Art and Gastronomy in Catalonia

In Spain’s northwestern corner sits the proudly independent comunidad autónoma of Catalonia, with the charismatic city of Barcelona as its capital.

One of Europe’s greatest cities, Barcelona has a rich history with iconic architectural treasures dating from Roman temples to winding gothic streets, with Gaudi’s uniquely playful modernism cut with stark millennial flashes of glass and steel. There is a tangibly buzzing culture in the streets and squares, an inspiration for some of the 20th century’s greatest artists and writers, that makes exploring tucked away bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries endlessly captivating.

Your host for today will gastronomic writer and passionate foodie Regina Rodriguez Sirvent, who has spent a decade immersed in Spain's food and wine culture.

This gastronomic experience takes you through Barcelona’s most emblematic food. Start the tour at La Boqueria, the most symbolic market in the city. At the market, learn about local products like Iberian hams, cured sausages, olives or chocolates, and see some rare products such as swan eggs. There, you will also visit a shop to taste a great variety of products along with a local wine. Afterwards, stop at patisseries, cafes, and speciality cheese and wine stores.

Barcelona is known for its beautiful and often eccentric architecture, and on this tour you will learn about Catalan Modernism that flourished between 1888 and 1906. Discover some of Gaudí’s most famous works including the bright mosaics of Güell Park and La Sagrada Familia which, although not finished, is considered his masterpiece and is a real feat of engineering incorporating stone, brick, tiles and glass.

Depending on the length of your tour, you'll also visit the otherworldly Casa Batllò, and Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera (stone quarry), an exhibition space and the last of Gaudí's civic works.

Feel the pulse of Barcelona´s creative art scene by visiting some of the most significant sites such as artistic institutions, landmarks, architecture, theaters, art auctions, galleries, studios, as well as many unexpected buildings with an expert local guide. You will also have the chance of meeting some art collectors, gallery owners, local artists and other contemporary Spanish art players.

Hop on two wheels and enjoy exploring some of the less well-known areas of the city. Your bike tour takes you off the beaten path and allows you to see the real Barcelona. Wind your way through the streets and squares, visiting the districts of San Antoni, Eixample and Gràcia, passing the Plaça de Espanya, Casa Terrades and Barcelona University. In each district you will stop to visit the market and enjoy some tapas.

Some of the world’s finest wines and cava are produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia, located between the plains of the Mediterranean coast and the mountains. You’ll visit the Can Ràfols del Caus winery which has its own cellar carved out of the Dolomitic limestone, totally invisible from above ground. Enjoy a wine tasting and a tapas lunch with cava.

Montserrat translates as 'saw mountain', a reference to its many jagged peaks. Its history dates back to 880 when a small group of shepherd children saw a bright light descend from the sky in the Montserrat Mountains. At the same time, they heard angels singing and when the town explored the nearby caves they found an image of the Virgin Mary. From that moment it became a holy sanctuary.

Enjoy exploring the Benedictine monastery, with its statue of the Black Madonna - patron saint of Catalonia, and the museum. The Escolania boy's choir perform most days and is a real highlight - performance times may vary. The highest peak is San Jerónimo at 3,400 feet and offers spectacular bird's-eye-views of the surroundings.

Tarragona is home to the Tarraco Archaeological Site, filled with impressive Roman ruins including an amphitheatre perched on the rocky coast. The historic centre of the city unfolds between the old city walls and Mediterranean sea and it is easy to see why this was considered the most elegant and cultured city of Roman Spain.

Aptly named, the Costa Brava, meaning rugged coast, stretches up Catalonia to the French border, with wild pine covered cliffs hiding secluded sandy beaches and bays, punctuated by fishing towns such as the beautiful Cadaques, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, and scenic Greek, Roman and Iberian archaeological sites. Of course the food is also fantastic, Catalonia hosting a number of Michelin starred restaurants, and there are a profusion of superb, locally produced wines.

The last resort on the Costa Brava before the French border, Cadaques is a pretty Mediterranean town that looks out over fishing boats bobbing on the bright blue sea. It is filled with old whitewashed houses and a 16th-century parish up on a hill. Visit Port Lligat, a fishing village where Dalí and his family enjoyed their holidays and whose windswept lunar landscapes inspired his work. Figueres is the beautiful town where the Dalí Theatre and Museum is located. The museum itself is the largest surrealistic object in the world, built by Dali over the ruins of a 19th century theatre destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War.

The old centre of Girona has preserved the remains of its long history. Take a private guided walking tour to see its imposing Gothic cathedral, which contain a textile jewel, the medieval Creation Tapestry. You'll also stroll through El Call, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Arab baths.

Chef Pilar Latorre will welcome you into her wonderful home where you can attend a professional cooking class in her atelier. Born in Barcelona, she is known in Spanish culinary circles for her Mediterranean cuisine, but also for her French and Asian specialties to which she adds always a creative touch. Pilar studied at the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris and has developed convivial relationships with the top Spanish Chefs such as Ferran Adria? of El Bulli and Juan Mari? Arzak, picking up many of their secrets in the kitchen.

The cooking lesson event will last between 3 and 4 hours and you will prepare four courses - an appetiser, first course, main meat course and a dessert. Then enjoy your meal in her dining room accompanied by Spanish cava and wine will be served.