INFORMATION SESSIONS
OVERVIEW
Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant landscapes of Portugal and Spain. This tour invites you to savor the rich flavours and diverse tastes that define Iberian cuisine. From Portugal’s famed pastéis de nata and fresh seafood to Spain’s tapas and world-renowned wines, experience a feast for the senses as you explore historic cities, charming villages, and local markets. Join Masterchef Season 3 winner Kate Bracks on an unforgettable adventure where every meal is a celebration and every stop is a new discovery. Bon appétit!
Kate views food as a wonderful gift from God, not only to nourish our bodies and minds but also as a tool for connection with others. Whilst she’s enjoyed cooking since childhood, her passion for food was sparked when working in an Italian restaurant answerable to a Sicilian mama who exposed her to new flavours and textures. A move to the regional town of Orange, a well-known food and wine district in NSW, furthered her love affair with fresh, seasonal produce and prompted her involvement in Season 3 of Masterchef Australia, which she views as a kind of food sabbatical. This led to many more foodie opportunities in her hometown, around the country and overseas as well as countless God-given moments to share about her love of God.
Kate currently works as a sourdough baker on The Sunshine Coast in Queensland but is plotting her next food move into the world of gelato.
Kate Bracks’ Faith Journey
Kate grew up in a Christian home but at 21 years of age she was challenged to make a decision for herself. It was not a decision she took lightly, taking almost 12 months to devour any literature she could find on differing world views and religions. In the end, she discovered that the God of the Bible, the one she had grown up with, was the only worldview that was not based on what people could do for themselves, rather what God had already done to save His people. This was a life defining moment as she discovered the true grace on offer to all and she has followed Jesus ever since.
ITINERARY
Included Meals: None
There is an OPTION to enjoy dinner at the 2 -star Michelin restaurant (2024) Alma Lisboa, a fine dining restaurant offering high level Portuguese cuisine. Set menu from €190 or ala carte.
Hotel: NH Avani Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon
Included Meals: None
There is an OPTION to enjoy dinner at Restaurant Tagide with stunning views over the city and the Tagus River. Tasting Menu from €74-89.00
Hotel: NH Avani Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon
Included Meals:
On arrival we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the town including the Old Quarter, Cathedral and St Francis Church with the chapel of bones, a stark reminder of the transience of life.
In the early evening we will enjoy a cooking class run by your tour leader Kate which will serve as our supper.
Hotel: Albergaria de Calvario or similar, Evora
Included Meals:
In the afternoon we will see an cork farm - cork production in Alentejo, is a significant industry, as the region is one of the world’s major cork-producing areas. Cork harvesting often follows traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. The outer bark of the cork oak, known as the cork cambium layer, is carefully stripped from the tree without harming its inner layers. This process is usually done by skilled workers known as “corticeiros.”
Return to Evora for overnight.
Hotel: Albergaria de Calvario or similar, Evora
Included Meals:
We continue to Alvados and check in to the Cooking & Nature /Emotional Hotel. Some of the group will stay at the hotel and the remainder of the gorup will stay at The nest (200 metres away on the same property). This will be a very special occasion, thanks to the attention to detail, time, love and effort put into this property. A truly unique experience!
Tonight we will enjoy a cooking lesson which will be our dinner!
Hotel: Emotional Hotel and the Nest by Cooking and Nature Hotel (same property)
Included Meals:
We will visit a local winery for a tasting followed by lunch.
In the later afternoon we will drive north to Porto and check in to our hotel for a 3 night stay.
Hotel: Eurostars Heroismo Porto
Included Meals:
We then enjoy a winery visit at Vilanova da Gaia on the oopiste side of the river from Porto followed by a delicious lunch at Barao Fladgate.
In the afternoon we will have a guidied visto fo Porto including panoramic visit with stops outside the Cathedral, Sao Bento station, Cristal Palace, Torre dos Clerigos and stock exchange La Bolsa Palace.
Early evening we will go to a Fado Show. Fado is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Lisbon, characterised by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sense of resignation, fate and melancholy. A welcome drink is included.
Free time tonight after the show to enjoy dinner locally.
Hotel: Eurostars Heroismo Porto
Included Meals:
The region offers fabulous landscapes , amazing wine and delicious produce. The Valley is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine-growing region with the largest diversity of grape varieties.
We visit visit Casa Mateus to see the stunning gardens and enjoy a wine tasting.
Continue to Cais da Falgosa for a beautiful lunch overlooking the Douro River at Restaurant Doc (or similar).
End our time here with a 2 hour boat trip on the river before returning to Porto.
Tonight there is an OPTION to dine at the 1-star Michelin restaurant ANTIQVVM. Menus start at €145 per person.
Hotel: Eurostars Heroismo Porto
Included Meals:
For those doing the full tour, we check-out and travel from Porto to Salamanca in Spain, a distance of approximately 350kms.
On arrival we will meet a local guide for a tour of the town including the Old Quarter and Main Square, the New Cathedral and the university.
There is an OPTION to dine at En la Parra. Menu starts at €75.00 for 19 dishes or €95.00 for 25 dishes. These include a delicious succession of Iberian pork-based tapas and appetisers as well as more contemporary dishes (especially the main courses) that showcase ingredients from the province.
Hotel: Corona Sol, Salamanca
Included Meals:
A tour of its historic centre reveals the traditional essence of its houses and streets, built centuries ago.
Return to Salamanca.
Tonigh there is an OPTION to dine at Meson de Gonzalo, for elevated tapas, rice dishes & roast meats in a vaulted room with stone walls & bullfighting images. This is an ala carte menu.
Hotel: Corona Sol, Salamanca
Included Meals:
Standing on the banks of the Duero river , its importance in medieval times can be seen in city walls, palaces and churches. We will meet a local guide for a 2 hour tour of the sites.
We then continue to Rueda for a winery visit and lunch at Gastrobodega Martin Berasategui, a culinary highlight of our tour.
We then continue to Segovia where we will overnight.
Hotel: Real, Segovia
Included Meals:
There is an OPTION to enjoy some free time or enjoy lunch at Restaurant Candidio, a rustic restaurant in an 1800's timber house beneath the Roman aqueduct, known for its Castilian suckling pig.
We will then travel 93kms to Madrid. On arrival we will meet a local guide to show us the Plaza de España, Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, Calle and Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.
Check in to the hotel and prepare for our dinner and flamenco show.
Hotel: Emperador, Madrid
Included Meals:
The afternoon is free for you to shop, dine or visit one of Madrid's spectacular galleries or museums.
Tonight our farewell dinner will be at Casa Botin, founded in 1725 and considered the oldest restaurant in the world.
Hotel: Emperador, Madrid
Included Meals:
Included Meals:
Highlights
- Travel with food lover Kate Bracks, winner of Masterchef Australia Season 3
- Explore Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery & the Belem Tower
- Evora, the food capital of Alentjeo famous for its wine and olive oil
- Sintra – the royal palaces
- Staying at the Cooking hotel in Alvados
- Porto – the home of port wine & the magnificent Douro River
- Wineries, cork production, olive oil, jamon, cooking classes, Bairrada suckling pig
- Boat cruise on the Douro River
- The university town of Salamanca and its Iberico ham production
- Roman sites at Segovia
- The stunning architecture of Zamora
- Flamenco show in Madrid
- Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world (Madrid)
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Tour - Portugal and Spain | Earlybird price - book by 31 October | $10,990.00 | $13,299.00 |
| Portugal tour only | 11-19 May | $7,250.00 | $8,879.00 |
| Spain only | 19-24 May | $4,275.00 | $4,999.00 |
