The Gastronomy and Passion of Spain II April 24 May 10, 2018 The approach to food and life in Spain is unique! Expansive sustainable and biodynamic farms and vineyards produce signature (DOC) culinary products such as Jamon Iberico, sheep s milk cheese, olive oil and wines such as Sherry, Albariño, Cava and Tempranillo. Many of these products cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. The land, the climate, and the knowledge passed on through many generations provide the key factors that contribute to Spain s emblematic culinary products. Join Laurel Pine for a unique seventeen-day culinary tour, during which you will experience the passionate Spanish way of living and eating. The activities will include exclusive tours, tastings, and demonstrations, private guides, meals in Michelin-starred restaurants (including three of the top 30 restaurants in the world!) and accommodations in unique four and five star properties. This is your chance to meet and have experiences with some of Spain s most influential and world-famous chefs and producers of Spain s finest food products, uniquely available in a Laurel Pine, Living Luxury tour. Relationships with our industry contacts enable us to provide you exclusive access. For example, special access to the Cinco Jotas farms where 100% Iberian pigs are raised for Jamon Iberico, VIP tasting of Osborne s prestigious sherry and VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry at least 30 years old), and receptions and kitchen demonstrations with Michelin-starred chefs. Our 2018 tour includes private tours in the only two prestigious DOCa (Donominatión de Origen Calificada) wine regions, Rioja and Priorat, regions where winemaking dates back as much as 2000 years. In total, we will be touring four wine regions, Rioja, Priorat, Jerez (DO region in Southern Spain where luscious fortified sherry wines are made), and Ribera del Duero (DO).
Itinerary Note from Laurel: I hope you will consider joining our 2018 Gastronomy and Passion of Spain tour. Spain is one of my favorite countries and it brings me great pleasure to share with others the incredible food, wine, and culture I love so much. The tour outlined in this itinerary includes everything but airfare to and from Spain. It includes accommodations, full breakfast and at least one additional large meal per day (designated on itinerary as B, L, D), local wine and other beverages, entrance fees to all museums, private tours and tastings listed on the itinerary, service charges and tips for meals designated on the itinerary, and tips for drivers and guides. Transportation in a comfortable and spacious private motorcoach, some taxis, high speed AVE train to Seville, and the flight to Barcelona is all included. Please let me know immediately if you are interested in joining the tour! Monday, April 23: Depart US for Madrid, Spain Day 1, Tuesday, April 24: Arrive in Madrid Check into ME Hotel. Our official kick-off as a group with begin with Cava and Welcome Dinner at our hotel. We will meet on The Roof, get acquainted, and enjoy panoramic views of Madrid. (D) Hotel: ME Madrid Reina Victoria Hotel: ME Madrid Reina Victoria (4 star) Set in an elegant 1923 building with modern interiors, this luxe hotel is well located in the historic Plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the city. The impressive facilities include "The Roof" where you can experience spectacular views of Madrid. ME Madrid Reina Victoria Spanish Cider tasting on our walking tour Day 2, Wednesday, April 25: Our first full day of the tour begins with an introduction to Madrid s historic city center and the multicultural history of Spanish cuisine during a walking and tasting tour of Madrid s famous markets, gourmet shops and local specialties. In the afternoon, we ll have a guided tour of the Prado. We ll top off the day with an artful dinner at El Club Allard (**Michelin). (B, L, D) Hotel: ME Madrid Reina Victoria An artful dinner at two Michelin starred El Club Allard Day 3, Thursday, April 26: Something different: a fun city tour by Segway, highlighting the beautiful Retiro Park, the majestic Crystal Palace, and important landmarks of the Madrid city center. We ll enjoy a flavorful lunch in Laurel s favorite Madrid lunch spot. In the afternoon, see Picasso s Guernica, perhaps the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history, along with other modern and post-modern artworks at Centro de Arte Reina Sofia with our guide. Afterwards, we ll depart Madrid via AVE high speed train to Seville in Southern Spain. (B,L) Hotel: Alfonso Sevilla XIII
Hotel: Alfonso Sevilla XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel (5 star) Commissioned by the King of Spain to play host to international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains an iconic cultural landmark. Centrally located in the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, our luxurious hotel sits next to Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral. Hotel Alfonso Sevilla XIII Plaza de España, located in a Park, is a short walk from our hotel Day 4, Friday, April 27: Today, enjoy a VIP Sherry and brandy tour and tasting, along with light tapas, including Cinco Jotas Iberian ham products. Afterwards, we ll return to Seville to live the passion and drama of flamenco in the birthplace of the art form, sampling Seville's finest cuisine as we go. (B, L, D) Hotel: Alfonso Sevilla XIII Sherry, Brandy and Iberian ham tasting at Osborne in Puerto Santa Maria Day 5, Saturday, April 28: This morning, visit Cinco Jotas facility in Jabugo for a VIP tour and tasting. Then visit the Dehesa, a forest-like sustainable ecosystem where 100% Iberian black pigs are raised on nearly 5 acres of land per pig, and fed on a diet of acorns and aromatic herbs. After this fascinating and fun experience, we ll have at late lunch at Arrierios, a charming family owned restaurant serving inspired, Michelin quality dishes that contain local ingredients, including Iberico pork. After lunch, we ll return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure in Seville. Hotel: Alfonso Sevilla XII Iberian Pigs in the Dehesa coming to greet us! Seeing the pigs is a highlight of the 5J tour
VIP Jamon Iberico Tour and Tasting at Cinco Jotas (5J) A signature Iberico pork and foie gras dish by Arrierios chef Day 6, Sunday, April 29: Via our private motorcoach, we ll depart Seville and continue on to Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient walls surrounding a medieval city. In this magical setting, we ll have a spectacular lunch at two Michelin-starred Atrio, with a chef demonstration and wine pairing experience. After lunch, relax on our comfortable motorcoach during our three-hour drive to Valladolid and the (Tripadvisor) #1 hotel in all of Spain! Hotel: LeDomaine Animated and charming Chef Toño, Atrio A family crest in Medieval Cáceres, home to Restaurant Atrio
A lunch full of culinary surprises at Atrio with Chef Toño
Hotel: LeDomaine (5 star) The property is a restored Romanesque-Baroque style12 th -century abbey, and now a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property. It is one of only two such abbeys to have survived the destruction wrought by Napoleon and is a treasured Spanish cultural heritage site. A relaxing day at LeDomaine, voted Spain s #1 hotel on Trip Advisor Day 7, Monday, April 30: Our leisurely day will begin with a guided private wine tour and tasting at Abadia Retuerta, an award winning winery which is part of the LeDomaine estate. Enjoy the afternoon on your own at the wellness spa, or with a helicopter flight, bike ride or horseback riding tour. This evening s dinner will be at LeDomaine s formal restaurant, Refectorio (*Michelin). (B, D) Hotel: LeDomaine The menu for our 2017 dinner at LeDomaine s Michelin Star restaurant, Refectorio Day 8, Tuesday, May 1: Travel through Ribera del Duero wine country, with an extended, intimate visit to a family-run wine estate with both traditional wines (adhering to DOC regulations) and new world wines, which are more experimental and bold. We ll enjoy a tapas lunch with the winemaker/owner at the winery. Afterwards, travel to La Rioja, check into our striking hotel, and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant (*Michelin) (B, L, D) Hotel: Hotel Marqués de Riscal
The striking landscape in Ribera del Duero Award-winning wine at Lopez Cristobal Hotel: Hotel Marqués de Riscal (5 star) Located in the medieval town of Elciego, the Hotel Marques de Riscal and its surrounding City of Wine provide the ideal point from which to explore the nature, tradition and exquisite gastronomy associated with wine. The hotel was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Hotel Marqués de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry Our hotel with the medieval town of Elciego lit up at night Day 9, Wednesday, May 2: Our tour of La Rioja will begin with a visit to Lopez de Heredia Bodegas, one of its oldest bodegas. Afterwards, we ll have an extended exclusive visit as welcomed guests of the family of Marquis de la Real Divisa at their winery, which is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back 700 years. Our aristocratic and charming host will welcome us and guide us on a tour of the vineyards, cellars, and palace. We will enjoy wine tasting and a full meal with fantastic wines at the palace. Return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Hotel: Hotel Marqués de Riscal Day 10, Thursday, May 3: In the morning, travel to fabulous San Sebastian in Spain s Basque country, the region which is home to three of the top nine restaurants in the world! Our San Sebastian gastronomic experience will begin with lunch at three Michelin-starred Mugaritz, a Basque country restaurant which has been listed on the Best 10 Restaurants in the World for numerous years (currently # 9). Afterwards we ll settle into our historic hotel, Maria Cristina. In the evening, we ll stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town and learn about architecture, history, and of course the famous food culture of San Sebastian. On this guided tour, we will learn about the Basque food movement, which has inspired an entire generation of chefs. (B, L, D) Hotel: Maria Cristina View of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian
Hotel: Maria Cristina (5 star) Luxury hotel located in the heart of the city a few meters from the sea. Since opening in 1912 the restored Hotel Maria Cristina has been closely linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. The lavish Belle Époque interior is filled with soaring columns, 19th-century portraits, rich silk brocades and glorious chandeliers making for a truly opulent experience. Hotel Maria Cristina Beautiful San Sebastian Day 11, Friday, May 4: This morning, drive west to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim museum, named the most beautiful museum in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. After marveling at the Gehry-designed architecture and viewing the exhibitions at the museum, we ll have an extended lunch experience at Azurmendi, three Michelin stars and #38 in world. (Currently waiting on possible alternate reservations at Asador Etxebarri, a Basque country fine dining restaurant specializing in smoke and fire and named the #6 restaurant in the world!) Either choice will be marvelous. Hotel: Maria Cristina The Guggenheim Museum, named the most beautiful museum in the world by Conde Nast Traveler Some of the courses at three Michelin Star Azurmendi 2017
Day 12, Saturday, May 5: Do it like a Basque a local guide will lead us on a morning of shopping the markets, which overflow with ripe, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and freshly caught fish. Visit gourmet shops to taste and select the best San Sebastian has to offer. Next, a very special modern Basque lunch at Arzak, with three Michelin stars and ranked #30 in the world! After our leisurely lunch, we ll fly from San Sebastian to Barcelona, in time to settle into our 5-star hotel. Local foods at San Sebastian s markets are colorful, beautifully presented, and ultra- fresh Modern Basque Cuisine at three Michelin star Arzak Hotel: Ohla Barcelona (5 star) Located in the center of Barcelona, on the site of the former palace of the first Count of Barcelona, the avant-garde interior design of the current building contrasts with a neoclassic façade classified as historical heritage and boasting a sculptural work by the artist Frederic Amat. Beautiful Barcelona views can be enjoyed from our hotel roof terrace at Ohla
Day 13, Sunday, May 6: We ll start the day with a city tour of Barcelona with a private guide and bus, beginning with a panoramic tour through Las Ramblas, the port and Montuic, then have a guided visit of Antoni Gaudi s stunning Basilica church, Sagrada Familia. With our expert guide, we ll see Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (aka La Padrera, one of the most famous buildings of the Catalan Modernisme style), we ll tour the stunning Park Güell. After a full morning of Gaudi sites, we ll sit down and enjoy a traditional Barcelona lunch featuring numerous tapas style dishes. For dinner a fun, interactive Spanish tapas cooking class. (B, L, D) Hotel: Ohla Barcelona Park Güell is the reflection of Gaudí's artistic plenitude, featuring ornate mosaics Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Day 14, Monday, May 7: In the morning we ll enjoy a private guided tour of La Boqueria, one of Europe's best food markets, along with a walking tour of Barcelona's Barri Gòtic and El Born quarters including stops in the cathedral, and food tastings in shops and tapas bars. On the tour, we ll enjoy hot and cold tapas, vermouth, chocolate, the Roca brothers ice cream and more. Those who wish to shop in the afternoon, may choose to visit artistic Poble Español, a unique center with more than 30 artisans. If you haven t seen enough Gaudi, visit Palau Guell a unique historic furnished home that displays the creative genius of Gaudi as well as the craftsmanship and skill of local artists and craftspeople. Hotel: Ohla Barcelona
Tapas and the Cathedral in Barcelona Day 15, Tuesday, May 8: Today we begin with a drive to Figueres and the outrageous Salvador Dali museum. Then on to Girona, for a fabulous four to five hour lunch at (three Michelin star) El Celler de Can Roca, which was twice rated the number one restaurant in the world! Return to Barcelona early evening. Hotel: Ohla Barcelona Every course is a new surprise in both presentation and flavor combinations at El Celler de Can Roca Day 16, Wednesday, May 9: Added to this year s itinerary, our final day of the tour will be a full day excursion to Priorat wine region, where we will visit Clos de l Obac Winery for a tour, tasting and tapas lunch, followed by and olive oil and wine tasting at Celler Pasanau. Priorat, one of only two DOCa designated wine regions in Spain, is a stunning mountainous region producing some of the most sought-after wines in Spain. Hotel: Ohla Barcelona Day 17, Thursday, May 10: End of tour. Return to USA or stay in Europe for further travel. (B)
What is included in the Tour? Accommodations in unique four and five star properties, mostly in upgraded rooms. Breakfast and at least one large meal including DO wines provided daily (designated on itinerary as B, L, D). Entrance fees to all museums, private tours and tastings listed on the itinerary, service charges and tips for meals designated on the itinerary, and tips for drivers and guides are all included. Transportation in a comfortable and spacious motorcoach, AVE train to Seville, and the flight to Barcelona is included. Airfare from and return to the US is not included. Per Person Double Occupancy $12,689 Per Person Single Occupancy $15,354 Reservation Process 1. Print and complete the Reservation form and mail to Laurel Pine along with your deposit check of $2500 per person. 2. Travel insurance: The purchase of comprehensive travel insurance, which will cover medical emergencies and cancellation fees, is strongly advised and should be purchased within 15 days of booking. Laurel Pine, Living Luxury LLC reserves the right to withdraw or modify our culinary vacations at any time (a minimum of ten participants is required to confirm the trip). In circumstances where we are unable to provide the trip booked, we will return all monies paid or offer an alternative culinary vacation. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Reservations To confirm a booking on the tour, complete the reservation form and mail it to Laurel Pine, Living Luxury, 316 California Ave. #34, Reno, NV, 89509, with your check deposit of $2,500 per person. Prompt receipt of this deposit is essential to confirm our hotel, restaurant and guide reservations, which require partial prepayment. Balance due November 1, 2016. Reservations will be accepted until full complement is reached. Requests for space after tour is filled will be placed on a waiting list. Tour limited to 14 participants; we require a minimum of 10 participants to confirm the tour. Cancellation Regardless of reason, cancellations would result in a costly process of letters, toll calls, record adjustments, refund checks, etc., plus a loss of time that may not permit resale. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended, and applies if a participant cancels for an insured reason, such as a documented medical or family emergency. For more information about comprehensive travel insurance, contact Laurel Pine at 510-590-6693 or your travel agent. Cancellation Fee Schedule (cancellation for non-insured reasons) From 7 days after date of Booking: $1000 Prior to December 1, 2016: $6,000 After December 1, 2016 or trip in progress: no refund. In the event of passenger cancellation, all payments for travel service not provided to the passenger shall be promptly refunded in accordance with the agreed-to terms and conditions, unless the passenger otherwise instructs the seller of travel in writing. Air Travel We can recommend an expert agent who can arrange your air tickets, if requested. Suggested Airports: Arrive at Madrid (MAD) no later than 4 pm; depart from Barcelona (BCN) Airport. Meals Meals included in the cost of the tour are indicated at the end of each day on the itinerary as B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. Bottled mineral water is included with lunches and dinners. DOC wines are included with dinners and most lunches. Luggage Handling of one or two pieces of normal-sized luggage per person is included. One carry-on bag is allowed as your own responsibility. Transfers Transportation to the hotel in Madrid is the responsibility of participants, as is transportation to the airport in Barcelona at the end of the tour. Escort and Guides Tour designer and organizer Laurel Pine will accompany the group on the entire itinerary. Licensed local guides will provide information and insight for attractions on the itinerary. Other services Included are entrance fees to places on the itinerary, service charges and tips for meals designated on the itinerary, and tips for drivers and guides. No refunds will be made for services and meals not used by group members. Not included Personal items such as individual food or beverage orders, room service, valet/laundry service, optional activities, meals not included on the itinerary, tipping for personal services not part of the tour s included features, transfers not specifically mentioned as being included.
Responsibility: Laurel Pine and Laurel Pine, Living Luxury LLC and its representatives or agents acting on its behalf shall not be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property in connection with any means of transportation or other services resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, dangers incident to the air or sea, breakdown in any kind of machinery or equipment, strikes, riots, terrorism, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, or from whatsoever cause. Furthermore, tour organizer Laurel Pine reserves the right to withdraw the Tour or any part of it and make such alterations in accommodations and to the itinerary as deemed necessary and advisable, and reserves the right to accept or decline or retain any person as a tour member whether before departure or en-route. In such event, equitable amounts of monies will be refunded. Any expense incurred by delays or events beyond her control shall be borne by the clients. Should the foreign exchange rate change significantly (more than 3%) before full payment has been made, Laurel Pine, Living Luxury reserves the right to adjust the tour price and/or adjust the itinerary accordingly. CASOT Disclosures: This business is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation. Pursuant to California Law, Laurel Pine, Living Luxury LLC has a trust account. CSOT #2118335-40 By becoming a member of the tour group, participant agrees to the above-mentioned conditions and agrees to hold harmless Laurel Pine and Laurel Pine, Living Luxury LLC. RESERVATION FORM Name(s) exactly as on passport Date of birth Date of birth Address Phone Email Rooming alone* or sharing with 1 bed or 2 beds *Single supplement applies I have read the Terms and Conditions and agree to its terms (please sign) (please sign) Amount enclosed $ (deposit is $2500 per person) Name of person(s) to contact in case of emergency Relationship to traveler Phone Mobile Phone email Please make check payable to Laurel Pine, Living Luxury LLC, and mail along with this reservation form. Please use separate forms if travelers have different addresses or contact information. Mail to: Laurel Pine Living Luxury LLC 316 California Ave #316 Reno, NV 89509