Spain on Strike - Traveler advisory

For all those people who are in Spain today, please do no be alarmed: the General Strike in Spain is a one-day affair, and despite the congestion and store closings as a result of the striking unions protests of the new labor law, there are still plenty of things to do everywhere. However, it is worth noting that you may find getting a restaurant reservation or even a taxi more complicated, and you should plan for extra time. And once again, the strike is only one day, so tomorrow everything should return to normal.

200 years of Las Cortes

Today the King and Queen of Spain took an important trip to the island town of San Fernando in Cadiz. It's a small town that is often overlooked, but it played one of the most important parts in the history of modern Spain. 200 years ago today the first meeting of the Royal courts, las Cortes, which culminated in the constitution of 1812. The king and Queen participated in a recreation and tribute to the town and the ideas that originated 200 years ago and many of which still effect Spanish society today. The celebration was complete with recreation by theater groups and a parade.

For more information or to include a private guided visit to San Fernando on your next tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

The Festival of the Merced - Barcelona's big party

This Friday, September 24 is the festival of the Merce, Barcelona's patron saint. The whole city will be out to celebrate, as only Barcelona can. And this year, since it falls on a Friday, the celebration goes on all weekend long! Along side the traditional festival events like live music, street performances and fireworks, there will also be a number of 100% pure Catalan elements such as the Castellers, Sardanas and Correfocs.

the celebration starts tonight at 7:45 with a parade through to the main square of Sant Jaume and continues until late on Sunday evening. This is truly a unique opportunity to get in touch with the culture and the people, and The Spanish Touch will be glad to help plan and arrange your private guided tour.

Mushrooms in the Mountains

As we enter into the fall season, the leaves turn, there's a nip in the air, and the sweater's come out at night. And course, once more we find ourselves in the forest, not looking up at the leaves but looking down, searching for that staple of Fall gastronomy: the mushroom. The weekend's activities for many people in and around Barcelona involves a very early morning trip up to the mountain. It's not uncommon to arrive at 6:30 in the forest of Berga to discover that there are already a collection of these mushroom seekers, called Boletaires. And fear not, among the many varieties there are some poisonous, but you can always take an expert guide, and go to the local restaurant where they will take the mushrooms you spent all morning picking and create a meal for you!

For more information on this or to include a private guided tour during your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

San Sebastian Film Festival

The 58th annual San Sebastian Film Festival  kicked off last weekend with all the glamor that accompanies one of the most important film festivals in all of Europe. The plethora of festivities and activities keep one of Spain's most beautiful cities moving all week. From now until the 25th of September catch all the flitz and glamor, and take the chance while you're at it to take in one of the truly overlooked gems of the Spanish coast!

Even on a rainy day - Modernista Barcelona

I admit that when I woke up this morning and saw the lightning flashes and heard the thunder, I got a bit apprehensive for the upcoming tour. I love Barcelona, and I love showing people the wonders of the Modernista world in Barcelona, but doing it in the rain can make things complicated sometimes. Fortunately the weather held, and even when it rained it waited until we were inside or in the car. As we started the private tour at the Sagrada Familia, the weather cleared enough to really appreciate the facades. This morning the contruction in the church was really in full swing as they prepare for the upcoming visit from the Pope. As we left we shared the observation that for some reason visitors for years overlooked wonders like the Sagrada Familia. It always makes me feel good to be able to share Spain with people. Even Park Guell was nice, they even got the chance to sit on the benches (which weren't wet, surprisingly enough!). Finally we took a walk along the Passeig de Gracia, stopped for a coffee at the Torres Vinoteca and paid a visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana. All in all a good introduction to the world of Catalan Modernisme. And again, thanks to the Blooms for making my job so much fun.

For more information or to learn more about Modernisme on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

A walk through the vineyards

This Sunday I hope to be joining Mas Comtal, one of the local wineries of the Penedés, as we take a hike through the history-steeped hills and vineyards of the region. The approximately 4-mile walk will take us from the winery to the Monastary of San Sebastian de Gorgs, a national historical site. Along the way learn about the region, its history and its future from the people who know most about it: the winemakers.

To find out more about walking routes or to visit a winery on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Girona's kabblalistic Jewish Heritage

About an hour north of Barcelona is the city of Girona. The city's 2000 year history includes Roman walls and ruins, a spectacular 11th century tower and a bridge built by a French firm named Eiffel. But one of the most intriguing reasons to visit is the old Jewish Quarter, the Call. Located right in the heart of Girona's old medieval city, the Jewish Quarter was once one of the most important in all of Spain, and was home to the Rabbi Moses Ben Nahman (also known as Nahmanides). Many of the most important Kabbalistic works of the middle ages were written in Girona. Nowadays the Centre Bonastruc Ça Porta hosts one of the best Jewish Heritage museums in Spain.


For more information or to include a visit to Girona on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

A Day (Tour) to Remember

On Friday I had the pleasure of taking the Bellos's around Barcelona. It was a full-day private guided tour of Barcelona, and we really made the most of the day. Highlights of the day included the Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market (with accompanying sample of Horchata!) and La Sagrada Familia. It was a treat to be able to work with them, and I want to thank them for making my job so easy! Visit The Spanish Touch soon for more pictures from the day tour.

Sitges - more than a beach town

Located just south of Barcelona, Sitges has long been known as a great vacation town, with wonderful beaches, a lively, festive atmosphere and a great selection of restaurants. And all of this is, of course, true. But for the discerning visitor, Sitges is so much more. Originally a fishing village, the town earned recognition for being the birthplace of Modernisme, home to two of Modernisme's most important figures: Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas. In fact, Rusiñol's house is now a museum, and definitely worth a visit. Also worth a look are the cementery and some of the spectacular Americano houses, built by Catalans who had gone to the new world to make their fortune, and then returned to Sitges to live.

The town's reputation for festivals is well deserved as well: in addition to local festivals, there are international film festivals, concerts, and a plethora of activities for people of all ages.

For more information or to include a private guided tour to Sitges on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch

Wine week continues - Priorat's old-school Harvestfest

As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, the harvest season has arrived in Spain. And Barcelona is a great place to be to really get in touch with some of the more than 10 DOs within driving distance of the Catalan capital. For those looking for a unique and personal Spanish tour, this weekend's festivities include a real treat for enophiles and history buffs alike: on September 3-4 in the small town of Poboleda in the Priorat wine region is the 12th annual "Festa del Vi i de la verema l'antiga", or Old-fashioned Wine and Harvest Festival.

The show begins on Friday night with a presentation of the wines and a tasting. But the real fun begins Saturday morning. For those early risers or those looking for a unique opportunity to get their hands dirty and get into the roots of the Spanish wine culture, the party begins at 7:00 with a trip to help hand-pick the grapes! This is followed by an open breakfast for everyone and then the wine fair begins. The wine will flow and the fire dances will run, and most of all, you will get an authentic cultural experience that will last you a lifetime.

For more information on this or on how to plan your private tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

The harvest is upon us! Let the Spanish wines (and festivals) flow

As we exit the heat of August and enter into the late summer, it can mean only one thing for the people in Spain's more than 60 wine-growing regions: harvest time. And the Spanish take their harvest seriously. There is work to be done...and festivals to be held! This weekend in the Barcelona region there great wine experiences in Penedes, Alella and Emporda feature among them:

Today I want to mention the Wine Harvest Festival in Figueres, popularly known as the birthplace of Salvador Dali, and home to his inspirational Theater-Museum. Figueres is also in the heart of the increasingly renowned Emporda region, and the DO is doing a great job at spreading the word. If you get the chance, take a trip up on Sunday to watch the opening in the main square. It promises to be a great festival with wonderful wines!

For more information about the wine festivals or for helping planning your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Vacation time: a time for planning at The Spanish Touch

Every year around this time I take a few days of vacation to reflect and plan ahead for the next season, and once again it's shaping up to be a world of fun. With private tours around Spain, wine festival experiences, treks through the pre-Pyrenees and our new cooking course in Barcelona, the upcoming fall season promises to be a great time to be in Spain.

We are opening our doors to a wider range of activities, but that doesn't mean we will be trimming anything from our service. As the world slowly recovers from the crisis, we at the Spanish Touch know how important value is for our clients. That's why we are committed to providing the highest value for your vacation: we know that you have a choice, and we want you to get the most for your money. And as a custom tour operation, we go that extra mile to make sure you get the best experience!

For more information or for help planning your next excursion into the fascinating opportunities that await, contact The Spanish Touch.

Weddings in Spain

More and more people are coming to Spain for the weddings. Not just for honeymoons, but as a place to get married. Recently it has become popular, especially among Asian countries, to share their vows in smaller towns rather than the big cities. In the smaller towns, churches frequently date back to the 17th century and add a touch of authenticity and a classic Spanish feeling that so many come looking for.

For more information or to include a visit to one of the smaller towns contact The Spanish Touch.

The Best of Spain - The Best for You

Whether your ideal private vacation in Spain involves days spent lounging on a beautiful beach, sipping an ice cold sangria, hiking through the Pyrenees and stopping to visit thousand-year old churches and friendly, small-town inns, or boutique hotels with internationally acclaimed restaurants and spas, The Spanish Touch can help you with every detail. We believe that our job is to help you have the absolute best vacation possible. No two groups are the same, and so no two vacations should be. Our goal is to bring you the best of Spain by tailoring your visit, offering private guided tours and top value for the money, and our greatest reward is a satisfied client.

So for your next vacation, why not treat yourself and let us take care of you with all the best of Spain!

Frigiliana - Festival of the Three Cultures

Andalusia is well known for its white villages. Dotting the hillsides and tucked between olive groves, these towns are wonderful to explore and ramble through the streets. And if you're really lucky, you can find one that's having its own fair, and then you can see the Andalusian culture in all its colors. Frigiliana is one of the best known white villages on Malaga's lesser-known East side. Just north of the beach town of Nerja, Frigiliana boasts the only remaining molasses factory in Spain, and a history that is equal to that of some of the best and most famous cities in Spain.

The fact that Frigiliana is known as "the town of 3 cultures" indicates a great deal about its past. In this small town of just a few thousand people, Jews, Christians and Moors all lived in relative harmony. And the Fifth Annual Festival of 3 Cultures is a great way to see first hand how this history played out. From August 26 to the 29, concerts, street performances, gastronomic events, and much more will all make your visit to this classic white village a memorable one.

For more information or to include a visit to Frigiliana on your next visit to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Festes de Gràcia - The heart of Barcelona beats loudly

For many people, the Gràcia district of Barcelona represents so much of what Barcelona is: small streets packed with local shops, plazas filled with history and people, a very small-town culture in the heart of the big city... Throw in a couple of Modernista monuments (Casa Fuster, Park Guell, Casa Calvet) and you have one of Barcelona's most unforgettable barrios. And when August rolls around, the neighborhood really turns on the charm. For the next week, the Gràcia district will be host to innumerable concerts, plays, workshops, craft fairs and an incomparable fair atmosphere: Welcome to the Festa Major de Gracia.

The celebration, moved from May to August for reasons historians are still unable to determine, dates back to the 19th century, when Gràcia was still an outlying village and not a part of the city of Barcelona. Whatever the reasons for its inception and subsequent date change, the Festa Major de Gràcia is one of the most important and spectacular festivals in the city of Barcelona.

For more information about this or other festivals, or for help planning your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch

Peñafiel - Where wine and history meet

Long recognized as the heart of the Ribera del Duero region, the town of Peñafiel, is a thousand-year-old a meeting point for the history and gastronomy of Spain. Dating back to prehistoric cultures, it was in the 10th-century that the city became a focus point for the reconquest of Spain.

Undoubtedly one of the feature attractions of the town is the 15th-century castle, built on the remains of a 9th-century fortress, and regarded as one of the best and most picturesque in all of Spain. Also worth visiting is the old Bell Tower and Church/Convent of Saint Paul. Of course, being so closely linked to the Ribera del Duero region, there is never a lack for great food and wine!

For more information or to include a visit to Peñafiel on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Going down the river on a raft in the Pyrenees

I've written before about small town Spain and the enormous satisfaction I get introducing people to some of these quaint festivals, where you really feel at one with the history, culture and people of the region. This Saturday is the "Baixada de Rais", or "Going down the river in a Raft". Dating back to the times when rafts were the most efficient and best mode of transportation on some of the rivers of Catalonia, several towns such as Coll de Nargó, which lies along the Segre River, have upheld the tradition of making wooden rafts and then heading down the river just as their countrymen did in ages past.

Starting at noon, and captained by locals who still hold to the traditions of raft-steering, the boats and men head down a tricky bit of water, dodging rocks and rapids and showcasing their talents. The people of the town are immensely proud of their heritage, and are always welcoming to visitors who come to see this show. In the evening, fireworks light up the river and old city as you enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas with the locals.

For more information about this festival or for help in arranging your next visit to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Feria de Malaga - The Costa del Sol's biggest summertime party

August is traditionally the month for vacation in Spain, and what better way for the locals to enjoy their vacations then with some of the best festivals of the year! Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, holds one of the biggest and best known city-wide celebrations every year: the Feria de Malaga. The fair, which is held in honor of the Catholic Monarchs reconquest of the city in 1487, shows Malaga in all its tradition and splendor.

This year, from the 13 to the 22 of August the city of Malaga will once more throw open its arms and doors to all with traditional Andalusian hospitality. There is always something for everyone during  lively daytime stalls featuring impromptu flamenco shows and Andalusian bead making to the copious amounts of Malaga sweet wine available in all styles and sizes. The nighttime festival, on the outskirts of the city at the fair grounds, is a world unto itself, and is for those who want to enjoy the more nocturnal pursuits of eating, drinking and dancing.

Olive Oil Route - Southern Spain's gastronomic wonders

Imagine spending a few days surrounded by nothing but rolling hills, quaint small towns and truly magnificent people. Then add a collection of 16th and 17th century buildings, ancient medicinal springs and an exceedingly generous taste of the fruits of the land and you have a wonderful route called "La Ruta del Aceite" - The route of Olive Oil. 

Many people don't realize that Spain is the leading olive oil producer in Europe, and Andalusia is the heart of olive country. The olive oil route takes through some of the smaller towns that are particularly well known for producing outstanding olive oil, as well as other fruits like peaches, raisins and avocados. 

And it's in these small towns where you really feel like you connect with the local people, they welcome you into their towns and their culture like long lost friends. It's a truly authentic and wonderfully unique way to visit Spain. 

For more information about this or other routes, please contact The Spanish Touch.

Operation: The Great Escape

For anyone who might be visiting Spain at the moment, please bear in mind that this weekend represents the largest mobilization of Spanish vacationers all year. That's right, bigger than Christmas, or even Semana Santa or the Feria de Sevilla. August is traditionally the vacation month, and this year the statistics indicate that more Spaniards are planning on "staying home" than have done for the last couple of decades. Of course, with so many options within driving distance, I can hardly blame them. "The grass is always greener" seems to have reached its breaking point, and more and more people are wising up to the enormous potential for vacation ideas without having to leave the peninsula.

So, if you have any plans for Friday evening and most of Saturday (but especially the morning), I recommend that you take into account that the roads will be packed and maybe just take it easy until the initial wave passes. In the meantime, soak up the culture, the sun and the wonders of Spain!

If you would like help planning your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch for more information.

Santiago's special Sunday

Last Sunday, July 25, 2010, was the day of Santiago, patron saint of all Spain. For those not familiar with the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage through Spain to visit the magnificent cathedral at Santiago de Compestela is one of the most popular and important pilgrimages in Western Europe. People come from all over the world to walk the route, and to see the remains of the apostle James (Santiago in Spanish).

Every so often, the day becomes even more important. Like this year for example, when the date falls on a Sunday, marking a Jacobean or Jubilee year. The next one will be in 2021, so as you can imagine the scenes in and around the cathedral on Sunday were amazing. People waited in line literally for hours just to get a chance to get inside. And the whole city celebrated, with fireworks the night before and

The celebration will last all year, and the Pope himself will be visiting Santiago in November as a part of a two city tour.

Andalusian Treasures Tour

Below is the itinerary of one of our tours from this year, to give you an idea of how we can customize your tour. Because of our hands-on work with each group, The Spanish Touch's tours are all unique and designed to meet needs and desires.

Day 1  

Arrival in Malaga and transfer to the hotel. After lunch a walking tour around the city, including Picasso’s birth house and the Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a brief overview of the tour activities/question and answer period before welcome dinner. Night in Malaga.

Day 2   

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Seville. Day tour of Seville, including the Cathedral (and the outstanding Moorish Giralda tower), the Alcazar and the old Tobacco factory, scene of the opera Carmen. Optional Flamenco show. Night in Seville.

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel. Day trip to the city of Cordoba, ancient home of the Caliphs. Visit the Mezquita and see the old Roman bridge. Evening at leisure in Seville. Night in Seville.

Day 4  

Breakfast at hotel. Jerez day trip, including the Andalusian horse Gala and a visit to a Sherry winery. Afternoon transfer to Granada. Night in Granada.

Day 5  

Breakfast at hotel. Day tour of the city center, visiting the Cathedral, the Moorish silk market and the old Jewish quarter. An optional Tapas dinner out for a true taste of Granada’s exquisite restaurant scene. Night in Granada.

Day 6 

Breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the Alhambra. Afternoon transfer to Malaga. Night in Malaga.  

Day 7 

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Malaga airport (2 people). Day at leisure in the capital of the Costa del Sol. Optional day tour to Nerja or Ronda.  Night in Malaga.

Day 8  

Transfer to Malaga airport for return flight to the USA.

  

Tour includes:

• All accommodation as per itinerary
• All transportation as per itinerary in an air-conditioned van.
• 8 meals (7 breakfast, 1 dinner)
• Guided visits as per itinerary
• Entrance fees as per itinerary

Temple of Augustus in Tarragona

Buried underneath the 12th century cathedral in the heart of what was the most important Roman city in Iberia, nowadays known as Tarragona lies the Temple to Ceaser Augustus. At the beginning of July excavations began under the Cathedral in search of the actual temple, which, given the importance of Tarragona during Roman times, could be an outstanding architectural and cultural treasure. This new research is possible now thanks to new, high-tech forms of excavations without damaging the cultural treasure above.

To visit Tarragona and see the remains of what was the Roman Empire's greatest Iberian city, contact The Spanish Touch. 

The Legend of Count Arnau comes to life!

This weekend, in the town of Sant Joan de Abadesses in Catalonia, one of the most popular and oldest legends of Catalunya will be the focal point of the annual XV Cicle de Representacions del Mite del Comte Arnau. 

The legend of Count Arnau tells of a rich Feudal lord who, among many other nefarious deeds, had an amorous affair with one of the nuns at the local abbey in Sant Joan de Abadesses. Condemned to ride forever on a black fiery steed pursued by demonic hounds, the legend of Comte Arnau has become in many ways like the legends of Washington Irving, albeit based on a historical person (he lived sometime in the early 11th century). Many people throughout the years have claimed to have seen the horse and rider galloping through the hills and valleys during the nights, and have heard the howls of the pursuing dogs. In the center of the Plaza Clavé there is a statue to the romanticized figure of the Count, who during the Catalan renaissance became a folklore hero. 


The abbey, which is still standing, is one of the most important abbeys in all of  Catalunya, both for its age (built in the 9th century) and its heritage (it was built by Catalonia's founding father, Wilfred the Hairy, for his daughter). 


Contact The Spanish Touch for more information or to visit the Abbey and even the Mataplana Castle, legendary home to the Count.  

The many faces of Spain

In light of Spain's World Cup triumph, there has been a fair amount of discussion about the different regions and all of Spain uniting under the flag of sports. To me, it was great to see people from all over the country so excited, despite differences in language, culture, history, lifestyle, etc. But it does highlight one of the truly remarkable things about the country: the variety and differences of each area make each region a unique discovery. So when people talk about wanting to visit "Spain", first you should decide which part. Visiting Madrid and the center of Spain is a completely different experience from visiting Andalucia's Moorish heritage or Galicia's rivers and town, Cantabria's rugged coastlines or Catalonia's rich and wonderful heritage.

A visit to "Spain" can be so many things it's no wonder that people always want to come back. Each region offers so much to the visitor, from art museums to monuments to gastronomic treats to spectacular scenery, there is truly much to celebrate (oh, and they won the World cup too)!

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information and a free consultation about the different possibilities for your next vacation in Spain

Discover Madrid & the Heart of Spain Tour

During the months of September and October, The Spanish Touch is offering a limited-time itinerary. This itinerary can be used as an example or taken as is for anyone who wants to maximize their time in Madrid. 


Day 1 - Arrival in Madrid: transfer from airport to hotel. Day at leisure in Madrid. Welcome dinner in Madrid. Night in Madrid. (D)

Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of Madrid city center, including the Royal Palace, Austrias District, Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. Afternoon at leisure. Night in Madrid. (B)


Day 3:Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to Toledo for a private guided tour of the city of Toledo, including the Cathedral, El Greco's house and the Jewish Quarter. Toledo is a great city to wander around in, so after lunch  spend some time wandering the narrow streets before returning to Madrid.  Night in Madrid. (B)


Day 4: Breakfast at hotel. Day trip to visit El Escorial, the mosoleum-monastery built by Phillip II at the height of Spain's golden age. After the visit, go up to Segovia for a tapas lunch and to see the famous Roman Aqueduct.  Night in Madrid. (B)


Day 5: Breakfast at hotel. Morning Museum tour in Madrid, visiting the most important museums in Madrid, including El Prado and the Reina Sofia, where you can see the masterpiece works of artists such as Picasso, Dalí, El Greco, Velazquez, and many more. Also take the opportunity to visit the AtochaTrain Station, with its botanical gardens and stunning architectural design. Night in Madrid. (B)


Day 6 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure in Madrid. Afternoon trip to Avila, for a visit including the Cathedral, the route of Santa Teresa (16th century) and of course, the famous Walls. Evening farewell dinner at a classic Madrid restaurant. Night in Madrid (B,D)


Day 7 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight. (B)

The price includes:

Private guided tours as per itinerary.
A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability. 
Transfers to and from the airport. 
All hotel accommodation in Madrid . 
All transportation as specified in itinerary in a private car. 
8 Meals (6 breakfasts, 2 dinners) 
All entrance fees on itinerary. 

Price: Starting from $2,495 per person.

World champions!

Congratulations Spain! 1 - 0 win over a very good Netherlands team. First time champions and all of Spain is celebrating tonight.

Spain is preparing

For the first time ever Spain is in the final of the World Cup. And all of Spain is hitting the streets in celebration. If you are fortunate enough to be in Spain today, enjoy the festivities and the match!! Vamos la Roja!!

End of Summer Barcelona and Costa Brava Tour

Check out the new offer from The Spanish Touch, just in time for one last, end-of-summer getaway to make the summer of 2010 truly unforgettable! 

August 28 - September 4. Barcelona and Costa Brava: Greek, Roman and Catalan history by the Beach

August 28

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

August 29
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 30
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 newly-rediscovered 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 31
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 Modernista Tour of Barcelona. (Breakfast)

September 1
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)

September 2
Breakfast at hotel. This morning take a trip to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali, and home to his one-of-a-kind Theater-Museum. After lunch, visit the spectacular town of Cadaques, a shining example of the Costa Brava’s charm, and home to Dali from 1930 until his death in 1989. (Breakfast)

September 3
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, join us for the farewell dinner and a last look at your time in Spain. (Breakfast, Dinner)

September 4
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Barcelona airport. (Breakfast)

Take advantage of our special offer and join us for just $2465 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

Spain's beaches

In the full summer heat many of us are dreaming of beaches.  Spain's more than 5000 miles of coastline more than fulfill the requirements, but what makes it such a wonderful place is the variety of beaches and what you find just on the other side of the sand. From La Concha beach in San Sebastian, just feet from some of Spain's best tapas bars and michelin-starred restaurants, to the quiet hidden coves of the Costa Brava to the eternal sunshine beaches of the Canary Islands, each beach tells a story. Each beach holds a piece of history, and a world of opportunities to discover after you hit the beach.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information about which beaches offer the best for what you are looking for, and we'll be glad to help make your next beach vacation a truly once-in-a-lifetime-experience.

San Fermin - The Running of the Bulls

Today at noon local time kicked off Spain's biggest and best-known annual party, the San Fermines Festival in Pamplona, more commonly known as The Running of The Bulls. While the bull running will start tomorrow morning at 7:00 local time, the Chupinazo is the official start of the festivities. The festival's origens go back centuries but it was in the 20th century that Hemingway made it famous with The Sun Also Rises.

The festival attracts a huge amount of foreign visitors every year, so if you want to make plans to visit, it's best to start as much as a year in advance, or risk not finding any accommodation at all. The best places are the balconies along the route of the encierro, and this year The Spanish Touch wishes the best for Karen and Robert who are going to be watching the first running tomorrow morning from the balcony of their apartment.

You can watch the encierros here.

The Castle of Loarre - History and cinema

Only 30 minutes from the city of Huesca in Aragon, and less than 2 hours from the heart of Somontano wine country, the Castle of Loarre stands as a monument to the region, the people and the heritage of the region of Aragon. The Castle-Abbey complex is one of the best-preserved Romanesque fortresses in all of Europe, and the best in all of Aragon.

The castle's exact origins are unclear, but at the very least in the early XI century there are references to it. Roman coins and Iberian remains have also been found within the castle grounds. The site is made up of a Romanic monastery and the Pre-Romanic castle itself. The castle's impressive setting and excellent preservation has made it ideal for time pieces, and has been used in films such as Kingdom of Heaven.

For more information on how to include a visit to the Castle of Loarre on your next trip to Spain, please contact The Spanish Touch.

The Legends Festival of Sant Marti de Tous

History, legends and oral traditions are as much a part of Spain's culture and heritage as the lands and monuments that are found throughout it. This year, for the first time, the town of Sant Marti de Tous, in the Penedes wine region just south of Barcelona, is hosting a Legends Festival (Tous es Llegendes), where the visitor is welcome to meander the town discovering the secret nooks and crannies and the incredible stories that are everywhere. The festival is more than just about the town, as the legends incorporate the whole of Catalonia, from the witch of Girona to The White Lady of Andorra. Friday and Saturday July 2-3 will see the town come alive with the generations of history and tradition opened up to the public for the first time.

For more information about this or other festivals in Spain this summer, contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to help.

A drive along the Northern Coast

The final day of Arleen and Eva's tour found us driving, finally rain-free along the northern coast of Spain to the Parador of Limpias. First stop: The Chillida Museum, with it's huge park and restored farmhouse museum of San Sebastian's most recognizable 2th century artist, Eduardo Chillida.

After a leisurely stroll through the grounds (and a spectacular photo taken by Eva of the flowers), we mounted once more for the last long trip in the car. This time the weather cooperated, and watching the landscape change as we drove out of the Basque Country and into Cantabria, which is truly one of Spain's most underappreciated regions, filled with historical and cultural heritage, wonderful food and some of the best coastlines.

After checking into the wonderful Parador at Limpias, we skipped off for a tapas lunch at a local restaurant, including some wonderful Callos and Albondigas. It always amazes me that even in these small towns the tapas are unique and delicious!

In the afternoon we drove out to the Cuevas de Altamira, which was a wonderful and relaxing way to finish the tour. The last meal at the Parador was an entertaining and enjoyable affair, and the following morning Eva and Arleen were off to the airport. In all a wonderful time, even if, contrary to the well-known refrain, the rain did not stay mainly on the plain.

An extra day in San Sebastian

Due to the incredible downpours and trecherous driving conditions caused by them (the news has been talking about the flooding that is going on across northern Spain right now), Arleen and Eva decided to not chance the 6 hour trip to Leon and chose instead to spend the day relaxing in Hondarribia. A morning massage session for the ladies and tapas for lunch, and finally the rain broke. We took advantage of the (relatively) nice weather to go shopping in San Sebastian. We did stop in a wonderful tapas bar in San Sebastian, right in front of the neogothic cathedral. For dinner we had a request for Paella, and while the first two restaurants on our list were closed, we did manage to find some decent paella at La Comigo in the old city.

The following morning gave us time to run over to the Chillida Museum. Started in 1984 by Eduardo Chillida to house his sculptures. Opened in 2001, the museum is a spectacular medium to appreciate the art of San Sebastian's most famous 20th century artist.

A drive through the Pyrenees - on flowers, hills and picturesque towns

The drive from Vielha across the northern sections of Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and Basque Country is one of the most enjoyable drives in Spain. As we left Vielha it was to see the sun peaking through the clouds that draped the majestic mountains. It's amazing how beautiful the Pyrenees really are. Our route took us through some truly eye-popping landscapes of valleys, rivers, rising mountains, wild flowers and some interesting moss formations. Stopping along the way in the towns of Ainsa and Jaca, as well as in several spots along the road (technically a highway, although at one point we drove for 40 minutes without seeing a single car behind or in front of us) to enjoy the scenery and take some pictures like the one above.

San Sebastian is beautiful - even in the pouring rain

The torrential downpours that started last night as we drove from Pamplona to Hondarribia continued today through most of the day. That did make the morning visit to San Sebastian a very wet, windy affair, but San Sebastian is such a lovely city that even the driving rain cannot ruin its charms. Esther was our wonderful guide this morning, and was exceptionally helpful getting Eva to the pharmacy and helping Arleen get her rain hat. After visiting the old city and taking a (very) quick peak at the Concha beach (the wind really kicks up there!), we stopped for lunch at Kokotza, which was originally planned for dinner. Fantastic food. The scallops and artichoke mix was stunning, as was the pork in a potato cream with fresh beans.

Afterwards we headed over to the Guggenheim, which is always a unique experience. The way the building molds to the art, or is it the other way around? And the expositions by Anish Kapoor and Rousseau were spectacular. The ride back to Hondarribia was a slower through the driving rain, but back in the confines of one of my favorite Paradors in all of Spain and a full day to reflect back on.

Vielha and a taste of Aranese

The first day of Arleen and Eva's tour brought us to Vielha. I've talked about it before, but getting there is half the fun. Driving up the national highway around resevoirs, sharply cutting cliffs, waterfalls and traces of snow high up in the peaks and crevasses above,  you really start to feel the Pyrenees well before you even get to the Parador.


Dinner in the Parador was a sumptuous affairs. With a view right out over the clearly marked valley where the town of Vielha sits, we enjoyed some of the best local fair, including a delicious Olla Aranasa (a soup/stew made with local ingredients). Eva's pork shank was enormous! And dessert was simply lovely.

For information on visiting Vielha and the Pyrenees on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

The Spanish Touch goes North

Next week I will be heading north to visit some of the most scenic parts of Spain. Hopefully I will be able to take lots of pics with my guests Arleen and Eva. First stop the Pyrenees and Vielha...

Barcelona's Greek Festival

This weekend in Barcelona marks the start of the annual Festival Grec (Greek Festival). This festival, started in 1976 by a group of theater students hoping to update Barcelona's drama scene, has increased in span and popularity over the years. The festival includes a number of  productions in theaters around the city, most notable among them are the Greek Theater itself on Montjuic, the Teatre Lliure and Poloví, both also on Montjuic mountain, as well as the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)and even the Library of Catalunya.

The festival runs from June 13 to the beginning of August, allowing all those summer visitors to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant drama scene. One more reason to visit Barcelona this summer!

Churros and a plate of clams in Granada

After a morning tour of the city center, we took the opportunity of being in Granada to go one of the best places I know for Churros con chocolate. Even in the late spring, there is something irresistable about those fried delicacies, and the cup of thick liquid chocolate that comes with. It really hit the spot as we people watched in the plaza, and Jay got a gift of luck (according to the Spanish) courtesy of one of the local birds.

And several successive evenings of tapas,  the Lums decided they were ready to get back to a "regular" meal. So we strolled down Los Navas past the tables outside the tapas bars on both sides of the pedestrian street to the restaurant. Of course, this being Granada, as soon as we had ordered the drinks our waiter brought out an enormous plate of clams in a garlic-butter sauce as a group tapa. Now I've been doing this for years, but I have never seen a plate of clams that large served as your free accompaniment. Never. So much for not eating tapas. And when dinner was ordered, everyone started passing their plates around for others to sample. It's amazing how easy it is to get into the Spanish style of sharing meals. The meals were excellent and the drinks as well, but that plate of clams has set a new standard for the free tapa.  

Caves of Altamira - A Palaeolithic Paradise

Defined as the "Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art", the original caves of Altamira on the Cantabrian coast will reopen to the public sometime in the near future. The cave's paintings, some 15,000 years old, were discovered in 1879 by a local botanist's daughter. A compromise has been reached between scientists and the local government that will allow a limited number of people to visit the caves under tightly controlled conditions.

The cave first opened to the public in 1917, but was closed 60 years later as the deterioration of the site grew steadily worse. Up until 2002 visits were still available on a very limited basis. Since 2001 visitors have been able to visit a colossal and exact replica of the original cave. This replica was designed by a team of experts to perfectly recreate the caves so that visitors can see without risking irreparable damage to the original cave. While in the area you can also take advantage of the museum and the surrounding area in Santillana del Mar. 

For more information or to include a visit to the caves of Altamira on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch. 

Horses and wine in Jerez

One of the best things about touring are the unexpected adventures. The last week with the Lums was a great example. When we arrived in Jerez, we immediately made our way to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to watch an unforgettable display of "How Andalusian Horses Dance". As a huge horse fan, Vicky was very excited and kept a running commentary.


The show took about an hour and a half, leaving us just enough time to head over to the Sandeman's Sherry winery (with the minor inconvenience that they had decided to close off the street from the time we went into the horse show to the time we came out, making our arrival a bit more complicated).  The Sherry tour was both informative and enjoyable, and we got the chance to sample 3 of the most traditional wines produced: the dry fino, the medium dry Amontillado and the Armada Rich Cream Oloreso sherry. Vicky liked the sweet Oloreso, but Jay and Melissa were more fans of the dry fino.

After the visit, we settled into a small restaurant around the corner from the bodega called las 7 puertas (not to be confused with the more famous 7 portes in Barcelona). More reasons to love Spanish cooking: simply ask the waitress for her recommendations and you can get everything from grilled  peppers to a wonderful carrillo and pork sirloin to a very refreshing salmerojo.  Wonderful food, and a wonderful way to spend a day out on the way to Seville!

Monastery sweets and a Taste of Heaven

For those people who are looking to delve a bit more into the local foods of a region, The Spanish Touch would like to recommend the book “A Taste of Heaven: A Guide to Food and Drink Made by Monks and Nuns,” by Madeline Scherb. The book offers a view into the intimate gastronomic world which dates back centuries. In Spain, a country with its fair share of monasteries and convents, there are a number of these places just waiting for the knowledgeable visitor to sample. 

For more information or for help arranging a visit to one of these places on your next visit to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch. 

Espetos - a Malaga seafood specialty

Malaga is a great town for seafood. That is, of course, to be expected, given its location right on the Mediterranean. But it's the way in which that seafood gets to your plate that makes Malaga so special. All along the promenade you see the wood-burning grills right on the beach in front of each restaurant. And on these grills, just as natural as can be, you will find espetos. An espeto (stake in Spanish) is just that: it's a wooden stake mounted with sardines which are cooked over the fire until they reach perfection. The memory of the smell alone makes me want to eat them. It's a fairly simple practice, really, but I haven't found espetos anywhere outside of the province of Malaga, and the best are along the Malaga promenade in places like Pedregalejo and El Palo.