Tropical waters and golden beaches, a unique culture and a fascinating history. Tours of Northern Spain will not be lacking in ideas with a region so rich in opportunities.
In fact, the options are endless: visitors can join the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which takes travelers through the depths of the Spanish countryside every year; hike up the mountains of Asturias, home to brown bears and caves of cheese; marvel at the breathtaking architecture, including Gaudi’s only work outside of Barcelona, in the city of León; or take a tour of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Yet, there is one attraction that brings visitors back every single year… the culinary scene.
Food and wine are national treasures in Spain, and with good reason. Eating regional delicacies, made from local produce is a big part of our culture. Whether it is fresh fish straight from the harbor, steak straight from the farm or Jamón Ibérico straight from the knife of a professional carver - it is not just food, it is an experience.
Spend a few days here and you will become a traveler that demands to be wined and dined because tours of northern Spain should only include the very best food and wine from the region.
Traditional recipes handed down through generations, meals prepared in Michelin-starred restaurants, tapas more delicious than you ever thought possible and the most intense meat experience of your life are all on the menu while touring with Eat Northern Spain.
We are experts in tailor-made, luxury tours through the rural Spanish countryside and pride ourselves on seeking out the most authentic, cultural experiences that show our guests the real Spain (the one we know and love). Instead of feeling like a tourist, you will be travelling like a local (with your own personal guide and chauffeur of course) because why spend your time in the big cities among the crowds when you can experience so much more than that.
So come and see the real Spain, the one you will be telling your grandchildren about in years to come. Until then, allow us to whet your appetite with some of our clients best-loved culinary experiences during their tours of northern Spain...
Blue Cheese
Praise cheeses! Most notably, the delicious blue cheese found in Cabrales, Spain. The stunning region, nestled among the mountains of Asturias, is an evergreen paradise and home to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tours of northern Spain that take you deep into the heart of the mountains, where brown bears reside alongside capercaillies and treetops stretch as far as the eye can see. It is also the place where you can discover all the secrets of the region in numerous caves spread out among Picos de Europa, the largest National Park in Spain.
Within the naturally carved caves is a delicious blue cheese. Artisan cheese-makers regularly transport this regional delicacy from the farm to the cave, where the cheese is then aged to create a unique flavor.
We weren’t kidding when we said the main aim of our tours was to create a cultural immersion, today you will be helping out! Enjoy a relaxed hike to one of the caves and assist the cheesemaker in moving a few wheels of cheese into their new home. You will get the opportunity to ask questions and learn all about how Cabrales cheese is aged naturally surrounded by stalagmites and tufas.
Once you have been taught how to make the cheese and helped transport it, then there is only one thing left to do… sample. In all our culinary tours, tastings are paired with the very best wine from the region, but this cheese tasting also comes with unparalleled views of the mountains.
We can guarantee this one-of-a-kind experience will render all cheese lovers speechless. We can also guarantee that visitors won’t be buying regular cheese from the local supermarket anytime soon. We could wax lyrical about how incredible this experience is until we are blue in the face, so why don’t you come and try it out for yourself. You can find out all the details here.
Truffle Hunting
Tours of northern Spain that include our four-legged furry friends are always a winner among our clients and this truffle hunting experience is no exception.
It is no secret that Spain is the world’s biggest producer of black truffle. But we do not just produce the most, we also produce the best. A gastronomic gem like no other, our black truffle will overwhelm your senses and have you coming back for more time and time again.
This off-the-beaten-track experience is possible year-round but it really comes to life in the winter, when black truffles hidden under the root of oak trees look (and taste) their absolute best. You will join an expedition into the middle of the Spanish Peninsula in search of these precious delicacies, also known as ‘Tuber Melanosporum’.
Kick off your morning with a relaxed stroll through the forest, admiring nature and the local wildlife while in search of treats. If you are not the best on a quest, then do not fear, our dogs are specialists in sniffing out the very best produce and they will lead the way on this full-day expedition.
When the dogs find black truffles, you will both be rewarded. The dogs, with a pat on the head and you, with a tasting menu at one of the best restaurants in the region. Master chefs at infusing black truffle into delicious local delicacies, this meal will prove that all the hard work was worth it with tastes you will not be quick to forget.
This experience, designed to enjoy truffles in Spain at its best, is part of our 8-Day Tour ‘The Best Culinary Tour of Spain’. Click to discover the full itinerary.
Iberico Ham Carving Experience
There will be no need for you to work for your reward during this experience. Instead, allow us to spoil you with a unique and highly intimate private tasting in the heart of one of our favorite cities.
Tours of northern Spain that do not incorporate the lively city of León are no tours in our book. One of the most charming cities along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, León is home to noteworthy architecture, historical monuments and an unrivalled culinary scene. It is an absolute must-see for foodies on a cultural tour of the country.
Among the hustle and bustle of the city is the local restaurant that will be hosting you for this unique experience, a Jamón Ibérico private tasting hand carved in front of you by a Master Ham Carver.
In Spain, pork is King. That means the Master Ham Carvers are simply loyal servants to the crown jewels. You see, understanding the correct way to slice ham is big business here. It takes months of training and years to perfect. So be sure to savor every paper-thin slice and wait while the meat melts in your mouth, producing a unique flavor.
We cannot promise you will be a Master Ham Carver by the end of the afternoon, but you will be able to distinguish the different types of hams available in the region and you may even pick up a few tips on how you should be carving ham at home.
Tasting Jamón Ibérico straight from the knife of a professional really is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we know any food enthusiasts would love. You can find out all the details here.
Farmers Market and Pintxos Bar Crawl
Fresh ingredients, pintxos and cider. What more could tours of northern Spain possibly need?
San Sebastián, the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea and home to one of the most quaint farmers’ markets in the whole of Spain. Feel the freshness of the produce as they arrive straight from the farm and brush shoulders with the locals who gather here every day. A fine example of slow food at its best, walking through the market will show you what mornings in the Basque Country really look like.
Pintxos is on the menu this afternoon. The Basque Country’s version of tapas, usually served on a small piece of bread, is best tried on a pintxos bar crawl. Head out to San Sebastián’s most interesting spots, where fresh produce is worshipped and traditional bites are served alongside fabulous local wines.
The Basque Country doesn’t just produce delicious pintxos, they are also the biggest producer of apple cider. Luckily, we have a plan. This evening we will be taking you on a guided tour of a traditional cider house followed by an exquisite menu of local delicacies including: chorizo sausage cooked in cider; salt cod omelette; salt cod peppers; bone-in rib-eye steak; locally produced Basque cheese; quince jelly and so much more. All washed down with a glass of cider straight from the barrel (just like a local).
You can enjoy this full-day experience during any one of our Bespoke Tours and personalize it to your own requirements.
Best Steak in the World
We have saved the best for last on our Tours of Northern Spain: The Foodie’s Edition. You are cordially invited to visit the family-run farm and restaurant grill, Bodega El Capricho. Named the best steak in the world by Steak Revolution, Time, the Guardian and the New York Times, we hope you are prepared for the most intense meat experience of your life.
Producing the perfect steak takes a lot of commitment. The family behind El Capricho raise their own oxen here on the farm. In fact, guests are welcome to get up close and personal with these seven feet tall creatures, most of whom live until around 15 years of age. The animals are carefully nurtured, with minimal stress and intervention, before being produced and dry-aged in temperature-controlled refrigerators for up to 180 days. El Capricho’s owner, José Gordón, assures us that nothing is added but the method simply enhances the meat’s natural flavors to produce a unique, mature taste. With each animal costing nearly $3,000 a year (twice that of traditional farming), it is no easy feat.
After a tour of the farm, which is nestled in the back roads of the Spanish countryside, you will be escorted down to the old wine cellar. Once used to store vintages from the region, it has now been transformed into the farm’s grill restaurant, an unique dining experience for a unique meal.
Ageing cattle is a much slower approach to food production but one that is immensely popular in this part of Spain. The mature flavor that is produced from older meat is adored here but is no-doubt completely different to meat you have tasted anywhere else. Enjoy a full tasting menu of José’s best cuts, paired with delicious Spanish reds before heading back to your hotel for a well-deserved siesta.
If you are a fan of steak, then Bodega El Capricho should be added to your bucket list. It is not every day that you get to sample the best steak in the world. You can find all the details here.
Conclusion
Here in Northern Spain we are passionate about enjoying the very best food and wines, which is why a culinary tour in this part of the world would be a gastronomic dream for many. All our tours at Eat Northern Spain are completely personalized, meaning you can pick and choose the gastronomic experiences that appeal to you and build a picture perfect tour around them.
We have a number of authentic experiences in our repertoire for any tours of northern Spain, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class accommodations and unbeatable destinations away from the crowds of visitors that hit our shores every year.
We seek clients looking for authentic, cultural experiences where they can immerse themselves into rural Spain and eat and drink the very best food and wine while doing so.
To see our full range of itineraries, or to start building your own tailor-made tour, click below.