Wild experience: discover, cook & eat the local wild flora

Discover the Flavors and Secrets of Catalonia’s Wild Plants

The Wild experience: discover, cook & eat the local wild flora is a captivating 3-hour tour offered by Arrels Voladores in Catalonia, Spain. For $397 per group of up to 5 people, this activity promises an intimate exploration of local wild plants, their nutritional, medicinal, and gastronomic properties, and a hands-on cooking workshop. The tour is perfectly suited for those looking to go beyond traditional wine or city tours, offering a unique nature-focused adventure that highlights Catalonia’s biodiversity.

This experience combines an educational walk, a delicious cooking session, and a relaxing picnic or tasting, giving participants a well-rounded taste of wild flora in a beautiful rural setting. While the activity requires a minimum of 7 participants at the listed price, it can be booked for smaller groups at a slightly higher cost, making it flexible for cozy gatherings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours of guided exploration, cooking, and tasting.
• Location: Held at Arrels Voladores in Alt Penedès, about 1 hour from Barcelona.
• Price: $397 for a group of up to 5, with options for smaller groups at a higher rate.
• Includes: Wild herbal teas, tasting of 3 wild tapas, an ethnobotanical walk, and a cooking workshop.
• Highlights: Discover local wild “superfoods”, learn about hidden botanical gems, and explore beyond the wine scene in Penedès.
• Guide: Led by knowledgeable guides who excel at sharing insights into wild plants and their uses.

A Closer Look at the Catalonia Wild Flora Tour

Starting Point at Arrels Voladores in Alt Penedès

This tour starts in the masia of Arrels Voladores, a rural farm setting in Alt Penedès, a region known for wine but also for its wild flora. The location is about one hour from Barcelona and Tarragona, making it accessible for visitors staying in those cities. The activity takes place rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for weather conditions, especially since the country road leading to the farm is accessible by normal cars but requires caution.

Ethnobotanical Walk Featuring Catalonia’s Hidden Botanical Gems

The core of the tour is an adapted ethnobotanical walk, where the guide introduces participants to local wild plants that are free and considered “superfoods”. These plants are not only edible but are also recognized for their nutritional, medicinal, and gastronomic benefits. The walk emphasizes learning about the hidden botanical treasures growing in the region, making it a perfect outing for nature enthusiasts or culinary explorers.

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Cooking Wild Herbs: A Hands-On Workshop

Following the walk, the group moves to a kitchen where a cooking workshop takes place. Here, the wild ingredients collected during the walk are transformed into plant-based, gluten-free tapas. The interactive nature of this segment allows participants to prepare and taste their creations, fostering a sense of achievement and culinary curiosity. The tasting features three wild tapas, accompanied by wild herbal teas and water, offering a flavorful insight into the region’s wild gastronomy.

Picnic or Tasting in a Rural Setting

After cooking, the activity concludes with a picnic or a tasting session either outside or in the farm’s porch. This relaxed setting offers a chance to enjoy the wild tapas amidst the natural surroundings, enhancing the sensory experience of tasting freshly prepared wild herbs.

Group Composition and Flexibility

The activity is designed as a private group experience, with Spanish, Catalan, and English as the available languages for the live tour guide. The minimum group size is 7, but it can be tailored for smaller groups as long as the total fee matches the cost of 7 participants. This flexibility allows for more intimate or cozy experiences, depending on the group size.

Additional Inclusions and Practical Info

The tour includes free entrance for children below 5 and reduced fees for children above 5. Participants receive wild herbal teas, tasting of 3 wild tapas, an ethnobotanical walk, and a cooking workshop. It’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but nearby thematic accommodations like a wild flora-themed caravan or a sustainable rural loft are available as options.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later. The tour allows full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it an accessible choice for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

The Experience Led by Berta: Knowledge and Hospitality

Both available reviews praise Berta, the guide, for her expertise and engaging storytelling. She is described as super knowledgeable, making the walk and cooking session both informative and enjoyable. The reviews highlight her ability to explain the uses of wild plants clearly and her helpfulness regarding transport logistics. Participants also appreciate the delicious snacks prepared during the cooking workshop, emphasizing the quality of the food and the attentive guidance.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Nature Experiences

Unlike many nature walks that focus solely on sightseeing, this activity combines learning about edible and medicinal plants with hands-on cooking and tasting. The focus on wild herbs and their culinary potential offers a distinctive perspective on Catalonia’s natural environment. The small group size and private setting enhance the personalized attention and interactive nature of the experience.

The Location and Its Appeal

The Alt Penedès region is known for wine, but this tour showcases a different side of the area — its wild flora. The rustic farm environment adds to the charm, creating a relaxing backdrop for exploring Catalonia’s botanical diversity. The opportunity to discover “hidden” plants that are considered superfoods makes this tour a valuable learning experience.

Final Thoughts on the Catalonia Wild Flora Tour

This 3-hour experience offers an educational and culinary journey into Catalonia’s wild plants, perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and curious travelers. The expert guidance from Berta, the interactive cooking workshop, and the wild tapas tasting make it a memorable activity that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

While the minimum participant number might be a consideration for some, the option for smaller groups at a slightly higher price ensures flexibility. The rain or shine policy means you should prepare for outdoor conditions, but the indoor cooking and tasting guarantee a cozy experience regardless of weather.

This tour stands out for its focus on wild edible plants and hands-on approach, delivering enjoyment and knowledge in a charming rural setting. It is ideal for those interested in culinary traditions, botany, or simply a different way to connect with Catalonia’s natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included. The activity takes place at the farm in Alt Penedès, about an hour from Barcelona.

Can the tour be booked for fewer than 7 participants?
Yes, the activity can be arranged for smaller groups if the total paid price matches what 7 participants would pay, with a slight price increase.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers wild herbal teas, water, tasting of 3 wild tapas, an ethnobotanical walk, and a cooking workshop.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children below 5 have free entrance, and reduced fees apply for children above 5.

What languages are available for the guiding service?
Guiding is offered in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Is this activity suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since the activity involves walking on country roads, participants should be prepared for outdoor terrain. The guide can provide more specifics on accessibility.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor walking and cooking activities, and be prepared for weather conditions.

What makes this experience unique?
The combination of wild plant discovery, culinary craftsmanship, and local regional insights makes this tour special — offering more than just a walk, but a taste of Catalonia’s botanical treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby