our Chef.
Day 7: Granada — La Alhambra — Chef’s Dinner
On your last day in Andalusia, visit magical Granada and the famous La Alhambra — the 8th wonder of the World. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain. The name Alhambra, signifying in Arabic “the red,” is probably derived from the reddish color of the tapia (rammed earth) of which the outer walls were built. After touring this architectural masterpiece, enjoy lunch and time at leisure in Granada — the last stronghold of Spanish Moors who left their mark in the spectacular Islamic architecture — before heading back to La Bobadilla and this evening’s Chef’s dinner at La Bobadilla.
Highlights of Madrid (2 Nights)
Day 8: Madrid
Farewell to Andalusia today as you board the high-speed AVE train bound for the capital of Spain, Madrid (preferred class). Upon arrival, our Premier Tours & Travel representatives will transfer to the iconic Pestana Hotel Plaza Mayor — located in the heart of the city, near the markets, shops, and museums. After checking in, enjoy time at leisure. Join us for a dinner and Flamenco Show at the most traditional and emblematic Tablao in Madrid. With more than 60 years of history, Corral de la Moreria is the most prestigious flamenco tablao and the world’s only with a Michelin star.
Day 9: Madrid
This morning, enjoy a guided panoramic and walking tour of Madrid to experience its narrow cobblestone streets, hear the history of this beautiful city, and visit the incredible Mercado San Miquel. Enjoy a group lunch and the balance of your day and evening will be at leisure.
As you know, all good trips must come to an end. Transfer to the airport this morning based upon your departure time.
Transfers to the airport are included. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check in.
Standard rooms are included for this tour (per hotel designation for same). Upgraded rooms are available upon request and based upon availability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Itinerary subject to change. Premier Tours & Travel reserves the right to modify programs and itineraries (including arranged sightseeing, accommodations, dining experiences, aircraft, trains, vessels, and so forth) at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Premier Tours & Travel’s control, including force majeures. In the instance our Expert host cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, Premier Tours & Travel has the right to substitute another Expert host, such as a chef, in such an emergency (timing allowed) and/or the tour will continue in its entirety. Every effort is made to operate our itineraries as planned but alterations may need to be made after the final itinerary has been issued. Airfare is not included. Deposits are utilized to secure services on your behalf and are nonrefundable. Deposits are transferrable to a future Expertly Done Culinary & Wine Travel tour. One glass of wine is included with meals as applicable unless noted otherwise. All other alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of each adult guest. Guests are limited to one carry on and one checked baggage and will be responsible for any additional fees charged for additional luggage. Please see Key Items to Know Before You Leave Home attached.
A California native, Chef Bob Waggoner received his formal training with Michael Roberts at Trumps in Los Angeles from 1981 to 1983, and later in France at a constellation of Michelin-rated restaurants with chefs Jacques Lameloise, Charles Barrier, Pierre Gagnaire, Gerard Boyer and Mark Meneau. At 23, he took on his first chef position at the private club “Members” in Caracas, Venezuela. Chef Bob Waggoner returned to France at age 24 to become chef of the Hotel de la Poste in Avallon for three years. Then, in 1988 at age 26, in the town of Moneteau in Burgundy, he became the first American chef to own his own restaurant in France, the much acclaimed Le Monte Cristo. He is one of the few Americans to be Knighted with the “l’Odre du Mérite Agricole” from the Government of France.
In 1991, Waggoner was offered the opportunity of Chef de Cuisine with Chef Jean-Pierre Silva, the two-star Michelin, at Le Vieux Moulin in Beaune, France. After 11 years in France, he returned to the States in 1993 to cook at the award-winning Turnberry Isle in Florida, before joining The Wild Boar in Nashville, where he earned the restaurant a coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award and the Grand Award from Wine Spectator.
He finally found his way to Charleston where he was Executive Chef of Charleston Grill at Charleston Place for a dozen years. Every year Chef Bob was at the Charleston Grill, it was awarded AAA Four-Diamond and the Mobile Four-Star award, and in 2001 he was nominated four times for The Beard Foundation "Best Chef Southeast" award. He is author of the Charleston Grill at Charleston Place: French Influenced Lowcountry Cuisine cookbook.Always well regarded as a media-savvy chef, he won an Emmy for his television show “Off the Menu” with Turner South, and was the host of the PBS series "U Cook with Chef Bob" and "U Travel with Chef Bob." He is currently working with top country musicians in Nashville on the hit show "Sing for Your Supper."
Now Chef Bob is moving on from his restaurant past, but he is certainly not leaving the kitchen. Drawing from the wealth of artisans in the Charleston area, from woodworkers to artists and cabinet makers, Chef Bob has created a stunning demonstration kitchen in downtown Charleston with reclaimed wood floors, a u-shaped marble countertop and even a Grand player piano. Despite the sophisticated surroundings, Chef Bob's cooking classes are relaxed and casual, and with his easygoing nature he can teach anyone the culinary tips and techniques for "how it's done" in the finest restaurants.
Premier Tours & Travel is proud to introduce our tours with Chef Maria Jimenez Latorre, a native Spanish celebrity chef. Chef Maria Jimenez Latorre is a renowned chef in Spain with a following throughout the country for her magnetic personality and culinary style. She is a radio and television personality, as well as the leading chef at Alambique Escuela de Cocina cooking school, founder of We Present catering company, and the face of Orujo de Aceite de Oliva in Spain.
Languages: Spanish (native speaker), English (fluent) , French (fluent)
Highlights of Recent Work Experience
2009 to present - Alambique Escuela de Cocina cooking school
Chef leading cooking events at Alambique.: hands-on gastronomic events, team-buildings and corporate events, specialising in traditional Spanish cuisine. Also teaching hand-on beginners courses and cooking with confidence classes, as well as cookery classes for children including classes which combine cooking and magic
2013– present – Founder and partner in catering company We Present
Serving weddings, christenings, first communions , birthday parties, dinners and corporate events with chef Sergio Fernandez.
2018 to Present - Ambassador For ORIVA
Cooking demonstrations and helping professionals and hotelerie schools learn how to use Orujo de Aceite de Oliva in particular in frying techniques. Included trainning for the “perfect fritter ” challenge. Over 2020 this took the form of remote classes and videos for social media.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Itinerary subject to change. Premier Tours & Travel reserves the right to modify programs and itineraries (including arranged sightseeing, accommodations, dining experiences, aircraft, trains, vessels, and so forth) at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Premier Tours & Travel’s control, including force majeures. In the instance our Expert host cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, Premier Tours & Travel has the right to substitute another Expert host, such as a chef, in such an emergency (timing allowed) and/or the tour will continue in its entirety. Every effort is made to operate our itineraries as planned but alterations may need to be made after the final itinerary has been issued. Airfare is not included. Deposits are utilized to secure services on your behalf and are nonrefundable. Deposits are transferrable to a future Expertly Done Culinary & Wine Travel tour. One glass of wine is included with meals as applicable unless noted otherwise. All other alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of each adult guest. Guests are limited to one carry on and one checked baggage and will be responsible for any additional fees charged for additional luggage. Please see Key Items to Know Before You Leave Home attached.
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Premier Tours & Travel, Inc.
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