The Hungry Tourist is delighted to invite you to take part in the:

GRAN GRAN SPAIN TOUR

 

 

September 17 – 25, 2024

 

AN EPIC THT BIRTHDAY ROAD TRIP

At A Glance

 

Why: Because it’s time to have my birthday tour in my favorite food country outside Japan.

Regions and cities explored: Madrid, Leon, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country.

Length: 8  days

Date: September 17th to 25th, 2024

Availability: Limited to 12 close friends

my dream..

I’ve been dreaming about this tour for a long time, since my birthday three years ago (during Covid) when I went on a solo trip for the first time.

Here’s my dream itinerary: My closest friends pile into a luxury bus and leave Madrid after indulging in three days of phenomenal food. Our first stop is León for an unforgettable El Capricho experience with the one and only José León.

Next, we journey to Galicia, where we’ll savor the best seafood on earth at d’Berto and Culler de Pau.

Next, Asturias beckons! There, we’ll meet the brilliant minds behind Güeyu Mar. We’ll tour their world-famous conserves factory and cap it all off with a delicious lunch at their restaurant.

From Asturias, we’ll travel to Santander for a Cantabrian lunch at the iconic Bodega Cigaleña.

And now, for the Basque Country grand finale: lunch at Txispa, followed by a Yakitori night, and the pièce de résistance – a celebratory birthday lunch at the legendary Etxebarri.

The Madrid kick-off

After Sinan and I were absolutely blown away by our experience at OSA, I knew it had to be the starting point for this tour.

Following that incredible meal, we’ll head to Sacha the next day for a super special lunch fiesta. Sacha will be pulling out all the stops with an unlimited budget, and guess what? We’ll be joined by some of my favorite Spanish chefs to dine with us—they all adore Sacha, by the way!

On the next day, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure at DiverXO with a special menu prepared by Dabiz Muñoz, the Best Chef in the World for three consecutive years.

After experiencing his creative genius, I have no doubt we’ll be ready to board our “boozy bus” with a full heart (and stomach!).

The Etxebarri Grand Finale

Here’s the crown jewel of the trip: the Etxebarri finale!  I’ve collaborated with the incredible team at Etxebarri – Bittor, Patri, and Moha – to orchestrate a truly special celebration.

We’ll have the entire restaurant to ourselves, and to make it even more unforgettable, I’ve invited my favorite chefs from Spain and Beyond to join our celebration again.

This, I believe, will be my best-ever meal at Etxebarri!

the gran gran plan

Madrid

osa

Michelin-starred OSA in Madrid shines under young chefs Jorge Muñoz and Sara Peral, which blew Sinan’s and my minds when we last visited, is a perfect venue for our first meal.

This intimate spot (20 seats) offers seasonal tasting menus. Trained at DiverXO and Mugaritz, the duo crafts “OSA” with signature dishes and “OSA” featuring their latest creations. Expect modern takes on Spanish cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

sacha

Sacha, a hidden gem in Madrid, offers a cozy dining experience that feels like stepping into a classic bistro infused with the soul of a culinary haven.

Esteemed for its unique twist on traditional dishes, Sacha Botillo, the chef and owner, masterfully crafts a menu that blends simplicity with sophistication. This restaurant is renowned for its commitment to quality ingredients and a profound respect for flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers seeking a true taste of Spain’s rich culinary heritage.

Sacha, arguably the most beloved restaurateur in Madrid by both chefs and food enthusiasts, has graciously agreed to host a special lunch fiesta for us. For this event, we’ve taken over the restaurant and invited our favorite chefs from all over Spain to join us as guests. We’ve given Sacha an unlimited budget and free rein to cook and serve whatever he’s most passionate about.

Could it get any better than this?

diverxo

Join us at DiverXO, a three Michelin-starred gem, for a special ‘Birthday Menu’ celebration with Chef Dabiz Muñoz, celebrated as the best chef in the world for three consecutive years.

Experience an exclusive tasting journey through his “lienzos,” where global flavors blend with Spanish ingredients in a symphony of taste. Celebrate culinary artistry at its peak in the heart of Madrid, and enjoy a dining experience crafted by the visionary behind this extraordinary restaurant.

leon

el capricho

El Capriccio, located in León, Spain, transcends traditional culinary boundaries under the stewardship of José Gordon.

This restaurant and shrine to meat is renowned for its commitment to excellence, from rearing its own oxen to championing sustainable farming. With a focus on the lifecycle of the animals, El Capriccio offers unparalleled quality and flavor, earning international acclaim and making it a pivotal destination for meat connoisseurs worldwide.

Join us for an unforgettable ‘El Capricho Experience’ with José Gordon. Begin with a pastoral tour of the lush fields where his prized animals roam, followed by a visit to his caves where Spain’s best cecina is aged for four years and his exclusive beef aging rooms, where steaks mature up to 180 days.

Conclude with a dream Beef Fiesta, featuring a steak crowned as the world’s best. Discover the art of meat in the heart of León, Spain.

galicia

d’berto

D’Betro is one of these restaurants you start missing when you’re still in them.

Nestled in O Grove, Galicia, D’Berto is a Michelin-starred haven for seafood enthusiasts. Renowned for its unparalleled quality and variety, it’s among the world’s best. If not the best.

Imagine savoring plump shrimp, exotic percebes (goose barnacles), and various other delicacies, simply prepared to unlock their natural essence. While some dishes are served raw, others are grilled or steamed to perfection.

The true star is unquestionably the seafood. Prepare yourself for a luxurious, taste-bud-tingling experience celebrating Galicia’s rich maritime bounty.

Culler de Pau

Culler de Pau, a two Michelin-starred gem in Galicia, Spain, is an ode to the region’s landscape and bounty.

Chef Javier Olleros prioritizes hyper-local ingredients, with a dedicated vegetable garden beside the restaurant and sourcing almost everything within a kilometer.

With a philosophy rooted in the harmony between nature and cuisine, Culler de Pau offers a dining experience that reflects the rich biodiversity of Galicia. The meticulously crafted dishes highlight the freshness and purity of the ingredients, brought to life through creative culinary techniques.

asturias

visit to factory and lunch at Güeyu Mar

How about a visit to the world-renowned Güeyu Mar Conserves factory followed by lunch at Restaurante Güeyu Mar?

Restaurante Güeyu Mar, nestled in the picturesque coastal village of Ribadesella, Asturias, stands as a beacon of culinary innovation, mainly celebrated for its exceptional approach to seafood.

This esteemed establishment transcends traditional boundaries by integrating seafood conserves factory, showcasing a commitment to quality and sustainability.

This pioneering initiative allows Güeyu Mar to capture the essence of the sea, preserving the freshness and flavor of its catches through meticulous canning processes. The conserves, ranging from sardines to razor clams, not only testify to the restaurant’s dedication to craftsmanship but also serve as a bridge connecting diners to the rich maritime heritage of Asturias.

By offering these artisanal conserves, Güeyu Mar extends its culinary experience beyond the restaurant, allowing enthusiasts to savor the taste of the Cantabrian Sea at home. This blend of traditional techniques with modern gastronomy underscores Güeyu Mar’s status as a trailblazer in Spain’s culinary scene, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.

Bizkaia

lunch and yakitori dinner at TXISPA

Txispa, under the stewardship of Chef Tetsuro Maeda, stands as a testament to culinary excellence, where Basque flavors are reimagined through a Japanese lens.

Maeda’s extensive internship at Asador Etxebarri profoundly influenced his approach, instilling a deep appreciation for grilling and meticulous ingredient selection. This experience is evident in Txispa’s menu, which features dishes that marry the smoky essence of traditional Basque grilling with the delicate, nuanced flavors characteristic of Japanese cuisine.

We will return at dinner time to Txispa for Tetsuro san’s special Yakitori nihght

SPECIAL ETXEBARRI BIRTHDAY FIESTA

Forget explaining who Etxebarri is or the dream team of Bittor, Patri (the amazing front-of-house whiz!), and Moha (the superstar sommelier) – you already know them, right?

Here’s the exciting part: we’re taking over Etxebarri for a special birthday bash, and guess what? We’re creating a phenomenal menu together!

Not only for you, dear Hungry Tourists, but we’re also inviting some incredible chefs from Spain and beyond.

Can you imagine the feast?

hotels

MADRID EDITION HOTEL

The Madrid Edition is the first luxury hotel and lifestyle epicenter nestled in the vibrant heart of Madrid.

An urban resort featuring 200 timeless and sophisticated rooms and suites, unparalleled multiple unique indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, entertainment options, wellness center, and exceptional personalized service, all under the same roof.

The Madrid Edition is near Puerta de Sol in the heart of the Spanish capital, one of the city’s most famous sites, and within walking distance to The Golden Triangle of Art – three of the most important art museums in Madrid.

The hotel manifests the people and the culture of the city and is synonymous with a stunning microcosm of one-of-a-kind food, beverage, and entertainment offerings, innovative design, and luxury service.

Pepe Vieira

Pepe Vieira Relais & Chateâux Restaurant & Hotel is located in a 12,500 m2 area with 14 sheds (double rooms) surrounded by the local nature.

Completely integrated with the surrounding landscape, it has a wonderful organic vegetable garden, outdoor swimming pool, solarium and social lounge with a lareira (Galician fireplace).

Palacio De Luces

CoolRooms Palacio de Luces is Asturias’s best-kept secret. A restored and recently refurbished palace from the 16th century, surrounded by 13.000 m2 of gardens and only 2 kilometres away from the charming seaside village of Lastres, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

Between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa Mountains, in a privileged natural setting, among forests of yews, beeches, cherry trees, pines and hollies, this hotel is the ideal place to break away from the daily routine, far away from noise and pollution. CoolRooms Palacio de Luces is the place to connect with nature, find peace and enjoy unforgettable moments.

Eurostars Hotel Real

The Eurostars Hotel Real 5*GL is not just a place to stay, it is the ‘Hotel of Santander’. The establishment, with its elegance, history — it has been operating since 12 July 1917— and location, has contributed decisively to impressing personality and elegance on the soul of the city.

The Eurostars Real, which faces the Playa de los Peligros beach, towers over the bay of Santander from atop the hill on which it stands, surrounded by its own gardens and resting in the heart of Santander’s most peaceful and emblematic area, between the historic city centre and the Sardinero beach.

Mendigoikoa Bekoa

Nestled in the heart of Euskadi, beneath the majestic peak of Mount Anboto, lies the charming village of Atxondo. This valley, dotted with traditional Basque farmhouses, holds a special treasure: Mendigoikoa Bekoa.

Mendigoikoa Bekoa wasn’t just any farmhouse; it was the very first Basque farmhouse dedicated to immersing visitors in the rich tapestry of the region. Established to share the unique culture, sports, customs, and, of course, the beloved gastronomy of Euskadi, Mendigoikoa Bekoa has welcomed countless guests over the years.

In 2021, a new chapter began. Inspired by fresh ideas, a new team took the helm at Mendigoikoa Bekoa, carrying on the legacy of creating unforgettable experiences for all who visit. Now, Mendigoikoa Bekoa offers a chance to step back in time, immerse yourself in Basque traditions, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Essentials

Tour Fees

Per person, shared room: EUR 7650
Single occupancy supplement: EUR 1250


The price includes all food, beverages, taxes, service charges, luxury transportation between cities, and eight nights of accommodation.


The price does not include airfare to or from Spain and any travel or medical insurance.

Apply to Join The Tour

A Note on Set Menus

The Hungry Tourist, with the help of our local partners, selects the menus offered during the tour. We believe they represent the best culinary fare our destinations have to offer. Guests may order outside of these menus at their own expense.

Unless stated otherwise, aperitifs and digestives (pre-dinner champagnes, cocktails, and after-dinner drinks) are not included in wine pairings and should be settled by the guest.

 

Payment

A non-refundable deposit of EUR 1500 per person will be charged upon reservation.

The balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour.

Payments are preferred by bank transfer. Payments with Credit Card will incur a 4% supplement.

Cancellation Policy and Penalties

If cancellation is received up to 30 days before the first day of the tour, the deposit will be forfeited.

If cancellation is received up to 10 days before the first day of the tour, a penalty fee of 50% of the remaining balance will be charged. If cancellation notice is received within 10 days of the first day of the tour or the guest is a no-show, the entirety of the remaining balance will be charged.

Testimonials

After having not been on vacation in 2 years, it was time to treat me. I pondered putting together a string of restaurants to go to in Europe, but reservations a month out were proving to be challenging.

This then brought me to The Hungry Tourist and his epic Scandinavian tour. Just seeing the lineup of restaurants he was able to book was incredible.As someone who’s always the one tasked with reserving, planning, and organizing, this was one of the greatest reliefs I’ve ever experienced. All I had to do was book my flight and David takes care of the rest. Before my arrival, David sent out an itinerary and domestic flight schedule so I knew exactly what to expect and plan accordingly.

I won’t get into all the restaurants, but Alchemist and Frantzén alone were worth the trip. We were treated so wonderfully because of the relationships that David has with these restaurants. No doubt the experience would be amazing if I was to have gone without him, but with him, there’s a noticeable leveling up that was quite special.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was to meet such amazing people from all over the world. The group that was curated were sweet, positive, happy like-minded people. This trip was made more special because of the dynamic of the whole group.

MAX SHAPIRO, Los Angeles, USA

The tour was amazing in so many different ways.

The tour arrangements done had us seated at Michelin-starred restaurants every night, and these were managed in such a short time frame despite the fact that these restaurants had waiting lists of 2-3 years which was, in itself, just an admirable feat.

We got VVIP treatment at these restaurants and the menus and services were beyond outstanding. I think that this had a lot to do with the fact that these restaurants knew David personally and this was the reason for the outstanding services we were offered.

The food itself was another superb experience like no other and no words will be enough to do it justice. I leave it to the reader to get on this amazing tour and experience it for themselves.

Khalid A Juman
Editor in Chief
DURRAH

KHALID JUMAN, Manama, Bahrain

Dear David,

I would like to thank you, for a fantastic Viking food tour… it was simply amazing.

At first, I thought, really? Is it a good idea to visit these restaurants with a group of people I don’t know…?. In a way, I was a bit skeptical. The day before the trip I was rather nervous, then on the first day before the event started, you invited us for a breakfast at the Nimb Hotel to give us an overview of what to expect from the trip.

However, since I landed in Copenhagen a bit late, arriving for breakfast with you all being there, was a fantastic first impression, as I felt really welcome from you all. To be honest, I felt great, as meeting a group of friends I knew for a long time before.

Then, as we got the day for ourselves, we could not only get more comfortable with each other but also had the chance to explore a bit in the city, meeting all in the evening in front of the restaurant at the planned time, where again I felt welcomed. It felt just like the right people to share this experience, a multicultural group of great individuals sharing not only a common love for food but also for hospitality.

Imagine then, all these amazing restaurants: Noma, Alchemist, Jordnær, Maaemo, Frantzén, being the best how everyone welcomed us in these restaurants. The management, the Chefs, and also the owners gave us a warm welcome, and I am sure we felt like VIPS, and since they all knew you, the atmosphere was great from the beginning making us feel very comfortable.

To be very honest with you, the food, the wine, the people… it was just the perfect combo and I cannot be happier to have joined this fantastic tour, where not only did I make so many new friends but also had the chance to share great discussions about our passion for food.

Trust me when I tell you, whenever I have the time to do so, I won’t hesitate to do the next food tour again with you. My doors are open for all of you, and nothing would make me happier to host you for a great food experience and show you some great Austrian hospitality.

JOSEF WALSH, Lech, Austria