Devour Tours

17/01/2025

Ever heard of the Madrid ritual: “La Hora del Vermut”?

La Hora del Vermut is a cherished pre-lunch tradition in Madrid, happening between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. It’s a time for friends and family to gather, enjoy vermouth, and relax before lunch. With roots in the late 19th century, vermouth is making a comeback in the city.

Here are some of our favorite spots to sip vermouth in Madrid:

🥃 Bar La Co**ha
A cozy gem in La Latina with a twist on the classic vermouth—served in a martini glass with gin and Campari for extra class. Pair it with anchovies or Spanish tortilla for a quintessential Madrid experience.

🥃 Casa Baranda
This Malasaña favorite features house vermouth paired with Iberian ham croquettes and marinated boquerones. A warm, familial vibe makes it a must-visit for vermouth lovers.

🥃 Bodegas Ricla
Home to Madrid’s oldest vermouth tap, this spot serves vermut de grifo with classic meatballs in the evening. A true local favorite for authentic vermouth culture.

🥃 Bodega de la Ardosa
Historic Malasaña bodega with legendary vermouth and arguably the best Spanish tortilla in the city. The vintage charm and friendly atmosphere make it a treasure.

🥃 La Hora del Vermut
Located in Mercado de San Miguel, this vermouth haven offers over 80 varieties and a perfect pairing of pickled bites. It’s a touristy spot, but worth at least a visit for the vibrant vermouth culture.

🥃 La Violeta
A charming spot located in Chamberi serving 30+ types of vermouth from across the country, perfectly paired with classic tapas like boquerones en vinagre. Perfect for a quaint date night or a stop before heading to Mercado Vallehermoso

Read more about La Hora de Vermut: https://devourtours.co/4am37Lq

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16/01/2025

REMINDER ❤️➡️ Tomorrow we’re hosting a LIVE q&a all about Rome and the Jubilee.

Visiting Rome in 2025? You won’t want to miss this. 🇮🇹

Join us to ask 3 Rome experts all of your need-to-know questions. We know you have lots of questions about dining, city logistics, attractions, getting around, etc.—and they’ve got answers!

📌Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee
📅January 16th at 9pm CET/3pm ET/ 12pm PT 🫶

REGISTER ⚡️ https://walks.webinargeek.com/rome-jubilee-2025?cst=facebook_devour

14/01/2025

When in Catalonia, do as the Catalans do! 🍇

The porrón is a unique wine pitcher that originated right here in this region. Its roots, however, date back to Ancient Egypt and later evolved into the Roman rhytons.

These days, it’s often used during family gatherings or when sharing tapas with friends at home or in traditional bodegas.
Getting it right might take a few tries, but that’s half the fun!

14/01/2025

UPCOMING WEBINARS ‼️

We're excited to continue our live Q&A sessions in 2025, starting January with two incredible events designed to help you plan your dream trips to Rome and Paris! ✈️

A lot is happening in these iconic cities this year. Rome is alive with energy as it celebrates the Jubilee, while Paris is drawing travelers back with the much-anticipated reopening of Notre Dame. Don’t miss this chance to discover what’s new and plan your perfect adventure!

📌Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee
📅January 16th at 9pm CET/3pm ET/ 12pm PT
🫶 REGISTER ➡️
https://walks.webinargeek.com/rome-jubilee-2025?cst=facebook_devour

📌Paris 2025: What to See & Do
📅 January 30th at 6pm CET/12pm ET/9am PT
🫶 REGISTER ➡️
https://walks.webinargeek.com/paris-2025?cst=facebook_devour

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Both events will be interactive, giving you the chance to ask your burning questions live to in-the-know experts. They'll provide insider tips and make planning your trip even easier!

See you there!

11/01/2025

Fondue or Raclette—two cheesy classics, but do you know the difference? 👀

🫕 Fondue: Smooth, creamy melted cheese (like Comté or Emmental) with a splash of white wine, perfect for dipping bread. Pro tip: always rub the pot with garlic first.

🔥 Raclette: Gooey grilled cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and yes, pickles are a must.

Both are perfect for chilly months, and enjoyed throughout France, Switzerland, Belgium and beyond.

If you could only pick one, which would you pick? 📍 Tag a cheese-obsessed friend?

08/01/2025

Ever tried a maritozzo? This classic Roman treat is a soft, sweet bread roll stuffed with fluffy whipped cream (panna), sometimes with a little extra like raisins or candied orange peel.

It's the perfect breakfast or dessert and has been around since the 1700s. The name comes from the word for “husband” – these were once given as gifts between lovers.

You can find maritozzi at nearly every bakery in Rome, but some places do it better than others. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite spots in the city where you can enjoy this quintessential Roman treat:

1. Pasticceria Linari ➡️ Located on Via Marmorata in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood, this spot was first started by Giancarlo and Enrica Linari, who began their journey in a pastry shop in Garbatella. In 1971, they took over a small shop in Testaccio, expanding it in 1983. Today, the shop is run by their children and has been renovated to offer not only their classic pastries but also hot meals, pizza, and gelato—all crafted with artisan methods.

2. Il Maritozzaro�➡️ Located near Trastevere Station, this hidden gem is well worth the detour. Known for its freshly baked maritozzi filled with whipped cream and sometimes even drizzled with chocolate, it’s a must-try for pastry lovers.

3. Pasticceria Regoli�➡️ A Roman institution, this historic bakery in Esquilino has been serving traditional sweets since 1916. Their maritozzi are made using a special dough that’s allowed to rise for a full day, giving it a rich, perfect texture.

4. Roscioli�➡️ A beloved family-run business, Roscioli started as a salumeria but has since become one of Rome’s top spots for pastries and coffee. Their maritozzi are legendary, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy one alongside a strong espresso.

5. Il Maritozzo Rosso�➡️ For a creative twist on the classic, head to Il Maritozzo Rosso in Trastevere. Known for their over-the-top maritozzi filled with pistachio cream and even savory options like amatriciana sauce, this spot offers a fun, modern take on the traditional pastry.

6. Casa Manfredi ➡️�A newer addition to the Roman pastry scene, Casa Manfredi offers golden maritozzi paired with specialty Lavazza coffee. Situated near Circo Massimo, it’s the ideal spot to start your day before heading out to explore the city.

Read more about maritozzi: https://devourtours.co/4gJlCM9

06/01/2025

Every January 6th, Spain celebrates the Epiphany with the beloved Roscón de Reyes—a crown-shaped sweet bread adorned with candied fruits and sometimes filled with cream. 👑

This festive treat is central to the celebration of the Three Kings, who bring gifts to children the night before. The tradition goes like this: find the hidden king figurine in your slice, and you’re crowned royalty for the day! But beware of the bean—if you get it, you’ll have to bring next year’s cake.

Though today it’s all about the Three Kings, the origins of the roscón actually stretch back to ancient pagan celebrations. The Romans made a similar round cake for their Saturnalia festival, packed with figs, dates, and honey.

The roscón isn’t just dessert; it’s a tradition that brings families together in celebration. Other Epiphany customs include a big parade the night before, where children leave their shoes out for gifts, and on the morning of January 6th, families enjoy the roscón, marking the close of the holiday season.

Have you ever celebrated the Epiphany in Spain? 🍰

05/01/2025

Churros and chocolate aren’t just a treat—they’re a way of life in Spain, especially during the chilly winter months (and while awaiting the arrival of the 3 Kings on January 6th!).

If you’re coming to Madrid, save this list of the best spots 🍫 (...you can’t come and ✨not✨ try chocolate and churros!):

📍Chocolatería San Ginés: Madrid’s most iconic churrería since 1894! Famous for its crispy churros and thick chocolate, it’s a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

📍Chocolat: Tucked away in the historic Huertas neighborhood, this local gem serves up some of the most authentic churros con chocolate in a cozy, off-the-beaten-path setting.

📍Chocolatería Valor: Spain’s beloved chocolate brand offers top-quality churros at various Madrid locations. Bonus: an endless variety of chocolate treats to try on top of the chocolate and churros.

📍La Antigua Churrería: A century-old spot where you can enjoy classic churros, fluffy porras, and even stuffed churros for the ultimate sweet indulgence.

📍Los Artesanos 1902: Family-run and gluten-free friendly! Enjoy churros dipped in milk or dark chocolate while watching the churro-making magic through their glass window.

Save for later and share with someone who love a good chocolate and churros moment.

03/01/2025

31/12/2024

Did you know about the tradition of eating lentils on New Year’s Eve dinners in Italy?

Each little lentil symbolizes a coin—an edible wish for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

This tradition dates back to ancient Rome, where giving a pouch of lentils symbolized a wish for a year filled with wealth and abundance.

If you’re hoping to add a little extra good luck to your year, cook up some lentils and enjoy!

Learn more about this tradition: https://takewalks.co/3BMts8J

Do you have your own New Year’s food tradition? Tell us below 🗨️👇

30/12/2024

Seasons greetings and happy holidays from us here at Devour Tours, Walks and Walks of Italy.

Back in 2020 we created a cookbook during lockdown as a way to share the festive spirit of Spain—and now, we’re excited to re-share it with all of you, for FREE! 🇪🇸

This 200+ page cookbook is filled with some of our all-time favorite recipes from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and San Sebastián, along with fun videos, tutorials, and cultural tidbits to make it extra special.

If you'd like a copy of Spanish Feasts from the Devour Tours Kitchen, DM us a message with the word "COOKBOOK" and we'll send it your way!

Wishing you all a delicious holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of amazing food!🍴💛

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P.S. If you make any of the recipes, we'd love to see them! Post your creations in this group or tag us () on Instagram. We’d love to see them!

29/12/2024

In Italy, Christmas lasts until January 6th—and with it comes one timeless debate: panettone or pandoro?

Panettone, from Milan, is light and fluffy with raisins and candied fruit. Legend says it was invented by accident when a pastry was burned, and the cook used leftover ingredients to save the day.
Pandoro, from Verona, has no fruit, just buttery goodness. Its star shape dates back to the 16th century, when cakes were decorated with gold leaf—now replaced with powdered sugar.

Two holiday classics, one tough choice! Our team from Italy weighs on which they prefer.

If you’ve had them before, what’s your vote? 🍰

23/12/2024

If you’re in the Netherlands this time of year, make it a point to try pepernoten. 🍪 These small, spiced cookies are a holiday favorite, traditionally enjoyed during Sinterklaas (the Dutch celebration of St. Nicholas), and throughout the holiday season.

Pepernoten are made with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, and are the quintessential Dutch holiday cookie.

You’ll often see them handed out by Piet aka, St. Nicholas’ helper, or sold in festive bags at bakeries and supermarkets.

Pro tip: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee, tea or Dutch hot chocolate.

Ever tried pepernoten or spent the holidays in the Netherlands?

20/12/2024

You can find Christmas markets all over Europe, and a particularly excellent one is in Bordeaux, France. The market is a foodie heaven showcasing the traditional festive foods from eastern France while also delivering on the best of local terroir.

Our local guide Joshua took us around the market to show us mouthwatering local bites like goats cheese from the Pyrenees, spiced hot wine made from biodynamic Bordeaux wine, and Accra made with duck confit!

Where’s your favorite Christmas market in Europe?

17/12/2024

Exciting news… Walks of Italy now has its own dedicated space on Facebook and Instagram!

Fifteen years ago, Walks began its journey in Rome—back when it was known simply as Walks of Italy. Over the years, we've expanded to cities across Italy, Europe, the US, and Canada, but the deep-rooted love for Italy, where it all started, has never faded.

That’s why we’ve launched dedicated pages where you can enjoy all things Italy 24/7. Follow along for incredible Italy content, and help us spread the word!

13/12/2024

If you could only pick one Spanish holiday sweet, what would it be?

🍫 Turrón: The ultimate Christmas classic. These days you can find pretty much any flavor like chocolate, coffee, or even strawberry cheesecake (🍓!). The biggest question of all comes down to choosing hard Alicante turrón or the soft Jijona turrón.

🍰 Roscón de Reyes: You can’t celebrate the holidays in Spain without a Kings’ Cake. This ring-shaped cake is a delicious and symbolic way to kick off the new year and celebrate Epiphany.

🍬 Polvorones: The crumbly, powdery, melt-in-your-mouth Spanish Christmas cookies that come from Southern Spain (in Estepa, to be exact). Just like turrón, they come in many flavors and varieties.

In your opinion, what’s the best Spanish Christmas treat?