Highlights

The Place
Close to the city of Girona we find the Castel d’Escales, a beautiful, historic castle set against the magnificent landscape northern Catalunya. The castle was begun in the 11th century and has been fully restored to blend its traditional charm with modern comforts, including a private pool. The castle can cater to differing tastes, from exploring the area, often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of Spain,’ to simply relaxing and trying local food and wine in the castle’s wine cellar or on the terrace. Whatever one’s tastes, the experience of staying at the exclusive Castel d’Escales is unique and not soon to be forgotten.

The Experiences
Spend an indulgent week in a medieval castle, lovingly restored by a Catalan architect. When not soaking up the views from the castle’s tower or swimming in the pool, take a walk to the nearby village, spend an afternoon exploring the walking paths along the stunning Costa Brava, or visit the historic call or Jewish quarter in Girona. We will arrange for you to immerse yourself in the area’s stellar cuisine with a private cooking class with a local chef in his professional kitchen, and explore the Empordà wine region by visiting three family owned wineries. Our favorite winery–the one set against the Pyrennes–is where you will have a winemaker’s lunch and taste the range of wines and Cava.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 3

You are greeted at the castle by the keeper who shows you around. Your first day is ideal for relaxing into your surroundings. Dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants (ask us about reserving your tables). Visit the lively university town of Girona; the Dalí Museum or Gala’s Castle; the pretty medieval villages in the area. Option of private wine tasting session in the castle’s dining room with a wine expert.

Day 4
Your private cooking class will start with a market visit to Girona’s daily market. After tasting local charcuterie and cheeses, cook a multi-course meal or a series of tapas. Enjoy your lunch paired with local wines.

Day 5
Free day to explore the Costa Brava or inland Pyrennes.

Day 6
Your wine tour in the Alt Empordà region takes you to small wineries whose wines are made from the native Garnatxa grape and blends with Cabernet and Merlot grapes. Don’t miss the traditional sweet wine every winery seems to make: Vi dolç. Enjoy a tapas meal at a winery.

Days 7 - 8
Spend the morning visiting the coastal villages and have lunch in a restaurant specializing in local catch seafood. On Day 8 depart for Barcelona after breakfast.

Dates 2010

• August 21 - 28
• August 28 - September 4
• September 18 - October 2

Availble by the week.

Prices

• 7900 - 8400€

Private group bookings.  The Castle has seven double occupancy rooms.  Prices in Euros.

Included

• Seven nights accommodations
• Seven double bedrooms
• Seven bathrooms
• Private cooking class
• Escorted full-day wine tour in private deluxe vehicle
• Winemaker's lunch
• Daily cleaning services (3 hours per day)
• Telephone, fax and DSL internet
• Optional private chef for bread or Catalan pizza baking in the traditional oven or meals cooked for your group

Not included: Airfare Transfers to and from the castle Travel insurance

Reservation

Please fill out the form below to reserve your place on the tour.

Terms and Conditions

All Terms and Conditions and Waiver and Release of Liability apply to each trip participant once the reservation form has been submitted. Read Terms and Conditions.

Forms

The Terms and Conditions Agreement and Waiver and Release of Liability Form must be signed and returned via email, fax or mail to Epicurean Ways with your trip reservation. See the Agreement here.

Deposit

A deposit of $750 per person is required in order to reserve a trip. After we receive your reservation form we will send you an invoice via email for the deposit. You may pay securely through PayPal via credit card or bank transfer, or with a check sent through the mail. We never see your financial information. We will confirm your reservation upon receipt of the deposit.

Full payment for the trip is due 60 days before the program begin date. For reservations made less than 60 days before the program begin date, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Travel Insurance

You must indicate on this form whether you accept or decline travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance because of the protection it offers you in the case of travel emergency or need to change your travel plans. Epicurean Ways offers our travelers TravelGuard travel insurance. Click on the TravelGuard logo at the bottom of the Epicurean Ways homepage for a customized no-obligation quote, or contact us and we will give you a quote for insurance. You may purchase travel insurance through Epicurean Ways or independently.

Thank You

We are pleased that you have decided to travel with us. Do not hesitate to call or email with any questions you might have about your trip.

Toll free: 866-642-2917
Mobile: 434-228-0641
In Spain: 951-190-478 or 635-468-938

Contact Info

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Upon receiving this reservation form, we will email you an invoice. Please tell us how you would prefer to pay:

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Credit card payments and bank transfers will be securely processed through PayPal.Payments may be made in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Trip Info for Private Castle & Cooking in Catalonia

Dates	Select a date: August 21 - 28 August 28 - September 4 September 18 - October 2
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Number of travelers:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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