Cooking in Andalusian Olive Country
Cooking in Andalusian Olive Country
When you think of our Spain food tours, chances are what comes to mind is an image of Andalusia (Andalucia in Spanish), one of the most quintessential parts of Spain where you can find such Spanish staples as flamenco, tapas, and bullfighting.
This southern region of Spain was a crossroads for many civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, and Castilians, and was been ruled by the Moors for some eight centuries. Andalusia therefore boasts an amazing array of cultural influences in its architecture, art, and gastronomy. The Moorish influence seen in such sites as Córdoba’s Great Mosque and Granada’s Alhambra Palace, and even in the region’s name, originally “Al-Andalus.”
You will discover the real Andalusia on our Spain food tours as you travel to an area off the beaten path to revel in the natural beauties of the region. Tucked away in the heart of the Andalusian olive country that borders the stunningly beautiful Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas lies a traditional Andalusian finca (farmhouse), which will be your home on your gastronomic tour of Spain. The accommodation is surrounded by breathtaking views: a superb panorama of hillsides carpeted with olive trees rolling gently across the horizon as far as the eye can reach. It is authentic rural Andalusia, a gem truly unknown to most visitors to Spain, yet the finca is within easy reach of the World Heritage cities of Granada and Córdoba.
The farmhouse has been lovingly restored to a high standard yet has retained many original rustic features with plenty of cosy nooks and crannies for the guests to enjoy. Shying away from extravagance, the setting is intimate and idyllic.
The fresh and fruity aroma of the olive oil will dominate your senses as you approach the region; this is where the producers of one of the world’s finest quality extra virgin olive oils originate. The region is full of outstanding natural beauty, diverse history and rich cultural heritage that the locals strive to preserve. It will be a unique culinary experience exploring some of the undiscovered jewels and genuine flavors of Andalusia.
In addition to exploring Andalusia’s gastronomy during your hands-on cooking classes with your host chef Clive, you will discover the local flavors in the hams, olive oils, and wines. Pair your culinary creations with fine wines on our Andalusia wine tours, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind gastronomic holiday in Spain.
Your mornings will be spent exploring the cultural sites of the region, such as the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra Palace, or in your culinary explorations of the region’s wines and olive oils. Your evenings will be spent with Chef Clive delving into Spanish and Andalucian gastronomy during your hands-on cooking classes, after which you will help serve – and enjoy – the family style meal in this casual and intimate setting.
If you are looking for a Spain food tour that explores even more of the regional gastronomy (with fewer cultural visits) check out our Flavors of Andalusia Spain food tour.
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Trip Details
Your 4 hands-on cooking classes with be with your host and chef, Clive, who has been a professional Chef of the highest caliber for over twenty years, with a distinguished career in the United Kingdom. He specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and his passion for food and cooking led him to launch his own cooking retreat in rural Andalusia with his wife Maki in 2005.
A true food connoisseur, Clive will teach you the preparation of standard Andalusian fare and will lead you in an exploration of the Moorish flavors that have influenced the cuisine of the region. Most of the produce will be picked from their own garden. The fun-filled cooking sessions are casual, informative and very hands-on, usually based around the preparation of a three-course menu. Clive’s laid-back style and gentle nature will increase your confidence in cooking and inspire your imagination. After the classes you will help serve – and of course enjoy – the family-style meals in the casual and intimate dining room.
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Itinerary
Day One
Please note that we recommend you be in relatively good shape to do this itinerary, as the excursions require a good deal of walking and negotiating stairs and inclines.
- Afternoon pick up (after 2 p.m.) at Granada or Málaga international airport or Antequera/Santa Ana train station and transfer to the farmhouse in the heartland of Andalusia.
- Enjoy welcome drinks followed with some free time to settle in.
- In the early evening you will have an opportunity to take a stroll around the charming whitewashed lakeside village of Iznájar, perched on a rocky outcrop, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Lake of Andalusia.
- Tonight’s dinner will feature contemporary Andalusian cuisine and will be served by your hosts at the finca.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- After breakfast, you will travel through the delightful Andalusian countryside to visit one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces, Mezquita in Córdoba. You will learn about the different cultures that shape the region — Moorish, Jewish and Christian. You will visit the most famous street, the Callejón de las Flores, whose balconies and walls are decorated with hanging pots of vibrant-colored geraniums in summer.
- Following, you will have a quick stop at the Moroccan tea salon and then free time to wander around the World Heritage site, the Judería, or old Jewish quarter.
- Lunch will take place at a popular tavern with a Moorish-style patio offering some of the most celebrated regional cuisine.
- Return to the farmhouse, refresh and attend your first hands-on cooking session with your host, followed by dinner.
Day Three
- After leisurely breakfast, depart for an award-winning olive mill, where you will be guided by an official olive oil taster for the DO Priego de Cordoba and taste one of the finest olive oils in the world.
- Visit the energetic and lively town of Priego de Cordoba, which is known as the Baroque Jewel in Andalusia with its glorious Baroque architecture, national monuments and stunning attractions, and yet it is delightfully unspoiled.
- Following a gentle stroll in the narrow passageways of Barrio de la Villa, or the Arab Quarter, bedecked with a myriad of colorful flowers, stop at a typical Andalusian tapas bar for lunch with fino, the local wine.
- After a relaxing lunch, return to the farmhouse and time for a little relaxation.
- Meet Clive for your next cooking session, followed by dinner.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- After breakfast, depart for Granada to visit another World Heritage Site: the exquisite Moorish Alhambra Palace is the highlight of any visitor’s trip to Spain. An expert will guide you through the palace.
- After your tour, you will have a chance to walk around the maze of narrow alleyways in the central district before settling in at a traditional Granadian bar for tapas lunch.
- After lunch you will have a chance to do some shopping before making your way back to the finca to rest.
- Later in the evening, you will enjoy your third cooking session with the Chef, followed by dinner.
Day Five
- Following breakfast, your day begins with a visit and tasting at one of the best-known producers of wine, a vineyard founded in the eighteenth century in Montilla. Nobel Prize writer Camílo José Cela praised the wine from Montilla in his travel essays, declaring “its quality is as good as its soil: so pure, so gold, so delicate… and the taste is superior!”
- Return to the Finca to unwind by the pool or by the terrace for a light lunch.
- In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a farewell cooking session outdoors (weather permitting), followed by dinner.
Day Six
- After breakfast transfer to Granada or Málaga international airport, or Antequera/Santa Ana train station.
Day One
Please note that we recommend you be in relatively good shape to do this itinerary, as the excursions require a good deal of walking and negotiating stairs and inclines.
- Afternoon pick up (after 2 p.m.) at Granada or Málaga international airport or Antequera/Santa Ana train station and transfer to the farmhouse in the heartland of Andalusia.
- Enjoy welcome drinks followed with some free time to settle in.
- In the early evening you will have an opportunity to take a stroll around the charming whitewashed lakeside village of Iznájar, perched on a rocky outcrop, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Lake of Andalusia.
- Tonight’s dinner will feature contemporary Andalusian cuisine and will be served by your hosts at the finca.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- After breakfast, you will travel through the delightful Andalusian countryside to visit one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces, Mezquita in Córdoba. You will learn about the different cultures that shape the region — Moorish, Jewish and Christian. You will visit the most famous street, the Callejón de las Flores, whose balconies and walls are decorated with hanging pots of vibrant-colored geraniums in summer.
- Following, you will have a quick stop at the Moroccan tea salon and then free time to wander around the World Heritage site, the Judería, or old Jewish quarter.
- Lunch will take place at a popular tavern with a Moorish-style patio offering some of the most celebrated regional cuisine.
- Return to the farmhouse, refresh and attend your first hands-on cooking session with your host, followed by dinner.
Day Three
- After leisurely breakfast, depart for an award-winning olive mill, where you will be guided by an official olive oil taster for the DO Priego de Cordoba and taste one of the finest olive oils in the world.
- Visit the energetic and lively town of Priego de Cordoba, which is known as the Baroque Jewel in Andalusia with its glorious Baroque architecture, national monuments and stunning attractions, and yet it is delightfully unspoiled.
- Following a gentle stroll in the narrow passageways of Barrio de la Villa, or the Arab Quarter, bedecked with a myriad of colorful flowers, stop at a typical Andalusian tapas bar for lunch with fino, the local wine.
- After a relaxing lunch, return to the farmhouse and time for a little relaxation.
- Meet Clive for your next cooking session, followed by dinner.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Breakfast and departure.
Trip Details
Included in the 5-Night Trip
Accommodations
5 nights accommodation at charming finca (farmhouse) B&B
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Wine, water, and coffee with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
Your 4 hands-on cooking classes with be with your host and chef, Clive, who has been a professional Chef of the highest caliber for over twenty years, with a distinguished career in the United Kingdom. He specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and his passion for food and cooking led him to launch his own cooking retreat in rural Andalusia with his wife Maki in 2005.
A true food connoisseur, Clive will teach you the preparation of standard Andalusian fare and will lead you in an exploration of the Moorish flavors that have influenced the cuisine of the region. Most of the produce will be picked from their own garden. The fun-filled cooking sessions are casual, informative and very hands-on, usually based around the preparation of a three-course menu. Clive’s laid-back style and gentle nature will increase your confidence in cooking and inspire your imagination. After the classes you will help serve – and of course enjoy – the family-style meals in the casual and intimate dining room.
Excursions
- Excursion to Córdoba
- Olive mill visit with tasting
- Visit of Priego de Cordoba
- Excursion to Granada with visit of Alhambra Palace and time to explore Granada on your own (please note the guided tours of the Alhambra sell out far in advance, and if unavailable we will substitute a self-guided audio tour)
- Wine producer visit and tasting
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from Granada or Málaga international airport, or Antequera-Santa Ana train station (on day 1 please plan to arrive in the afternoon after 2 p.m.)
- Departure transfer to Granada or Málaga international airport, or Antequera-Santa Ana train station (check out by 11 am).
- Please note that due to driving restrictions we cannot usually accommodate pickups or dropoffs from/to the city centers. Late arrival and early departure may incur a surcharge, please inquire.
Included in the 3-Night Trip
Accommodations
3 nights accommodation at charming finca (farmhouse) B&B
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Wine, water, and coffee with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
Your 2 hands-on cooking classes with be with your host and chef, Clive, who has been a professional Chef of the highest caliber for over twenty years, with a distinguished career in the United Kingdom. He specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and his passion for food and cooking led him to launch his own cooking retreat in rural Andalusia with his wife Maki in 2005. A true food connoisseur, Clive will teach you the preparation of standard Andalusian fare and will lead you in an exploration of the Moorish flavors that have influenced the cuisine of the region. Most of the produce will be picked from their own garden. The fun-filled cooking sessions are casual, informative and very hands-on, usually based around the preparation of a three-course menu. Clive’s laid-back style and gentle nature will increase your confidence in cooking and inspire your imagination.
Excursions
- Excursion to Córdoba
- Olive mill visit with tasting
- Visit of Priego de Cordoba
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from Granada or Málaga international airport, or Antequera-Santa Ana train station (on day 1 please plan to arrive in the afternoon after 2 p.m.)
- Departure transfer to Granada or Málaga international airport, or Antequera-Santa Ana train station (check out by 11 am).
- Please note that due to driving restrictions we cannot usually accommodate pickups or dropoffs from/to the city centers. Late arrival and early departure may incur a surcharge, please inquire.
Accommodation Information
The husband and wife owners of this 100-year-old property have lovingly restored this finca (farmhouse) while still retaining some of its original features, such as wooden beams. The rustic finca includes four bedrooms that have underfloor heating and electric fans. The property, in addition to the amazing views, includes a wood burning stove for the winter months, and a beautiful pool and patios for the warmer months. Please note that there are no accessible rooms, and as it is a rural farmhouse there are stairs, including the original staircase, which your hosts had restored. One of the upper floor rooms is on 2 levels, and the annex suite and one of the ground floor rooms have a few steps leading down from the door.
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Looking for tour date information?
Year-Round Pricing:
5-night Program
US$2550 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$375 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Add US$175 per person to upgrade to to large room
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Tour Dates
Available the following dates excluding December 17-January 10 and August, for a minimum of 1 person. Other start dates also possible, please inquire.
2020
March 2-7
March 9-14
March 16-21 (sold out)
March 23-28
April 2-5 (sold out)
April 6-11
April 11-13 (sold out)
April 13-18
April 20-25
April 27-May 2
May 4-9
May 11-16
May 18-23
May 23-31 (sold out)
June 1-3 – limited space
June 8-13
June 20-27 – (sold out)
June 29-July 4
July 6-11
July 13-18
July 22-24 (sold out)
July 27-August 1
September 1-11 (sold out)
September 14-19
September 21-25 (sold out)
September 28-October 3
October 5-10
October 12-17
October 19-24
October 26-31
November 2-7
November 9-14
November 16-21
November 23-28
November 30-December 5
December 7-12
Looking for tour date information?
Year-Round Pricing:
3-night Program
US$1500 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$275 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Add US$100 per person to upgrade to large room
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Tour Dates
Available the following dates excluding December 17-January 10 and August, for a minimum of 1 person. Other start dates also possible, please inquire.
2020
Sample dates, other dates also possible.
March 9-12
March 16-20 (sold out)
March 23-26
April 1-13 (sold out)
April 13-15
April 20-23
April 27-30
May 4-7
May 11-14
May 18-21
May 23-31 (sold out)
June 1-3 (sold out)
June 8-11
June 19-21 – sold out
June 22-25
June 29-July 2
July 6-9
July 13-16
July 20-27 (sold out)
July 27-30
August 1 – September 11 (not available)
September 14-17
September 21-24 (sold out)
September 28-October 1
October 5-8
October 12-15
October 19-22
October 26-29
November 2-5
November 9-12
November 16-19
November 23-26
November 30-December 3
December 7-10
December 14-17
Pricing & Dates
Class Pricing
Reviews
Country:
Spain
Region:
Andalusia
Tour Dates:
Available any dates (except August) for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details.
5 Nights
Starting at
$2,550
3 Nights
Starting at
$1,500
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