Besalu, a Jewish City - March 2012

Besalu is a much admired medieval town, popular among locals and tourists alike for its old world charm, winding streets, plethora of hidden corners, stories and legends. Every Sunday in March the town, about an hour and a half north of Barcelona, will be paying homage to its rich Jewish heritage, including theatrical tours, a medieval market and a chance to explore one of the most important historically Jewish neighborhoods in Spain, including the only surviving medieval Mikvah!

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

Early Booking Specials: Barcelona October 2012 - Mushrooms, Wine and More!

OF MUSHROOMS AND WINE - BARCELONA/CATALONIA OCTOBER 2012 TOUR

The Spanish Touch is pleased to announce our early special for this autumn, taking full advantage of the season and local festivities we've put together a unique package for anyone who is looking for a deeper look into the history, culture and people in Catalonia.  From October 4 - October 13, 2012, come join us for an unforgettable experience!

October 4 - Arrival in Barcelona. Welcome dinner. Night in Barcelona.

October 5 - Breakfast at hotel. Full day tour of Barcelona's old city, including the Gothic Quarter, Cathedral and the Born district. Optional tapas tour in the evening. Night in Barcelona. 

October 6 - Get an early start and head up to Berga, a town in the Queralt mountains renowned for its "bolets", or wild mushrooms. Today is the first day of the annual Mushroom festival, complete with a market, recipes, traditional dancing and even a spectacular bonfire of the fallas - the wooden effigies representing different aspects of the culture and life related to the mushrooms. Night in a Country Bed-and-Breakfast outside of Berga.

October 7 - Spend the morning searching for mushrooms with an expert guide. In the afternoon, enjoy a cooking demonstration with the day's harvest at a local restaurant. Night in a Country Bed-and-breakfast outside of Berga.

October 8 - This morning head up to the Costa Brava, passing through the charming city of Girona. Walk through the ancient streets and learn the story of one of the best  its old city streets and shops. In the afternoon visit the charming fishing village of Cadaques. Night in Costa Brava.

October 9 - Morning visit to Salvador Dali's Theater-Museum in Figueres. After lunch, return to Barcelona. Afternoon at leisure. Night in Barcelona.

October 11 - Head down to the Penedes wine region south of Barcelona for a morning visit to two local winemakers who love to show their products first hand. After lunch, take a 4x4 excursion into the vineyards of an award-winning winery before enjoying one last tasting and returning to Barcelona. Night in Barcelona.

October 12 - Morning at leisure in Barcelona. In the afternoon, we head to the town of Sant Sadurni, the heart of Cava (Spanish Sparkling wine) production for the tremendously enjoyable CavaTast, a celebration of the harvest and wine that is so important to the town's livelihood. Night in Barcelona.

October 13 - Transfer to Barcelona airport for your return flight.

Dates: October 4 - 13, 2012.

Price per person: From $2,880. Price includes guided tours, tastings, entrance fees where applicable, accommodation and transportation within Spain. Price based on a group of (6) six people.

Private Shore excursions in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those magical places that seems to draw people into its very essence. The kind of place where people come time and again and never fail to discover something new. At The Spanish Touch we offer private day trips and shore excursions for everyone from first-time visitors to those who have "been there, done that" and are looking for a new experience. We work with you from the beginning to create a custom tour fit to your demands. All of our guides are billingual experts whose main priority is you. our small group tours offer the advantage of getting into more intimate locales and giving you the chance to meet the people and see the sites that make Barcelona such a special place.


For your next visit to Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013 for a free estimate on your private tour or shore excursion.  

Valentine's Day Ideas from The Spanish Touch

Valentine's Day is here again and around the world people are celebrating, and Spain is no exception. Around the country couples are preparing for a day of fun and romance, from Cadiz to Barcelona. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in one of these places, here are a couple suggestions for making your day a magical and unforgettable experience.

In Barcelona, take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, the winding streets and plazas, or check out the shops of the Born district. After a romantic lunch (maybe at the Oucomballa or Cafe De L'Academia) head over to the Parc del Laberint (Laberynth park), one of the oldest gardens in Barcelona, and explore the maze. In the evening head up to tibidabo for a panoramic view of the city and dinner.


In Madrid, start the day with a delicious breakfast of churros con chocolate for two before heading over to El Prado museum to see how love was depicted by the great masters of art. Afterwards grab a bite to eat in the always colorful St. Miguel Market.   After lunch, head over to Casa del Campo park (and take the cable car out there) or the often-overlooked parque de El Capricho for a lovely stroll. Round off the evening with a romantic dinner in one of the many intimate restaurants that dot the city.

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