Explore the flavors of northern Spain’s Cantabria region on this immersive gastronomic tour from Santander. Over 9.5 hours, visitors will discover the secrets behind anchovy production, sip wines at a local vineyard, and uncover the art of baking traditional sobao pastries. With a small group size, personalized attention, and an English-speaking guide, this is an opportunity to savor the culinary delights that make this part of the country so unique. What awaits those who embark on this journey?
Key Points
- The Gastronomic Tour from Santander is a 9.5-hour tour that includes visits to an anchovy factory, a vineyard, and a sobao pastry factory with tastings.
- The tour is conducted in Spanish, English, and Italian and has a maximum of 8 participants with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
- Highlights of the tour include a guided tour of an anchovy factory, a wine tasting at Bodegas Vidular vineyard, and a guided tasting at Sobaos Joselín.
- The tour price of $129.81 per person covers transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all tastings, but lunch is not included.
- Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and bring comfortable shoes, and a camera is recommended for capturing the scenic views and production processes.
Tour Overview
The Gastronomic Tour from Santander offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s culinary heritage, priced at $129.81 per person and lasting approximately 9.5 hours.
It departs at 9:15 AM and is conducted in Spanish, English, and Italian, with a group size limited to 8 participants.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and guided visits to an anchovy factory, a vineyard, and a sobao pastry factory.
Tastings of anchovies, wine, and sobaos are included, along with civil insurance and taxes.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Santander.
Itinerary Highlights
Departing from Santander at 9:15 AM, the tour takes guests to Santoña, renowned for its anchovy manufacturing.
Visitors will tour an anchovy factory, learning the production process.
Next, they’ll explore Bodegas Vidular vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting with local snacks.
Lunch at a restaurant in the Pasiego Valleys, though not included, provides an opportunity to savor regional cuisine.
The tour then visits the Mirador de la Braguia for scenic views before concluding at Sobaos Joselín, the largest sobao-pastry factory, with a guided tasting.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Santander, as well as private transport in a minivan.
An English-speaking guide leads the visits to the anchovy factory, vineyard, and sobao factory. Tastings of anchovies, wine, and sobaos are included. Civil insurance and taxes are also covered.
The tour’s small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience. Guests can reserve their spot without an upfront payment, and the company provides important details like the hotel pick-up address.
Booking Information
How can travelers reserve their spot on this gastronomic tour?
They can book their spot without upfront payment by reserving now and paying later. Travelers should check the availability for starting times, as group size is limited to 8 participants.
It’s important to specify the hotel address for pick-up, as the generic meeting point is CASPELAR 29 at the bus stop.
This tour departs from Santander at 9:15 AM and lasts approximately 9.5 hours. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Bring and Additional Notes
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the gastronomic tour.
The day involves walking around various food and beverage production facilities. Plus, the winter season may see the vineyard visit replaced with a tour of a local spirit factory.
It’s crucial to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Participants should also consider bringing a camera to capture the scenic views and unique production processes they’ll witness.
While lunch isn’t included, there will be ample opportunities to sample the region’s renowned anchovy, wine, and sobao pastries throughout the day.
Santoña: Anchovy Manufacturing Hub
Santoña, a coastal town in Cantabria, is renowned for its thriving anchovy manufacturing industry.
On the tour, visitors explore an anchovy factory to learn the intricate production process. They’ll discover how these tiny fish are carefully harvested, cured, and packaged to preserve their unique flavor.
The guided factory tour provides an inside look at the local artisanal techniques that have made Santoña’s anchovies a sought-after delicacy.
The guided factory tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the artisanal methods behind Santoña’s renowned, sought-after anchovy delicacy.
Tasting the salty, umami-rich anchovies is a highlight, offering participants a chance to savor the fruits of the town’s culinary heritage.
Bodegas Vidular: Vineyard Experience
After exploring the anchovy factory in Santoña, the tour moves on to the scenic Bodegas Vidular vineyard.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. A guided wine tasting allows them to sample the local vintages, accompanied by a selection of regional snacks.
The picturesque setting provides a relaxing respite before continuing on to the next stop. This vineyard visit offers a chance to appreciate the diversity of Cantabria’s gastronomy beyond just the famous anchovies.
Sobaos Joselín: Pastry Factory Tour
Following the relaxing visit to the Bodegas Vidular vineyard, the tour then takes guests to Sobaos Joselín, the largest sobao-pastry factory in the region.
There, the group will receive a guided tour, learning about the traditional production process of this iconic regional pastry.
Guests will have the opportunity to observe the skilled artisans at work and enjoy a guided tasting of the freshly baked sobaos.
Guests can observe skilled artisans crafting the iconic regional pastry and enjoy a guided tasting of the freshly baked sobaos.
This hands-on experience provides an intimate look into the rich culinary heritage of the Cantabrian region, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the care and craftsmanship behind these beloved local delicacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for the tour is casual. The tour recommends wearing comfortable shoes, as the itinerary includes walking through a vineyard and a factory. There’s no formal dress code specified.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions with prior notice. Participants should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, and the guide will work to provide suitable alternatives during the food tastings and lunch.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students. However, group rates may be available for larger parties. Customers should inquire about any special pricing when booking the tour.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a free cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There are no discounts mentioned for seniors or students.
Can I Bring Additional Guests Not Included in My Booking?
The tour has a limited group size, so additional guests not included in the original booking cannot be accommodated. Guests are advised to book the appropriate number of spots for their group at the time of reservation.
The Sum Up
This Gastronomic Tour from Santander offers a comprehensive culinary experience, exploring the flavors of northern Spain. Visitors will discover the secrets of anchovy production, savor local wines, and indulge in traditional pastries. With a small group size, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides a seamless and personalized gastronomic adventure for $129.81 per person.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Santander
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