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.
why do i need to sign up with The Third Place in order to join?
The Third Place is more or less a payment platform which also manages the subscriptions for our Take Care of Me Club, and working with them allows us to give our members a discount on the trip fees. However, you do not need to be a member of our TCOM Club to join the trip. We will ask you to put a credit card securely on file with The Third Place, which we’d use for any incidentals or add-ons that you take on. Think of it like checking into a hotel and letting the front desk scan your card in case you take anything from the minibar.
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 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.
what flights should i be looking at (if booking my own)?
These are the flights we’re planning to take, and as of now this writing, the prices on all of them are great. All are direct flights.
getting to Spain (and the Madrid leg): SFO-MAD, 10/10, IB 6174
getting to the Galicia leg: MAD-SCQ, 10/14, IB 576
getting to the Andalucia leg: SCQ-SVQ, 10/17, FR 3042
getting home: XRY-MAD, 10/24, IB 0415; and MAD-SFO, 10/24, IB 6193
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 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, as well as sunglasses and swimwear, depending on which regions you’re visiting with us. October weather is generally very mild, but things can get chilly at night and Galicia is famous for rain. Andalucia is a much drier region and can be quite hot during the day.
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 September 1st: the base trip cost is 50% refundable; lodging costs are 25% refundable
after September 15th: the base trip cost is 25% refundable; lodging costs are non-refundable