Spain

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 46 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 45 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

Discover the lush marshlands of Isla Mayor, nestled beside the renowned Doñana National Park. This exclusive, rare-access experience immerses you into the local farming, fishing, and culinary practices centered around the natural bounty of the Guadalquivir River and its rice fields. It is especially stunning during harvest season (August/September), when the landscape is alive with color and wildlife. 

Perfect for groups of 4 to 8 people as a day trip from Seville, this provides an intimate look at the region’s natural and cultural treasures, while fostering camaraderie and connection among friends, colleagues, or family. 

Depending on the time of year, you’ll witness changing landscapes and different wildlife. You will also engage in learning about local farming techniques, focusing on red crayfish and marshland rice, prized for their freshness. The day ends with a visit to the brotherhood in El Rocio, offering a glimpse into the fervor and devotion of Andalusian tradition.

This experience starts and ends in Seville, which is well connected by air, rail and road. After booking, chat with Reyes to confirm hotel details for pick-up.

This immersive experience blends nature, history, and culture. The marshlands of Isla Mayor, once transformed by English settlers and later enriched by Valencian traditions, offer a unique fusion of flavors and agricultural practices. The local cuisine, such as paella crafted with red crayfish and marshland rice, reflects this blend of influences. 

The ever-changing scenery, especially during the harvest season, provides a captivating view of the marshland ecosystem, from cultivation to conservation. Visitors gain a rare perspective of one of Spain’s most crucial environmental areas, witnessing the rich wildlife that thrives here. The opportunity to witness the harvest season, when the marshlands come alive with wildlife and vibrant landscapes, is particularly special. 

iThe tour’s culmination in El Rocio, with its deeply rooted religious brotherhood, adds a layer of cultural depth, offering firsthand insight into the fervent devotion that shapes Andalusian life and traditions.

Participate in a cooking demonstration where a Sevillan chef with Valencian origins prepares traditional paella using rice and red crayfish sourced directly from the fields. This culinary session is not just about food preparation but also about understanding the local flavors.

It's a culinary bridge between tradition and locale, showcasing how local ingredients are transformed into cultural expressions. The session highlights the fusion of Valencian culinary techniques with Sevillian ingredients, a true testament to the region's historical and cultural melding.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration and meal of typical paella made with local ingredients.

Cooking Session by Local Chef

Drive back in a comfortable minivan as you watch the scenic countryside on your way back to Seville. 

You will be dropped off at your hotel in Seville. We sincerely hope that this day has provided you a deeper understanding of Isla Mayor's unique cultural and natural heritage, making the tour a comprehensive exploration of the area's rich tapestry.

Return to Seville

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Seville to Isla Major. 

After the booking, Chat with Reyes to confirm where you will be picked up from. Provide Seville hotel details. 

The journey sets the stage for a day of discovery.

Scenic early morning transfer from Seville to Isla Mayor.

Seville to Isla Mayor

On the way back to Seville by road, you’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into the spiritual heart of the region with a visit to the local brotherhood in El Rocio, a focal point of religious and communal life. This stop provides insights into the deep-rooted religious traditions that are integral to the community's identity. 

By Horse-drawn Carriage from Isla Mayor. 

El Rocio is renowned for its profound spiritual significance and the annual pilgrimage, which is one of the largest and most colorful in Spain. The visit offers an intimate look at the brotherhood's role in preserving these traditions and fostering a strong sense of community among the locals. You will meet with the mayor of the town and learn more about their history and culture.

Visit a brotherhood to learn the local cultural practices at El Rocio.

El Rocio Brotherhood Visit 

Explore the rice fields - walking and on the mini-van - and if you prefer, you can request your host to arrange for boots so you can walk inside and through the rice plantation (keep in mind: there may be mosquitoes!). It's a wonderfully immersive experience. Visiting the rice plantation helps you understand the local ecosystem, including American red crabs and other fauna essential for rice production.

By mini-van and on foot, with your guide.  

The fields are a vital part of the local ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife including the American red crabs, which are integral to the rice's growth. The hands-on experience with artisanal fishing and net-making offers a glimpse into the enduring skills passed down through generations, linking past to present.

Immerse in a Rice Plantation

Full-Day Cultural Tour from Seville to Doñana marshlands with rice, crayfish & El Rocío tradition.

Shared with private option
Group of 8
START: 9AM (tbc)
END: 5 PM (29 August, 5 September, 12 September)
Start from Seville by an old but innovative boat at 9 in the morning to a small pier (Isla Minima) - see film Isla Minima. (2 hr) Minivan will pick you up till the rice plantation in true local style. (:30) Visit the plantation using boots (which will be provided) and see the ecosystem which comprises American red crabs, insects, etc. - all very essential in the production of rice. They will see how the local fisherman fishes for crab with net. How they make the net - very artisanal. (1.5 hour) A local chef will cook a typical paella with the rice and red crab from the area. (2 hr) People from England came to this land to plant the rice. Then families from Valencia came to Seville to work the land, people today still speak their accent - they brought their food, lifestyle and cooking. Valenciana paella with local Sevillan ingredients. Then go to Isla Mayor by horse carriage (:

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of 4 participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Isla Mayor: Field to Feast

Guided tours of Isla Mayor’s marshlands, rice fields, and local ecosystems. 

Insight into seasonal farming of red crayfish and rice. 

Cooking demonstration and chef-prepared lunch. 

Visit to a religious brotherhood in El Rocío. 

Private round-trip transportation from Seville. 

** Note: You can opt for a one-way morning boat trip from Seville—historically how one reached Isla Mayor—for an added cost. Contact Reyes post-booking to arrange.

Comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for walking, camera to capture the picturesque landscapes, an open mind and keen interest in local culture and culinary practices.

After booking, chat with Reyes to confirm Seville hotel details for pick-up. 

This experience highlights the deep knowledge of experts in Andalusian culinary traditions and sustainable agriculture who provide an authentic and deep understanding of the regional lifestyle in Isla Mayor and El Rocio.

Leading this experience is a remarkable rural businesswoman whose passion for her cultural roots, environmental stewardship, and family history has defined her career. Raised with aspirations to impact the rural industry, she got a marketing degree from Seville before dedicating her life to honoring her community and ancestral heritage. Her commitment has earned her government accolades for advocating for the marshes and enhancing the role of local women in agriculture and community development. Her life and work embody the spirit of Isla Mayor—a place marked by historical depth, resilience, and significant female influence, which continues to shape its future. She'll ensure that the relationships forged during your experience will be profound and lasting.