Perfect for incentive groups, the 13-day adventure departs from Madrid and provides access to prominent Spanish food and wine identities, exclusive gastronomic experiences, luxury accommodation, and sightseeing with an English-speaking tour host throughout.
According to the Spain Tourism Board, 56,320* Australians visited Spain in 2011 – an increase of 13.4% over 2010 – and a big factor in this is the country's culinary attractions, according to Suze Healy, founder of MPT Worldwide Journeys.
"In recent years we've seen a boom in Spanish cuisine across Australia, but particularly in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, which have renowned Spanish restaurants and high-profile chefs," said Ms Healy.
"Spain itself currently has more than 20 restaurants with two or more Michelin stars and their chefs have become akin to celebrities. Spanish food and wine icons such as Elena Arzak and Andoni Luis Aduriz have featured heavily in Australian media over the past year, including on MasterChef.
"All these factors have led to a high demand for this kind of trip – an experience centred on wining, dining, and learning how to create culinary masterpieces."
MPT Worldwide Journeys also plans to sell the experience to the European market where, according to the recent Skyscanner 2012 Travel Trends Report, Spain is ranked as the number one destination# for British, German, Swedish and even Spanish travellers themselves!
The new itinerary for the Spanish Gastronomic Adventure includes highlights such as:
• a private cooking class at the Gastronomic Society in Bilbao – a venue usually closed to outsiders;
• dining at some of the finest venues on Earth such as Asador Etxebarri (S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants) and Michelin-starred restaurants such as the three-star Arzak;
• visiting an 11th century bodega (wine cellar) carved into the earth featuring over 50,000 bottles of wine, and meeting the family who owns it;
• a unique insight into the cultura de jamón – the jewel in the crown of Spanish gastronomy – with a local Spaniard at Seville's oldest tapas bar, El Rinconcillo;
• a private flamenco performance by an Andalusian gypsy;
• a private Andalusian cooking class with prestigious Chef Willy Moya who trained at Cordon Bleu in Paris and Spain, and runs one of Seville's top restaurants; and
• going 'behind-the-scenes' to blend your own wine with local wine makers in La Rioja.
"Participants will be immersed in one of the world's most intriguing food cultures as they meet Spanish chefs, owners and producers. Even 'traditional sightseeing', which is incorporated into the tour, will have a local, contemporary and authentic flavour," Ms Healy said.
The Spanish Gastronomic Adventure is priced from AUD $8,990 per person twin-share; international flights are not included; subject to availability; and conditions apply.
For further information, terms and conditions, visit www.mptworldwidejourneys.com.au.
*forecasted figures based on IATA and Amadeus figures
#Based on search results
Key facts – MPT Worldwide Journeys – Spanish Gastronomic Adventure
• Departs from Madrid
• 13 days/12 nights
• 15 May – 27 May 2012 from AUD $8990 per person twin share
• 5 June – 17 June 2012 from AUD $8990 per person twin share
• 16 September – 28 September 2012 from AUD $9490 per person twin share
• Other dates are available on request – itinerary can be customised to suit group size and interests
• VIP treatment at every destination and a full concierge service
• 12 nights of luxury accommodation including AC Santo Mauro and El Palace Hotel Barcelona
• Local expertise with English-speaking tour hosts throughout
• Most meals plus surprise add-ons included
• International airfares are not included and conditions apply
• MPT Worldwide Journeys is a division of Melbourne Private Tours
• Visit www.mptworldwidejourneys.com.au for full itinerary
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