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Showing posts with label Our Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Our Tours. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

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

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

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

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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

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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


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Thursday, March 10, 2016

The meaning behind Madrid's 'El oso y el Madroño' statue

One of the most common pictures taken in Madrid is unquestionably at the statue of 'El Oso y el Madroño'' (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). But what is the significance of this statue, right in the heart of Madrid?

The bear and the strawberry tree also appear on the coat-of-arms for the city of Madrid.

Historians tell us that the origin of this coat of arms is a familiar story for medieval standards, and can be traced back to the 12th century when it was used as a standard for the army to distinguish groups of knights. It was first used by the troops from Madrid in the campaigns against the Moors in Andalusia.

According to legend, the bear was chosen as the emblem in honor of a brown bear that King Alfonso XI killed on a hunting trip in the mountains surrounding the city. At that time it was not uncommon that these large animals would wander into and around the city limits.

The bear was initially seen with a tower, which was later substituted for the strawberry El oso estaba al principio unido a una torre, que sería sustituída ree. These evergreen trees were a common site in the outskirts of the city during medieval times. However, the origin of this image has a concrete act that took place in the 13th century. At the time there was a dispute beween the city and the clergy about some lands that both sides claimed. They finally reached an agreement with the town kept the tree-filled area and the clergy kept the pastures. That explains why the tree is in the city crest, and the bear was included because at that time it was believed that eating the leaves of the strawberry tree was a rememdy for the Plague.

This is part of our job: telling you the stories and histories of the things you see in Madrid (or any other city) that might otherwise have gone by unnoticed.

Check out our private tours in Madrid and contact us for more information: 

The Spanish Touch

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


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Wednesday, March 09, 2016

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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Tuesday, March 08, 2016

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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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Hiking Tours in Spain

'Camí de Ronda' Hiking Tour (Girona, Spain)

More and more people are looking for hiking tours across Spain. And that's because Spain is a perfect place to walk for its numerous hikes and varying landscapes. It's not just the good weather that allows us to go hiking almost year round, but also for the incredible beauty of the varying landscapes that would be impossible to appreciate any other way. There are so many possibility that what we usually do is offer different possibilities according to the region or area you want to visit. As with all our tours, our hiking tours are private and the group is always accompanied by a professional.

Montserrat Mountain Hiking Tour (Barcelona, Spain)

Some of the Hiking Tours we have posted on our webpage are::

Right now some of our clients are also reserving the following Hiking Tours in Spain: 
  • Montserrat Mountain Half-Day Hiking Tour (Barcelona, Catalonia)
  • 'Camí de Ronda' Costa Brava Hiking Tour (Girona, Catalonia)

Contact us and leave your vacation in the hands of a tour-operator expert in Spain. 

The Spanish Touch

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


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Easter week, the most traditional celebration in Spain

In Spain, Easter week is celebrated with a great deal of emotion. This year Holy Week Semana Santa runs from March 20 to 28. People take an active role in its events and traditions. Easter week is celebrated in all the cities, towns and villages of Spain. Nevertheless, there are some "fiestas" that are especially well known for their unique beauty, and have recieved the International Tourist Interest designation. In Andalusia especially the celebrations are very impressive.

For example, during Easter week in Seville you will see how the Easter brotherhoods manage to support the immense weight of elaborately decorated statues of the Virgin Mary as they parade through the narrow streets of the old town. Easter week in Malaga includes the ritual privilege of the freeing of a prisoner. This is one of the most emotive moments, when the figure of Jesus Christ blesses the inmate.

But other traditions are worth mentioning as well, including:

  • The 'empalados' de Badajoz. An 'empalao' is a person who carries approximately  a 60 kg (about a 130 pound) wooden post plus 60 m of a thick rope (covering the upper body and binding the arms to the wood to support the weight and ankle chains on their feet. 12 people carry that weight for 2 hours through the town barefoot in a complete and respectful silence where the only noise is the clanking of the ankle chains against the ground.
  • La Tamborrada, also in Badajoz, when the sound of up to 20,000 drums invades the town.

Each one of these celebrations is special, unique and different. OtherEaster week events that have the International Tourist Interest designation are on display on the following cities: Granada, in Andalusia; Zaragoza, in Aragon; Crevillent and Orihuela, in the Valencia Region; Medina de Rioseco, Medina del Campo, Ávila and Palencia, in Castile-León; Toledo, in Castile-La Mancha; and Viveiro and Ferrol, in Galicia.

Once you have discovered them, you'll want to return to Spain for Easter week.





Contact us and make your vacation a unique one with our private tours:

The Spanish Touch

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

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Monday, February 15, 2016

Toledo Day Trip from Madrid


One of our 'best selling tours' in Spain is our 'Toledo Day Trip'. Toledo is a monumental walled city just 30 minutes outside Madrid. It has a long history dating back to the Romans and the influence of the Moors, Jews and Christians who have called it home are evident in its streets and sites. That’s why Toledo is called ‘the city of three cultures’. Toledo is the perfect city to walk around in, taking in its narrow stoned streets, impressive monuments and an atmosphere that takes you back to another time.

Check out more information about this tour on our website 
and contact us for more information or to book it!

The Spanish Touch

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

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Friday, February 12, 2016

Segway Vineyard Tour in Barcelona


Enjoy a different wine visit about an hour outside of Barcelona. A visit through the Penedes vineyards without having to worry about walking. The cool and exciting way to glide through the vineyards, you join us as we take a Segway tour to learn about the grapes, the history of the land and the region.

Some of the highlights of this tour include:
  • A one-hour guided Segway tour of the vineyards.
  • A visit the winery itself.
  • A wine tasting (3 wines).
Optional:
  • We can include other winery visits to this tour. 
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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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Wine and Chocolate Tour in Barcelona


We have began 2016 with some new tours in Spain. In Barcelona we have a great tour that combines two delicious pleasures: chocolate and wine. On our Wine and Chocolate Tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best wines of Catalonia and Barcelona, taste local chocolates and learn how to pair the two together: delicious!

This is a 5-hour tour that is already one of our top selling tours of 2016!

Don't hesitate, Contact The Spanish Touch and join us for this unique experience!

For more information you can visit our website: 


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

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Friday, February 05, 2016

Seasonal Tours in Spain

In the Day Tours tab on our website you will see that, depending on the region you select, we have begun offering tours that are only available at certain times of the year, perhaps only for a couple of months or even on specific dates. These are what we call "Seasonal Tours" - unique experiences that are closely linked to the local culture and, in many cases, have been overlooked by most everybody except the locals. Most especially we have been working in Barcelona to introduce these new tours, which have been a great success thus far, and that has encouraged us to continue offering exclusive and varied seasonal experiences around Spain. 

Some of these tours include:

If you are coming to Spain, keep an eye on the new seasonal tours we post, it's a different way to travel and get to know the roots and traditions of Spain and its culture. 

 



For more information don't hesitate to contact us:


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

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