Dalí’s Table: Paella, Vermut & the Sea
The Olive Road to Spain’s Mediterranean Coast
There is a side of Spain that reveals itself slowly: in the shade of an orange grove, over a plate of paella, in the cellar of a family-run cava house, or from the deck of a boat drifting along the Catalan coast.
This journey follows that slower rhythm from Valencia to Catalonia, tracing the flavors, landscapes, and traditions of Spain’s Mediterranean edge. We’ll cook paella with Kevin at a winery in the Valencian countryside, be welcomed into the world of cava by longtime friends, explore the dramatic vineyards of Priorat, and settle into the Costa Brava for days shaped by sea, wine, history, and extraordinary food.
Along the way, we’ll experience Spain through the people who know it best: winemakers, cooks, historians, and friends who open doors that independent travelers rarely find. From the surreal landscapes of Dalí Country to ancient vineyards, hidden coves, village markets, and long meals at the table, this is a journey designed not simply to see the Mediterranean—but to taste, understand, and live it.
The Journey
Valencia — Where Wine Meets Paella
We begin in Valencia, where the agricultural landscape and culinary traditions of the region come together. A private winery visit becomes the setting for a hands-on paella experience with Kevin, followed by a long lunch and time to savor the countryside.
Penedès — The Art of Cava
Traveling north, we enter the heart of Catalonia’s sparkling wine country. At Avinyó Cava, we’ll be welcomed by the owners—longtime friends of Kevin—and experience firsthand the traditions, craftsmanship, and character behind Spain’s answer to Champagne.
Priorat — Wine, History & Landscape
We continue into the rugged hills of Priorat, where ancient vines cling to dramatic slate soils. At Costers del Priorat, we’ll spend the day immersed in the history and wines of this remarkable region, meeting the people behind the bottles and experiencing the landscape that makes Priorat so distinctive.
Costa Brava — The Mediterranean at Leisure
Our final days unfold along the Costa Brava, where boutique luxury accommodations provide a beautiful home base for exploring the coast. We’ll wander the whitewashed streets of Cadaqués, enter the surreal world of Dalí, follow ancient paths toward hidden coves, and linger over the foods and wines of the Empordà.
Why This Trip Is Irreplaceable
This isn't a trip built around a checklist of Spain's greatest hits. It’s a journey through the relationships, landscapes, and foodways that make this corner of Spain so compelling—with access to people and places that come through years of friendship and connection.
From paella cooked alongside Kevin to cava poured by longtime friends, from the ancient wine country of Priorat to a boat gliding along the Costa Brava, each experience offers a different way into the culture of Mediterranean Spain.
And throughout it all, there is room to slow down: to linger over lunch, swim in the sea, wander a market, share a bottle, and let the day unfold.
This is Mediterranean Spain experienced from the inside out.
The Luxury of Linger
Luxury isn't always about adding more. Sometimes, it's about having the freedom to stay a little longer.
We've designed this journey with intention: the extraordinary experiences are thoughtfully planned, the logistics are handled, and the moments that require our relationships and expertise are ours to arrange. But we've also left room for you.
Room for a long lunch that turns into an afternoon. For a swim before aperitivo. For wandering a village without a destination. For discovering a restaurant you want to try on your own. For doing absolutely nothing for a few hours.
Not every meal is included. Not every moment is scheduled. And that's precisely the point.
This is travel at the pace of the Mediterranean—with the freedom to make some of the journey entirely your own.
Highlights at a Glance
Cook paella with a local master in the Valencian countryside, alongside local wine and the people who make it
Be welcomed into Avinyó Cava, where longtime friendships offer a personal introduction to Catalonia's sparkling wine tradition
Taste the wild wines of Priorat, exploring its dramatic landscape and centuries-old wine culture
Step into Dalí's world, from the Theatre-Museum in Figueres to the extraordinary coast of Cadaqués
Wander village markets and coastal paths, with time to explore and follow your curiosity
Experience the Costa Brava slowly, from long lunches and aperitivo to boats, coves, and seaside evenings
Travel with the people who know Spain best, with Amy and Kevin guiding, hosting, and opening doors along the way
Dates & Availability
-
April 11-18, 2027
-
Limited to 12 guests
-
$8200 per person*
*Based on double occupancy. $1500 supplement applies for single occupancy
25% deposit required to confirm booking
-
We take care of the details that make the journey seamless—and the experiences that are difficult to find on your own.
7 nights in carefully chosen boutique accommodations, selected for character, comfort, and a strong sense of place
All transportation within the itinerary, including private group transfers and travel between destinations
Daily breakfast
All meals specifically noted in the itinerary, including our welcome and farewell dinners and signature lunches
Wine, cava, vermouth, and other tastings associated with scheduled experiences
Hands-on paella experience with Kevin and local culinary partners
Private winery experiences in Valencia, Penedès, and Priorat
Exclusive access and introductions made possible through our local relationships
Private guides and entrance fees for scheduled cultural experiences, including Dalí Country
Coastal and village experiences throughout the Costa Brava
Trip planning and on-the-ground hosting by Amy & Kevin, from the first details to the final farewell
Room to Make It Your Own
Not every meal is included—and not every hour is planned.
We've intentionally left space for you to discover a favorite café, linger over lunch, take a swim, wander a village, or choose your own dinner one evening. Those moments are part of the experience, too.
We'll make sure you know exactly what's included and offer plenty of recommendations for the time that's yours. You simply get to decide how you want to spend it.
-
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)