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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Who said Las Fallas are only in Valencia? Las Fallas of Cordoba 2016

Las Fallas is one of the biggest and most famous celebrations in Spain. And they take place in Valencia every year in March. However, no one ever said that they only take place in Valencia. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the group "Fallers pel Mon" (Fallas-makers of the World) will hold a second Fallas festival within Spain with the aim of helping the rest of the country to understand and appreciate the culture, language and traditions of Valencia. If you needed any further proof that Spain is a multiecultural and plurinational country, this is it.

The idea of a "Plantà i Cremà" fallas celebration began in the city of Avila in 2013. Its resounding success and the interest it generated in Valenci's culture and heritage inspired the group to continue their endeavors over the next years, each time choosing a different national location. In 2014 it was the city of Granada, and in 2015 Toledo. This year the magic touches down in Cordoba, a city well-known for its own festivals and for the amiable nature of its inhabitants.

From April 2 through April 4, Cordoba will host Valencian "Fallers and Falleras" who have come to proudly share their culture and their festival with other regions. In two intense days the Valencians will take locals through the highlights of the Fallas festival, including the "Crida", "Plantà", "nit de foc" and the "Mascletá". There will even be the traditional floral offering to the Virgen.

If you missed out on this year´s Las Fallas in Valencia, this is a great way to see what it is all about. Discover just how diverse and unique is the country of Spain, and learn about the culture and traditions without having to leave Andalusia.

Contact us for more information or for private tours in Cordoba or Valencia.

The Spanish Touch

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

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The Iberian Lynx, endangered species

Picture taken from www.lincepedia.com

The Iberian Lynx is considerd the most endangered feline in the world. The only known surviving members of this species are found on the Iberian Penninsula. In recent years a lot of efforts have been made to make sure the lynx doesn't disappear completely, and to raise awareness of the situation. One of the habitats of the lynx is Doñana Park, in Andalusia. In Seville this year, in the month of April the 5th annual International Seminary on the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx will take place, with the aim of designing a long term conservation strategy that will allow for the continuing of the work that has already begun and will facilitate the incorporation of new suitable places on the Penninsula for the lync to live (Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, La Rioja, Valencia,…). In order to accomplish all this, the main idea behind the Seminar will be to determine the work needed to be done in order to move the Iberian Lynx from "endangered" to "vulnerable", as well as the financial aspect which would make the work possible. Coinciding with the seminar and also in Seville are the so-called 'Jornadas Iberlince', workshops directly basically at the younger public and done in a festive environment to help children learn about the lynx in a fun, dynamic environment. 

Contact us for a Doñana Tour or check out our other tours in Seville and Andalusia:

The Spanish Touch

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

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Lanzarote creates the largest underwater museum in Spain

From the waters of Cancun, where we find the largest underwater museum in the world, to the waters of the not-less-exotic Lanzarote, we find Europe's largest underwater museum. The "Museum of the Atlantic", as it is known, of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands has a collection of 400 pieces by British artist Jason deCaires.

This initiative is not just a way to add a little something extra to your visit to Lanzarote, in addition to enjoying this amazing show you will be collaborating with the research and understanding of the richness of the marine species and the sea bottom of Lanzarote since 2% of the profits go directly to the cause.

For more information or to book your vacation in the Canary Islands, please contact us: 

The Spanish Touch

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

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The Hanging Bridge of Bizcaia Tour

The Hanging Bridge of Bizcaia

Portugalete

This 4-hour tour take you to one of the most important industrial and commercial sites in the region along the banks of the Nervion River: The Hanging Bridge of Bizkaia. Selected as a World Heritage Site in 2006-07, the bridge was built in 1893 and was the first metal-structured transporter bridge in the world. That fact and the industry that passed beneath it have made the bridge one of the symbols of the re-emergence of the region’s powerful industry. Considered one of the engineering wonders of its age, this iron-plated masterpiece has overcome its own pragmatic function and a number of mundane disputes to become a symbol of the whole region.

After crossing the bridge on its panoramic walkway, we will visit the village of Portugalete. This 700-year old village sits on the end of the Nervion River, and was once one of the most fashionable places for the upper classes to visit. Visit the Iron Wharf, the Salazar Tower and walk the cobblestone streets of the Medieval town center.

Contact us if you want to take our Hanging Bridge of Bizcaia Tour or for more information about our private tours in Bizcaia and Bilbao. 

The Spanish Touch

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

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Tarragona Day Tour, just an hour outside Barcelona

More and more of our clients are choosing the city of Tarragona as one of their choice day tours while they are in Catalonia. Many people use Barcelona as their base but visit sites outside the city like Montserrat, Girona, the Costa Brava, the Dali Museum ... as a part of their Catalonia itinerary. that leaves Tarragona on the outside looking in. But Tarragona wins its visitors as soon as they visit the city, and it often becomes one of the highlights of their trip. One reason is that visiting Tarragona is like visiting an open history book. The sheer quantity of remains from past times is astounding: the amphitheater, Roman aqueduct, the Roman circus, the Gate of Sant Antoni.... it's not a coincidence that the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Let us dive in together into the history of the Tarragona region, its culture and its people. We will show you its hidden corners and curiosities and legends, and you too will fall in love with the city. 

Contact us for more information about our private tours in Tarragona. 

The Spanish Touch

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

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Passion Plays during Holy Week in Barcelona

Every year in Esparraguera (a town about 45 minutes outside Barcelona) during the celebrations of Easter Week, you can see the theater show of "The Passion". This is one of the must-sees if you are in Barcelona from Februrary 28 to May 1, 2016. The Passion is divided into two parts and 48 scenes: the life of Jesus and the Passion; and the second part: Death and Resurrection. There are morning and afternoon performances.

The Passion itself is a logical evolution of the "mysteries" of the faith. A "mystery" began as a dramatic representation of Medieval origen in which passages of the life of Jesus, Mary and the saints were acted out in public. Eventually the genere evolved: the scenery became more complex, the performances went from inside the church into more public forums, music became an increasingly important part, the clergy ceaased to be the only actors, fraternities were formed around the plays...

The evolution continued until be the 14th century the mysteries had become full theatrical productions in their own right.

For more information do not hesitate to contact us:

The Spanish Touch

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

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A region to discover in Spain: Galicia

To talk of Galicia is to talk about a wild sea and rocky coast filled with legends, of fishermen and the waterways they patrol, of seafood and fish, cheese, stately manor houses (Pazos) delicate and delicious wines, the Camino de Santiago, river cruises on the ulla and the Ria de Arousa, lighthouses and lush green scenery, hiking tours through the Ribeira Sacra ...

All of this is what you will find in Galicia, and we want to help you discover it! So what do you say, let's get exploring!

Click on the pictures below to discover everything Galicia has to offer: 

Cheese Tasting	Lighthouses Route
Beautiful Fishing Towns	'Pazos' (Galician Manor Houses)
Cooking Classes	Sand Dunes
Award Winning Gardens	The Secrets of the Galician interior
The ancient 'Ruas' (streets)	The unique Albariño Wine
Fishermen or shellfish gatherers	River Cruises
Following the footsteps of St. James	Local Handmade products and Artisans
The magnificent Cathedral in Santiago	'Tarta de Santiago'

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information and to book your Spanish experience: 

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

January marks the beginning of Cider season in Spain!

Cider (the alcholic drink made from the fermentation of apples) is popular and easy to find worldwide. In Spain, there are several regions that make cider, the best known being Asturias, Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja. 

The northern part of Navarra features a thousand-year tradition of making cider. Every year, mid January begins the cider season with the opening of the kupelas (barrels) and the celebration of the txotx (the opening of the first cider barrels). From that point on the flavors continue evolving until the season ends at the end of May.

Why not take in the festivities in a rural bed and breakfast and enjoy a deliciuos cider-inspired menu: Codfish omelette, a mouthwatering steak, cheese with nuts and quince.... a great plan for the winter!

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information and to book your Spanish experience: 

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

The Christmas Bus in Madrid

If you are going to be in Madrid anytime between December 3rd and January 4th 2016, we have a suggestion for you: the Christmas Bus of Madrid. This is a fun way not only to enjoy some of the most interesting sites of Madrid, but to drive through the streets decked in their Christmas lights and see all the Christmas decorations.

Itinerary: Plaza de Colón (Calle Serrano 30, only bus stop) – Calle Serrano – Puerta de Alcalá gate – Plaza de Cibeles – Calle Alcalá – Gran Vía – Calle de Jacometrezo – Calle San Bernardo – Gran Vía – Calle Serrano – Calle José Ortega y Gasset – Calle Velázquez – Calle Alcalá – Puerta de Alcalá gate – Calle Alcalá – Plaza de Cibeles – Calle Alcalá – Plaza de Colón (Calle Serrano 30, only stop).

You can also check out our Christmas Tour in Madrid. 

For more information you can contact us: 

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

The Christmas Spanish 'Wish Machine'

A few days ago I received a cute email from the Tourist Office of Spain in New York. I don't want to tell you anything else, just click on the image and make a wish!

Christmas Shopping in Spain

Over the last few days we've been getting you ready for the Christmas seaon with our Christmas Tours in Barcelona and Madrid, And the season is almost upon us! All the cities and towns around Spain are starting to make their Christmas preparations. The streets are adorned with the traditional Christmas lights, the shops are beginning to decorate, the cold weather has arrived.... Spain doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving so everything is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Even though in Spain we have the bad habit of leaving the Christmas shopping for the last minute, the cities are doing their part to change that, especially in the last few years. There are more and more of the smaller, alternative "mercadillos" (Christmas markets) that, from very different and unique settings, flip the switch on for the Christmas season. 

In this case we're talking about the Christmas Market that will take place this coming Sunday, November 29, in the Botanical Gardens of La Concepción, in Malaga. There is free entry to the market.

Aside from the Christmas Market, there are also activities for children, a food truck, and a visit from the "castañera" (a woman who sells chestnuts who is tightly bound to the culture and traditions of the autumn as well as the world of literature). 

Contact us for more information or to book one of our ChristmasTours:

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Navarra, a great stop in Spain!

When we design an itinerary for a trip to Spain we always look to add some great, out-of-the-way stops along the way. For example, if it's your first time in Spain and you want to visit Barcelona and the Basque Country, a great stop could be Navarra. Navarra offers enchanting towns, magnificent castles, spectacular landscapes and a wide offer for all the foodies!

Take 30 seconds to see some of the things you can enjoy in Navarra and contact us if you want us to design your trip to Spain!

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Bardenas Reales, Navarra

Pamplona Cathedral, Navarra

Olite Castle, Navarra

De la Reina Bridge, Navarra

Roncesvalles, Navarra

Xorroxin, Navarra

Saffron Tour in Spain and the Saffron Rose Festival

Today I want to give you three different reasons why you have to go to Castilla-la Mancha during October:

1. Until October 25th you have the chance to enjoy the annual Saffron Rose Festival in the town of Consuegra. 
2. The saffron flowering period has started! Wide violet fields inundate the plains of Toledo, Cuenca, Ciudad Real and Albacete. 
3. Right now you have the perfect weather to visit Castilla-la Mancha!

Castilla-la Mancha has a very distinctive landscape and character from the rest of Spain. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit this incredible region just an hour outside of Madrid city. 

Check out some other pictures about Castilla-la Mancha on our facebook page. 

You can also check out more information about our Saffron Tour or you can contact us for more information!

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Cervantes Week: a plan to enjoy Madrid in October

From October 3 to October 24 the city of Alcalá de Henares, in Madrid, pays tribute to its most illustrious figure: Miguel de Cervantes, the author of "The Ingenious Gentlemen Don Quixote of La Mancha". Two of the highlight events are the 'Cervantes Gastronomic Festival' and the 'Quixote Market'. Contact us for more information!

The Spanish Touch

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002

Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com