Dalí’s Table: Paella, Vermut & the Sea

The Olive Road to Spain’s Mediterranean Coast

Step into a Spain shaped by sea air, late-night tables, and the slow rituals of Mediterranean life. From Valencia’s vibrant markets and paella traditions to the hidden coves and surreal landscapes of the Costa Brava, this is a journey built on flavor, connection, and rare access.

Through The Olive Road’s personal relationships, guests will cook alongside locals, spend time with winemakers and vermut producers, wander Dalí’s dreamlike world, and gather around unforgettable meals in places most travelers never find. Boutique hotels, a private coastal villa, seaside hikes, and intimate culinary experiences create a week that feels less like tourism—and more like being welcomed into the rhythm of the region.

What Awaits

This exclusive week traces Spain’s Mediterranean edge from Valencia to Catalonia’s Costa Brava in one seamless, privately hosted experience.

Your journey begins in Valencia, where we’ll bike through the Turia Gardens, explore the legendary Mercado Central, and dive deeply into the traditions of paella and vermut culture. Through our friendships with the team at La Comarcal, guests will step beyond the tasting room and into the heart of Valencia’s wine community—sharing stories, meals, and hands-on cooking experiences rooted in hospitality and place.

Then, the road leads north to the Costa Brava, where whitewashed fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise coves create the backdrop for our next chapter. We’ll step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí, hike the ancient Camí de Ronda coastal path, picnic beside the sea, and immerse ourselves in the ancient wine history of Empordà—one of the oldest wine regions in the Mediterranean.

Throughout the week, our private villa becomes both sanctuary and gathering place: a home for sunset aperitivos, cooking alongside Kevin, and lingering dinners that stretch late into the evening.

Why This Trip Is Irreplaceable

This journey exists because of the relationships behind it.

We aren’t simply visiting Spain’s Mediterranean Coast—we are being welcomed into it. Through decades-old friendships with winemakers, chefs, historians, and local hosts, our travelers experience a side of Valencia and Catalonia that most visitors never see.

You won’t just taste paella; you’ll learn the traditions behind it beside the people who grew up making it.
You won’t simply drink vermut; you’ll understand why it still anchors everyday life across Catalonia.
You won’t just admire the Costa Brava; you’ll walk its hidden paths, swim in its quiet coves, and gather around tables overlooking the sea.

Every meal, tasting, hike, and conversation is curated with intention.
This is travel built around connection—to place, to culture, and to each other.

This is Mediterranean Spain experienced from the inside out.

Highlights at a Glance

  • All inclusive: all you have to do is show up, and we’ll take care of every last detail.

  • Hands-on paella experience with a local master in Valencia

  • Vermut and tapas crawl through Valencia’s historic center

  • Luxury boutique accommodations and a private Costa Brava villa

  • Spend time with the owners of Avinyó Cava—friends of Kevin for decades—and discover the heritage, technique, and culture behind Spain’s sparkling wine tradition

  • Guided exploration of Dalí’s Theatre-Museum and Cadaqués

  • Private wine-history boat tasting with an archaeologist in Empordà

  • Exclusive visits to family-run vineyards focused on indigenous varietals

  • Coastal hikes along the Camí de Ronda to hidden Mediterranean coves

  • Market visits and immersive cooking experiences with Kevin

  • Seamless hosting, planning, and insider access throughout by Amy & Kevin

Dates & Availability

  • April 11-18, 2027

  • Limited to 12 guests

  • $7900 per person*

    *Based on double occupancy. $1500 supplement applies for single occupancy

    25% deposit required to confirm booking

  • Accommodations

    • Boutique hotels in Valencia

    • Private luxury villa on the Costa Brava

    Transportation

    • Private transportation throughout the itinerary

    • Transfers from Valencia upon arrival and to Barcelona upon departure

    Dining & Culinary Experiences

    • All meals—you will never go hungry or have to figure out what to eat next.

    • Vermut & tapas experiences throughout the journey

    • Two immersive cooking sessions and market visits with Kevin

    • Fine dining experiences in Valencia and the Costa Brava

    • Hands-on paella experience with local experts

    Wine & Cultural Experiences

    • Private time with La Comarcal winery

    • Insider-access to Cava Avinyo

    • Exclusive tastings of wine, vermut, olive oil, cheese, and regional specialties

    • Immersive Empordà wine-history experience and archaeological exploration

    • Guided visit to Dalí’s Theatre-Museum and Cadaqués

    Outdoor & Coastal Experiences

    • Guided coastal hikes and hidden-cove picnic experience

    • Time for swimming and leisure along the Mediterranean

    Hosts & Guides

    • Full guiding, planning, and on-site hosting by Amy & Kevin

    • Exclusive insider encounters and private access throughout the journey

  • While the following are not included, they can be arranged free of charge by The Olive Road.

    • Airfare

    • Optional activities (spa treatments, extended excursions)

    • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, extra drinks)

    • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

See What awaits