Where did you travel? In Spain, we started in Madrid and then traveled to Cordoba, Ronda, Jerez, and Sevilla. Then, we went to Portugal, where we traveled to Evora, Setubal, and Lisbon.

When did you travel? Our trip started on October 19, 2024, and we returned home on November 2.

Who accompanied you on your trip? We had 27 people in our group for our third "El Meson Rally."

Why did you choose your destinations? El Meson puts together an annual culinary trip to fantastic destinations; this trip was our third with them (Italy in 2022 and South America in January 2024). These trips immerse us in the local cuisine, wines, and culture. We experience so much history about these destinations; we never come home disappointed—just very tired. We have already signed up for their Sicily trip in September 2025.

What activities did you do while on vacation? Since we visited eight different cities, we did a lot of sightseeing. In every city, we got to enjoy the food and wines of each region. Some of the highlights were the flamenco dancing and the horseshow in Jerez. The private patio tour in Cordoba was also a favorite.

What was the local culture like? Spain and Portugal both have so much history. The beautiful architecture shows the Moorish and Roman influences over centuries of building. The people in both countries were welcoming, as they rely a lot on tourism.

Did you try any special cuisine? I ate a lot of olives! We did try many different foods: anchovies, sardines, octopus, sheep cheese, and lots of tapas. Spain is known for its Sherry, and we sampled many. We also tried the Moscatel in Portugal.

What was the most unexpected thing that happened? As we were leaving Jerez, we discovered a marathon on the streets outside our hotel. Streets were blocked off for several hours, which delayed our bus from picking us up.

What was your favorite part about the vacation? Touring the many cities and learning about their culture was my favorite. We also had many laughs with our fellow travelers and new friends.

Do you have any recommendations for someone going to this area? Visiting this many places is very difficult, and it is impossible to see everything. Having a good travel agent who can make knowledgeable recommendations is a must.

What else would you like to share about your travels? This trip was our third with El Meson and won’t be our last. If you want to travel without the headache of doing the planning, this is the way to go.

[SIDEBAR]

El Meson is a well-known Spanish restaurant in Dayton, recognized for its authentic Spanish and Latin American cuisine. It is family-owned and has built a strong reputation for its flavorful tapas, seafood, and wine selections. The restaurant also organizes culinary travel experiences, taking groups to destinations known for their rich food and wine culture, such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and South America.