Uncover the flavors and history of Spain’s Aragon region with the Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite. This captivating experience blends culinary delights and cultural exploration, taking visitors on a journey through time. Discover the time-honored traditions of olive oil production at a family-run orchard, then explore the poignant past of Belchite, a village frozen in time from the Spanish Civil War. But the day doesn’t end there – indulge in a delectable lunch showcasing the local Aragonese cuisine. This tour promises to tantalize the senses and leave you yearning to learn more about this remarkable region.
Key Points
- A 5-hour small-group tour exploring a family-run olive orchard, traditional olive oil production, and the historic village of Belchite, a Spanish Civil War memorial site.
- Includes an in-depth explanation of olive oil production at a traditional mill, with a focus on the Empeltre olive variety.
- Guided exploration of the ghostly ruins of Belchite, providing insights into the significance of the site as a reminder of war’s destruction.
- Concludes with a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Aragonese dishes showcasing local produce.
- Suitable for adults, with recommendations for comfortable, sturdy shoes and a valid ID for identification.
Tour Overview
This midday olive oil tour and visit to the old town of Belchite offers a 5-hour experience that costs from $103.73 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, is available in English, German, and Spanish. Guests will be picked up from their accommodations in Zaragoza before driving into the Belchite countryside.
There, they’ll tour a family-run olive orchard with hundred-year-old trees, visit a traditional olive oil mill, and get to taste the virgin Empeltre olive oil.
The tour then explores the historic village of Belchite, a memorial site for the Spanish Civil War, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Itinerary Details
The tour kicks off with a pickup at guests’ accommodations in Zaragoza, before heading out to the Belchite countryside.
Once there, visitors will explore a family-run olive orchard with hundred-year-old olive trees. The guide will provide an in-depth explanation of olive oil production as participants visit a traditional mill and get to taste the region’s renowned virgin olive oil.
Next, the group will venture into the historic village of Belchite, a memorial site for the Spanish Civil War. After exploring the town’s poignant past, the tour concludes with a delightful lunch at a local Spanish restaurant, where guests can savor the flavors of the area.
Olive Oil Production
During the tour, guests have the opportunity to explore a family-run olive orchard boasting century-old olive trees and learn about the intricate process of olive oil production from local experts.
They’ll visit a traditional olive oil mill and get to taste the region’s renowned virgin olive oil, gaining a deep appreciation for this time-honored craft.
The guides share the history and significance of the Empeltre olive variety, known for its robust flavor and high-quality oil.
Guests witness the meticulous steps involved, from hand-picking the olives to the careful extraction and bottling of the precious liquid gold.
This hands-on experience provides a unique insight into the age-old traditions that have shaped the region’s culinary heritage.
Historic Village of Belchite
After exploring the family-owned olive orchard and learning about the intricate process of olive oil production, visitors then head to the historic village of Belchite, a poignant memorial site that bears the scars of the Spanish Civil War.
This once-thriving town was largely destroyed during the 1937 Battle of Belchite, a pivotal moment in the conflict.
Today, Belchite stands as a haunting reminder of the destruction and tragedy of war. Wandering through the ghostly ruins, visitors can feel the weight of history and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past.
The guide provides insight into the significance of this site, bringing the story to life and leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Dining Experience
Following the immersive experience at the olive orchard and the poignant exploration of Belchite’s war-torn history, visitors then enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, where they can savor the flavors that have been shaped by the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The meal features a selection of Aragonese dishes, showcasing the local produce and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
Diners might start with a hearty bowl of gazpacho, followed by a sizzling plate of grilled lamb chops served with roasted potatoes and seasonal veggies.
To finish, they can indulge in a decadent flan or the classic Spanish dessert, crema catalana.
This dining experience provides a delightful conclusion to the day’s educational and historical journey.
Participant Information
The tour caters to adults aged 99 and younger, welcoming visitors who are able-bodied and eager to explore the scenic olive groves and historic town on foot.
Those with mobility limitations may find the terrain challenging, so the experience may not be suitable for them.
To make the most of the tour, participants should come prepared:
- Bring a valid passport or ID card for identification
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to navigate the uneven terrain
- Pack light, as the itinerary involves some walking and transportation
- Don’t forget to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to fully immerse in the local culture and history.
Customer Feedback
Travelers who’ve experienced the Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite have consistently praised the engaging guides, immersive experiences, and deep historical insights provided throughout the excursion.
With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews, it’s clear that this tour offers exceptional value for money.
Guests highlight the informative and personal recommendations from the guides, allowing them to truly enjoy the local culture and history.
The opportunity to wander through ancient olive groves, learn about traditional olive oil production, and explore the poignant ruins of Belchite have left a lasting impression on visitors.
It’s no wonder this tour is a favorite among those seeking an authentic and enriching experience.
Tour Highlights
Throughout the Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite, participants can wander amidst hundred-year-old olive trees, gaining insight into the traditional production of virgin olive oil from local experts.
The experience highlights include:
- Exploring a family-run olive orchard and witnessing the time-honored process of olive oil extraction at a traditional mill
- Savoring the rich, peppery notes of the region’s renowned Empeltre olive oil during a tasting
- Uncovering the poignant history of Belchite, a village frozen in time as a memorial to the Spanish Civil War
- Indulging in a delectable lunch at a local Spanish restaurant, complementing the day’s olive oil discoveries
This tour offers a captivating blend of culinary and culture, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the land and its age-old traditions.
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, so you’ll get to enjoy the regional cuisine as part of the experience.
Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Option Available for Lunch?
Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t specify if there are vegetarian or vegan meal options available for lunch. It’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time to see if they can accommodate any dietary restrictions.
How Do I Book This Tour if I Have a Large Group of 12 People?
For a group of 12 people, you’ll need to contact the tour provider directly. They’ll likely be able to accommodate your larger group size and can provide details on pricing and availability. Just let them know the number in your party when you reach out.
Is There Any Way to Customize the Tour to Focus More on the Olive Oil Production?
The tour can certainly be customized to focus more on olive oil production. The guide can extend the time at the family-run olive orchard and olive mill, providing deeper insights into the olive oil making process. Just let them know your specific interests.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include a Visit to Another Nearby Historic Site?
Sure, you can customize the tour to include a visit to another nearby historic site. The tour provider would be happy to work with you to extend the itinerary and incorporate additional sightseeing opportunities that align with your interests.
Sum Up
The Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite offers a captivating blend of culinary delight and historical exploration.
Visitors can enjoy the traditional olive oil production process, uncover the poignant history of Belchite, and indulge in a delicious Aragonese lunch – an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region.
