Culinary Studies in Spain

Depart USA – Fly to Barcelona, Spain

Morning

Arrival in Barcelona. Meet your dedicated TLAC group leader at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Orientation session to introduce the itinerary and safety guidelines.

Afternoon

Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona to explore the city’s architectural and historical highlights, understanding the influence of history on local cuisine.

Evening

Free time to Rest and Recharge

Morning/Afternoon

Enjoy a Tapas and Markets Tour in Barcelona, you will be guided by a local as you explore the city's most iconic markets and savor its culinary delights.

Your journey begins at the historic Mercado de Santa Caterina in the vibrant Born neighborhood, where you'll discover its stunning colorful mosaic roof and sample some of the finest tapas made with high-quality local ingredients. Next, you'll stroll through the charming Gothic Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets and historic squares, making your way to Plaza Sant Jaume, home to the City Hall and Government of Catalonia. Continuing your walk, you'll reach the magnificent Palau de la Música, before heading to the bustling Mercado de la Boquería, where you'll explore stalls filled with fresh seafood, artisanal cold cuts, exotic fruits, and traditional Catalan sweets. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Catalan culinary culture and provide insider tips on the best places to eat in the city.

Evening

Free Time

Morning

Visit to the Olive Oil Museum in Barcelona. This museum offers an engaging journey into the ancient tradition of olive oil production. Students will discover how olive trees are cultivated, olives harvested, and transformed into the golden liquid that defines Mediterranean cuisine. With displays of historical tools, traditional presses, and modern techniques, the museum provides a fascinating look at the evolution of olive oil production. The visit also includes a tasting, where students can sample and appreciate different varieties of this iconic ingredient.

Afternoon

Visit the Torrons Museum in Barcelona, dedicated to the art and history of Spain’s beloved turrón. At this museum, you’ll learn how this iconic Spanish nougat is crafted using honey, sugar, almonds, and egg whites. The visit includes an interactive experience showcasing traditional techniques, tools, and recipes that have been passed down through generations. Explore the cultural significance of turrón and its role in Spanish festive traditions, and enjoy a tasting to savour the rich flavours of this cherished treat.

Evening

Free Evening

Morning

Begin the day by heading to the renowned Pastisseria Hofmann, an iconic pastry shop in Barcelona known for its exquisite desserts and culinary expertise. Meet with the manager and a pastry chef for a short presentation and enjoy a pastry.

Afternoon

Visit to the central Fish Market, located within Mercabarna, Barcelona’s sprawling wholesale market, is one of the largest and most dynamic seafood markets in Europe. This bustling hub serves as the heart of seafood distribution for the city and surrounding areas, supplying fresh fish and shellfish to restaurants, local markets, and supermarkets across Catalonia.

Evening

Free Time

Morning

Start your day early with a scenic drive from Barcelona to the beautiful Costa Brava region. Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and exceptional food and wine, this area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary

tradition.

Afternoon

After the winery visit, you will head to the medieval town of Pals, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved villages in the region.

Evening

Free Time

Morning

Discover the genius of Picasso at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, home to over 4,000 works showcasing his evolution as an artist. Located in the El Born district, the museum offers a unique look into Picasso’s early years, featuring sketches, paintings, and pieces that trace his journey from classic realism to Cubism and beyond. It’s an intimate way to explore how his style transformed over time. With rotating exhibitions, the museum offers a deep dive into his life and work

Afternoon

Free Time

Later Evening

Step into the heart of Spanish culture with an unforgettable Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobés in Barcelona. This intimate venue offers a captivating performance of guitar music, rhythmic castanets, and expressive dancing. The talented artists bring Flamenco’s passion to life, with dancers' feet tapping in sync to the music’s pulse, creating a powerful, emotional experience. Enjoy the show as you relax in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by stunning costumes and dramatic lighting. It’s a true celebration of this iconic Andalusian art form.

Morning

Lecture at a Culinary Institute. In this lecture, a prominent chef will provide an in-depth analysis of how Spain's culinary traditions have evolved from regional influences to the modern fusion cuisine we see today. Expect to learn about the key historical periods that shaped Spanish cooking, such as the Moorish influence, the impact of New World ingredients, and the rise of modernist cuisine. The lecture will also cover how Spain's culinary regions, such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country, each contributed unique flavours and cooking methods.

Afternoon and Evening

Free Time

Morning

The day begins with a visit to a cheese farm in Vic, a town known for its rich agricultural history and exceptional local products.

Lunch

Group Lunch at a traditional Masia, a Catalan farmhouse that has been converted into a rustic restaurant. Here, you’ll experience a quintessential seasonal calçotada feast, a celebratory meal centered around calçots (a type of sweet, long green onion which come in season in March) that are char-grilled to perfection. The calçots are traditionally dipped in a rich romesco sauce (made from tomatoes, almonds, garlic and olive oil) and are eaten by hand, making the meal a fun, interactive experience. Alongside the calçots, you’ll also enjoy other local dishes, such as butifarra (Catalan sausage) and a selection of Catalan wines. The evening will be a lively, communal affair, with guests enjoying the seasonal flavors that define Catalan cuisine.

Afternoon

Return to Barcelona for a free evening

Morning

Visit a family-owned bakery in Barcelona and discover the art of Catalan baking. You’ll learn about traditional recipes passed down through generations while sampling freshly made pastries like ensaimadas and coca de recapte. The local baker will share stories about the family’s history and commitment to preserving authentic flavors, giving you a true taste of Barcelona’s culinary heritage.

Afternoon

Enjoy a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, a must-see in Barcelona,designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. This stunning basilica combines nature-inspired design with religious symbolism, creating a unique atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find towering columns, colorful stained glass, and intricate details. The facades tell the story of Christ’s life, making it a truly breathtaking experience.

Evening

Free Time

Morning

Free Time to Pick up any last minute Souvenirs/Gifts

Afternoon/Evening

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish cuisine with a hands-on paella cooking class. This experience will teach you how to craft an authentic paella from scratch, with expert guidance from a professional chef. You’ll begin by learning about the essential ingredients that make paella so special, including Bomba rice, saffron, and a variety of meats and seafood. The chef will explain how these ingredients come together to create the distinct flavors of this iconic Spanish dish. Throughout the class, you’ll master the techniques behind cooking the perfect paella, from sautéing the vegetables and proteins to adding the rice at just the right moment. The key to a successful paella is in the details—how to achieve the signature socarrat, the crispy, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan, which is a hallmark of traditional paella. You’ll also discover how to balance the flavours of the broth, saffron, and seasonings to create a rich and aromatic dish. Enjoy your final meal of the trip after having prepared it yourself!

Early Departure for Barcelona Airport and return to the USA.