Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite

Exploring the Zaragoza Countryside: A Look at the Midday Olive Oil and Belchite Tour

If you’re wandering through Zaragoza and craving a mix of authentic local culture with a dash of history, the Midday Olive Oil Tour and Old Town of Belchite might just be the experience you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and descriptions suggest it offers a genuine slice of rural Spain, combining two compelling sights: a traditional olive orchard and the somber ruins of Belchite.

What draws many to this experience are its tangible connection to centuries-old traditions—like walking among hundred-year-old olive trees—and the powerful historical context of Belchite’s ghostly streets. Plus, with a passionate local guide leading the way, you can expect engaging stories and insights that bring this part of Spain to life. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour is technically only five hours long, so if you’re keen on a full deep dive into either activity, it might feel a bit brief.

This tour clearly suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, local flavors, and meaningful storytelling. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in small-group experiences that keep things intimate and personalized. Not necessarily for those looking for a high-energy or extensive day, but perfect if you want a well-rounded, authentic taste of Aragón’s countryside and history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Tour visits a family-run olive orchard and a historic village, giving insights into local traditions and history.
• Passionate guides: Known for engaging, knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life.
• Taste of tradition: Enjoy tasting fresh virgin olive oil directly from the mill.
• Powerful history: Walking through Belchite offers a moving glimpse into Spain’s past, as a memorial site of the Civil War and a film location.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, making the experience more personal.
• Value for money: At $108, it offers a mix of cultural, culinary, and historical insights packed into 5 hours.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Pickup and Journey to the Countryside

The tour begins with pickup at your Zaragoza accommodation, which is a real perk, saving you the hassle of navigating to meeting points. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Belchite’s rural surroundings. During this ride, your guide is likely to set the scene, sharing snippets about the area’s history and what you can expect.

Olive Orchard Visit

Once in the countryside, you’ll visit a family-run olive orchard, home to trees over a century old. This part of the tour is where you really get a sense of local life, seeing how olives are cultivated and learning about traditional production methods. The highlight here is the virgin olive oil tasting, which is often praised. You’ll get to sample olive oil made from the Empeltre variety, renowned for its quality, and understand why Spanish olive oil is so highly regarded.

According to reviews, guides are quite knowledgeable, explaining the nuances of olive oil production and sharing stories about the orchard’s history. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was “fascinating (and tasty!),” emphasizing how much they enjoyed the direct taste of oil fresh from the mill.

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Exploring Belchite

Next, the tour continues to the historic village of Belchite, which now serves as a memorial to the Spanish Civil War. Walking through its abandoned streets, you’ll see the ruins that remain from the 1937 battle, preserved as a reminder of Spain’s turbulent past. Several reviews note that walking through Belchite with a guide who knows the full story makes this experience unforgettable—adding depth and context to what might otherwise seem like a ghost town.

The site has even been used as a filming location for movies like Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, which adds a cinematic aura to its haunting atmosphere. While some might find the site poignant and sobering, others see it as a fascinating historical snapshot.

Lunch and Return

The tour includes an authentic Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a chance to taste regional cuisine and reflect on the morning’s adventures. The return to Zaragoza wraps up the experience, with your guide happy to share additional local recommendations.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour:
– Visit to an olive mill and virgin olive oil tasting
– Guided tour of Belchite’s ruins
– Pickup at your Zaragoza accommodation

Not included:
– Lunch (though an authentic Spanish meal is part of the experience, the cost is separate)

The price of $108 per person is quite fair considering the depth of experience—covering transportation, guided insights, tastings, and entry to Belchite.

Why This Tour Works Well

Based on reviews, travelers seem to appreciate the quality of guides and how they make history and traditions accessible and engaging. One reviewer called their guide “super knowledgeable,” while another noted the “super friendly & chatty” nature of their guide. This personal touch can make all the difference when exploring a relatively somber site like Belchite.

Plus, the olive oil tasting is often highlighted as a standout aspect, not just a quick sample but an actual behind-the-scenes look at how quality Spanish olive oil is produced. For food lovers, this makes the experience particularly rewarding.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the experience is well-loved, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts only five hours, which might not be enough if you’re keen on exploring more deeply or in a more relaxed manner. Also, the visit to Belchite involves walking through an area that may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as the ruins are uneven and can be challenging for some.

On top of that, lunch is an additional cost, so budget accordingly if you want a meal included. The tour is also limited to small groups (up to 8 people), which is great for intimacy but might fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those interested in authentic local traditions, whether foodies eager to taste high-quality olive oil, history buffs wanting to see a significant Civil War site, or travelers who appreciate guided stories that bring places alive. It’s also ideal if you prefer small-group tours for a more personal experience.

Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a full-day deep dive, but perfect for a half-day cultural and culinary escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Zaragoza, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, so you should plan accordingly. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered with guides speaking English, German, and Spanish.

Is the olive oil tasting included?
Absolutely; you’ll visit an oil mill and sample virgin olive oil directly from the source.

Can I visit Belchite if I have mobility issues?
Probably not, as the ruins involve walking through uneven terrain, and the tour isn’t suitable for mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID (for check-in), comfortable shoes for walking, and a sense of curiosity.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour fee, but there is an option to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant afterwards.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meaningful half-day experience that combines local culinary traditions with a touch of history, this tour strikes a nice balance. It’s praised for its passionate guides, authentic tastings, and thought-provoking visit to Belchite. The small-group setting makes it intimate and personal, fostering an environment where stories and questions flow easily.

While it’s not a full-day adventure or a deep dive into each component, the tour delivers exactly what it promises—an insightful, flavorful, and memorable glimpse into Aragón’s rural and historical landscape. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a taste of Spanish life beyond the city, with a focus on quality over quantity.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just keep your expectations aligned with a half-day experience, and you’ll come away with some great memories and a new appreciation for the olive oil and history of this fascinating region.

You can check availability for your dates here: