PRICE: from 759€
WHEN: April to October
DURATION: 3 days
NEAREST AIRPORT: Barcelona
Tour Summary
On arrival, you can decide to be being chauffeur driven or have a hire car fitted with GPS. On the way to Priorat, you have a choice: go inland to see to one of Spain's most sacred monasteries built amongst the jagged peaks of the Montserrat mountains accessed by funicular railway. Or drive down the coast to the charming seaside town of Sitges for a seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.
Then continue to discover a hidden piece of heaven Priorat, a small area within a fertile valley encircled by mountains. Terraces of wild flowers, olive trees and vines hug the mountain slopes. At it centre is a 12th century monastery, Cartoixa d'Scala Dei (the ladder to God) where Carthusian monks laid the foundations for winemaking that has recently been declared DOQ (Denominación de Origen Calificada), one of only two wine regions in Spain to have this honour. Its primary production is big red wines characterised by the black volcanic shale known as Llicorella.
Surrounding Priorat is Montsant whose wine is designated DO (Denominación de Origen). The same vines grow in an identical climate but in a variety of soils at differing altitudes accounts for the subtle changes of personality. Both Priorat and Montsant produce red and white wines that have won the respect of connoisseurs throughout the world.
You will visit some of the famous wineries and meet the people who have made them what they are. There will be wine-tasting accompanied by expert commentaries. You will visit village markets selling wonderful locally grown vegetables; the perfect introduction to the hands-on cookery class where you will learn the gastronomic secrets of this extraordinary paradise.
Your hotel is located in a 400-year old abbey that has been beautifully restored with all the latest facilities. There is a cosy bar within the venerable old stone walls of the basement.
Day One - Barcelona-Priorat
After breakfast you will pick up your car hire fitted with GPS for your first gourmet-wine adventure. Before arriving to our selected local gourmet hotel in Priorat we suggest driving to Montserrat Mountains where you will discover the incomparable setting of The Royal Basilica of Montserrat and the monastery where the Moreneta Virgen (Virgen de Montserrat) is kept.
We can also suggest you to drive to the wonderful seaside town of Sitges to enjoy a walk by the beach, perhaps lunch some seafood specialities and a stroll through Sitges Unique old quarter, before continuing to your next destination: Priorat.
You will be arriving to our chosen hotel in Torroja in the heart of Priorat, built over the old abbey of Torroja , a construction of over 400 years old. In the evening you will be given a welcome dinner at the hotel- traditional restaurant sampling local Catalonian food with Priorat wines.
If you have chosen the second option a driver guide will pick you up from Barcelona and take you to your hotel in Priorat. (Please note that your drive guide will only do the transfer from Barcelona to Priorat, he will not take you to Montserrat or Sitges)
Day Two - Priorat
After breakfast we head to the little picturesque village of Porrera.
Tour and tasting of famous winery, Vall Llach owned by famous singer-songwriter, Lluis Llach. We proceed to visit a highly reputable family winery located in the basement of one of the oldest houses in the village. Tour and wine tasting. Transfer to Cornudella de Montsant and little hamlet of Siurana. Spectacular views. Option here to buy local produce in agrobotiga shop and have an improvised picnic overlooking Siurana reservoir on the cliff-top or have a traditional lunch in one of the local restaurants in the village. Visit this cliff-top historic village which was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia. Option to buy cheeses and olive oils at local produce shop in Siurana or in Cornudella. Transfer back to Torroja.
Day Three - Priorat
After breakfast you will have a first private class guided visit to one of the pioneers in the Priorat wine region, having spectacular wines recognised by wine experts all over the world. Wine tasting. This leading winery is located in the pretty wine village of Gratallops. Transfer to Falset. After being delighted by one of the best wineries in The Priorat we visit the fruit and vegetable market followed by a hands -on cooking class at a traditional restaurant with a local chef and lunch.
Following the cooking class and delicious lunch your will be going to Barcelona airport in your provided car hire. (Subject to flight times) or the guide will take you back to Barcelona or your next destination, depending on the type of tour you have reserved.
Tour Prices
Price Per Person: 759 EUROS
3 days car hire+GPS (1*)
Price Per Person: 899 EUROS
Car with driver guide (2*)
Minimum 2 people (3*)
Duration - 3 days / 2 nights.
(1*) You are provided with a car hire and GPS (petrol is excluded) to travel from Barcelona to Priorat and return.
In Priorat a guide will be with you throughout.
(2*) You will be picked up from Barcelona and taken back to Barcelona.
(3*) SPECIAL PRICES for groups with 4 people or more.
Hotel Supplements or Reductions
70.00 EUROS
Single supplement
Upgrade of Accommodation on request.
Departures
From April to October- Every Week.
Tour operates Sunday to Tuesday. Other dates on request.
From November to March- On request.
We can also organize a similar tour subject to your requirements of number of people and days, budget etc,
please e-mail us on [email protected].
BOOK NOW e-mail us at [email protected] with the departure date and number of people.
Price Includes
Car hire for 3 days with GPS or Private transfers to and from Priorat, driver guide throughout.
Personalised English/Spanish speaking local expert guides throughout the tour: Priorat.
Two nights Accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath.
Two full breakfasts.
Three wine estate visits with wine tasting in Priorat.
A hands-on cooking class, in Priorat, including lunch.
Two lunches and a dinner including wine.
Magnificent excursion to Siurana in Priorat with scenery route, lunch included and visit to delicatessen shops (olive oil).
All Taxes.
Note: If any of the published accommodation, range of wineries or restaurants in the tour becomes unavailable,
others of similar category will be allocated.
Note: Upgrade of wineries and/or restaurants will have a supplement. Please request.
What is not Included
Travel insurance.
Flights to Barcelona.
Tips.
Meals not specified.
Personal expenses.
Optional visits.
Petrol for car hire.
EXAMPLE OF ACCOMMODATION IN PRIORAT*
Accommodation in Priorat
In the center of the Priorat built over the old abbey of Torroja del Priorat, a construction of over 400 years old. The hotel is located in the Torroja del Priorat, the Priorato's geographical center.
The Rooms:
Suites, double rooms, single rooms and rooms suitable for handicapped guests.
Hotel Hall:
Conference Room, Wine-tasting Room, Wine Club, Restaurant, Wine Store