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, or whatever gets you to the starting point and home from the end point. We've got your other transportation covered within the dates of the trip.
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 three or four optional exceptions for those who are interested.
Breakfast. Unless you wake up when we do, and then you can call your 2pm meal breakfast.
Gratuity for your trip organizers.
Hard liquor, because we gotta draw the line somewhere. To get maximum value out of your trip cost, drink as much sherry, vermouth, wine, beer, cider, and coffee as you want.
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 midrange hotels (clean and well-located but not super luxurious) 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 high-end hotel, expect to spend around 30-50% more than in the accommodations package we’re offering. There may also be options to upgrade your room, if you want to stay with the group but in slightly nicer digs. Like with flights, we’re also happy to book your lodgings for you even if you stay on your own.
how does the deposit work?
The $250 deposit essentially buys you time to think about it, saving you one of the limited number of spots for a few days. It can be fully refunded at any time before that week is up. After that, we'll check in and can either apply it toward the cost of the trip, or give it back to you.
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, but also sunglasses and swimwear. May weather is usually fairly mild, but the days can get get up into the 80s (F) and nights can dip into the low 60s. The eastern part of Andalucia tends to have higher highs and lower lows, since it's further from the ocean.
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.
what's the cancellation policy?
after April 12th: deposits are non-refundable after 3 days; the base trip cost is fully refundable; lodging costs are 75% refundable
after April 19th: the base trip cost is 75% refundable; lodging costs are 50% refundable
after April 26th: the base trip cost is 50% refundable; lodging costs are 25% refundable
after May 3rd: the base trip cost is 25% refundable; lodging costs are non-refundable
after May 10th: bro we already spent it
can i see the itinerary?
Like we said, leaving room for serendipity is one of the keys to having an awesome time on this trip. But yes, there is some planning happening behind the scenes. If you need to know specific things about specific days, it doesn't hurt to ask.