What our clients say about us
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"We had such a wonderful experience with Elias and Ana guiding us through each days itinerary. We’ll miss our time with you and will always remember our great times.
Your every detail of our entire journey was spot on. Each day’s portion of the Camino walk, the lunches, dinners, accommodations and of course our driver Alicia was so delightful. All of the food and accommodations were special especially the last four nights at the Paradores hotels as well as the beginning night in Burgos.
Thank you again for ensuring of Camino trip was so fantabolous and memorable.
I Look forward to passing your information to my colleagues, friends and family"
Richard & Fancine Meza - Orange County, CA, USA - June 2023
"When you read the testimonials on Eat Northern Spain, there is a common thread among them all. That traveling with Elias is an extrodinary experience and we felt catered to from beginning to end.
Elias thoughtfully planned out all the details of our trip that we took with friends to Northern Spain. The trip was seamless from the beginning when you were picked up at the airport by Elias and his wonderful driver Alberto, to the end when you were dropped back off. The accommodations exceeded all of our expectations, the food and wine was amazing and the pace of the trip was perfectly planned. Each day was an unforgettable experience.
It was truly a spectacular trip that we will never forget and hope we are lucky enough to be able to travel with Eat Northern Spain again some day "
Iris & Ken Sokol - Boston, MA, USA - May 2023
"Eat Northern Spain is exactly what we did! Elias knows the food, he knows the wine, he knows the restaurants, he knows the wineries and the places to see. We were taken care of from the moment we were met at the airport to the moment we were dropped back off for our flight home. If you want Michelin rated restaurants, deluxe hotels, top-notch transportation, and service that attends to all the details, Elias is your man! "
Cindy & Jack Kutner - Boston, MA, USA - April 2023
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"Elias, thanks for a wonderful and an incredible adventure through northern Spain. From Madrid to San Sebastián every day was full of wonderful sights, fantastic food and excellent Spanish wines. The people we met along the way, like the vineyard employees to the cheese makers, were so friendly and gracious. You and our driver could not have been more friendly and accommodating. This was at the top of the list in terms our many vacations to date. I can’t wait to schedule another trip with you in the future. Thank you for such a memorable and well planned vacation."
Pat & Sherry Duncan - Utah, USA - October 2022
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"We have been privileged to have visited over 120 countries in the world over many years and this trip is up on the top 10.
When we first read your proposal for our 8-day trip with our best friends through your company “Eat Northern Spain” we had not envisaged the amazing diversity of our up and coming wonderful experience.
Our exchange of emails with you over the prior months gave us confidence that you were very experienced in the field of providing a super service to your clients and we would have a vacation of a lifetime and we did.
With our daily hiking through lovely landscapes and mostly off the roads, you tailor made the trip to take us through the best of the Camino Way. Fitting in our walks during the mornings after breakfast and always ending in time for a delicious lunch at our next destination was so well planned.
Your choice of driver was wonderful – Alberto was so well dressed and a very experienced driver. We felt so safe on motorways and especially on the narrow mountain roads. Comfort level was perfect and great A-C when necessary. Alberto was always so polite and helpful with our gear to get us up and running on the trail every morning.
Our accommodation at every stop was so wonderful – 4&5 star hotels, Palacios and Paradors along the way were a treat to stop over in with great service and comfort.
The name of your company tells the whole story of this amazing experience “Eat Northern Spain”. Our gourmet experience was over and above what we expected and we cannot give away too many secrets that you had in store for us at each destination but must say our unforgettable experience of stomping the grapes was one of a lifetime and we then we drank the grape juice!!
Elias is a true gentleman with a 6th sense to give your guests time on their own but he was always available to help with our every need. We were delighted to dine with him at lunch and get to know him a little better, more over he was great company and a good sense of humour. His wealth of information on the history of each destination was very valuable to give us an in-depth appreciation of each area we visited.
It is obvious that all the Eat Northern Spain team is passionate about their country and proud to show the guests the best of what Spain has to offer on all levels – hiking, gourmet food, the best of wines, cultural attractions and most of all your friendly people.
We shall return next year to pick up where we left of – this time to the east side of the Camino for another trip of a lifetime.
With our gratitude and thankfulness to cross paths with such a unique company and the wonderful CEO and Founder Elias Gonzalez"
Vivian & Martyn Bould - Cayman Islands - September 2022
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"We found this to be a very unique way to experience Spain. Eat Northern Spain's selection of first class accommodation, variety of cuisines, and knowledge of local culture, made this trip nothing short of amazing!
Elias, CEO & Founder of Eat Northern Spain, was well organized and flexible which enabled us to travel seamlessly between destinations. He is a pleasant and knowledgeable host. The trip was a fun and unique way to learn about the culture and food of Northern Spain."
Jack & Catherine Delahay - Washington DC, USA - September 2022
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" Elias, we want to thank you again for the services you and your company provided our group of 8 for the Camino de Santiago trip. From the very beginning of our communications, everything was very professional, prompt and exceeded our expectations. Each of the hotels were of superior quality. Further, it was a special treat to experience the local “off the beaten path” restaurants that are of the highest standards and the food was magnificent. Every meal was a fantastic experience and our entire group was very, very impressed with the quality and hospitality of each restaurant and hotel. Your explanation the night before each day’s walk was very thorough and the transportation to and from the Camino was always on time and enjoyable. Of course, the walk each day was wonderful and the final “Pilgrim’s Mass” at the cathedral in Santiago with the Botafumeiro was truly amazing. Our entire group keep starting every sentence with “ I can’t believe how wonderful the ………” whether it was for the food, accommodations, communications, scenery, weather, etc.. Thank you again and can’t wait to book another trip with your company"
Bob & Sue Kauffman - Atlanta, Georgia USA - April 2022
"Thank you so much for being such amazing hosts during an absolutely awesome trip along the Camino. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience. I loved the time along the Camino enjoying nature and a totally different way of life.
The hotels you chose for us were just stunning and everyone made us feel very welcome and special.
The vineyard tours were fabulous and the kindness of Roberto, Martin, Oscar and Anna to name a few was overwhelming.
The dining experiences…honestly I’ve never had such delicious food in such beautiful and authentic restaurants along with service that was beyond any expectation I could imagine. You even managed to handle with great ease one of the major issues I have with travel and dining out. Having to maintain a diet with many limitations can be stressful and you made it so very easy. I have so much gratitude for that experience.
Eat Northern Spain is the way to go! The places we visited would never have been found on our own. I never felt like a tourist and never experienced a traffic jam or uncomfortable crowds. Thank you so much!"
Marie & Andy Norton - Atlanta, Georgia USA - April 2022
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"We joined our good friends Alan and Linda on this amazing tour of the Douro Valley. Alan and Linda had previously toured with Elias in Northern Spain in 2019 and we were excited with the prospect of having a curated tour of the best the Douro valley had to offer.
We were not disappointed. Elias had assembled a tour of the best Quintas (wine estates in Portuguese), restaurants, and hotels in the Douro valley. We traveled in style, whether by land or river and were hosted in a series of luxury hotels throughout our trip. Lunches were frequently taken in small intimate restaurants, known only to locals, where we sampled the best of local cuisine and tasted the amazing Portuguese wines and ports. Dinners were sumptuous affairs in the best restaurants in the valley.
Our tastings in the various Quintas along the river were exceptionally informative and a lot of fun and Elias kept on providing exciting surprises. On the day of my wife’s birthday, he produced a saber and a bottle of “champagne” so my wife Gretta could take her place in the Saber Club whilst overlooking the stunning river scenery.
Elias was a charming travel companion totally knowledgeable in the secrets of the valley and attentive to our every need. We are definitely going to cross paths with Eat Northern Spain again on another curated adventure"
Gretta & John O'Kelly-Lynch - Cork, IRELAND - October 2021
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"The Douro River Valley provides an “excess of nature” says Miguel Torga and we found that the tour Eat Northern Spain organized for our party only accentuated this statement. From the boutique hotels on Quintas with stunning views over the Douro to the village restaurants with a diverse variety of local food and wine pairings, the tour highlighted and accentuated all that the Douro has to offer.
To achieve all that we experienced without feeling rushed and stressed is a testament to the organization of Eat Northern Spain and Elias Gonzalez. A relaxed atmosphere that seem to accommodate our every need but ensured we experienced the region to the fullest. Special tours of vineyards with wine tastings- private transport, on land and water and secret surprises that only added to the fun and excitement. In these crazy days, the 9 day tour of Douro Valley and Porto was an oasis of relaxed calm and indulgence were we could fully appreciate the “excess of nature” and the bounty that is crafted from the unique landscape. Thank you to Elias and team for bringing us back to the reality of nature and the serenity and bounty that the land can provide. Most highly recommended if you wish to experience this amazing region of the world"
Linda & Alan Duncan - Hamilton, BERMUDA - October 2021
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"We urge everyone who values unforgettable vacations to contact 'Eat Northern Spain’. Beyond the very personalised yet seamless planning and caring 24-7 support, we loved our insightful guide, the outstanding food, the beautiful San Sebastian, Barcelona’s creativity, the traditions, the medieval villages and meeting the delightful Spaniards (especially the wine makers!)
We have been on many luxury trips but this was by far the best holiday we have been on. Spain is wonderful! Eat Northern Spain will make sure you enjoy every moment. This was a luxury trip for the two of us which Elias (the CEO) planned in great detail. Every day there were little surprises (I won’t spoil it for you!)
At every town they had not only found the best accommodation available but had also procured the best room in the hotel. We were treated so superbly. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
We are in the planning stage for another trip this year with ‘Eat Northern Spain’. This time to take our daughter and grandchildren. Thank you to all the team at 'Eat Northern Spain', you will forever remain in our hearts"
Barbara & Campbell Davidson - Brisbane, AUSTRALIA - January 2020
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"We have travelled extensively around the world and this tour ranks amongst the best we have taken. Fully recommended for those who are willing to explore and discover the culinary and historic delights of Spain.
It was pure pleasure to tour with Eat Northern Spain. From the punctual pick up in Madrid and the excitement of the culinary adventure that was to take place over the next 10 days, our expectations were exceeded.
Using an extensive network of connections, we were introduced to passionate food producers and restaurant owners who were more than eager to showcase and highlight the culinary delights of the region. From artisan cheese makers to petting 1500 kg oxen in the fields, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in a total food experience.
The ability to source exquisite restaurants, from Michelin starred establishments to a family restaurant so far off the beaten track that you begin to think you are never coming back, we enjoyed the culinary delights that highlighted the produce of Spain. Beef, ham fresh fish, cheese and the local wine and cider to wash them all down.
Accommodations in boutique hotels added to the enjoyment of the tour. From a 12th century monastery to a pop groups former home and recording studio, each offered comfort and added to the uniqueness of the tour.
Like the Don Quixote, our guide had a trusty companion in our driver. Always punctual and ever attentive, transfers and journeys were comfortable, and they were always responsive to detours and stops to get the best photo or ensure any needs were fully accommodated.
Thank you again for a great trip - you have a wonderful combination of satisfying the culinary experiences with sharing the tourist delights of northern Spain with all the different terrains and historic gems."
Alan Dunch, Linda & Alan Duncan - Hamilton, BERMUDA - November 2019
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"We loved every moment, from the interactions with locals at every stop of the trip to our formal wine dinners. We would refer Eat Northern Spain to anyone. The experiences you create are superlative in any way. We can't speak highly enough of your itineraries. Thank you for creating moments and memories that will last a lifetime!
From end to end our hosts, the food, wine, cider and accommodation was exceptional. Well done guys and thank you, we will always hold fond memories of your amazing tour"
Ken & Julie Cameron - Sidney, AUSTRALIA - July 2019
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"I would book again without hesitation. The hotels and restaurants chosen were outstanding. Our guide, seem to have “an in” on all the special places to go which we would never would have known about had we tried to book our trip on our own.
Using Eat Northern Spain was the best thing we did. The trip was customized just exactly how we wanted it! We didn’t need to worry about anything...booking the hotels, restaurants, driving, the bills, tipping, ...everything was first class. Well Done Eat Northern Spain!!!”
Thanks again for the providing us with a trip of a lifetime"
Janice Arnson - North Dakota, USA - June 2019
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"Thanks very much for a great trip. We couldn’t fault any part of it. The enthusiasm and skill of the people we visited was wonderful and their food and wine matched it. We searched online for luxury food and wine tours in Spain and that’s what we got with lots of extras. Thanks again from all of us"
Mark, Richard & Philip Emerton - London, UK - May 2019
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"If you want to eat the most flavorful food from local hideaways to Michelin starred restaurants . . .
If you want to experience the most incredible local wines . . .
If you want to stay in unique hotels from castles to monasteries . . .
If you want to avoid tourist buses and tourist crowds . . .
Then choose Eat Northern Spain to make it happen. When we compared the costs of Eat Northern Spain with upscale coach tours, our decision to go with a personalized tour was an easy one. The care and flexibility of all the people in this company made our first visit to Spain one that we will always remember.
Without a doubt you will get more than you paid for--guaranteed! "
Jean Grim - Virginia, USA - June 2019
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"We cannot thank you enough for the most magical experience in Northern Spain.
It was nothing short of spectacular and our memories will last a lifetime. It was just so special and every detail you arranged was perfect.
Not to mention you were also such fun company!!! Every little detail was pure perfection and I can’t wait to book our next trip with you"
Chistine Nurnberger and family - Boston, Massachusetts, USA - September 2018
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"What an amazing trip! We loved everything! Great experience! Best vacation of our life!.. Well, I feel there is no good way to start without sounding like a stereotypical, very much cliché review. Yet all of it is true and pertinent.
Everything started one rainy evening with Steak (R)evolution - a Netflix documentary by Franck Ribière - worldwide dive into gastronomy, farming and butchery while on the quest for the best steak out there. One man and one place stood out. José Gordon and El Capricho in Spain’s Castille-Leon region. After some quick research it was clear to us that the best way to get there was with Eat Northern Spain. Why? Well, keep reading. Few emails and couple Skype interviews later we were set, counting days for our dreamed trip.
Now, pay attention. The better you will outline your interests, aims, your must-haves, your individual preferences, your budget, your concerns than better your bespoke experienced will be. Elias, Eat Northern Spain's CEO & Owner is a Professional (big “P” is intended), in love with his country. No detail is too small for him and all the people in this company and they will not overlook anything. In fifteen days we visited and stayed in four regions. Every place, every time we felt we are in the undeniably best room , in finest hotel the city could offer. Having room in Bilbao across the street for Guggenheim felt superlative at first until sun start painting titanium tiles in into cacophony of colours, from hard steel to shades of copper to tones of gold. There was an endless beauty, our tour was peppered with picturesque scenes. Twelve century frescoes will give way to chef, gathering something from organic garden right after sunrise, to the river of wineries, to the best in the world Gothic architecture, to kids smiling walking into waves of the sea, to undisputed best rows of stain glass in Leon’s Cathedral, to boats gathering late morning in the port to sort out daily catch, to bigger-than-bus chestnut barrels filled with apple cider, to huge exposition of Chagall, to my five-year-old daughter playing with newborn calf to glass-like lakes framed in emerald and grey when going over the mountains.
Yet it was food, that took the centre stage more often than anything else. So many times we found ourselves on the middle of “Oh, my God! This the best anchovies… steak… razor clam… olive oil… turbot… “cheesecake”… blue lobster… iberico ham… blood sausage… monk fish … lamb roast… fill in the blank … I ever ate”. Everything we tried was amazing. From tiny, authentic hand-full-of-seats small village eatery to three Michelin star best of in the world restaurants. From hand carved, the best the country can offer ham sampling (thank you Augustin) to deep in basement one on one with owner and third generation cheese-make cheese tasting. Wine was the only competition to food in quality and consistency. Not only we visited, but met chefs in some of the best restaurants in Spain. Day prior to our flight back to San Francisco they set us up with ultimate culmination experience. While our guide was “babysitting” our eighteen and five-year-old, too-much-yet-very-appropriate luxury sedan took us to Axpe for about six-hour visit to Asador Etxebarri… Remarkable food, incredible wine, and wonderful service day in and day out.
On value… One morning in León, I woke up early. While I was having my first espresso in the hotel cafe I was watching farmers setting up Sunday market on the main town square. Group of fellow American tourists were gathering up to board a nearby bus. Everyone was dressed like they about to scale Everest plus Samsonite suitcase, plus selfie stick. Many looked bit worn-out, anxious, overly organized and determined, resolute to accomplish things. For a little more (yes more, not less) what me and my family spent for our amazing Spain experience, poor people were about to fritter few weeks inside the bus chasing one after another rationed, stale, to-be-checkmarked and forgotten destination. Our Mercedes minivan filled with icy water, mints, new fuzzy toy each morning for my daughter and operated by highly experienced driver was not due for another couple of hours. I ordered another espresso…
Do not get confused. This is not a review of Spain. This is a review of expert services from Eat Northern Spain. It is through their eyes we fell in love with Spain. It is thanks to them we enjoyed every experience. All of it was carefully planned and executed perfectly. On our timeline, on our schedule, with tact, friendly conversation, balance and laughter. Eleven stars out of five, guys! Please keep it up. Thank you and stay awesome our dear friends!"
Dmitry Rocklin and family- San Francisco, California, USA - July 2018
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"What a fabulous vacation! We ate at all the best restaurants and stayed in the best hotels. And best of all – we didn’t have to travel with large tourist crowds on large tourist buses.
We had a private tour van that was perfectly sized for our family group, with a dedicated driver and an amazing personal tour director. The food and accommodations were the best and Eat Northern Spain tailored our adventure to include winery tours, hiking on the El Camino, staying overnight in a monastery, touring the Guggenheim Gallery, sightseeing at a number of the wonderful Cathedrals, and more. We got to vacation at our own pace, and we got to see all the things that we wanted to see.
It was truly the vacation of a lifetime"
Mark Mazur - Kansas, USA - June 2019

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"Last March,my friend and I plus our wives decided to take a trip to Northern Spain. We had fully intended planning this trip ourselves however having been introduced to “Eat Northern Spain” by another foodie and have to say that the decision to join Elias (CEO & Founder of Eat Northern Spain) on a Culinary Tour was by far the best decision we made throughout the whole planning stages. We had an absolutely mouth-watering four days travelling in a spacious chauffeur driven Mercedes with Elias providing us with snippets of history and knowledge in general of Northern Spain throughout. We stopped in some exceptional hotels and fed like kings in some beautiful locations. We ate the what is reputed to be “The Best Beef In the World” and I would not dispute that as well of some of the finest fresh seafood I have ever tasted. Elias was friendly courteous and very professional at all times, in fact the perfect partner to accompany us on our tour. I would have no hesitation in recommending “Eat Northern Spain” to anyone at all. A truly eye-opening experience. "
Richard Virr - Ripon, North Yorkshire (UK) - May 2018

"Possibly the most exciting concept we’ve heard this year. Put together from the finest ingredients, Eat Northern Spain trips combine foodie experiences with unparalleled cultural immersion in one of Spain’s greatest destinations"
Abbotts Travel - London's Top Travel Agency by Travel Trade Gazette - March 2018

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" We had an absolute blast with Eat Northern Spain! We couldn't have asked for more! I generally have high expectations and I was thoroughly impressed! Their warmth, caring and welcoming approach goes well beyond client service. Thank you for the excellent service and hospitality during our girls-only trip in Spain "
Caroline Ostergaard - June 2017
Have you ever been on holiday and felt you didn't get to experience the real essence of the country?
You spent so much time on organised trips to the main tourist hotspots that the authentic culture passed you by?
Eat Northern Spain changes that.
Crafted from the finest ingredients (exceptional lodgings, incomparable insider access, stellar food and wine), Eat Northern Spain trips combine foodie experiences with unparalleled cultural immersion in one of Spain's greatest destinations.