Andalucia tasting tour

There’s no wonder Andalucia produces some of the best olive oil in the world. Head out into the hills to a working farmhouse for an introduction to Spain’s most famed product. Go on a guided stroll around the sun-baked orchards learning about the history of harvesting (a method used since Roman times) as well as the various olive cultivars. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory to see how olives are pressed into the precious liquid gold.

Seville’s warm sunny climes and coastal location boasts the freshest fish, sun-ripened vegetables and locally reared meat. Your guide (a local) will lead you to the city’s mouth-watering tapas spots. Pull up a stool at old-school Cerveceria Giralda, serving classics like braised octopus with goat’s cheese and fluffy shrimp croquettes. Watering holes such as Belmonte, offer delicate shavings of Jamón Ibérico. Visit El Rinconcillo, a historic taverna dating back to 1670, for chorizo tortilla and pavias (cod bites in batter). You can wash it all down with a glass of fino.

Journey east to the dramatic city of Granada. Stop at the Albaicín neighbourhood for a stroll around its whitewashed houses before lunch in El Trillo restaurant. Sitting out on the terrace dripping with foliage couldn’t be more picturesque. Start with the obligatory artisanal ham and fresh bread dunked in olive oil. Then enjoy Granada specialities such as remojón Granadino, a delicious salt cod and orange salad, or habas con chipirones, broad beans with tender squid and quail’s eggs. All accompanied by regional fine wines.