July 16th, 2026
8 min read
Northern Spain - Part 3
June ‘26
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
After an incredible three days in Rioja, we’re coming down the home stretch of our tour as we push toward the Mediterranean. We drove east by private coach, bound for Catalonia. The landscape shifts again, hillier, more dramatic with giant slate quarries at the bottom.
Like the Basques, the region has its own language, its own flag, its own food culture, its own stubborn sense of identity that has survived every political attempt to soften it. Catalans have been here longer than the concept of Spain. It's a region where local produce and international ingredients have been sharing space on the same plate for centuries. Where the markets are cathedrals and the chefs treat them accordingly.
Catalonia also produces some of Spain's most exciting wines, hence our pit stop en route to Barcelona. A small, steep, almost violently beautiful wine region called Priorat. We stopped in Gratallops, the center of one of Spain's lesser-known wine regions and a quiet darling of the wine community. Steep terraced vineyards, dramatic slate soils, old vines clinging to hillsides that look almost too steep to farm.
Blai Ferre
We were hosted by rockstar winemaker Blai Ferre, a generous, warm presence in the vineyard, even with the language barrier. He doesn't speak English, but with the help of our translator, the conversation flowed easily. He explained that because of the regions unique terroir, traditional grapes like Garnacha and Cariñena are the primary grapes of the area. It’s too hot for Cabernet Sauvignon, or other fashionable international grapes. Some of the best exchanges happen exactly like this, through gesture, through wine, through shared enthusiasm that barley needs translation.
Next door, the Restaurant Cellers De Gratallops served us traditional paella paired with Blai’s incredible wines, a perfect complement.
Paella
We rolled into Barcelona at 6pm and checked into the Grand Hotel Central, perfectly positioned between the Gothic Quarter and El Born. Two of the city's most iconic and atmospheric neighborhoods, right outside our door.
First order of business: a walking tapas tour through the old streets. Narrow alleys, hidden bars, small plates appearing one after another. My favorite, El Xampanyet. Its’s timeless, you’ll find all the classics like cured anchovies, morcilla and you will certainly need to queue up for ten to fifteen minuets or so. Trust me, it’s worth wait!
anchovies
croquettes
After a free morning to sleep in and enjoy a casual breakfast, our group hopped on a Tuk-Tuk tour through the city. With our local guides leading the way, we got up close to the Sagrada Família, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló and other major works by Antoni Gaudí. Architecture that genuinely doesn't look like it belongs to this planet.
We always build in plenty of free time, and Barcelona rewards it. If you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, the Mercat de la Boqueria is a playground of a food market and in my opinion, unmissable. Taste everything from olive oil to oysters to aged jamón ibérico. Then grab a stool at one of the counters for the freshest fish you'll find anywhere in the city. My favorite spot is Kiosk Universal.
Fried Anchovies
World-class architecture and museums are everywhere. The Picasso Museum sits in the Gothic Quarter, a short walk from our hotel. The Miró Museum is another favorite, different in tone, equally essential.
You’ve gotta be a real curmudgeon to not enjoy Barcelona! There’s so much to do and see wether you make your way to Montserrat or find a seat at a local wine bar.
This trip was one of the best we've ever organized. The wines, the food, the architecture, all exceptional. But the best part, as always, was the people. The group we traveled with made every meal, every cellar visit, every sunrise feel like we shared something special!
The good news? We're leading this tour again in 2027! San Sebastián, Rioja, Priorat, and Barcelona - ONLY 2 ROOMS REMAINING
We’re Accepting Reservations
👉 Book Now
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
💰 Bonus Board: Perks & Rec
Intro
Tucson, Arizona - Summer 2024
At breakfast this morning, I skimmed through the finance section of the paper. A headline caught my eye: “More Businesses Ditch Cash for Cards and Digital Payments.”
It instantly reminded me of a friend, a guy who’s seen the world, earned multiple degrees, and always seemed to be ahead of the curve. Despite his savvy in most areas, he pays for almost everything with a debit card, still carries cash for meals, and writes checks like it’s 1995.
Last week, he invited my wife and me to a baseball game. He had so much knowledge to share, breaking down every aspect of the sport. He knew the history, the rules inside and out, obscure rules like the double switch and the infield fly rule. He even knew the backstories behind team rivalries and player drama. He gave us an insider’s look at the whole scene.
We were all having a fantastic time until he went to buy a round of beers and some popcorn. He came back to our seats looking completely bewildered. Turns out, the stadium didn’t accept cash, credit cards or mobile payments only. It was as if the game he knew so well had suddenly changed, and he didn’t get the memo.
It wasn’t just the stadium. The world of money has changed. Cash is no longer King.
Businesses have turned to electronic payments for convenience and security. But it’s not just about ease for them, it’s an opportunity for us. My friend was playing the old game, while some of us have moved on to a new one, with big rewards.
In my Masterclass, I’m going to teach you the rules of this new game. It’s not just about shifting how you spend, but learning how to make the system work for you, so you can capture these rewards and travel the world for free!
Make 2026 the year you master points & miles. Join our next Perks & Rec Masterclass and learn to travel the world for free! I’ll show you exactly how we turn everyday spending into trips we’ll never forget. Elevate your travel game in 2026 with a clear roadmap to earning and redeeming points for unforgettable experiences.
✅ Details and dates coming soon!
___________________________________________________________
