What do you remember most about the best trip you’ve ever taken? Aside from the people you shared it with, it’s probably the food. Great dining is an adventure—from exotic dishes to quirky restaurants and friendly waiters, it’s one of the best ways to experience a foreign place, even as armchair travel! The delicious aromas of our favourite recipes have the power to transport us across the world to the places we’ve been—and where we want to go next. Since we can’t travel at the moment, we asked Backroads leader Cody Siler to bring you a small taste of Spain, where he’s led trips for three years. We hope this flavour of España will tide you over until we’re able to travel there again!
“During shelter in place here in Berkeley, California, I’ve been making lots of tortilla española, which I think is the perfect quarantine food: delicious, made with just a few ingredients, and easy to keep in the fridge. It’s not what you think of when you hear “tortilla”—it’s more like a potato omelet than any burrito-wrap. This recipe is easy to prepare at home and is a staple in households and cafés across Spain. I can’t get back to Catalonia right now, but at least I can close my eyes, take a bite and imagine I’m at a Backroads picnic in the Pyrenees!” Cody Siler
Click here for the full recipe – enjoy!
Related experiences
Cycle South Australia’s Wine Regions
17-22 April, 1-6 May, 7-12 Aug, 4-9 Sep, 2-7 Oct, 30 Oct – 4 Nov, 27 Nov – 2 Dec, 18-23 Dec 2021 from NZD$2277 pp Twinshare, $3007 Single Day 1: Adelaide Welcome to Adelaide and the start of your … Continue reading
Southern Lights by Flight from Christchurch
NEW DATES! 26 & 27 March 2022 2 & 3 April 2022 24 & 25 September 2022 Departs from Christchurch at 7pm* Join Viva Expeditions long with and Aurora hunter and astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin plus a team of experts … Continue reading
Amongst the Vines – Hawkes Bay & Martinborough
4nights /5days Napier to Wellington Departures Sep 2020 – Mar 2021 From NZ$1949 pp twin share Sole occupancy surcharge NZ$1129 per person Discover a special part of NZ – Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. Food and wine, outstanding architecture, magnificent landscapes. … Continue reading
Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay Back Roads
Explore the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay wine regions by bike Discover stunning parts of rural North Island New Zealand you never knew existed on this fully supported Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay Backroads cycling trip. Bike along purpose-built cycleways, quiet rural … Continue reading
Discover the luxury of a PurePod
Immerse yourself in the beautiful New Zealand landscape PurePods is a total immersion, totally private experience of your own slice of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. Your PurePod is made of heavy duty glass so you can see everything – from … Continue reading
Connoisseur’s North Island
Fishing, wine and gourmet food – this exclusive self-drive journey through the North Island has it all. Fishing, food, and wine – this exclusive self-drive journey through New Zealand’s North Island has it all. Discover firsthand why the Tongariro River … Continue reading
Nelson: Bike, Hike and Sail
Discover the food, wine and great riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail in the stunning Nelson/Tasman region Highlights Explore the Tasman Great Taste Cycle Trail’s stunning coastline and inland rides Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds with a scenic … Continue reading
Southern Luxury Escape
On this 5-day escape you’ll experience two of the South Island’s Great Walks, as well as kayaking in Marlborough Sounds and experiencing some of our favourite, beautiful accommodations; we’ve hand-picked them for their uniqueness, hospitality, and comfort. Along the way … Continue reading
Camino – Sarria to Santiago
The last six days of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offers the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for … Continue reading
Food Lover’s Spanish Camino
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce, with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, … Continue reading
Walk The Full Spanish Camino
Traverse the centuries of time as well as Northern Spain on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. This trip offers a chance to walk the entire length of the Spanish Camino, from St Jean Pied de Port in France, … Continue reading
Portugal Palaces and Coast Walk
Set amidst the pine-blanketed hills of the Serra de Sintra, Sintra has been plucked straight from a book of fairytales. Explore the former summer residences of the nobility of Portugal and its impressive Manor houses and national monuments over the … Continue reading
Catalonia Biking Holiday
Catalonia in north eastern Spain has long been known for its colourful past, stunning coastline and rolling countryside. This remarkable landscape is ideally suited to cycle touring, where regular stops at medieval villages, ancient ruins and Mediterranean beaches are an … Continue reading
Portuguese Way: Cycle Lisbon to Porto
The Portuguese Road, or Caminho Portugués, is considered by many as the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route. Following the path St James’ body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the quieter Portuguese … Continue reading
Chile & Argentina Real Food Adventure
Enjoy the best cultural and culinary highlights of Chile and Argentina, including Patagonia From the spicy centre of Santiago to the colourful Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires via breathtaking Patagonia, let your tastebuds be taken on a whirlwind adventure of … Continue reading
Highlights of Northern Spain
With cosmopolitan cities and ancient villages, rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, Northern Spain is as unforgettable as it is eclectic. Experience the finest sights and tastes often missed by other travellers on a journey to the heart of this diverse … Continue reading
Discover Portugal
From cosmopolitan Lisbon to Porto’s medieval cobblestone streets, and from the remote Douro Valley to Roman ruins and world-famous pilgrimage sites, this tour will give us a taste of the real Portugal, which still basks in the glow of ancient … Continue reading
The Balkans Real Food Adventure
Explore Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia foodie hubs from Dubrovnik to Skopje. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the Balkans on a twelve-day tour through Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia and experience next level hospitality on this unforgettable foodie adventure. Itinerary … Continue reading
Explore Spain and Portugal
Travel Spain and Portugal and discover their many highlights Follow an enticing trail of delicious tapas, avant-garde art, architectural triumphs and centuries-old culture on this incredible tour through Spain and Portugal. Travel the scenic route from Madrid to Barcelona, visiting … Continue reading
Vietnam Food Explorer
Salty, spicy, tangy, fresh — fire up the taste buds in delicious Vietnam Satisfy the hunger for adventure on this authentic food exploration of Vietnam. Taste your way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and fill the eyes with … Continue reading
Morocco Food Explorer
All the flavours of Morocco are on display on this satisfying authentic food adventure. The tagine is the perfect symbol of Morocco – varied in flavour, infinite in possibilities. Discover an intoxicating combination of Arabic, Berber, and European influences on … Continue reading
Gourmet Tuscany
On this Italian tour package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out daily to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural … Continue reading
Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast
Golden-roofed towns and pristine national parks. Tranquil islands lapped by turquoise waters. Ancient sites and time-honoured traditions. This South Croatia tour takes in all this and more, inviting you to discover one of Europe’s most enticing destinations. Highlights Enjoy a … Continue reading
Portugal Real Food Adventure with Galicia
Savour spiced seafood, slow-cooked sausages and sweet wines aplenty. Uncover the flavours of Galicia and Portugal on this eight-day Real Food Adventure. Sample tender, paprika-infused octopus in Santiago de Compostela and learn how to whip up your own Galician seafood … Continue reading
Portugal Highlights
Take to the road on this Self-Drive tour of Portugal. Breath-taking architecture, stunning cathedrals, an intriguing history, quaint and colourful fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Take your time driving through the lush vegetation of the Sintra region, meandering past … Continue reading
Best of Portugal
Experience the best of Portugal as you discover Lisbon, Vilamoura, the Algarve, Oporto, Fatima and more. Let the melancholic trill of the Fado Guitar follow you from Portugal’s Manueline Lisbon to Baroque Oporto and the sun-soaked beaches of Vilamoura. Wander … Continue reading
Porto, the Douro Valley and Salamanca
Discover World Heritage sites, extraordinary culture and tempting gastronomy on this special cruise. Explore Porto, a city between vineyards and the sea, Vila Real and the beautiful gardens of Solar de Mateus, Salamanca and its radiant beauty, the Porto wine … Continue reading
Delights of Andalusia
Travel to the heart of Andalusia and the Algarve. Along the Guadalquivir discover the town of Cordoba, which combines perfectly history and modernity. Visit Seville and its Alcázar palace, an astonishing mix of architectural styles. Then be carried away by … Continue reading
Iberian Discovery & Morocco
This trip covers Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, concentrating on the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Two-night stays in the cities of Madrid, Lisbon, and Seville. Allow enough time for in-depth sightseeing, including visits to Madrid’s Prado Museum, Lisbon’s Jeronimos … Continue reading
Best of the Camino de Santiago – Guided Tour
The Camino de Santiago, or Compostela Trail, has for centuries represented an important pilgrimage route from France, across the Pyrenees and the north of Spain to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela. Following the most interesting sections … Continue reading
