The Best of Terra Alta

Tucked into the southwest corner of Catalonia between the ancient kingdoms of Aragón and Valencia, locals refer to Terra Alta as Secret Spain. Where Picasso first developed Cubism, today it's the influx of award-winning artisans, access to spectacular nature & stunning country properties which confirm Terra Alta's rural revival.

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As the only American travel company operating in the region, we have curated a truly bespoke offer showcasing the essence of Terra Alta - from private tastings with award winning wine & olive oil artisans, spectacular nature forays and access to private homes & luxury accommodations, all done with the utmost attention to safety.

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At just 2 hours from Barcelona, Terra Alta is easily accessible while remaining romantically remote, ideally combined with a city stay or on its own.

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What to expect?

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Sample Full Day Experience

A guided architecture walk through Horta de Sant Joan reveals the village's medieval affluence seen in its exquisite Gothic & Renaissance styles the storybook streets which inspired Picasso's earliest Cubist works. Follow the footsteps of Picasso, from his atelier in town to the mountain vistas he immortalized. Descend into a 12th century oil mill where we visit an award-winning 5th generation olive oil artisan and picnic between thousand year old olive trees. The afternoon takes us to Els Ports Nature Park for a stunning nature walk through its craggy limestone peaks and gushing rivers.

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Sample Multi Day Experience

More time allows for a deeper exploration of the region's artistic & cultural heritage. Discover the world-class ceramic tradition of Miravet on a private visit to a traditional local artisan. Dominating the village is one of Spain's most impressive castles built by the Templar Knights which cannot be missed. Visit a family run winery in Gandesa or Corbera de l'Ebre, where the region's most exciting natural wines are starting to turn heads internationally. It is also here where the Spanish Civil War saw some of its heaviest fighting - a poignant and fascinating explanation awaits history lovers.

 

All experiences are led by an expert guide & include all entrances. Private transportation available.

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More about Terra Alta

 

Art & Architecture From the spectacular and mysterious 12th century constructions of the Knights Templar to the inspiration for Picasso's earliest Cubist works, Horta de Sant Joan's architectural styles span the centuries. Crowning the nearby village of Pinell de Brai is La Catedral de Vi, or "Wine Cathedral" - originally a wine co-op, it is a unique example of rural Modernist architecture built by Cèsar Martinell, a student of Antoni Gaudí.

Culture At 1,800 feet of elevation, Terra Alta sits between mountain and sea at the crossroads of the ancient Kingdoms of Catalonia, Aragón and Valencia. Picturesque villages dot this landscape of stunning natural beauty where artisan producers remain the guardians of the land & its traditions. Terra Alta played a pivotal role in the Spanish Civil War, an event which forever changed the course of Spanish history. Through insight, anecdote and intimate visits we share a 360 degree view of this spectacular region.  

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Gastronomy Terra Alta is the source of Les Terres de l'Ebre, the rich Ebro River Valley whose rolling fields of grape, olive, wheat & almond descend to the Mediterranean. An influx of skilled artisans and organic producers is producing a world-class revival of wine, cheese and olive oil.