From Santander: Gastronomic Tour

Set out on a gastronomic adventure from Santander, exploring the rich culinary heritage of Cantabria. This immersive experience offers an insider’s look at the region’s renowned anchovy factories, celebrated vineyards, and scenic Pasiego Valleys. Indulge in guided tastings of local delicacies, from briny anchovies to bold wines, while a knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind these beloved specialties. With a maximum of 8 participants, this intimate tour promises an exclusive and personalized journey through Cantabria’s vibrant food culture. What delectable surprises await as you uncover the flavors that define this captivating corner of Northern Spain?

Key Points

• This gastronomic tour from Santander explores the region’s culinary heritage, including anchovy manufacturing, wine tasting, and traditional Pasiego Valley cuisine.
• The tour includes visits to an anchovy factory, a local winery, and a sobao pastry factory, providing an immersive experience in Cantabrian gastronomy.
• Participants can enjoy tastings of various local products, such as anchovies, wines, and sobaos, while learning about the region’s culinary traditions.
• The tour offers a scenic journey through the Pasiego Valleys, with a stop at the Mirador de la Braguia viewpoint for panoramic views.
• The tour is led by a live guide, who provides insights into Cantabrian gastronomy, and is conducted in Spanish, English, or Italian.

Tour Overview

The Gastronomic Tour from Santander is priced at €120.00 per person and lasts 9.5 hours.

It’s a small-group experience, limited to 8 participants, and offered in Spanish, English, and Italian. Guests can cancel for a full refund if they do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Hotel pickup in Santander is included, though those outside the city will need to contact the local partner.

The tour departs from Santander at 9:15 AM, taking visitors to see anchovy manufacturing in Santoña, taste wine at a vineyard, enjoy a local lunch, and visit a sobao pastry factory for samples.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Santander at 9:15 AM, the tour first visits Santoña, renowned for its anchovy manufacturing.

Participants will tour an anchovy factory to learn about the traditional production processes.

Next, the group will visit Bodegas Vidular, a local vineyard, where they’ll enjoy a wine tasting.

Lunch is served in a restaurant nestled in the Pasiego Valleys, allowing guests to savor the region’s culinary delights.

The tour then stops at the Mirador de la Braguia viewpoint to take in the stunning vistas.

The final stop is Sobaos Joselín, the largest sobao-pastry factory, where participants can sample this beloved local specialty.

Experience Features

A live tour guide provides insights into Cantabrian gastronomy and local traditions throughout the experience.

Along With the guided tours, the tour features tastings of several local products:

• Anchovies, a specialty of the nearby town of Santoña
• Wines from the Bodegas Vidular vineyard
• Sobaos, a traditional pastry from the region

The guided visits to the anchovy factory, vineyard, and sobao pastry factory offer an immersive look at the local food and drink production.

Private transportation in a minivan ensures a comfortable and convenient journey through the Pasiego Valleys and to the scenic Mirador de la Braguia viewpoint.

Booking Information

To book the Gastronomic Tour from Santander, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

During the booking process, they’ll select the number of participants, the date of the tour, and the language they prefer – Spanish, English, or Italian.

The tour has a limited group size of 8 participants, so it’s best to reserve early.

Once the booking is confirmed, customers can pay later.

With a full refund available if they cancel 24 hours in advance, the Gastronomic Tour offers great flexibility and convenience for those looking to explore Cantabrian gastronomy and traditions.

Santander Departure

At 9:15 AM, the tour departs from central Santander, where participants are picked up from their hotels.

The tour covers a range of Cantabrian gastronomic highlights:

• Visiting the town of Santoña, renowned for its anchovy production
• Touring an anchovy factory to learn about the curing process
• Enjoying a wine tasting at Bodegas Vidular, a local vineyard
• Indulging in a lunch featuring traditional Pasiego Valley cuisine
• Stopping at the Sobaos Joselin factory, the largest sobao pastry producer, for a tasting

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the region’s culinary traditions and sample a variety of local delicacies under the guidance of a knowledgeable live tour guide.

Anchovy Manufacturing

Santoña, a coastal town in Cantabria, is renowned for its anchovy manufacturing.

The tour begins with a visit to a local anchovy factory, where participants can learn about the traditional methods used to prepare these delectable fish.

They’ll discover the intricate process of curing and packaging the anchovies, which are a staple in Cantabrian cuisine.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample the final product, savoring the rich, umami-filled flavors that have made Santoña’s anchovies a beloved delicacy.

This behind-the-scenes look at the anchovy industry provides a fascinating glimpse into the culinary heritage of the region.

Vineyard and Wine Tasting

After exploring the town’s anchovy heritage, the tour takes guests to Bodegas Vidular, a local winery nestled in the rolling hills.

Visitors are welcomed with a guided tour of the vineyard, where they can learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and the unique terroir that gives the wines their distinctive character.

The highlight of the visit is a tasting session, where guests can sample a selection of the winery’s finest offerings, including:

• Crisp, aromatic white wines
• Robust, full-bodied red blends
• Delicate rosés
• Sparkling varietals
• Limited-edition reserve wines

This intimate encounter with the local wine culture provides a well-rounded gastronomic experience and a deeper appreciation for the flavors of Cantabria.

Pasiego Valleys Lunch

From the vineyard, the tour proceeds to the Pasiego Valleys, where guests enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.

This picturesque region is known for its pastoral landscapes and rich culinary heritage. The meal showcases the best of Cantabrian cuisine, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Diners can expect a selection of hearty, flavorful dishes that provide a true taste of the region. The relaxed dining experience allows participants to savor the flavors, unwind, and gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture.

After lunch, the tour continues with more exciting stops, including a visit to the renowned Sobaos Joselín factory.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour may not be the best option for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. It features tastings of anchovy, wine, and sobao pastry, which are predominantly meat and dairy-based products. Travelers with special dietary needs should check with the tour operator for accommodation options.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable shoes, as there is walking involved. While no formal dress code is mentioned, casual, weather-appropriate clothing is likely best for the activities and experiences throughout the day.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, you can customize the tour to focus on your specific interests. The tour operator is flexible and can tailor the itinerary based on your preferences, such as spending more time at the anchovy factory or vineyard.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided?

The transportation for this tour is reliable, as it’s provided in a private minivan. Past participants have praised the convenience and comfort of the private transport, which helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable gastronomic experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. The tour provider may be able to accommodate a longer excursion upon request, depending on availability and additional costs. Guests should inquire about this when booking the tour.

Sum Up

This gastronomic tour offers a delightful exploration of Cantabria’s rich culinary heritage. From the renowned anchovy factory to the picturesque Pasiego Valleys, the experience immerses you in the region’s vibrant flavors. Guided tastings of local delicacies, accompanied by insightful commentary, provide an authentic and memorable journey through the gastronomic wonders of this captivating corner of northern Spain.