Seville Gastronomy
The charm of today’s Sevillian cuisine is the result of the many cultural influences this land has experienced over the past centuries. Through its food you will experience its history with influences of Mediterranean culture, the strong Moorish tradition and later elements of the Americas brought back from the Spanish exploration. Typical of the region are dishes made from the finest local ingredients using simple recipes which highlight the strong flavours of the region. Ingredients reflect the varied landscape surrounding Seville, with produce from the Sierra (mountains), the land and the sea.
Seville today has a gastronomy reflecting strong traditions with modern influences. Well known dishes such as gazpacho, Andalusian stew and a wide variety of seafood recipes have spread to the whole of Spain and beyond. Moorish flavours using mint, garlic, fennel and coriander feature strongly. Traditional restaurants have varied menus offering local delights such as “cocido andaluz” (a thick stew made of meat, chickpeas and vegetables), stewed oxtail and “pavías de pescado” (fish pastries, named after the battle of Pavía).
Tapas (literally lids or covers in Spanish) are a major cultural attraction to Seville. Thousands of bars compete to produce the best dishes so that there is a huge variety to try. Typical tapas include jamon iberico (cured ham), assortments of fried fish, papas aliñás (spiced potato), cuchareos (meat stews), tortilla (omelette) and alinos (various seasoned meats). “Tapeo” (going out for Tapas) is not just to have some food but to experience Seville itself, moving from bar to bar, all accompanied by wine from the neighbouring lands.
Itinerary
Day One
You will arrive at your chosen accommodation in Seville, centrally located in the city and close to the main attractions. This package price includes accommodation in a 3* charming hotel. A private shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is available if you prefer this option. Dependent on your time of arrival in Seville you may like to begin your excursions today with a Boat trip on River Guadalquivir.
Day Two
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your hotel before meeing our expert guide at mid-day. You will begin a walking tapas tour through the streets of Seville taking you to the best and most typical bars, translating the Spanish menus so that you get the most from this experience. As an option you can extend this tour with one of our experienced guides to enjoy the main city landmarks like the Cathedral, the Giralda and the famous Santa Cruz quarter. You may want to take a typical horse-drawn carriage ride where you can watch Sevilla pass by or just do it yourself on foot.
Day Three
On the morning of your third day we have arranged a gastronomic workshop, where for 2-3 hours you will learn about how to cook the most typical Andalucian specialties. The resident chef will demonstrate his speciality dishes first and then he will help and advise you as you prepare your own version. The afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy this most beautiful of European cities.
Day Four
After a traditional Spanish breakfast this morning our attention will make your way to the Aire de Sevilla, a restored Arab spa in the historic Santa Cruz district. Here you can enjoy a tour of the baths, tea tasting, followed by an optional massage.
If the fine wines and Sherries of this region are appealing to you then you may like to visit one of the local bodegas. Most European wine lovers will be familiar with the brand Tio Pepe produced in nearby Jerez, the name ‘Jerez’ is itself now synonymous for fine sherry. During the bodege visit you can expect a guided tour of some of the very best wine cellars in Seville plus tasting the many varieties on offer.
This evening we will be offering you the option to enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by a flamenco show in the best tablao (flamenco restaurant) in the city.
Day Five
Today you can choose to extend your stay for some independent sightseeing, continue exploring Andalucía or return home relaxed and hopefully refreshed!
To discuss your holiday please contact us on 01829 238051. For other Seville breaks and escapes in Andalucia why not have a look at Seville Feria or our Seville City Break
