At A Glance
Regions explored: Barcelona, Sagas, Madrid, Basque Country, San Sebastian
Length: 8 days
Date: March 15th to March 23rd
Availability: Limited to 12 guests
Highlights
❀ In one week, visit the restaurants ranked 1, 2, and 4 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and together with others on the tour have a total of 11 Michelin stars!
❀ A truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for an insider Best of Central and Eastern Spain culinary experience.
❀ Access to award-winning, impossible-to-book restaurants in the premier Culinary destination of Europe.
❀ A unique opportunity to experience in one enchanted week a multitude of different Spanish cuisines and cooking styles.
❀ Spend time in the intimate company of interesting and like-minded people from all over the world.
The Juicy Details
Here’s a glorious list of the restaurants we shall visit, but not the surprises that we prepared for you in between.
estimar
Estimar, nestled in the heart of culinary excellence, is the embodiment of love for the sea and its bounty, created by the dynamic duo of Rafa Zafra and Anna Gotanegra, his partner.
Zafra, a culinary virtuoso, began his journey at 16, honing his skills at renowned establishments like Tristán, Arzak, and the legendary El Bulli under Ferran Adria. Anna, the maestro behind the restaurant’s seamless operation, brings her heritage from the historic 1895 fish market of plaza Sant Pere de Roses.
This lineage ensures Estimar’s daily access to premium quality seafood. Together, they create a harmonious blend of expertise and tradition, offering guests an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the richness of the sea.
els casals
The Hungry Tourist’s sanctuary and foodies’ heaven.
Chef Oriol Rovira’s Els Casals is more than just a restaurant. It’s a way of life. Set within farmland owned by the Rovira family for over 600 years, Els Casals offers cuisine from the land in which the majority of products come from the family’s own farm or nearby producers: vegetables and fruit, eggs, milk, and dairy products, poultry, pork, mushrooms, truffles, etc.
The cuisine is highly dependent on the seasonality of products, which are always treated with the highest respect so they may be appreciated and enjoyed in the best conditions.
alkimia
Chef Jordi Vilà ‘at the helm of Alkimia, digs deep into the past, present, and future of Catalan gastronomy. Exploring the entire range of our culinary landscape, from the center to the margins, Both grounded in tradition and open to embracing the most radical contemporary ideas.
When thinking about Alkimia’s cooking, we always place value on the moment, that fleeting instant in which the secret of each dish is revealed.
Cooking is an odyssey, a journey that can only be made in one way: cooking.
We shall enjoy a specially prepared feast at Alkimia’s most beautiful Private Dining Room.
Disfrutar
In Disfrutar (in English “Enjoy”), which is ranked #1 on the world’s 50 best restaurants list, creativity, high technical skill, fantasy, and good taste are the hallmarks of El Bulli veteran chefs Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruchhere.
They conjure up a true gastronomic experience via several tasting menus in a simple, contemporary space with an open-view kitchen. The name of the restaurant, which translates as ‘enjoy’, says it all!
We will enjoy the special “Living” Table experience.
A proposal that was born from the initiative of the interior designer Merche Alcalà and with which chefs Castro, Xatruch, and Casañas have worked to offer a totally different and new culinary experience.
The “living” table is located in the R&D kitchen of the restaurant gives life to the table and invites guests (you) to participate in the gastronomic experience.
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.
diverxo
Many consider DiverXo, the culinary Circus of genius chef Dabiz Muñoz, the best restaurant in Spain, and the current menu the best ever by chef Dabiz.
Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of flavors from all over the world as Muñoz personally interprets them, and his crew takes you to gastronomy la la land.
The backdrop to your culinary experience is a stunning modern design, unlike any other restaurant you’ve ever visited.
etxebarri
Asador Etxebarri ranked #2 on the world’s 50 best restaurants list, is nestled deep in the Urkiola mountains of Vizcaya, surrounded by green fields and craggy peaks. The entrance takes you through a simple village bar. Once upstairs, though, you are transported to another world, a space at once refined and rustic.
Chef Bittor Arginzoniz dominates that most primal, most basic, most ancient element of fire, which he applies with a delicate touch to the best raw ingredients. Using a deceptively simple technique, he elevates them as close as possible to their Platonic ideal.
Bittor and his staff plan to create an unforgettable meal for us on the cusp of spring when some of his favorite ingredients will be at their height. In 2018 Etxebarri will be reducing it’s capacity to half (barely 20 guests a day). We are one of the few groups allowed.
pintxos crawl
The real action in San Sebastián starts at nightfall when the international crowd of foodies mingles with the local and hops from one pintxos bar to another to try their best creations with a glass of Txakoli, cider or beer.
elkano
Elkano is a classic restaurant, a cozy restaurant, a Basque restaurant. Its fish and seafood are peerless. The setting and service are warm, refined, and unfussy. Owner Aitor Arregi expects rodaballo (turbot) to be at its height during our visit. His father was the pioneer in grilling turbot whole over chestnut coals.
The crispy skin, the delicate buttery flesh, the crunchy fins, the squishy bits around the head: all are meant to be eaten in turn, and Aitor will come to the table to give us directions and advice; it’s almost like a piscine anatomy lesson. In a long lineup of Basque grill experts, Elkano is a leader of the pack.
casa julian
Casa Julian Restaurant in Tolosa, Spain is a beloved establishment that has been serving traditional Basque cuisine since 1950. The restaurant is renowned for its specialty dish, the Txuleta , a thick cut of grilled beef that is cooked over a wood fire and served with roasted peppers and fries.
The restaurant’s interior is rustic and charming, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Casa Julian is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Basque Country who is seeking an authentic culinary experience.
AND MORE. MUCH MUCH MORE
hotels
the Barcelona Edition Hotel
Experience the 5-star luxury of The Barcelona EDITION. This luxury lifestyle boutique hotel epitomizes luxury through a personal, intimate, individualized, and unique local hotel experience and the timelessly elegant design that Ian Schrager is known for and provides inspired amenities for your stay in Spain.
The Barcelona EDITION is located in the city center, beside the Picasso Museum and the Barcelona Gothic Cathedral, adjacent to the Santa Caterina Market and steps away from Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Barceloneta beach. More than 15 iconic Barcelona sights and historic landmarks are walking distance from the hotel, avoiding the need for any transportation while discovering Barcelona’s best kept secrets.
The hotel features 100 stylish and sophisticated rooms and suites with custom-made Le Labo bathroom amenities, a selection of rooms with stunning views over the iconic architectural masterpiece Santa Caterina Market roof, multiple connecting rooms for family travel and exclusive penthouse suites with private panoramic terraces and extended space.
The 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.
HOTEL MARIA CRISTINA
Since opening in 1912, the restored Hotel Maria Cristina has been closely linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian and. the favored accommodation for international high society and movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Woody Allen, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Brad Pitt, and Susan Sarandon.
Decorated in a sophisticated palette of greys and white, the rooms are a quiet haven of luxury, style, technology, and a dazzling range of services which, combined, make for an unforgettable stay.
The Essentials
Itinerary and Hotels
The Barcelona Edition Hotel: From March 15 to 16, 2025
Els Casals: From March 16 to 17, 2025
The Barcelona Edition Hotel: From March 17 to 19, 2025
The Madrid Edition Hotel: From March 19 to 21, 2025
Maria Cristina Hotel: From March 21 to 23, 2025
Kick-off meal: Dinner at Estimar on March 15, 2025
Last meal: Dinner at Casa Julian on March 22, 2025
Tour Fees
Per person, shared room: Euro 7920
Single occupancy supplement: Euro 1,730
The price includes all food, beverages, wine pairings, taxes, service charges, intercity transportation, and 8 nights of accommodation.
The price does not include airfare to and from Spain, and any travel or medical insurance.
Extra nights: in Barcelona Edition before the tour, or in Maria Cristina Hotel after the tour can be booked in advance at special rates.
Apply to Join The Tour
A Note on Set Menus
The menus offered during the tour are selected by The Hungry Tourist with the help of our local partners. We believe they represent the best culinary fare the Basque Country has to offer. Guests may order outside of these menus at their own expense.
Payment
A non-refundable deposit of Euro 2000 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
Joined THT San Sebastián tour and it is a must-do experience for food lovers!
David is warm and welcoming, and super happy to be hanging out and eating with others who love food as much as him. Gabriella, our local guide, also elevated the experience – sharing the history of the region, the people, food, and culture and giving us insider access to the chefs, which was amazing.
It was great to interact with the chefs directly for some of the spots and see the action behind the scenes. Every restaurant was very happy and excited to host both David and Gabriella, which made our group feel right at home – as if we were at a friend’s place dining and chatting.
The food and wine were endless and delicious and the menus were very thoughtfully curated for the group. The planning and logistics were perfectly done as well, and we easily got from place to place – very much on time and also with time for us to explore on our own in between (with great local recommendations from both David and Gabriella).
Lastly, it is amazing how people from all over the world from such different backgrounds can be brought together by David and bond over the common love of amazing food. You’ll leave not only having had the best meals of your life but also with connections around the world!
The Grand Tour of Spain in March 2023 was my first Hungry Tourist Food Tour ever and it will not be my last. It was an all-out experience of the finest art.
The food was outstanding, and so was the selection of the restaurants and the chefs. Not only did we have great dining experiences but in many places, we were also invited into the kitchen area to get a look behind the scenes. The hotels and their location also added to a high-level experience in my view.
Last but not least it was an outstanding experience on a human level. Meeting like-minded people from all around the world makes the food experience so much deeper and better. My next tour is already booked and I can not wait for it.
Anyone considering THT for their next foodie trip is in for a treat. At each restaurant, a bespoke experience awaits. Plus, you’ll quickly realize that the value of the trip goes well beyond their access to great food/restaurants. The lifetime of memories and bonds you’ll inevitably create is priceless.
Dudi and Sinan, the masterminds behind THT, are prepared to execute on a highly curated food extravaganza. Their deep knowledge and experience within the gastro industry is bar none. Simply put, magic happens the moment you step into an eatery. For the duration of the meal, you can expect custom menus, elevated wine pairings, and extra special treatment. The food speaks for itself; always delicious.
So how do you get the most out of THT? Go with a hungry stomach. But above all, go with an open mind and really get to know your tour mates.
We joined The Grand Tour of Spain (Mar 2023). And we look forward to future trips.
