The Pinheiro's Tour - Day 2 - Trapsing around Barcelona

The first full day of Scott and Lisa's tour began in Barcelona city center. Having already wandered around some of the old city yesterday, we headed right across town first thing in the morning to visit Sagrada Familia. Early in the morning has it's advantages as a time to visit. First of all, with the sweltering heat wave that has descended upon most of Spain (temperatures in southern Spain got up over 40C or 104F) it was easier to do the explaining of the exterior without feeling like you might melt into the sidewalk. Secondly, most people seemed to have gotten off to a later than usual start, so even on the inside we had a fair bit of room to wander and take some pictures. 

Once we finished with Sagrada Familia we headed back into the old city. Going back in time from Modernisme to Roman civilization is much easier when the city in question is one where history is built on top of itself, layers of civilizations in such a compact area, it really is a treat. Starting at the old Roman walls (of the fully named Colonia Iula Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino, or Barcino for short) we traced the route of the various groups who have passed through the gates of the city. Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Franks, Jews, Christians, and more have all left their mark on the city. 

From the legend of tortures of Saint Eulalia to the horrific bombings of the Italians during the Spanish Civil War to the original location of the Jewish drinking fountain, there is so much to see in Barcelona that to compress it all into one short day is impossible. So we focused on the highlights and pointed out the things that might be of interest during free time. Coming complete circle and ending up once again at the Cathedral we headed back to drop them off for a spot of lunch before hitting the gym and heading off to the Flamenco show, where they were able to catch 1 and a half shows!

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

The Pinheiro's tour - Day 1 - welcome to Barcelona

Lisa and Scott Pinheiro arrived in Barcelona all set for their 9 day adventure around northern Spain. Day 1 was a simple affair. Having met them at the airport, we headed to their hotel, right along the Plaza Catalunya. the rest of the day was theirs to explore the city, catch up on some rest and get ready for the rest of the week. With a couple of suggestions for things to see and where to eat (on a Monday in Spain that can be more complicated, especially for dinner), they spent the day exploring Las Ramblas and La Boqueria, the old city and enjoying some tapas and wine. The rest of the tour awaiting, beginning with a half-day tour of Barcelona on day 2.

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

The Zaslav's Tour of Barcelona

There are some bonuses to staying at the Hotel Florida at Tibidabo in Barcelona. The most obvious are the spectacular views over the city and the quiet and calm that come from being up on the hill. It can, however, be a bit of a problem if your taxi driver gets lost getting there.  Luckily for us, however, we had no such problems. Meeting the family at 10:00 we headed off down the mountain and into Barcelona to explore the history and legends of the city. Our morning walk took us through the old city, and we learned about the long history of the city, it's important Jewish community in the Middle Ages, and the Catalan culture in general. Our tour took us through the old streets of the old city, stopping in the oldest synagogue in Spain (with foundations back to Roman times), where we learned why so many buildings in the Gothic Quarter have steps going down at the entrance. 

A stop for lunch on an outside terrace refueled us and we were back in the car for the afternoon visits. A change of gears from ancient history brought us to the Moderniste element of Barcelona and it's most important monument: The Sagrada Familia. After we discussed the architectural elements and symbolism of Gaudi's masterpiece, we headed up into the last site of the day, Park Guell. Seeing what Gaudi did with the landscape and how it was all designed to blend into the hill upon which it was constructed is something that is best experienced firsthand. From the mosaic to the pathways to the gardens, everything seems calculated to make sure it's something you never forget. Our day ended where it began, and we headed up the mountain to the hotel to say goodbye. Thanks to the Zaslav family for being such a pleasure to work with!

For more information about your private guided tour in Spain contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

A weekend in the mountains in Spain

This weekend is San Juan, celebrated throughout Spain as summer's official welcoming party. But this year we opt for something different. No bonfires, no fireworks. Just a quiet rustling creek, distant clanks of the flocks of sheep returning fromn their day's grazing and spectacular views over the Vall de Boi. The clang of the 11th century church and the gentle chatter of the neighbors sitting on their balconies enjoying a refreshing breeze as the sun slowly drifts behind the Pyrenees. Yes, a different feeling. And a very pleasant chance to remember that tucked into the hills of this marvelous country are sites which surpass any ideas you might have had about them. Such beauty, such peace and such a great country.

For more information on planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.
BlackBerry de movistar, allí donde estés está tu oficin@

Taking in the details - a tour of Barcelona

The Jaramillos arrived in Barcelona's airport ready to hit the ground moving. We headed into the city accompanied by a typical Barcelona late spring morning. Our morning tour led us through the Gothic quarter, exploring the streets, buildings and squares that make up this singularly spectacular area. Facades, gargoyles, cobblestone streets and the sensation of walking through living history always make this area a special place to explore. Our tour led us through the cathedral of Barcelona, the old Jewish Quarter, through 3 of the 4 old Roman gates to the city and down Las Ramblas to La Boqueria market before we stopped for a quick coffee to get off our feet for a few minutes. After visiting the Plaza de Rei and learning about the differences in architecture from Madrid and Barcelona in the 16th century, we deviated from the original plan so that we could take in some of Gaudi's treasures with the remaining time. The Sagrada Familia, for someone who has never seen it before, is always a very pleasant surprise, and it is difficult to explain the architecture, symbolism and ingenuity of the temple if you have not seen it up close. Our time was drawing to a close and the effects of a long flight and the warming temperatures made it for a relaxing drive to the port for them to catch their cruise ship to continue their adventures. 

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

Small Town Tourism in Spain

Barcelona. Madrid. Sevilla.  Everyone knows the names of the big cities in Spain. They are magical places, filled with sights, sounds and a plethora of options for even the most experienced traveler. But what about some of those off the beaten track, fishermen's village kinds of places, the kind that you used to read about? Thereare still a number of them around, hiding away in the shadows of the big cities, comfortably nestled in the hills or along the beach in areas that not so frequented by tourists. But for the informed visitor, they provide a perfect break from  the sensory barrage of the cities.

Towns like Ametlla de Mar or Montefrio, towns where time seems to go by slower,  the pace is relaxed. It might be that "tourist" sites are not as plentiful in these towns, but therein lies there treasure: he town itself is a site. So this summer step back from the sites and sounds of the city for a day and just relax with the locals by the beach or in the hills.

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

Northern Spanish Wine Route with The Spanish Touch

For wine lovers, The Spanish Touch is proud to offer wine tours such as as the one outlined below, incorporating the wine regions of Penedès and Priorat (Barcelona), Somontano, Rioja, Bierzo  and Rias Baixas. 

Traverse northern Spain through its wine country, starting in Barcelona with the Penedes and Priorat regions close by. Head up to the small - but impressive - region of Somontano, and then on to Rioja, the heart of spanish wine culture. From Rioja head up to the upcoming region of Bierzo and finally arrive in Galicia to explore the Rias Baixas.

The Magic of Dali and the streets of Girona with the Masters

A day tour to the Dali Theater-Museum and the city of Girona provides people with a great peek at what Catalonia has to offer outside of Barcelona. Meeting in the lobby of the hotel at 9:30, the Masters' and I headed out of the city and up the highway to Figueres. Along the way we discussed the background of the region, Dali and how the landscapes we were passing influenced the boy who was to become the most famous of the surrealist painters. The Dali Museum, however, is much more than just a showcase for his paintings. It is a work of art in itself. Everything in it was designed by Dali and all three of the Masters' were immediately impressed and immersed in the art. While Dali offered no guide for visiting his museum, learning about his life and what was happening does shed light on his works. We spent the morning wandering through and admiring his artwork before stopping for a quick bite at a local cafe.


Following lunch we headed over to Girona for an afternoon stroll through the old city. The cobblestone streets, the bridges, the ancient churches and walls of the two thousand year old city really bring its history to life. The Cathedral, and its  treasury bear witness to the importance and riches that the city has seen throughout its history. As we walked back down the winding streets we came across a mother duck with her ducklings, clearly enjoying an afternoon stroll just like us. In all a lovely end to an enjoyable and educational Spanish experience!

For more information on planning a private guided tour in Spain, 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.

A taste of Barcelona with the Raimondis

In Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

I met Paul and Jane at the dock on Saturday morning for a day-long Barcelona experience. The weather was perfect, and we were off. As we drove into the city, passing by the giatn Columbus statue at the end of Las Ramblas and past the Llotja, where Picasso once studied, you begin to get a feeling for the city. Aside from the collection of magnificent buildings, Barcelona city is a piece of art on display. From  Roy Lichtenstein's "Barcelona Head" and Marichal's "La Gamba" to the people and the winding streets, the city works as a collective to offer inquisitive visitors an insight into the culture and the people.

Our morning visit took us through the old city center, winding the streets as we passed through two thousand years of history, stopping to take in the small shops and detailed facades of the buildings, the medieval arches of the sides streets and, naturally, the magnificent display of gothic architecture that is so characteristic of the city itself. A stop for a quick refreshment was called for with the springtime sun warming the streets before we continued into the heart of the city, viewing Las Ramblas, the Plaza del Rei, the Roman Temple and the Palau of the Generalitat.

Lunch was a thoroughly enjoyable event, as we stopped for tapas at a local restaurant and enjoyed some of the local treats like Spanish tortilla, Gambas al ajillo, xoricets in a wine sauce, and of couse the omnipresent olives and pa amb tomaquet. After lunch we headed over to Sagrada Familia. Bypassing the line and heading straight into the church, which defies the standard categorization of "just another church" so much that even the most hardened travelers cannot help but be moved.

We finished the day heading back down Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi's other famous houses before saying goodbye at the cruise ship port. In all a lovely day and great people, a truly memorable experience!

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

Tenerife - A Spanish Island in the Sun

Spain is made up of 17 different regions. 15 of them are located on the Iberian Penninsula. But two of them can be found surrounded on all sides by water: The Balearic and the Canary Islands. Today I want to talk about Tenerife, the "Island of Eternal Spring". As its moniker implies, weather is never an issue. The Canary Islands are the southernmost point of Spain, closer to the West African coast than to the mainland. Tenerife is a spectacular place which holds secrets and surprises for everyone!

14th century churches, historical town centers dating back hundreds of years and wonderfully preserved due to the relative isolation of the island, and other relics of Tenerife's colorful past are often overshadowed by the sheer beauty of nature at work. National parks abound, with spectacular cliffs, rugged landscapes and beaches that are famous among surfers. And don't forget about the food (and the local wine!)

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

Galician Wines on show

More and more people are talking about the fascinating world of Spanish wines. No more is Rioja the only region that people can name from Spain. in fact, there are more than 65 different DOs (denominacion de origen) throughout the country. Even so, Galicia can sometimes be overlooked. Long known to insiders for its mouthwatering seafood and lovely white wines, the Northwestern region of Spain is gaining a well-deserved international reputation for quality.

This Saturday, May 26, more than 70 wineries from 5 of the region's DOs are opening their doors for a free visit and tasting for people who are learning more about the region, the history and the wine. Add to that 31 restaurants that will be offering special menus based around the wines and you've got the recipe for a great way to spend a weekend.

For more information about planning your private tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Ordesa National Park - The Lost Mountain in Spain

In the seriously under-appreciated Northern regions of Spain are hidden some of the best National Parks on the Iberian peninsula. One such example is Ordesa National Park and the Lost Mountain (Monte Perdido). A destination unto itself, Ordesa is more or less halfway between the Bilbao and Barcelona, along the Spanish Pyrenees. It's the perfect place to avoid the summer heat, spend a couple of days (or more) enjoying nature, hiking and and discover the history  of the region (the towns and valleys of the region, aside from some spectacular panoramas, played an important role in the reconquest of Spain). And staying in a National Park away from the hurry and heat of the city doesn't mean shying away from pampering yourself. In fact, just the opposite. At the foot of Monte Perdido you can stay in the Parador of Bielsa. So if you are looking for a different kind of summer escape, why not look toward the north and away from the beaches for an experience you'll never forget!
For more information or for a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Made in Spain - something for everyone

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is what exactly does Spain produce. Well, the obvious answer is wine, olives, cured hams and assorted other fruits, vegetables and grains. All of which are excellent and any visitor to Spain would do well to try them. And don't forget to try some of the local desserts, wherever you are you are sure to find something wonderful and new!

But beyond that there is so much that Spain has to offer. From leatherwork and ceramics (which vary from region to region, what you find in Granada or Cordoba for example, has little to do with the Toledo work which is very distinct from the Catalan works). SEAT is the Spanish car company founded in 1950. 

Spanish Fashion labels and clothing stores (Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Adolfo Dominguez, Zara, etc) are becoming more common sites in the States.  And as anyone who has walked the streets and shops of Madrid or Barcelona can tell you, shoes is big business as well. Brands such as Camper and Victoria have long since established themselves in the market for their quality and style. 

These are just a couple of ideas for things made in Spain, but there is so much more to discover, why not come over and find out for yourself!

For more information or to plan your own private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Castles among the Vineyards in Spain

Barcelona is known for many things. From its Roman origins to it's wonderfully preserved Gothic Quarter to the lively and colorful Ramblas, the city is a vibrant, living example of people living shoulder to shoulder with their history. And outside of the city there are not fewer options: wine regions, Salvador Dali, the Costa Brava, Montserrat, the Cardona Salt Mines, the list goes on. But today let's focus on some of the lesser-known attractions of the region, the castles. For history and castle buffs, there are some true treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Take, for example, the Castle of Subirats in the Penedes wine region. Imposing along the ridge just off the highway, it dates back to the 10th century and a visit allows for some spectacular views over the Penedes vineyards with Montserrat mountain as a backdrop. 

Another example is the Castle of Burriac, another scenic location overlooking the Maresme coast just north of Barcelona in the Alella wine region. Imagine spending the morning hiking up to the castle, learning the history and legends and then having a picnic with a fresh glass of crisp Alella white wine to savor the moment. 

These are just two of the castles in the region. There are others, for example the Castle of Requesens, close to the French border and the town of Figueres and the Cap de Creus Park. 

These and more are available for the discerning visitor to discover and explore, and all within easy driving distance of Barcelona, making it a great way to spend a day out of the city getting to know the roots of the culture. 

For more information about planning a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch 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

Day 11 - Gaudi and Paella to say farewell - The Bishop/Kalinoski/Olsen Tour

The last full of the tour brought the last of the must-see visits on the trip: Sagrada Familia. If you've been there before, it's always worth going back to discover something new. If you've never been there, it's a church that is sure to impress. A modernista masterpiece, even unfinished you can see Gaudi's unmistakable legacy, from the gargoyles and spires to the arches and alter, everything about this temple says "Gaudi was here". As we began the tour after lunch, we started right into explanations and pictures. It is easier to explain some things from a distance, so as not to crane your neck so much when you get up close. The blend of nature with Catalan identity and Christian faith is at the same time unique and breathtaking. We spent the better part of 2 hours exploring inside and out, allowing time for pictures and explanations, enjoying the detail and artistry of the ceiling, the stained glass, and the columns.

Our next stop tied in nicely with the mosaic class from Tuesday. Park Guell is an urban housing development that is less about the houses (only three were ever built) and much more about the land itself. Based around the idea of an English garden city and taken to new levels by Gaudi's creative genius, it blends trencadis mosaic with rock and gardens to provide a privileged panorama with views of the city. The mosaic work, which Gaudi designed, is awe-inspiring both in its beauty and sheer size. The steps leading up to the main terrace, the roof of the guard houses, the serpentine bench, and naturally, Drac, are all wonderful demonstrations of what mosaic could be used for in the modernista movement.

The last stop of the evening was our farewell meal. A request for paella had already been put in, and we drove down to the Olympic Port (taking the long way) and made our way into the restaurant. A double course of seafood paella and Valencia paella, and a few tapas appetizers, washed down with a little sangria, was  a wonderful way to end our tour experience. A great big thank you to the Bishops, Kalinowskis and the Olsens for making my job so much easier, and for providing so much laughter over the last two weeks. Best of luck and we hope to see you again soon!

For more information about planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Day 10 - Wine and Cava Tour - A Passion for a good wine - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

An absolutely beautiful day was in the forecast, although when we got started in the morning there was a fog covering that blanketed the city. Not unusual, given the sudden rise in temperatures and the relatively cool temperatures of the Mediterranean, but the meteorologists proved correct as by mid morning the sun had burned its way through and the morning was proving to be the perfect spring morning. The perfect time to visit the wineries of the Penedes region. When we arrived at Rimarts Cava, Ernest was waiting for us, with another small group also there to sample some wines to which Robert Parker recently gave 90+ points. The exploration of hand-crafted cava really demonstrates how passionate the Rimarts brothers are about their trade, and that passion shines through in every bottle they hand degorge. Watching the degorging of a bottle, done by hand the same way it was done by his father and grandfather, is like watching a scene from a different era. And sampling the wines afterwards is an experience that is almost guaranteed to change how most people think of cava. 


After sampling three great and unique cavas (gran reserva, Chardonnay and Uvae), we were off to our next destination, Mas Comtal. Unlike Rimarts, Mas Comtal concentrates more on its wines, although Assun did offer us each a glass of their remarkable sparkling wine to accompany us as we walked through the vineyards. The great advantage of visiting these smaller, high expression wineries is the chance to really understand the wines. Where they come from, why this variety or that, and how the area influences it all. Rambling among the old and new vines, we learned about the science of growing, the obstacles that an organic/ecological winery like Mas Comtal faces, and just how important it is to be on top of everything throughout the whole process. And having the tasting in the shade in the quiet seclusion of the winery (accompanied by Blum, the chocolate Lab who recognized Darlene immediately as a dog lover) just makes the whole experience so much more personal.

We had decided to stop for lunch on the way back, rather than wait until we got to Barcelona, so off we went to a small local restaurant for a "quick" meal. The salads, fresh pasta, cod and potatoes, chicken and rabbit were all excellent, and we finished our day by returning to Barcelona and saying "hasta mañana" at the Rambla del Mar at the foot of Columbus.

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

Day 9 - Back to Barcelona and a private Mosaic Class - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

We said goodbye to Andalucia bright and early, catching the 9:30 flight up to Barcelona. After transferring back to the hotel, the remainder of the morning was at leisure to relax and unwind a bit after the last few days of travel. At 4:30 we met once more, this time for what had been one of the most anticipated events (at least for Jean) of the entire trip: The Mosaic Course at Can Manetes, in the seaside town of Mataro. The ladies were met at the shop by Elna, who had prepared an afternoon's introduction to mosaic for them. For about three hours they learned about and how to create their own mosaics, which of course they would be keeping upon completion.  For more information and pictures about their experience, check out the Can Manetes Blog.

The gentlemen and I went for on a cultural exploration of the town. Mataro is a city that actually predates Barcelona. It's Roman origins as Iluro can still be seen at the recently recovered Roman Baths, and the destination of the first railway in spain, which went from Barcelona to Mataro in 1848. It was also home to Puig i Cadafalch, one of Modernisme's  most famous architects. Gaudi has a presence here as well, as we saw one of his earlier works which he used as a trial for the development of what would become his signature archway. A walk through the town included the 17th century Saint Mary's Basilica, where you can still see the previous, 11th-century Romanesque church's bell tower behind the "new" facade. After a walk, the guys took advantage of the free time to sample a couple of the best examples from the emerging Catalan microbrew market at The Drunk Monk, as well as to admire the beer list that Sven has compiled.

Upon returning to the rest of the group, we all went out for an enjoyable night of tapas at one of the best local establishments, and even got Steve Kalinowski's birthday cake surprise, complete with a dimming of the lights and a happy birthday song!

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

Day 8 - Onto the Sherry and one last night in Andalusia - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

On our last day in Andalusia, the group crossed through the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema National Park on our way from Seville to Malaga. But first we stopped for a drink. To be more precise, having decided the previous week that a stop in sherry country would be a good idea, we had updated our scheduled route to include a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, home to the world's best sherry producers. Upon successfully navigating the tiny streets and parking the van, we stepped into the Bodegas Tradicion for a cultural-gastronomic experience. The tour guide explained the sherry process, the various types of sherry and the difference between  a VOS (very old sherry) and a VORS (very old and rare sherry). The winery has an added bonus, it´s impressive art collection, including the masters of Spanish art, which gave us a chance to appreciate the culture and heritage of the country, which is linked so closely with this style of wine. The tasting itself allowed them to sample the full range, from dry fino to the rich 40 year old brandy.

From there we headed down the coast to spend our last evening in Malaga. As the drive took us through a lovely natural park, we took the chance and stopped at a local restaurant in the mountains of the Sierra Grazalema for a great locally produced pork loin sandwich before continuing to our final destination in the south. The beautiful sunshine allowed for a perfect afternoon to enjoy the port city. In the evening we went to one of the classic restaurants of the city, El Tintero. Rather than ordering, we simply asked the waiter to bring what was fresh off the grill, and enjoyed a lovely evening of fish, seafood (the favorites being the Rosado and calamari. Then it was off to the hotel and getting ready for our return to Barcelona.

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