FAQ’s
how is this different from a group tour?
This is designed for travelers who want some insider access and perspective on Spanish gastronomy, but who also want the flexibility to go off on their own and make some original discoveries. We won’t have every hour of every day planned out because, well, that doesn’t sound so fun. But El Lopo’s crew will be doing something awesome whenever we aren’t asleep or in the bathroom, and you’ll be invited to do as much of that with us as you’d like to.
what’s not included in the cost of the trip?
Flights (though we’re happy to book these for you and just pass on the cost directly, which might even save you a bit since we can get discounts here and there). If you’re joining us on multiple legs of the trip (Madrid, Galicia, and Andalucia), you’ll also need some flights between the regions. See the following question for the particular flights we’ll be taking.
Fine dining. You’ll still be eating very well if you opt for only the included meals, but there are no Michelin stars on the docket. There will be one or two optional exceptions for those who are interested.
Gratuity for your trip organizers.
Anything you choose to do on your own. We tried to keep the overall trip cost low so that you won’t feel like you have to do everything we do, but you’re more than welcome to do so if you can keep up. Either way we’ll make sure you get your money’s worth in the hours you do spend with us (in other words if you skip lunch, that’s more we can spend on dinner).
Lodging is only included if you want it to be. We’ll mostly be staying in Airbnb-style arrangements if you stick with us. If you’d rather leave more of your budget for food, you might want to book yourself a hostel. If you’d be more comfortable in a full-service hotel, expect to spend around 30-50% more than in the accommodations package we’re offering. Like with flights, we’re also happy to book your lodgings for you even if you stay on your own.
what are the best ways to get to the start and end points?
If you're starting your trip in Granada: The closest airport is GRX, but it's a small airport that only does domestic flights. If you're coming from outside Europe, we recommend flying into Madrid or Barcelona and then taking a separate (quick) flight into GRX. You can also take a train from pretty much any city in Spain.
If you're starting your trip in Sanlucar de Barrameda: The closest airport is XRY, but it's a small airport that only does domestic flights. If you're coming from outside Europe, we recommend flying into Madrid or Barcelona and then taking a separate (quick) flight into XRY. The closest major airport is SVQ, from which you can take a one-hour train or bus into Sanlucar.
If you're ending your trip in Cordoba: The closest airport is AGP, which not too small and does have direct flights to pretty much any major city in Europe.
If you're ending your trip in Cadiz: see details above on Sanlucar, as they are fairly close.
We're happy to help you coordinate getting to and from the start/end points, so just reach out if you'd like some more specific guidance!
what should i bring with me?
A passport that’s valid for at least 6 months after your travel date. If you’re a US citizen, you won’t need to obtain a visa to visit Spain. For citizens of other nations, please check the Schengen website to look up your country and determine whether you need a visa. (We’ll ask for a photo or scanned copy when you register for the trip.)
Probably a light jacket, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen, depending on which regions you’re visiting with us. Andalucia can be quite hot during the day, but the inland destinations also cool down quickly at night.
If you pack light and don’t need to check a bag, you’ll save a lot of money on flights. There will be opportunities to do laundry.
Comfortable walking shoes.