Some pictures of our Saffron Tour 2016

Saffron is a spice which is both very used and yet undiscovered. This is one of the most unique tours that we have. A culinary adventure only available for two or three weeks in the entire year.

This year we had a group of culinary students and their professors from Taylor's University in Malaysia to take part in this exclusive experience. We took them from Valencia to Castilla-La Mancha for a two day tour during which they had the opportunity to taste the wines of Utiel-Requena (Valencia) and the quintessential Spanish delicacy, Manchego cheese. They also got to witness the panoramic views of central Spain, complete with the windmills of Don Quijote. But the star of the tour was the Saffron visit, and the activities that they had the opportunity to partake in surrounding the closed world of this fragrant spice. The activities included: a guided visit to the Saffron Museum where they learned about the history of the spice and its relationship with the land and the culture, they picked the flowers in a saffron field, they helped seperate the stems from the flowers, witnessed the drying of the spice, and discovered first hand the entire process from bulb to bottle of one of the most expensive spices in the world.

It was wonderful to be able to share this experience with these culinary students and their professors. Their energy and enthusiasm was palpable and they understood the uniqueness of the experience they were having, that only a few other people in the world have or will see, much less participate in. Coming to Spain and tasting paellas and visiting Barcelona is all well and good, but the chance to get into the heartland of Spain and discover the exquisite world of Saffron was a chance that most visitors to Spain will never experience. Mix in the chance to visit and taste authentic Manchego cheese (in Malaysia these kinds of cheeses are not an every day commodity), as well as experience the hospitality of the local restaurants who went out of their way to create a special menu of local delicacies for the group ... it all adds up to a couple of days of their trip which I hope will be unforgettable for them and that one day, when they are renowned chefs, they will look back at and remember as an inspiring experience that leaves the same smile on their faces that we have when we think of them and this tour. 

The pleasure was ours, we wish you all the best!

Book your Saffron Tour for 2017 now!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

The best festival in Granada

Granada is one of Spain's most beautiful cities, with the magnificent Alhambra, the zigzag labyrinth that is the old Albazyn and countless other treasures, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and its easy to see why the city asserts such a powerful attraction to visitors. It is a city of tradition, from tapas to flamenco, Granada revels in its cultural heritage. And this week the revelling is going up a level. Because this week is Corpus Cristi in Granada, a week long celebration that marks the city's Fiesta Mayor. A fiesta mayor is the city's biggest festival, and the entire city comes out in its finest celebratory fashion.

The Corpus Festival in Granada is over 500 years old, making it one of the oldest in Spain. There are workshops, decorated house competitions and bullfighting, as well as the processsions, parades and general vibrant ambiance of a lively city in full celebration. While the festival is based on the Corpus, there are definite pagan elements to the party as well, for example la Tarasca, a giant doll whose extravagent dress varies from year to year.

Contact us for more information or to book a tour in Granada. 

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

A Costa Brava Folk Festival - The Habaneras of Calella

If you are planning on visiting the Costa Brava this summer, try to take in a few of the local traditions. On the first weekend in July, for example, is one of the best opportunities. Folk songs and a seaside celebration par excellence await visitors to the charming fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell as they gather for their annual Cantada de Habaneras.

Habaneras have since their inception been associated with the sea. Originating in Cuba in the early 19th century, they quickly became very popular in all of Spain. In Catalonia in particular, the popularity of the habaneras took a new dimension because of the close trade relationship between Cuba and the coastal towns of the region. Habaneras have become a festival in and of themselves, where people gather along the beach to listen to the classic songs, have bonfires and drink traditional drinks like "rom cremat". 

If you´ve never experienced a seaside folk festival in Spain, there is no better way to get initiated in the celebration, which always has a heavy local flavor.

For more information or to book a private tour along the Costa Brava, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Tapas Route in Valencia

Valencia is celebrating its second annual "Ruta del Tardeo", a combination of the idea of tapas - "tapear" in Spanish is to go out for tapas - and "tarde", the late afternoon which is the traditional time to eat them. The route proposes a number of options for discovering the best tapas in the city at a reduced price. 34 different establishments (tapas bars, restaurants and pubs) are participating this year throughout the city. A tapa and a small glass of beer costs just 2.50€, but you have the option of selecting a cocktail specially made by each bar for 5 euros. The "route" is open every weekend in May and participants will have the chance to vote for their favorite tapas.

For more information or to book a private tour in Valencia, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Valencia 8k course: discover Valencia in a different way

On Sunday May 15 thousands of people will line the streets of Valencia to participate in the 34th edition of the "Volta a Peu" - an 8km (5 mile) course that winds through the streets of the Mediterranean city. It is not a competition, rather designed as a celebration of sport and the city itself. There is a three euro sign up fee that goes to a charity foundation that helps children with difficulties through sports. The main streets of the city will be shut down to traffic for most of day.

Walking or running this route is a great way to see the city as well as help with a great cause, as the route takes you past the fortified towers of the city, down to the main streets like Avinguda del Port and Gran Via, and through the Plaza d'Espanya. The race begins at 10:00 and there are activities and events for spectators and children throughout the morning.

For more information or to book a private tour in Valencia, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Girona's Flower Show - incorporating nature and culture

Watching how nature is intricately entwined with the local culture and history is a lesson in decoration. This week the flower show is in full bloom in Girona, about an hour north of Barcelona. And The Girona "Temps de Flors" show is much more than a simple flower show. In fact, it's one of the things that I most love about this country: people go to such lengths to make sure that the flower shows - which will take place in medieval chapels, along the steps of the Cathedral and in other selected places - highlight both the history and culture of the city. This is a unique chance to see one of Catalonia's treasures so colorfully painted by nature.

Contact us for more information or to book a private tour in Girona:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Playa de las Catedrales - The must-see beach of Galicia

Spain is famous for its grand variety of beaches. Long stretches of golden sand along the Costa Daurada, the white beaches of the Atlantic coast in Cadiz and Huelva, the rocky coast and hidden coves of the Costa Brava, and the paradisical blue waters and beaches of islands like Formentera are by all accounts one of Spain's natural treasures. But perhaps the most spectacular of all of Spain's beaches is in a region more known for its seafood and rivers than its beaches. In Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain, lies the Playa de Aguas Santas.

100 foot high arches carved by the water and the wind tower over the beach, like the frame of some massive open air church (hence the popular nickname, Playa de las Catedrales, or Beach of the Cathedrals). Walking along this beach along the Cantabrian Sea at low tide you will discover some of the most beautiful works of art nature has carved out for itself. The almost 1 mile long beach offers some majestic panoramic shots from both the top of the cliffs as well as from the beach itself, and is an ideal place for hiking routes as well.

If you are interested in discovering more about Galicia or want join us on one of our Tours in Galicia, please contact us:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Horse Festival in Jerez - an equestrian must-see event

Throughout the first week of May the town of Jerez de la Frontera will be home to the annual Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in honor of the famous Andalusian horses so closely associated with the town and its remarkable Royal Equestrian School. The  González Hontoria Park will once more turn into the focal point of the city's main celebrations, with over 200 temporary "casetas" installed for the week long celebration. Traditions and cultural activities such as Flamenco dancing, visits to the Sherry houses and of course equestrian events will make Jerez the place to be for horse lovers this week. 

For more information or to book a private tour in Jerez, Cadiz or Seville, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Pictures of our Montserrat Hiking Tours

Montserrat mountain has been the cultural and spiritual heart of Catalonia for over 1000 years. The legends and history of the mountain and the monastery of Montserrat are so closely intertwined with the region that it's impossible to separate the two. A visit to the mountain and the monastery is a great way to get to know the history, culture and people of the region better. Check out our Montserrat Mountain tour.

A hiking tour of Montserrat is a great way to take in the spectacular views and stunning landscapes. With its own microclimate the mountain is replete with trails and routes for people to explore. Our tours take you along to some of the best and most pictureque routes while you discover the flora of the region.

Enjoy some of the pictures of our Montserrat Hiking Tours:

For more information about our tours, contact us: 

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Hot-air-balloon ride over the Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa, Girona

For anyone looking for a unique vantage point from which to see their vacation, we suggest taking a hot air ballon ride in Garrotxa National Park. This fantastic experience offers spectacular views over the volcanic region of the Garrotxa, as well as the Pyrenees mountains and the whole of the Catalonia spread out below. There's nothing quite like enjoying a glass of cava a half mile up in the air with the snow-capped mountains as your background.

For more information contact us: 

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Pictures of our Costa Brava Hiking Tour

 The Costa Brava the stretch of coastline that runs north of Barcelona to the French border. It's nickname comes from the rugged cliffs and hidden coves that dot the coastline, giving it a wild and untameable image that is best discovered on foot or in small boats. The fishing villages that dot the coastline are tucked into the hills and are among the most beautiful coastal villages in Spain. Each town has its unique character, from medieval walls to a towering castle overlooking the city to a town famous for its relationship with artists like Miro and Dali. Check out our tours along the Costa Brava,

The Costa Brava hiking tour takes the visitor along the coastal walking route called "Cami de Ronda", an old path originally used to connect the towns. The walk is an easy hike offering the opportunity to see the coast that you would not be able to see otherwise.

Contact us for more information about our tours:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

The Strawberry Train- a historical train ride to a royal palace

Last weekend marked the beginning of one of Madrid's most intriguing seasonal events: the Tren de la Fresa, the Strawberry Train. Every year for over 30 years the strawberry train takes weekend passengers to Aranjuez Palace on a classic train which has been modified and updated for modern comforts.


In 1851 the second railway in Spain connected the capital city of Madrid with the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. It was called the "Tren de la Fresa", the Strawberry Train, as it went past vast fields of strawberries in Aranjuez. While these days the steam engine runs on cleaner fuel than coal, it still offers its guests all the benefits of a mid-19th century train, including waitstaff dressed in the fashion of the time and spectacularly restored coaches. The train departs on weekends in Spring and Autumn (not July or August) at 10am and returns to the city at 6 in the evening. A ticket includes roundtrip train fare, transfer from the train to the sights, a guided visit of the Royal Palace at Aranjuez and a giant strawberry treat.

For more information or to book a private tour in Madrid, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Roman Celebrations in Badalona (Barcelona)

The whole region of Catalonia has Roman roots that stretch back over two thousand years. The Romans arrived at the Greek trading village of Empuries and made their way down the coast, eventually stopping in what would become modern day Barcelona. However, before they got there they arrived at the city which borders Barcelona today to the north: Badalona.

The city of Badalona is the the third largest city in Catalonia, after Barcelona and L'Hospitalet, and bears a proud heritage of its Roman founders. The Museum of Badalona is one of the hidden jewels of the region for lovers of the ancient world. Every year the Museum and the city team up to present the Roman Festival during the last weekend in April. 

This year is the 12th annual edition of the Magna Celebracio Festival Roma de Badalona. Discover the crafts and trades, daily routines and, naturally, the dress of the Romans. With events and workshops for people of all ages, it's a great way to get out of Barcelona without ever leaving a city, and to experience the traditions and heritage of the local culture in a once a year event!

Contact us for more information or to book a private tour in Barcelona:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

The Spanish tradition of a 'vermut' and the best places in Valencia to enjoy them!

Let's go for a "vermut" is a common and popular past time throughout Spain. As the name suggests (vermut is vermouth in English), the idea is a social gathering for a drink. It can happen before or after a meal, although most commonly it's used by friends to meet up after work or on the weekend and just spend some time talking and hanging out.


In fact, you don't even have to order vermouth (if, like some of us, you just don't like the taste very much). Have a glass of wine, or a beer, or even a coffee. The idea is really about being with friends and having a good time, not about what you are drinking.

Here is a list of some of the best places to catch up with friends in the Mediterranean city of Valencia:

Bar Vermudez: They make vermouth their specialty. With a wide variety of vermouths in a number of flavors, this is a great bar for non-vermouth lovers to find their own "vermut".

En La Parra: This traditional tapas bar offers a local vermouth "made in Valencia", and is right in the heart of one of Valencia's best evening/nightlife areas.

La Vida es Bella Vermuteria: Located on a pedestrian street in the quieter area of Benimaclet, a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed evening. For those looking to extend their meeting to include dinner, they offer a menu of the day.

La Bernarda: Right in the heart of the city, in the Tapineria Market you will find this classic Valencia locale, where the owner makes a different rice dish every day and the serve a locally produced vermouth and some of the best sandwiches in the city.

For more information or to book a private tour in Valencia, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

A Special Visit to Spain's Only Molassas Factory

This Sunday April 24 in the picturesque pueblo blanco  of Frigiliana, the INGENIO factory is opening its doors for a unique chance to visit and learn more about the importance of miel de caña in the only factory in Europe. The III annual 'Jornada Gastronomico' (culinary celebration) features free tastings, craftsmen working and the chance to cut the sugar cane, as well as a local market selling related products. The factory itself, built on what was once a nobel's palace, is generally not open to the public, so the idea of enjoying a day learning about the product and the history and role of the company and its product in the development of the region. Take the opportunity to discover more about one of Spain's most beautiful towns while enjoying the fruits of its factory. 

If you are interested in discovering more about Malaga or want join us on one of our Malaga Tours, please contact us:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Placido Domingo celebrates 50 years at the Liceu in Barcelona

On Saturday April 23, Barcelona's premier opera house will play host to Spain's premier opera singer, Placido Domingo in celebration of the 50th anniversary his first performance there. The 75 year old living legend's first perfomance in Spain came in January 1966, and since then he has gone on to become one of the world's greatest and best-known opera singers.

He will be singing in Verdi's opera Simon Boccanegra, and will repeat the performance on April 26 and April 29. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Domingo perform in one of Spain's most beautiful and best opera houses.

If you are interested in discovering more about Barcelona, or want join us on one of our Barcelona Tours, please contact us:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Unique chance to visit The Caves of Nerja (Málaga)

Throughout the month of April, visitors who take the opportunity to explore the Caves of Nerja just outside of Malaga will have an added bonus to their visit: for the first time ever several of the cave's larger caverns will be opened to the public. These newly opened rooms include the hole through which the caves were first re-discovered in the 1950s, as well as a look into the archeological dig and some of the oldest inhabitated areas of the cave, where people lived over 25,000 years ago!

For more information or to book a private tour in Malaga, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!

The Moscatel Museum - The intertwining of culture, tradition, history and a good wine

Just up the road from the ancient city of Cadiz is the town of Chipiona. This coastal town has a history almost a old as the city itself, and is home to a tradition that is even older: Muscat (Moscatel) wine producing in the region dates back to the Phoenicians. As producing wine has been a cornerstone of the region for as long as there have been people there, the Museum of Moscatel is much more than just a "wine" museum. It is a display of the tradition, culture and history of the region and its inhabitants.

In the museum itself you will discover the traditions, festivals and culture that have grown side by side with the wine and which so infuse the people who live here. The museum offers seven distinct areas which explain everything from the science of winemaking through the centuries to a cultural wine route through the town.

Only an hour and a half outside of Seville, the museum is great escape from the normal tourist routes and a wonderful way to discover more about the traditions and culture of the region.

For more information or to book a private tour in Cadiz or Seville, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Follow us on Facebook!