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 week. 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 transportation do i need to figure out on my own?
If you're starting your trip in Asturias, please get yourself to Oviedo by the evening of September 21st. The nearest airport is OVD, and El Lopo staff will be landing there at 2:25pm.
If you're starting your trip in the Basque region, please get yourself to Bilbao by the morning of September 27th. The nearest airport is BIO. El Lopo staff and the other Asturias travelers will arrive in town by bus around 8:00pm the night before. If you're doing both legs of the trip, we will take care of your transportation from Oviedo to Bilbao.
The Asturias leg of the trip ends the morning of 9/26, in Oviedo (so you'll probably want to fly out of OVD if your journey ends there). The Basque leg ends the morning of 10/2 in San Sebastian, and you can either fly out of EAS (a closer but smaller airport with fewer routes) or BIO.
We're happy to help you plan the transportation as well. Just let us know if you have questions or need a hand!
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.)
Proof of vaccination against covid. (We’ll ask for a photo or scanned copy when you register for the trip.)
Probably a jacket and some light rain gear, but also sunglasses and swimwear. September weather is generally very mild, but things can get chilly at night and the north is famous for rain.
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 July 1st: deposits are non-refundable; the base trip cost is fully refundable; lodging costs are 75% refundable
after August 1st: the base trip cost is 75% refundable; lodging costs are 50% refundable
after August 15th: the base trip cost is 50% refundable; lodging costs are 25% refundable
after September 1st: the base trip cost is 25% refundable; lodging costs are non-refundable
after September 15th: 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.