Nat Geo Day Tour: From Market to Table, Barcelona's Paella

Head off on a hands-on foodie tour of Barcelona, which includes everything from a shopping trip to one of the largest produce markets in the city to a cooking class led by a Spanish-cuisine savant. Your local guide, who’s also a professional chef, will tell you all about the city’s link to food and how it’s used to showcase the region’s history and culture.To start, weave your way around the colorful food stalls at Sant Antoni Market, in the centre of the city. Fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses – you’ll be able to chat to the owners of all the stalls and get an understanding of how these foods are produced. While you’re here, your guide will pass out reusable grocery bags. With these, you can help shop for ingredients that will later be used during your cooking lesson.From here, you’ll start the two-block walk to a nearby rooftop terrace, where you’ll dip into Spain’s wine culture while you sip on a glass of local sparkling wine. On the way, though, your guide will tell you all about life in Barcelona and point out their favourite vegetable store.Afterwards, it’s time to start your cooking lesson. Under the tutelage of a Barcelona local who’s been cooking Spanish cuisine for years, you’ll use the ingredients you sourced earlier to make starters, main courses and a dessert. The main star, though, is the paella. You’ll hear all about the history and cultural significance of this iconic dish while you learn to carefully craft Spain’s national dish.