Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is travel with Epicurean Ways unique?
A: Our focus is on an insider’s experience of Spanish regional culture through its food and wine. The focal point of some of our programs is the cooking classes. For other programs it is cooking and cultural exploration. The Food and Wine Tours with Gerry Dawes do not include cooking classes. All programs offer culinary experiences such as wine tasting, vineyard visits, specialty food tasting, meals in authentic traditional restaurants, and tapas tours, as well as cultural/historical visits. Our experienced guides are culinary experts, local chefs and long-time local guides. We emphasize interactions with local experts such as chefs, winemakers, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers.

Q: What is the minimum number of travelers necessary to travel with Epicurean Ways?
A: Each tour is different, although as a general rule a minimum of two travelers is necessary. Some of the cooking vacations have a maximum of 6 people. Other trips require a minimum of 10 people and allow a maximum of 24 people. Please inquire if you would like to reserve a program for your group of family or friends.

Q: Can a group of us reserve a tour for ourselves?
A: With a minimum of two travelers you can reserve many of our tours. Not to mention that a trip can be customized to fit your fantasies and schedule. With a group of 4 or more, the trip can be yours alone. Do not hesitate to request features and dates for your group. We can design a trip tailored to your interests– wine, cuisine, artisanal cheeses, culture or cooking. Please call us at 866-642-2917 or email us at to begin designing your perfect culinary vacation.

With six travelers, you can reserve the Priorat Cooking and Wine Vacation or the Bold Barcelona program for your group alone.

Q: What pre-departure information will I receive?
A: Typically you will receive a recommended reading list, recommended guidebooks, information about Spanish cuisine, links to articles and websites related to Spain and Spanish food and wine, an itinerary, a list of hotels with contact information for each, maps, and related information to help with your travel preparation. See Resources for recommended guidebooks, cookbooks and travel literature.

Q: I am a single traveler. Can I share a room with another traveler?
A: Yes, we can match you up with another single traveler if available.

Q: What if my partner/friend wants to come on the trip but does not want to cook?
A: For some of our trips that include cooking classes, we offer a non-cooking participant discount. The discount depends on the tour and on the number of participants. Please call or email us for prices. We know that the non-cooking partner will find plenty to do while the others are cooking because the locations offer fascinating towns to explore, walking trails, pools to lounge by–in short, plenty of tranquility and scenic beauty.

Q: Will I have free time to explore on my own?
A: Yes you will. Most days offer some free time, although it varies for each program. Occasionally you will be free in the afternoon, or for dinner, giving you time to explore on your own.

Q: Are all meals included?
A: Most, but not all, meals are included. Where lunch or dinner is not included, it is indicated on the Itinerary. All breakfasts are included.

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance?
A: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Travel insurance may, depending on the plan: cover you in case of trip delay, interruption or cancellation; provide emergency medical assistance; cover the cost of replacement items if luggage is lost or stolen; cover expenses in case of transport delay. The investment is relatively small for the protection it affords. Epicurean Ways offers AIG Travel Guard travel insurance. See a brochure covering The Top 10 Reasons (pdf) for buying travel insurance, or call us at 866-642-2917 or email us at if you would like more information about the types of travel insurance we offer.

Q: Can I use my cell phone in Spain?
A: Spain has excellent cell phone coverage, so you should check with your cell phone provider to make sure that you can use your phone abroad, and how much it costs. If your cell phone is unlocked, you can buy a Spanish SIM card (in Spain) for your phone, and take advantage of local calling while in Spain. You can purchase minutes as needed. An affordable option is to buy a cell phone in Spain that is libre, that is, not subject to any contract. You then purchase minutes as needed.

Q: Do I need a converter to charge my phone, ipod, or laptop?
A: Look at your device to see if it is dual voltage (110-240v). If it is, then you will only need a plug adaptor, not a converter. Plug adaptors can be found at most stores that sell electronics, as well as at stores or online shops selling travel-related products.

Q: What is the weather like?
A: The weather you will experience depends on the time of year and the region in Spain. Both the air and the sea are generally warmer in September and October than in May and June. Areas near the coast tend to have mild temperatures, but can cool down considerably at night. Inland Andalusia and Madrid can get extremely hot in the summer. Barcelona and San Sebastián are generally mild. Contact us for more details, or see this international weather page.

Q: What should I bring?
A: As little as possible. Your passport, of course, and backup copies–either photocopies or online backup– of passport, credit cards, e-ticket. An International Driving Permit, available from AAA, is recommended.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and versatile clothes, especially for the cooking-intensive vacations. We recommend clothes that can be shed and added as the Spanish sun warms or the coastal breezes cool. If you are participating in a Madrid, Barcelona or Seville program, you will most likely want to bring along comfortable but discreet walking shoes. And don’t forget your bathing suit.