What we do
We design bespoke culinary & wine tours in Spain and Portugal. These tours offer unique itineraries, meticulously planned, for solo travellers, couples, and small groups, including both private and corporate clients.
Our tours are broad in scope, including not only food and wine but also cultural highlights. We have deep knowledge of well-known and lesser-known cities and regions, including exceptional wine regions and places off the radar. Through our network of local chefs, winemakers, art historians and our black-book, we can give you insider access to the most authentic and enriching gastronomic and cultural experiences on offer in Iberia.
We will plan your tour with your specific interests in mind, providing honest advice that capitalizes on our first-hand knowledge of the destination. It leads to carefully calibrated itineraries that balance quality food, wine, heritage, scenery and accommodation. This means you can travel in comfort, with charm and style.
Who we are
Paladares Travel was founded in Amsterdam by Cees Lafeber. Cees has enjoyed a career of more than 15 years as an international banker, thereby travelling around the globe while living in various countries, including England and The Netherlands.
It was during his time working for an investment bank in London, that Cees was inspired to develop his passion for food & wine, travel and Portugal & Spain. At the time, Cees felt that both Spain and Portugal were undeservedly overlooked. He felt there was a space to create unique gastronomic travel experiences in Iberia, and his first tours were developed out of his Lisbon apartment. Paladares Travel started in 2007, and has been focussing on exceptional travel experiences that balance food & drink enjoyment with cultural discovery ever since.
The company is run by Cees and his enthusiastic team based in Spain and Portugal. We have a wealth of travel and food and wine expertise, with formal education in law, architecture, wine, sociology and tourism. Equally as important as our expertise and formal education, is our love of travelling and our passion for good food & wine. One of our team members is also a wine maker, with a biodynamic vineyard that generates low-intervention wines. We combine our skills, experience and our passion with a deep affection for the frequently uncharted delights of Portugal and Spain.
