The Spanish Touch: more than just day tours in Spain!

Since some of our clients have been writing reviews of The Spanish Touch, we made it official: now you can find us on TripAdvisor and write a review of your trip to Spain with us!

While reading some of the reviews, one specially caught my attention:

"We booked a two week Spain vacation with Eric (owner and guide) of the Spanish Touch in May 2012. There were 6 of us traveling together from the US. We began planning our trip via e-mail and Skype with Eric in late 2011/early 2012. Eric suggested itineraries based on our interests and our final tour took us from Barcelona to Malaga, Sevilla, Granada and Cordova. Eric took care of all arrangements from hotels (small boutique hotels), tours, driving and translating. He picked us up at the airport and remained with us throughout our two weeks in Spain. Eric conducted all of the tours in Barcelona and connected with local tour guides in the other cities/towns. We visited historic sites in and around Barcelona, Sevilla, Granada and Cordova. We also toured a sherry factory (something we asked Eric to add after we arrived), a cava factory, a vineyard and the large market in Barcelona (also added as a last minute request by us). The ladies in our party took a mosaic class at a wonderful shop owned by Eric's wife outside of Barcelona while the men in our group visited the local pub. Suffice it to say we had a fabulous two weeks. If you have any desire to tour any part of Spain do it with the Spanish Touch!"

And it's true. Day by day, we help our clients with anything of their trip to Spain: booking the right hotels, making lunch and dinner reservations, design a tour around Spain and adapting it to their needs and preferences, booking different activities (horse-back riding in Barcelona, cooking classes in San Sebastian, winery visits and tastings in Rioja, a hot-air ballon ride overlooking the volcanoes of La Garrotxa ...) or transportation. As a tour operator specialized in Spain, we can help you with as much or as little as you need us!

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

How to turn your vacation into an unforgettable experience

For many travelers these days, taking a trip is about making memories, discovering cultures and unique experiences. And Spain fits perfectly with that description. Imagine taking a boat ride along the hidden coves of the Costa Brava, or getting an aerial view of Barcelona in a private jet, or taking a hot balloon ride over the volcanic region of La Garrotxa. We will be exploring some of these options over the next few weeks, but don't hesitate to ask, from the traditional bullfights in Madrid and flamenco classes in Andalusia,  Spain offers you the chance to make your vacation unforgettable, and The Spanish Touch is here to help.

Mario and Jan's 30th Anniversary Trip - Welcome to Barcelona

On Sunday morning Mario and Jan arrived in Barcelona ready to spend a couple of weeks in Spain enjoying the culture, the weather, the party and the food. Meeting them at the airport we headed off to their hotel before taking a walk through the city. Given the flight and lack of sleep, we kept to a shorter visit on the first day, but still managed to get in a fair amount. We began the walk in front of the Cathedral, where, as every Sunday, we witnessed the Sardana dance. Then off through the old city, through the maze of streets that make up Europe's most complete Gothic Quarter. Passing through the old Jewish Quarter, we stopped for a visit at the oldest Synagogue in Barcelona (and one of the oldest in Europe), dating back more than 1000 years. From there we headed over to the main square (with a quick stop at the Perfume shop). There was an added bonus in today's visit: Once a month the City Hall opens its doors to visitors, displaying the Gothic interior behind the 19th century Facade. The highlight is the "Salo del Cent", where the original Catalan Feudal courts were held. The craftsmanship of the woodwork, stone cutters, sculptors and artists on display is awe-inspiring, and it's easy to see why Barcelona was such a guild-dominated city. 

We stopped for a quick bite at an out-of-the-way plaza where we reviewed what we had seen, munched on some delicious "pa amb tomaquet" and olives and recharged for a few minutes. Then we were off again, winding our way through the streets and the people to finish the visit with to Las Ramblas, which even though it was a Sunday, was fairly busy as always. The day ended early with plenty of time to catch up on a siesta before dinner.

Rioja Custom Tours for 2014

The Spanish Touch has been working on a series of new tour featuring the world-famous Rioja region, as well as a chance to eat at some of Spain's best restaurants! Starting in 2014 we will be offering 7 and 10 day tours from Madrid and Barcelona to Rioja and the Basque Region for those people who are looking for that little something special that separates a good vacation from an unforgettable experience. Watch for the news in this space in the coming weeks!

For more information about private and custom tours throughout Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888 480 0013.

To Somontano and beyond - The Teja Family vacation

When we began planning their trip, one of the things that was made clear to me was that the Tejas were not looking for your standard tour: they wanted an intimate visit with the people, the land, the culture of Spain. Oh, and they wanted to visit wine country. Given Spain's vast quantity of quality wine regions, and the character of its people (especially in small towns), the question was not how, but where they should stop. So on the day they left Barcelona, first stop was the Somontano region. We picked up the rental cars and, GPS in hand, headed out. About 3 and a half hours later, they arrived in Somontano. It was a local festival in the town of Barbastro, so they went straight to Otto Bestue, a local winery specializing in high quality wines. The visit and ensuing lunch were so nice that Joe called me to double check their second visit, as they didn't want to be late, but they were having such a good time... The second visit, to the museum of wine, allowed the group the chance to sample wines from around the region, as well as having a personal guide who was able to answer all their questions. 

The day ended with the group heading up to the little hamlet of Bellestar (population approximately 30 people) for a night in a B&B with dinner made straight from the owner's fields.

For more information on planning your custom private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013

Day Tour: Nerja and Frigiliana

Malaga is becoming an increasingly popular port destination, and with so much to do and see, it's easy to see why people are starting to see past the "costa del golf" label that has been stuck on it for years. Today we offer you just one of our tours departing from the city itself. and heading into the heart of unspoiled Andalusia.  

The Nerja and Frigiliana tour includes:

Transfer to and from the airport, port or hotel to Nerja and Frigiliana

The Spectacular Balcon de Europa promenade in Nerja, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The Cuevas de Nerja

A Guided tour of the "pueblo blanco" (white village) of Frigiliana, a town of Three Cultures, tucked into the hills behind Nerja. 

For more information about his or other private guided tours in Malaga, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Modernism and Mosaics in Barcelona - a hands-on experience

Mosaic is a style that is intimately linked to Barcelona. The most prominent are the Modernista examples, the lavish decoration of Park Guell's Drac and the fairytale-inspired guard houses, the Palau Baro de Quadras or the decorative art of the Palau de la Musica Catalana. But there are other examples as well, from Roman houses to Joan Miro's work on Las Ramblas, Barcelona offers an abundance of styles and examples of over 2000 years of artistic heritage. The Spanish Touch is now offering an exciting way to get involved in the history and culture of Barcelona: a Mosaic in Barcelona Full Day Tour!

The itinerary for the tour:
9:30 Meet your guide/driver at your hotel.
9:30 - 1:30 Spend the morning visiting some of the most important Mosaic sites in Barcelona, including:
Palau Guell
Park Guell
Palau Baro de Quadras
Casa Comalat
Las Ramblas
1:30 - Transfer to Mataro 
2:00 - 3:00 Tapas Lunch     
3:00 - 6:00 An Introduction to Mosaic course with local artists at Can Manetes.
6:00 - 6:30 transfer back to your hotel in Barcelona

 The course offers an introduction to the style most-associated with modernisme:Trencadis. Participants have the opportunity to create their own decorative work, which, naturally, they can take with them when they go.

The tour includes:
Transportation to and from hotel/port/airport
Guided tour in BarcelonaAn Introduction-to-Mosaic class with a local bilingual artist
All materials and tools necessary for the class
Tapas lunch in Mataro
A Bilingual Spanish Touch guide

For more information regarding private tours in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

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.

Visiting Spain - so much more than sun and beach

Recently I came across this quote:

“They want to live like the Spanish, go out for tapas and get to see all the possibilities that the big cities offer. It is not a tourism that is focused on sun and beach but rather on culture, the cities, and with a heavy interest in the food and wine”...

It was in reference to Brazilian travelers, but i think it fits in perfectly with what The Spanish Touch has been saying for the last eight years: Spain is so much more than what it was presented as for much of the twentieth century. We are still fighting the image of a country where everything is about sun, cheap wine, Flamenco and lying on the beach. But little by little people are beginning to realize just how much Spain has to offer. 

I feel privileged to be able to help people discover a part of that. The idea of seeing Spain like the Spanish do, going out for tapas, and really getting into the heart of the culture is what first brought us to create this company. And it is encouraging to see how the Spanish government is getting behind the idea as well. It won't happen overnight. There are stigmas that will take time to get past, and not all of them are bad (Personally, a night out in Seville for tapas and then a Flamenco show is right up there for a great way to spend a night!!), but just as Spanish cuisine has been brought to the world's forefront by a few creative geniuses, let's hope that the culture and heritage of the Iberian Peninsula will get their due. 

For more information on planning a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013. 

More than a tour - an experience with Bob and Carolyn Grosso

Today I met Bob and Carolyn at the Majestic Hotel along Passeig de Gracia bright and early, both of them ready for a full day of wine and culture. It was a particular pleasure to welcome them to Barcelona as Carolyn is my father's cousin, and the Hersey resemblance is definitely there. We set off in almost no traffic, as August in Spain, even in a metropolis like Barcelona, is pretty much a vacation month, making it much easier than usual to get in and out of the city. And so we zipped out of the city and down the highway a short way to Sant Sadurni D'anoia.

First stop: Rimarts and a great guided tour at the hand of the winemaker himself, as he explained the difference between a handcrafted wine and the industrial process. Between the explanation and then getting the chance to watch the degorgement of a bottle by hand, the Martinez brothers' passion for what they do comes through loud and clear. It's not nostalgia that makes them do what they do, simply that technology, for as advanced as it is in terms of production, cannot yet measure up to the original method in terms of quality. And the proof is right there in the glass in front of us. tiny bubbles rising up from a golden glass of enticing cava. 

After saying goodbye and talking briefly about what makes the region so well adapted for making sparkling wine, we were off to a second winery for a different wine experience. At Mas Comtal we took a walk through the vineyards, and as the harvest is almost upon us, we were even able to taste the grapes right off the vine! It is a great visual aid to see the difference between Merlot grapes and Red Moscat, and of course the opportunity to eat a grape or two right off the vine is not one that happens every day!  We followed up the walk with a Merlot tasting, including a Rosé, a "standard" red and a fortified dessert wine made using the solera system.

After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (the fiduea was excellent, as was dessert!) we headed back to Barcelona. Along the way we talked about the history of Barcelona and Catalonia, and how it led to the Modernista movement, of which Gaudi's Sagrada Familia was our destination. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Modernista movement, Gaudi's expiatory temple (now a basilica) is a feast for architecture and history lovers, and one almost feels that an hour and a half is hard to do it justice. The history and progression of this masterpiece of Catalan architecture show through the designs, lights, windows, and internal structures of the building at every turn.

We ended the day back at the hotel, and I sincerely hope that Bob and Carolyn enjoyed their day as much as I enjoyed taking them around. Best of luck on your cruise and I hope to see you again in the not-too-distant future!

For more information regarding your personal Spanish experience contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

What is a "Spanish" Food Tour - A Personal Take

To refer to “Spanish Food” is to refer to a concept that is as varied as it is rich. Spain is made up of a number of very different regions. the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol, starkness of Castilla-la Mancha, the wild inlets of the Costa Brava, the majesty of the Pyrenees and the green pastures of Asturias are all a part of this “Spanish cuisine”. And the food of each region is as different as the landscape. From fresh fish and seafood to wild game to the avant-gaurde cooking of chefs like Ferran Adria, the country is bursting with flavors for every taste. And we dare not forget the famous Iberian Hams! Throughout the year there are local festivals and fairs in celebration of the local produce, be it strawberries or olive oil, sausage or Galician octopus. At the Spanish touch we try to incorporate these local festivals as much as possible to give you a chance to get a true culinary experience,.

But there are some seasonal foods which draw particular attention, and which we do our best to bring out in their fullness. These seasonal tours are specific to regions and times of the year, and include opportunities you will not find elsewhere, be it truffle hunting in the mountains or scouring the valley for mushrooms, walking through the olive groves or getting an up close and personal view of the grape harvest.

At The Spanish Touch we strive to provide the best service and best resources for truly experiencing the delights of Spanish gastronomy, and to offer a singular tour that will open your eyes and your taste buds to the incredible world of Spanish cuisine. 

  

For more information on a private guided tour in Spain, give us a call at 888-480-0013.

End of Summer Barcelona and Costa Brava Tour 2012

The Spanish Touch, is offering a fantastic way to finish summer with a flourish and soak in the sun, history and culture of Catalonia along the Costa Brava! 

August 25 - September 1. Barcelona and Costa Brava: Greek, Roman and Catalan history and Castles by the Beach

August 25

Arrival at Barcelona Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Evening a brief Q&A session with your Spanish Touch guide before your welcome dinner. (Dinner)

August 26

Breakfast at hotel. A morning tour of Barcelona, including the impressive Sagrada Familia and the Ramblas district. Lunch at the Maremagnum in the Sports Harbor. In the afternoon walk through the Barri Gotic, Gothic District, the best preserved example of the Gothic period of Spain. Visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana, an amazing modernist concert hall. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

August 27

Breakfast at hotel. A trip down the coast toward the beach town of Sitges for a morning at the beach. Walk along the promenade, do some shopping in one of the many boutiques, or simply take in the sun and culture at one of the beachfront cafés. After lunch, return via the Penedes region, and see why this wine region is gaining international fame. Take an optional winery tour (and tasting) or explore the lively historical center of Vilafranca del Penedes. (Breakfast)

August 28

Breakfast at hotel. A morning tour of Montjuic Mountain, at the heart of Barcelona, including visits to the Museum of Modern Art, the Olympic Stadium, and Montjuic Castle. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or take the optional Roman Tour of Barcelona. (Breakfast)

August 29

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer up the Costa Brava, passing through the city of Girona. Take a morning tour of the historical center and explore the ancient streets, walk along the old city wall, and visit the 12th-century Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. After lunch in a traditional Catalan restaurant, continue to the Greco-Roman beach town of Empuries. Founded in the 7th-century BC, Empuries offers a fascinating history of the region, from the Greeks and Iberians through the Romans, Moors and the Catholic Monarchs. Night in Empuries (Breakfast, Lunch)

August 30

Breakfast at hotel. This morning take a trip to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali, and home to his one-of-a-kind Theater-Museum. then head over to the coast to the spectacular town of Cadaques, a shining example of the Costa Brava’s charm. night in Empuries. (Breakfast)

August 31

Breakfast at hotel. Return to Barcelona, stopping along the way at the medieval town of Besalú, a town seemingly forgotten by the march of time. Enter through the gates via the old stone bridge and witness the annual Medieval Fair, and take the chance to step back in time as you walk through the old stone streets and buildings. Upon arrival in Barcelona, enjoy the afternoon at leisure before joining us for the farewell dinner and a last look at your trip. (Breakfast, Dinner)

September 1

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Barcelona airport. (Breakfast)

Take advantage of our special offer and join us from just $2865 per person!

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availabilty.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation as specified.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Guided tours as specified.
Entrance fees as specified

Strolling through history - The Haws' day in Barcelona

The initial forecast for Sunday was showers throughout the day. But first thing in the morning in Barcelona a sunny, warming sky welcomed us as the Haws gathered and we began our day walking down Passeig de Gracia to Barcelona's old city. As we walked through the streets, learning about the history and talking about urban planning, the symbology of the statues around the city and how the city has grown through the centuries. After a stop for a typical tapas lunch in the old city, we met up with our bus and headed up to Montjuic  for a great view over the city and a chance to explore a bit of the castle. Our final stop for the day was Park Guell, and a chance to explore Gaudi's urban development. The weather, which had cooperated all day, finally showed a break and as the rain began to fall we headed back to the bus to reflect on a wonderful, full day of lively history and conversation.

For more information on private tours in Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

El Invierno, or ideas for Spain in the Winter

Well, the cold weather has found us once again. As the temperatures drop outside and the holiday spirits rise, I'd like to take a moment to talk about winter in Spain. for most people, the idea of Spain is that of Sun and Beach (normal, given the 300+ days of sun and lovely climate, not to mention the hidden coves and beaches that line the coast away from the masses of tourists). However, at The Spanish Touch we have always maintained that Spain is really so much more than that: It is the food, the traditions, the culture, the history and the people. And in winter, the lack of crowds means an even better opportunity to visit some of the best sites (which in summer months can often be crowded).

And some of the best-kept secrets of Spanish gastronomy and culture shine brightest in these winter months. In Asturias there are a number of fairs highlighting the region's cheeses (such as Cabrales or Gamoneu) in January and February. In honor of San Sebastian, towns from around Spain from Frigiliana and Almeria to San Sebastian itself celebrate on January 20th. The wine capital of Vilafranca offers up a traditional Catalan dish at the Xato Festival (January 18-24). And no list is complete without the 2nd Annual Truffle Fair which runs through early March in the town of Graus, in the Somontano wine region.

These are just some of the local festivals designed to warm you up as you visit and explore this fascinating country. Let us be your guide and take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the heart of Spain!

For more information regarding these and other festivals or visits to Spain, please contact us at The Spanish Touch.

Truffle Tour - Wine and Truffles in Spain with The Spanish Touch

The Spanish Touch is offering the chance to get your hands dirty, as we head into the hills with a local truffle farmer, and also get the chance to make your own wine at one of the region's wineries! Enjoy this comprehensive tour complete with local guides, folklore and heritage, as well as a chance to reap the benefits of the season with the fruits of the harvest and the fabulous Spanish cuisine.

For more information or to sign up for this unique opportunity, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Thanksgiving in Spain

With the Thanksgiving festivities rapidly approaching, I find myself thinking about my youth, about the dinners spread over groaning tables and 20+ people gathered together for a day of friendship and sharing. Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, but that doesn't mean that the Spanish are not open to trying new things. And any holiday which involves food and friends is certain to go down like a great glass of cava.

Every year we host a Thanksgiving Day feast (okay, so it's on Saturday, because everyone here has to work Thursday and Friday), and you would be amazed at the reception it gets. The most fun is the turkey which, as a native of the Americas, is anything but a traditional dish on the old continent. In fact, the word for turkey in Catalan literally translates as "rooster of the Indies".

On behalf of the entire crew at The Spanish Touch, I also want to say how thankful I am to be doing what I do, and that I am able to help people enjoy the best of what Spain has to offer is a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Toro region highlights more than just great wine

These days the Toro region is gaining recognition for its red wines, made with that ubiquitous Spanish grape, Tempranillo, here known as Tinta de Toro. And for the wines alone the region, tucked into the Northwest corner of Castilla-Leon, is worth a visit. But there is more to the region than just the vineyards.

The Spanish Touch is offering an insight to this fascinating region, staying at Parador hotels and soaking up the region's history, culture and, naturally, gastronomy. A must is visiting the wineries which are producing the spectacular wines (mostly on the south side of the Duero River). But in the land of castles and kings you are never far away from historical heritage sites like the town of Toro itself and Puebla de Sanabria. Lastly, enjoy the  best of nature by taking a hike through the Valle de Silencio and enjoying a picnic lunch with the best of the region's foods and wines!

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Advanced Notice: Truffle Tour 2012

School´s back in session, summer is winding down and people are alraedy beginning to look towards their next chance to get away. For many, that chance will have to wait until the winter. Luckily, The Spanish Touch has the answer to your wintertime blues - Truffle Tours are coming back! From December 15 through March the truffle season in northern Spain is in full swing, and The Spanish Touch wants to help you be a part of it.

This year we are expanding our offer to make it easier for you to get the chance to participate. Tours into truffle country, truffle hunting with a local farmer, visits to the truffle market and lessons in cooking with truffles are just some of the things we are offering this year. Tours will be run during the season from 3 days (leaving Barcelona on Friday morning and returning Sunday evening) for those who have a limited amount of free time to a full week experience for those people who want the full Spanish truffle experience!

Stay tuned for more information regarding 2012 truffle tours or contact The Spanish Touch directly at 888-480-0013 to plan your private guided visit to Spain.  

Happy Labor Day from The Spanish Touch

Here at The Spanish Touch we want to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day! The traditional end-of-summer holiday brings us closer to autumn, and a whole new set of possibilities for visiting Spain. This year we are offering a number of off-the-beaten path tours that combine the best of the region with local festivals and harvest to offer our guests the best of Spain!

For more information check our website at The Spanish Touch or give us a call at 888-480-0013.

Changing our website and some other news!

We are currently updating our website and changing its appearance a little. In the next few days, you will find more detailed information about our wine and food tours, cultural tours, offers and some news we want to share with you. We will keep you informed!

Please, let us know if you like our new website, your opinion is very important to us!