Navarra - outside of Pamplona and San Fermin

The Reyno of Navarra is one of those regions that is simultaneously famous and forgotten. Everyone knows about Pamplona and the San Fermin festival, but as with so many places in Spain, if you look a little deeper you can discover so much more! Navarra, like Spain itself, is filled with hidden treasures that are often overshadowed by the more well-known sites and festivals. At The Spanish Touch want to help bring both the big and small to you, because we believe that it is the combination of the universally-known and the backroads treasures that makes Spain such a unique and wonderful place. 

For example, this weekend marks the 10th annual Roman Festival of Andelos, about a half hour outside of Pamplona. Parades, concerts, exhibitions and even a Roman Market will be on hand to celebrate the town's 2000 years of history, and take advantage of the time to visit the Roman Ruins and museum in the town, or the Roman Bridge in the neighboring town of Puente La Reina. 

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.  

Summer Soltice in Barcelona - The city opens its doors

Coinciding with the Sant Joan Festival I talked about yesterday, today the city of Barcelona is opening its doors to celebrate. Enjoy free entrance to the following museums and sites:
Monastery of Pedralbes (Baixada del Monestir, 9)
-Barcelona City Hall Building (Plaza San Jaime)

-Centelles Palace (Baixada de Sant Miguel, 8)

-Palacio de la Capitania (Pso. Colon, 14)

-Museum of History of Barcelona (Plaza del Rei)

-Colegio Escuelas Pias Lluria (C/ Aragón, 302)

-Library of Catalunya (C/ Hospital, 56)

-Casa dels Entremesos (Plaza Beates, 2)

For more information or to arrange your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-580-0013 or info (at) thespanishtouch.com.

Bonfires, Cakes ... and Dancing Eggs? - Summer is here in Barcelona!

The summer has arrived, and tomorrow night Spain celebrates the traditional Summer Soltice (Nit de Sant Joan in Barcelona). For almost 500 years this holiday has been observed every year without fail in the city of Barcelona. Coindicing with Saint John's day on June 24 (a national holiday), the evening celebrations focus on bonfires at the beach and eating the traditional Coques cakes (available in any bakery throughout the day, although many people preorder them to make sure they get theirs).

But the most curious part of the celebration in Catalunya is the Ou com Balla (Dancing Egg festival), which takes place throughout the city. The tradition consists in placing a hollowed egg on a fountain and letting it "dance" on the water. According to legend if it stays up all day without falling it will bring good luck for the year.

Some places to check it out in Barcelona include the Cathedral (where it has been practiced since the 16th century), The Frederic Mares Museum in the old Royal Palace, the courtyard of the Royal Archives (Palua de lloctinent in the Plaza del Rei), and the Casa de la Ardiaca in front of the Plaza Nova and the Roman gates.

For more information or for help planning your own private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013 or info (at) the spanishtouch.com.

Surrealism at its finest - The Dali Theater Museum

Today's visit to Figueres was unique and interesting in several ways. As anyone who ahs visited the Dali Theater-Museum in Figueres knows, you are guaranteed a surreal day out right from the start. And add to that the mixture of an inquisitive 10 year old and a photo-happy older brother and you've got the ingredients for a remarkable day. The quintessential surrealist artist's works start from the very first thing you see upon entering the museum (the Rainy Taxi). It was a treat to see the museum through a child's eyes, questioning things that Dali himself probably questioned, and seeing things that older eyes might have simply missed otherwise. Going from room to room and watching the progression of the artist, you can almost feel his touch on the whole museum itself.

In all, the museum never fails to leave an impression, and on this occasion I was delighted to have been able to experience the trip in a different light.

For more information or for help planning your own private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.    

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Dali's jewelry collection always brings a smile of amazement and wonder, especially the beating heart.
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A Barcelona welcome

Sometimes your first day in Spain can be tough. You had a long flight, your clock is off by a few hours, and what you really need is a good leg stretch. And sometimes the cure can be as easy as a stroll through La Boqueria, which is what happenned with Mee Hong and her two children for their tour with The Spanish Touch. Upon arrival in Barcelona we went straight into the heart of the city, and wandered around the narrow winding streets of the Gothic Quarter until we arrived at La Boqueria, that unmistakeable cornicopia of colors, smells and sounds that make up Spain's largest market. And the appeal of the fresh fruit drinks, the rows of fresh vegetables, chocolates, and even fish is enough to make anyone perk up. We entered La Boqueria in need of a pick-me-up, and left 20 minutes later with two very contented children and ready to face the rest of the day!

Tomorrow we head up to Figueres for a date with Dali, so tonight is an easy night to get ready for what promises to be a week of discovery, relaxation and fun.

Las Medulas - A Roman Gold Mine in Spain

Las Medulas is one of those areas in Spain that makes you wonder how it ever gets overlooked. Its combination of natural beauty and history make for one of those truly unforgettable experiences for those who get to visit. In the northwestern province of Bierzo, Las Medulas is the largest open air gold mine from the Roman era. The landscape of the region and its cultural importance (there are preromanic remains as well as the mines and the accompanying Roman settlements) led the area to be designated as Site of National Cultural Interest by Spain in 1996. Its location in the Bierzo region also guarantees that the rich food and outstanding wines will make you want to soak up the moment.

For more information or to plan your next private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

The Fiesta Mayor of Granada - June 2011

There are any number of reasons to go to Granada: Because its picturesque location nestled against the Sierra Nevada provides the perfect panorama for one of Spain's most magnificent buildings - the Alhambra. Because it's old world feel is still alive and well in the winding streets of the Albaicin and the old silk market. Because going for tapas in Granada is a cultural experience on par with any other.

So just for fun, let me add another reason to visit between June 20 to 26th. It is the Corpus Festival, Granada's fiesta mayor, and the city will be electric with the energy and movement of the goings-on. Starting on Monday June 20th at midnight with the Alumbrado (the turning on of the thousands of lights of the fairgrounds) and continuing until the final fireworks display on Sunday, enjoy the shows, competitions and expositions throughout the city.

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Organic wine and what makes Penedes perfect for Cava

On Sunday morning I met the Wagers at their hotel and we headed down to the Penedes region for a morning of wine history and visits. As we drove down the sun, which had been curiously absent over the past week, began to peak out from behind the clouds, illuminating the leafy vineyards which hold the promise of another vintage of wine that will be ready at harvest time.

We got to Albet i Noya and began Ana welcomed us to the property. The visit to the winery, Spain's first organic winery and still a leading voice in the push for ecological and organic products, was very informative as Ana explained how and why they operate at the winery, and what exactly it is that makes them unique. The tasting was a success as well with both the red and whites on excellent form, and we headed to Sant Sadurni contented by the visit and warmed by the sun.

At Rimarts, Ricard explained how the landscape and geology of the region make it perfect for the rigorous demands of the cava grapes before he took us through their hand-crafted process, the same one used by his grandfather and father before. Finally we were treated to a sampling of some of the finest cavas from their rich reserve. It was a fully enjoyable and informative day, and both wineries helped to show that hospitality and attention that are so much a part of this great culture.

Thanks again to the Wagers for their visit, and I hope you get the chance to come visit us again!

For more information about wine tours or for help planning your next private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Collserola - walking trails on top of Barcelona

Another of the frequently overlooked jewels of Barcelona is the Collserola mountain range that hems in the city to the west. The Tibidabo amusement park and Sagrada Cor Church that sit more than half a kilometer over the city provide unparalleled panoramas of the city, and Norman Foster's communication tower stands close by as well. But there's another side of the foothills that most visitors never get the chance to enjoy: the miles of trails for walking and hiking through the parks and forests. There is something for all levels of nature lovers, from gentle 15 minute strolls to a 20km hike up to the top of Tibidabo itself. Take the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to actually leave the city in the process!

For more information or for help planning your next private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Summer concerts in Seville's Palace Gardens

Summer is creeping up on us in Spain, and that means lots of outdoors activities, especially in the evening. In Seville, where the siesta hours were implemented to combat the extreme heat of the midday hours,  the evening and night is as active and interesting for visitors in the summertime.

This summer take the edge off the summer heat with a concert in the gardens of 10th century palace, the Real Alcazar de Sevilla. From June 29 through September 11, the gardens open at 9 in the evening, and the concert begins at 10:30, perfect timing after an evening of tapas in the city center!

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Summer concerts in Seville's Palace Gardens

Summer is creeping up on us in Spain, and that means lots of outdoors activities, especially in the evening. In Seville, where the siesta hours were implemented to combat the extreme heat of the midday hours,  the evening and night is as active and interesting for visitors in the summertime.

This summer take the edge off the summer heat with a concert in the gardens of 10th century palace, the Real Alcazar de Sevilla. From June 29 through September 11, the gardens open at 9 in the evening, and the concert begins at 10:30, perfect timing after an evening of tapas in the city center!

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Private Day Tours in Spain with The Spanish Touch

More and more people are discovering the wonders of Spain through Cruises and vacations. And for those people who prefer to plan their own vacation, sometimes a little help goes a long way. As with any place, the best way to really get to know a place is with the locals, especially friends. So if you are only in the area for a short time, or if you just want an introduction to the best of a city or region, let us be your friend in Spain!

The Spanish Touch offers day tours throughout Spain offering our custom service, including pick up and drop off at your hotel or cruise ship, English speaking tour guides and our knack for helping you get the most out of your limited time. With local guides who will work with you on an custom level to make your visit unforgettable, we really do go that extra mile to help you get to know more about this fascinating place.

Check out our website for some ideas, or contact us directly and we will make your private day tour in Spain a truly Spanish experience!

Alella - A Little town with a lot to offer

20 minutes up the coast from Barcelona city, we find the small town of Alella, home to one of the smallest wine regions in all of Spain. Dating back to the X century, the town has a long history of housing some of the wealthier families of the Barcelona region and during the Catalan Renaissance, a fair number of modernista houses were constructed, many of which are still standing. It was so popular that Antoni Gaudi himself was known to visit during the summer for inspiration among its forest and hills.

But the best reason to visit is for its wines. The combination of sea winds and the mountains make for a unique wine, and the agricultural culture is still vibrant, despite the massive urban expansion that occurred throughout the last hundred years. For those people looking for a unqiue, off the beaten path town without getting too far away from Barcelona, Alella offers a relaxing alternative.

If you would like more information or help planning your private guided tour of Spain contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Pamplona and San Fermin

Pamplona is a modern, welcoming city with vestiges of its medieval past throughout the town providing visitors a glimpse into a fascinating culture. This culture can be lived and seen in the culture, people and gastronomy of the region.

As the capital of the region of Navarra, and as a key stopping point along the Camino de Santiago, it has been receiving pilgrims at the Magdalena gate for centuries. That makes the gate an ideal starting point for any visit, where you can discover and explore the city walls. Visiting the city takes you to the XII-century Santa Maria la Real Cathedral, with its neoclasiccal facade and French-style gothic cloister. Stops along the way also should include the Plaza del Castillo and the Church-Fortresses of San Nicholas and San Saturnino.

Nonetheless, when we talk of Pamplona, everyone immediately thinks of San Fermin, the most internationally recognized festival in Spain: The Running of The Bulls. Immortalized by Hemmingway and visited by thousands every year, this festival runs from noon on July 6 through midnight on July 14. In between the torino festival includes everything from bullfights, “el chupinazo”, parades, and giants. Be aware that the San Fermin Festival usually fills up months in advance, and last-minute booking can be extremely difficult and expensive.

While you are there, don’t miss the chance to try the rich chorizos, sausages and, during the San Fermin fetival, any dish made from toro de lidia. Navarra is also well known for producing rosé wines of excellent quality, and missing out on one of these fantastic, underappreciated wines would be to miss out on a piece of the culture of the land itself.

From The Spanish Touch we propose you take the opportunity to spend a few days enjoying this unique tradition (from as close or far as you want. It can be easily included in a visit to Baque Country, Rioja and/or Barcelona. To visit the town of Pamplona at any time of year, contact The Spanish Touch or visit our webpage and we can create your personal itinerary taking you to the sites and activities that most interest you.

Local Quality on display in Granada

From June 2nd though the 6th, Granada is hosting "Jornadas Gastronomicas" featuring top local products ranging from avocados to honey to the world-famous Serrano hams. The special dates will be celebrated at local restaurants and will emphasize the importance of food pairings as well as demonstrating the richness and diversity of the agricultural bounty of the region.

For more information or for help planning your next private guided tour to Spain contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.   

Festival Weekend in Catalonia

The first weekend in June is a very popular time of year throughout Spain for festivals and fairs of all sorts. Within a short radius of Barcelona this weekend you can find some truly worthwhile spectacles, and we'd like to highlight two of them:

The Medieval Fair in La Seu D'Urgell: What better setting for a medieval fair than a medieval city? Experience life as it was 1000 years ago, with local products, displays of the same handcrafted systems that were used in the middle ages, as well as street performances and live music. It promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Drummer boy Festival (Festa del Timbaler) in Bruc, at the foot of Montserrat Mountain. The real life history of the drummer boy who on June 6, 1808 scared off the invading French army has become one of the most popular legends of all of Catalonia (they even made a film about it last year).  This weekend the town of Bruc celebrates the 203 anniversary of the event throughout the whole town. A fantastic way to enhance your visit to Montserrat!

For more information or for help planning your next private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.