If you want a place that captures the quintessential points of Andalucian culture, Seville is the city for you. An intense and passionate way of life seems like the only natural way to live here. Between bullfighting and flamenco, the two biggest Andalucian traditions, the scent of oranges fills the air as you stroll around the narrow, medieval lanes.
Seville is home to the most passionate Semana Santa, the Easter Week, and the world-famous Flamenco event – the Feria de Sevilla. These festivities take place in two consecutive weekends in the spring. But even if you miss them you’ll still have a chance to taste what it’s all about in the following weeks.
Probably the most accessible part of their lifestyle is their food and their wine. While you’re in Sevilla you can take a stroll to the famed Tapas Bars. And “tapa hopping”, called “Tapeo” is the practice of going through four or five different bars, sipping red wine and tasting wonderful, small dishes; like a bumblebee going through flowers collecting impressions.
There are thousands of such bars in Sevilla and, usually, going thorugh 5 of them equals a 10 minute walk, plus what it takes for you to order each dish. This culinary travelling is an exquisite experience you don’t want to miss. Here are a few organized tours that are sure to make an impression you will never forget.
Private Seville Tapas and Wine Walking Tour
This tour will take you through roughly 90 minutes of food and wine tasting in several restaurants including two of the best in Seville. You will get a chance to sample Andalucian gazpacho soup and many other Spanish dishes. And you will pair them with Sangria and an interesting orange wine you probably won’t find anywhere else.
The departure point is at the Giralda Tower, which is the tower of the Cathedral. It finishes in the center of Seville, departs at roughly 1:00 pm and has a 90 minute associated duration. The price is roughly $100, although you might have some additional expenses should you decide to try several dishes.
Santa Cruz Walking Tour and Flamenco Show
For the price of $105 you will visit the excellent Flamenco Museum where you can discover the history and cultural influences that have made Flamenco what it is today. For the finale you get to enjoy an exciting, energetic flamenco show at one of the local restaurants.Also departing from Giralda Tower, however at 8:00 pm, the Santa Cruz Walking Tour will take you through a pleasant, relaxed stroll in the historical Jewish quarter. With it’s magnificient architecture and inspiring landscape, this 2.5 hour walk will give you the opportunity to dive deep in the Andalucian lifestyle.
Seville Night Tour With the Tablao Flamenco Show
A night-time tour that will show you the true nature of Sevillanos. They say that the people of Sevilla only go home to eat and sleep. Most of their life is spent outdoors. And that is an amazing lifestyle to be part of. This tour departs at 8:30 pm from various pick-up points and has three touring options.
Going through the lamplit streets and enjoying the sightseeing aspect of Seville is alone sufficient to conquer most hearts. And if that weren’t enough you’ll see a Flamenco Tablao show in a 4 hour tour with an expert guide skilled in both English and Spanish.
That might not seem like a big deal but if you’ve ever been to Spain you know that they don’t take lightly to people who don’t know the Spanish language. Of course, it’s all done in a joking form but it’s important to have a knowledgeable guide who will put your mind at ease.
The price tag starts at $65 for the Show and Drink option, which includes the flamenco show and one drink. The second option, priced from $80 includes the flamenco show and 1 red wine bottle for 4 people paired with Tapas dishes. The Show and Dinner option is priced at $100 and includes the show, dinner and a wine bottle for 4 people.
Of course, these are just a few opportunities you have during your stay in Sevilla. There is plenty more to see and experience. To put it simply, it’s impossible to get bored in Sevilla.
