The Araya's Experience - Day 6 - Mosaic and Beach

The penultimate day of the Araya's Barcelona vacation brought a different sort of tour. Katherine took advantage of the morning to take a mosaic course with Barcelona Mosaic Workshop. Her three hour course gave her the chance to learn how to recreate some of the impressive mosaic forms she had seen over the past few days at places like Park Guell and Passeig de Gracia. Not only did she learn how to  design, cut and and finish mosaic, but she got to take home the small chest she created as a keepsake of her morning.

After lunch along the Mediterranean we headed up the coast to Tossa De Mar, for an afternoon of exploring the Costa Brava and a bit of shopping! After walking along the 14th century walls and up to the lighthouse for some spectacular views of the Costa Brava's rocky coast. Then back into the center for some shopping before we headed back to Barcelona.

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

The Araya's Experience - Day 3 - Girona and Besalu

 One of the great things about a city like Barcelona is the plethora of excursions that are possible within an easy day's drive. For example, Girona and Besalu. Despite the slightly overcast skies, in stark contrast to the brilliant blue skies of the previous day, our drive up through the rolling farmlands of the Catalan countryside was thoroughly enjoyable. Besalu awaited amongst the dormant volcanoes of La Garrotxa, a 10th century walled city and one of the key towns of early Catalonia. Proof of its importance lies in the Romanic Bridge, an 11th century construction which has been carfeully rebuilt through the ages. The 105 meter long bridge was one of the earliest fortified constructions, but the town is a treasure vault of buildings and streets. the Curia Real, the Monastery of Sant Pere, the Jewish quarter and the Hospital of Santa Julia are some of the buildings waiting to be discovered.

Girona was next on our list, and another jewel of architecture, history and legend. After counting the 93 steps up to the Cathedral, a walk through the widest single nave church in Europe was in order, with special emphasis on the newly restored Creation Tapestry, an 11th century tapestry. A walk along the old city walls, with scenic views from the tower over the valley (the sun was making a valiant attempt to break through) and through the steep and narrow steps of the Jewish Quarter, until we final reached the Eiffel ... Bridge. Built by the famous French firm just a couple of years before the Tower was constructed in Paris, it is one of the 4 bridges that spans the Onyar river. Lunch included learning how to peel shrimp and a delightful apple pie before we returned back to Barcelona with cameras full of pictures and a day full of memories.

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

The Araya's Experience - Day 4 - Undiscovered Barcelona

Katherine in Casa Asia

 On the third day of our tour, we spent the day discovering more of Barcelona. In a city with 2000 years of history, uncovering everything all at once can be a a daunting task. If you have the chance to do it over several days, you can really delve into the various aspects. Today we began with the Passeig de Gracia, a road that originally served to connect Barcelona with the town of Gracia. Home to Barcelona's famous Block of Discord,  everything on the street demonstrates the style of the city, from the Gaudi tiles that line the sidewalks to the intricately designed ironwork lampost to the buildings themselves. We stopped to appreciate the facades of the Casa Batllo, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleo Morera among others. A quick stroll through Vincon (a must for shoppers) and we headed to some of the lesser-known treasures. Casa Asia, with it's amazing ironwork and statues outside, spectacular stairwell and the beautiful views from the rooftop terrace, including the Casa de Puntxes and Sagrada Familia, was definitely a great stop. A walk through the market  area and up to Park Guell ensued. The many modernista buildings that line the streets as you walk can make your neck ache sometimes! 

The Gaudi Cross in Park Guell

And in Park Guell itself, Gaudi expresses his love of nature and his creativity, despite not building the houses. The steps, the benches, the columns and the carefully designed rock walkways bring modernisme to life for the visitor. After a taxi ride down to the Born district, and a quick bite to eat, we continued our exploration. Through the laberinth of narrow streets, we headed over to the Ciutadella Park to see the Arc de Triomf and Gaudi's fountain. From there back to the old city, to see where the Roman coliseum used to be, and what remains of the wall and second aquaduct. A tapas dinner wrapped up the day as a few raindrops began to fall!

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

The Araya's Experience - Day 2 -Snow-capped mountains and Gaudi

The promise of a beautiful day was the perfect setting for our morning trip over to Montserrat Mountain. The sun accompanied us the whole morning served not only to warm up the spring morning but also the brilliant skies with just a couple of wisps of clouds dotting the horizon. As we drove around the mountain, taking in the fantastic panoramic views as we ascended, we talked about the history and legends of the mountain, which has been the cultural and spiritual center of the region for over 1000 years. When we reached the top, the clear day's just reward was as clear as I have ever seen it: the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees!
We sampled some of the local cheeses (my personal favorite was the rosemary goat cheese, Katherine liked the smoked sheep's cheese). Up to the top of the mountain on the funicular (cog rail) we went, to take full advantage of the spectacular vistas. We returned to the monastery and jumped into the short line to visit La Moreneta. 


Afterwards we headed back to Barcelona we went straight over to Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's masterpiece is so unique that one can easily spend a full day just on the outside. Take in all the details, from the celebration of the Nativity Facade to the severe lines of Subirachs figures on the Passion Facade to the flowered tips along the back edge of the church. And then you have the inside, where his true genius lies: in his geometric shapes and the imitation of nature in ways that had previously been unimaginable.

All in all a great day to explore some of the most quintessentially Catalan sites of the region, and get deeper into the culture and in touch with the history of the region.

For more information about private guided tours in Barcelona and Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

The Araya's Experience - Day 1, A Barcelona Panorama

Upon arrival in Barcelona, we headed into the city to hit the ground running. First stop a coffee and a quick snack to adjust to being back on the ground, then we headed into the city center, cameras at the ready and explore all the streets and buildings of the Ciudad Comtal. The morning passed quickly as we twisted and turned through the gothic streets, stopping to sample some traditional sweets and delving into 2000 years of history.

A quick stop at the hotel to check in and freshen up and we were back on the move. We headed over to Montjuic mountain for a panoramic view of the city, a great way to get an overview of the week that awaits. The wind picked up a little bit but nothing too bad, as we took in the views over the port from the Mirador del Alcade and then up to the castle. A coffee in the castle courtyard and some great conversation is one of moments that sticks in your memory. To end the day we drove down to the beach, to walk in the sand along the Mediterranean.

Next up is a visit to Montserrat!

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

Remembering the Titanic 100 years later in Barcelona

100 years later and the tragedy of the Titanic is still headline news around the world. From the re-release of the blockbuster film to exhibitions around the world. And Barcelona, always a city where you can find what almost anything you are looking for, has its own special way of paying tribute. From now through September at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona is offering an inside look at the Titanic, through more than 200 objects direct from the ship. From letters and boarding passes to sun chairs and the complete passenger list (all of which has been lent to the Museum from survivors, family or other museums), visitors will be given a chance to experience what it might have been like on the ship itself for 12 euros (including an audioguide).

The Maritime Museum itself, located at the end of Las Ramblas and once site of the royal shipyard, has a history that dates back over 700 years, and has been the site of the museum since 1941.

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

Barcelona Restaurant Week April 2012

Restaurant week is back again in Barcelona! From April 13 through April 22 more than 30 restaurants in Barcelona will be offering a show of their finest dishes for a fraction of the price. For just 25 euros diners can enjoy a full meal at some of the best establishments in the city, for example the Torre de Alta Mar, with view over the Mediterranean, Galaxo (in the Modernista Hotel Casa Fuster) DO2 and more.

For more information or for help designing a private tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Semana Santa in Galicia - Northwestern Spain

This week we've been talking about Semana Santa away from the "typical tourist" sites. And while, for people within Spain would be quick to name Galicia among the best places to go during Semana Santa, the fact remains that the Northwest of Spain remains a very under-appreciated region for visitors. Best known for it's spectacular Albarino wines and rich variety of seafood, Semana Santa represents one of the highlights of the year. This is, after all, the region that hosts Spain's most visited pilgrimage site in Santiago de Coruña - the final destination for the Camino de Santiago.

With that in mind, today we head to Ferrol along the western coast. Declared a National Touristic Interest Site in 1995 for its processions through the centuries-old town. And while you are visiting, take advantage of your time and try some of the local delicacies, including a personal favorite of Pulpo a la Gallega (grilled octopus with paprika)!

For more information or for help with your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-48-00013.

Dansa de la Mort - a unique celebration

Continuing a theme of smaller celebrations throughout Spain this Semana Santa, today in the small town of Verges close to the Costa Brava. Every year locals come out on Holy Thursday to witness a celebration whose roots go back to the years of the Black Death in Europe, more than 600 years ago. The Dansa de la Mort (Dance of Death) is a depiction of the passing of time and Christianity's belief of victory over it. In Verges it is represented by a group of local actors dressed as skeletons, whose appearance is marked by a loud, somber drum as they enter the streets to the cheers of thousands of people. As with other towns, Verges' own historical center adds to the flavor of the evening. Declared an event of National Historic Significance in 1983, it only happens once a year, and it is yet another reason to love and appreciate the richness of the culture and history of the people who live here.

For more information on planning your own private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-840-0013.

Semana Santa in Baeza, away from the major cities

As I wrote yesterday, Semana Santa goes further than just major cities across Spain. It dives into the roots of the culture. And today I want to talk about one such place: About half way between Sevilla and Madrid, in the olive growing province of Jaen, we find Baeza, a UNESCO world heritage site and a spectacular backdrop for the Semana Santa celebration. Dating back to the 16th century, Good Friday´s Brotherhood of Vera Cruz procession marks one of the highlights, as it walks through the old city, bringing the past into the present as only  a tradition like this one can.

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

Semana Santa - Spain's Easter highlights

Semana Santa. For anyone who's been to Spain during this magical time, those two words conjure images of somber processions, colorful brotherhoods marching slowly under the pressing weight of massive floats, and an experience that can hardly be expressed in just a few words. So why all the hype?

Well, it's among the all of the above and more. It's the sense of community and of oneness (hence the origins of the hooded brotherhoods who carry the cross, symbolizing unity and brotherhood), of an entire town supporting traditions. And for me, therein lies the great secret. Tradition. In a country steeped in tradition, where every small town and big city has its quirks and fairs, in a country as rich in history as Spain, tradition takes the spotlight. And in Semana Santa, it's a tradition that runs throughout the whole peninsula. And for anyone who has the pleasure of visiting, it's a welcoming experience that invites the visitors to share and form a part of the very roots of the culture. It's unique, like Spain itself.

For more informatino or to design your own private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Girona Flower Time - decorating one of Spain's most beautiful cities May 2012

We're officially into Spring and the flowers are in bloom. Semana Santa is just around the corner and as the temperatures rise and the sun grows stronger, I'd like to call attention to this year's Flower Show in Girona, the tempsdeflors, which takes place from May 12 through the 20th.


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

General Strike In Spain March 29, 2012

For anyone who is, or will be travelling in Spain tomorrow, March 29, 2012, please be advised that there is a national strike called that will affect transportation, shops, and most everything else throughout the course of the day.

A different kind of Day Tour in Madrid

When you find yourself in a city like Madrid, it's all too easy to fall into the "tourist trap" cycle of staring at maps, bouncing from one museum to another or even tagging along with 50 other people for a whirlwind tour of the city on a bus. That's an easy option, but not really the one most of us like to take. It is the default mode, and not the recipe for a truly memorable experience. So we have a different solution: a new, unique day tour that combines the culture, history and gastronomy, all without leaving the city itself!

Start the day meeting your local guide at the hotel before heading over to the Royal Palace for a guided tour. Follow that with a walk through the old city before stopping for a gourmet tapas lunch. After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting course in the heart of the city!

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

Las Fallas - Valencia's spotlight celebration

One of the biggest and best celebrations in a country famous for them is upon us: Las Fallas 2012 has arrived in full effect in Valencia! For those people lucky enough to get the chance to live the Fallas first hand, it is a truly unique and exhilirating experience. Every year the streets fill up with the Ninots (giant statues), decorations and people, and the whole city becomes a kaleidescope of colors, sounds and lights. The beauty of Las Fallas is that every year is completely different, as the giant paper-mache floats are burned and artists spend most of the year creating new statues to burn for the next year.

This year's celebration kicked off March 1, and continues through the 19, with each day bringing new Ninots and new celebrations.

To visit Valencia during Las Fallas, or to learn more about this or other Spanish festivals, please contact The Spanish Touch.

May in Spain - A Month of Celebration from Girona to Jerez

May is one of my favorite months to visit Spain. Spring is in full bloom, the weather is great, flowers, food and yet still early enough to miss the massive tourist rush of the summer months. There's so much going on in every corner, it's almost impossible to not catch some great cultural festival. Whether it's the Patios de Cordoba Festival, the Temps de Flors in Girona, Tarraco Viva or the Jerez Horse Fair, visitors have ample opportunities to feel the magic of Spain.

It's a wonderful time with so much on display, so why not take an early summer trip and visit Spain with The Spanish Touch. Let us bring you with us into the heart of the culture and the people, and enjoy a vacation unlike any other!

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

Strolling through history - The Haws' day in Barcelona

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

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

Barcelona Beer Festival - another reason to visit

The weekend of March 9-11 offers visitors to Barcelona a great chance to discover one of the newer aspects of the region: the burgeoning craft beer culture that is gaining prestige in and around the region. As craft brew festivals go, how many of them can claim to be held in a gothic building? The Barcelona Beer Festival will take place in the Gothic cloister at the Sant Agustí Convent of Barcelona More than one hundred beer varieties from around Spain and abroad will be available. 

There will be also workshops and tips about which food & beer combinations work best 8and many can be sampled right at the festival. The festival is free to visit to enter, although drinks are not. This is a great way to get to know more about this blossoming culture and some of the great craft beers being produced! For more information about the festival check out the web link above. Hope to see you there!

For more information about Barcelona or to design a private guided tour of Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Sant Medir - a celebration in Gracia for everyone!

This Saturday in the Gracia district of Barcelona the celebration of Sant Medir will run its annual parade, showering the observers with sweets and candies! The festival dates from the 16th century, and every year on March 3 Gracia brings out its best to impress and especially to make sure everyone has a great time. At 8 o'clock this evening at the Jardinets de Gracia  (continue straight up from the Passeig de Gracia, in front of the Casa Fuster Hotel) the parade, with horses and floats, will bring the celebration to a head with a fireworks display. Come out and join the fun!

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

Besalu, a Jewish City - March 2012

Besalu is a much admired medieval town, popular among locals and tourists alike for its old world charm, winding streets, plethora of hidden corners, stories and legends. Every Sunday in March the town, about an hour and a half north of Barcelona, will be paying homage to its rich Jewish heritage, including theatrical tours, a medieval market and a chance to explore one of the most important historically Jewish neighborhoods in Spain, including the only surviving medieval Mikvah!

For more information or for help planning a private guided tour, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Valentine's Day Ideas from The Spanish Touch

Valentine's Day is here again and around the world people are celebrating, and Spain is no exception. Around the country couples are preparing for a day of fun and romance, from Cadiz to Barcelona. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in one of these places, here are a couple suggestions for making your day a magical and unforgettable experience.

In Barcelona, take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, the winding streets and plazas, or check out the shops of the Born district. After a romantic lunch (maybe at the Oucomballa or Cafe De L'Academia) head over to the Parc del Laberint (Laberynth park), one of the oldest gardens in Barcelona, and explore the maze. In the evening head up to tibidabo for a panoramic view of the city and dinner.


In Madrid, start the day with a delicious breakfast of churros con chocolate for two before heading over to El Prado museum to see how love was depicted by the great masters of art. Afterwards grab a bite to eat in the always colorful St. Miguel Market.   After lunch, head over to Casa del Campo park (and take the cable car out there) or the often-overlooked parque de El Capricho for a lovely stroll. Round off the evening with a romantic dinner in one of the many intimate restaurants that dot the city.

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

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival - New Tour Dates

Come join The Spanish Touch for a truly Andalusian experience this May! Flowers, dancing, culture and maybe even a little bit of Sherry to help you along your way as you join in the celebration of Cordoba's internationally recognized Patio competition, and The Spanish Touch wants to be your personal guide to make your experience a once-in-a-lifetime event!!

 Call us toll-free at 888-480-0013 or visit our website for more information on our current offers. 

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival

May 7: Arrival in Madrid. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Madrid city center. Evening welcome meal.

May 8: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer via AVE high-speed train to Cordoba. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, head over to the old city to wander the narrow streets and engage with the locals during the Patio Festival!

May 9: Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, take a private tour of the city of Cordoba, including the magnificent Mezquita-Cathedral, the old Jewish Quarter and the Roman bridge. After lunch spend the afternoon discovering the beauty of the Patios of Cordoba, which will be in full bloom and brightest display as more than 20 patios vie for the title of best patio of the year.

May 10: Transfer to Sevilla. Mid-day private tour of the Cathedral of Sevilla, the central point of the ancient city, as well as the largest gothic cathedral in the world. After lunch take a walk along the river to see the Torre de Oro, the Bullring and the Maria Luisa Park. Optional Flamenco show in the evening.

May 11: Breakfast at hotel. Morning private tour of Seville city center, including the Alcazar and the old Tobacco factory, scene of the opera Carmen. Afternoon at leisure. Optional Tapas dinner in the evening.

May 12: Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jerez de la Frontera to witness the Royal Equestrian Horse Show before stopping at one of the best wineries for a chance to sample the classic of all Spanish wines: Sherry!

May 13: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer back to Madrid for last evening in Madrid and a farewell dinner at one of Madrid’s classic restaurants.

May 14: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight.

El Invierno, or ideas for Spain in the Winter

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

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

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

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

A Return to Barcelona - 15 Years later - The Tierney's Barcelona Visit

It had been 15 years since Val and Adrienne Tierney last visited Barcelona. Suffice it to say that there have been some changes. Upon meeting them at the airport (and leaving their luggage in the luggage locker at the airport, an almost forgotten feature in modern airports), we headed into the city center for a Gaudi intensive visit. In 1996, the last time they saw it, La Sagrada Familia didn't have a roof. In fact, it didn't have a lot of things that you can see today. While it remains a site under construction, the enclosed central nave and lack of visible construction site (no piles of tools or plaster casts in the central corridor) was a surprise. Val commented that he had expected the change, but it was still shocking to see just how much it has changed!

The weather for an early January day was not too bad, although no sunshine meant that the promised temperatures approaching 60 were never to be. From the Sagrada Familia we headed over to La Pedrera, to continue our Gaudi rediscovery. While the building itself has not changed in 15 years, the presentation certainly has. The city has gone all in to carefully and faithfully restore and make accessible  so many of the jewels of Modernisme throughout the city.

After a brief tapas lunch we headed into the old city. Again, while a city of 2000 years may not have seen the buildings change too much over 15 years, accessibility and navigability have made giants strides. We also took advantage of the season to visit the walk through manger scene set up in front of the Generalitat. Leaving them at the airport to pick up their bags and continue on to Morocco, leaving as friends and wishing them the best on the rest of their trip!

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

Relaxing with Gaudi

The Tierney's took advantage of Gaudi's double chair to relax for a minute after exploring Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera. Gathering energy for the second part of the day!

American tourism up in Barcelona

The global crisis continues to dominate our plans, but the latest statistics from Barcelona Tourism show that Americans are among the most likely to travel to the Ciutat comtal (City of the Counts). American visitors to Barcelona are now the fourth most populous group, behind the neighboring neighboring European countries.  So come along and see what the city has to offer. But there is so much to offer in Barcelona that many visitors only ever scratch the surface!

Contact The Spanish Touch to design your custom private tour of Barcelona and we'll make sure you have an unforgettable time and treat you to a truly authentic Barcelona experience.

The Hospital of Sant Pau reopens its doors

The Hospital of Sant Pau, the largest Modernista complex in the world, today is reopening the complex. After months of restoration, the central buildings of Domenech i Montaner's stunning architectural design have been unveiled again. The most impressive feature is the newly renovated Clock Tower (Torre del Rellotge), which was designed to be a central feature of the complex. The Hospital complex is a series of beautiful, Modernista buildings which are connected via underground hallways and passages, offering the sensation of being in a quiet village rather than a functioning hospital. Originally built in the beginning of the 15th century, the hospital's makeover was completed in the early part of the twentieth century, and has been under renovation since February of 2011.

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

Off Road Adventures in Barcelona

Many people relate Barcelona with it's beaches, which is understandable given its location on the Mediterranean coast. But as we've mentioned before, this city is surrounded on the other side by coastal foothills which provide ample opportunity for anyone looking for a getaway from the city without having to change hotels. Ideas such as hiking in Collserola or horseback riding in Montseny are just a couple of possibilities.

Today I want to give you another choice: take a quad ride through the Montnegre National Park. In addition to the fun of the ride, you will have access to some spectacular mountain trails and at the top, a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean. Given the temperate climate of the region, this is an activity that can be done all year long, so don't let the approaching winter hold you back!

For more information, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Visiting wineries with The Spanish Touch

One of the reasons visiting a winery with The Spanish Touch is such a unique experience is our relationship with the wineries themselves. We bring people to the wineries where they can talk to the winemaker or sommelier, someone directly involved in the process who can answer your questions. Last week Paula and David Klein experienced this service firsthand.

Between sampling new wines and learning about the newest trends in Penedes, we stopped for lunch and asked some interesting questions of the winemakers and discovered the fascinating evolution of the wine world in Catalunya.

For more information or to plan a private wine tour in Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

A Day Making Wine with The Spanish Touch

At The Spanish Touch we are always looking for ways to make your experience more personal, unique and especially more unforgettable. This year's January and February Truffle Tours feature an optional day of learning to blend your own wines at a local winery! We've decided to add this exciting new option this year in addition to the chance to go on the hunt for truffles and enjoy some of the finest in local Spanish culture and cuisine. 

For  more information or for help planning your private Spanish tour, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.  

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

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

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

Barcelona has Restaurant Week, Valencia has Cuina Oberta

For the last week almost 30 top restaurants around Barcelona have been celebrating Barcelona Restaurant Week by offering a selected menu for just 25 euros. This weekend is the last weekend to take advantage of this great offer (at least until next year). But if you aren't in the northeastern area, you can also check out the restaurants in Valencia, which through November 27 features 82 restaurants that are offering set menus for lunch (25 euros) or dinner (30 euros) to tempt the palate. This is another initiative of the Valencian community to draw visitors' attention to the mouthwatering diversity of the region's cooking, which extends well beyond the   measures of Paella. 

But Cuina Oberta, like the gastronomic selection of the region, also extends beyond the borders of the kitchen. This weekend you can take a workshop on cooking, tour local wineries or even head down to the Albufera for a Paella cooking (and eating) class.

If you can't make it this weekend, fear not! As the world opens its eyes to the delights and diversity of Spanish cuisine, these events will become more accessible and more common, meaning more eye-opening and mouthwatering ways to spend your vacation in Spain!

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

Thanksgiving in Spain

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

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

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

Ice Skating in Barcelona? 'Tis the season!

This year in the city of Barcelona there is a plan to set up the Mediterranean version of Rockefeller center's ice rink in the center of the Plaza Catalunya. While many of the details are still unconfirmed, it appears as if the skating rink will be set up in the center of the square, which is right at the top of Las Ramblas, and is one of the main plazas in the city. The idea is to offer people the opportunity to step onto the ice from December 2 through January 9, including all the major holidays of the season. As of yet Barcelona city hall has yet to confirm the plan, but if it proceeds it will add another aspect to an already vibrant holiday scene in the capital of Catalunya.

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

Dance of the Giants - Barcelona's medieval culture on the streets

This Saturday evening, starting at 6:30 in front of the Santa Maria del Mar church in the historic Born district of Barcelona, is the 8th annual Dance of the Giants (Ballada del Gegants). The giants, whose history dates back to medieval times, will meet in front of the 14th century church and begin their dance. Then, at 7:15 they will parade through the streets of the Born district, just as they might have done 500 years ago. The parade ends where it begins, with a dance inside the church itself at 8:15. A great way to cap off a Saturday in Barcelona, and then why not go for some tapas in the area, which hosts one of the city's most vibrant tapas scenes!

For more information or for help planning a private trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

The Medieval Fair in Vic - Catalan history comes alive!

During the middle ages, Vic was one of the most important and powerful cities in Catalonia, and the fair, which recreates the city as it was in the 15th century, brings people from all over. The town of Vic itself lends to the authenticity of the show, as it is replete with buildings still standing from those times, including the cathedral, the Episcopal Museum, the walls and the Mercadal.

From December 5 through 8, the 16th annual Mercat Medieval de Vic will allow you to see demonstrations of how craftsmen of the time operated, eat the traditional foods and all the other activities you expect to find at a fair like this, but there are also medieval dance classes and the traditional Catalan Correfocs. It´s a great way to enhance your visit to Spain and your appreciation for the history of the region.

For more information about visiting local fairs or for help arranging your private guided tour to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Chestnuts roasting for Castanyada, or Halloween in Barcelona

For visitors to Barcelona at the end of October, one of the first things that stands out is the smell of roasting chestnuts on the street. Walk a block in the old city and you're bound to see one of these stalls, with a large metal bowl being heated by a small fire and filled with the unmistakeable aroma that I had previously associated with blustery winter days in New York.

But the Castanyada is a Halloween tradition in Catalonia. Furthermore, it dates back more than 200 years, although, like it's more commercial counterpart, it finds its roots in the festival of All Saints Day the following day. And like Halloween, the festival is particularly popular among children, who eat these tasty treats (as well as local cookies and sweets called panellets) with gusto. The image of the Castanyada is traditionally a woman (La Castanyera, who collects the chestnuts) wrapped in an old coat sitting in front of  a bowl of roasting chestnuts.  

Popular legend attributes the idea of eating roasted chestnuts to the enormous amount of energy contained within, enough to keep vigilant family and friends awake through the night to keep the evil spirits away from the cemeteries. But whatever the original reason, the tradition has taken hold and now provides locals and visitors alike with an alluring smell as they wander the streets of Barcelona.

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

Here comes the rain, bring back the mushrooms!

It has been an unusually dry start to the autumn months here in Spain, and while beachgoers and sunlovers everywhere were enjoying the lasting sun and drinking in the lingering summer feeling, the unseasonable weather has not come without consequences. We are now in full-blown mushroom season, and yet the mushroom fairs and market stalls are strangely less-than-full. The reason? with no rain, the mushrooms haven't been growing right. They've even had reports of struggling to fill the stands this year at local mushroom festivals. But this week started off right. While i am not usually one to smile at the vision of gray clouds unleashing months of pent up rain on my head on a Monday morning, this marks one of the few times that it did. Because with the rain comes the mushrooms, and it's about time! There's still time to enjoy the mushroom season, with it's large variety of species growing wild and ready to be picked. A trip to the mountains is in store in the not too distant future!

For more information on mushroom season in Spain, or to create your personal itinerary for a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Mercat de Mercats this weekend in Barcelona - up close and personal at the Market!

Anyone looking for a closer look into the wonderful world of Catalan cuisine this weekend has to go no further than the Cathedral in Barcelona. From Friday October 21 at midday through Sunday evening, the second annual "Mercat de Mercats" fair will be held, with dozens of market stalls offering the best of local products and more than 60 different activities, including demonstrations and presentations from top chefs like Joan Roca (El Celler de Can Roca) Xavier Pellicer (Can Fabes) and Mey Hofmann (Hofmann).

This year the market will also focus on the quality and diversity of the local wines and cavas, with the heading of Celler de Sumillers, offering tastings of wine, olive oils, coffees, cheese, etc. Ferran Centelles, somillier for El Bulli restaurant, will be offering a talk all about the wines of Catalonia!

It promises to be a great way to get to better konw the local products and its convenient location in front of the Cathedral makes it an ideal way to spend a few hours this weekend in Barcelona.

For more information or to plan a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 1-888-480-0013.

Valencia Paella - an appellation unto itself

In Spain, the Denominacion de Origen (DO) is the seal of quality usually reserved for wines. It refers to specific wines from specific regions, produced in a specific way which guarantees a high quality product. Outside of wines, the DO label is reserved for only the top of certain foods, including cheeses, olives and olive oils, and now, finally, Paella. The Paella Valenciana Tradicional, often considered the most "authentic" of the paellas, has been awarded this prestigious award in deserved recognition of the consistent quality and characteristics of one of Spain's most popular dishes.

The DO label means that any paella that wants to be considered a real Valencia Paella will need to stick to a very controlled set of ingredients and be cooked in a particular way. This guarantee is sure to be a great help to people who are looking for a real paella, and want to avoid the typical tourist trap places that sell frozen paellas to unwary visitors.

The designation coincides with the region's Gastronomic Week at First Class hotels, which hig-hlights the local cuisine as a true Spanish treasure.

For more information or to plan a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 1-888-480-0013.

Toro region highlights more than just great wine

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

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

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

Lugo - a study in Galician Contrast

Lugo is characterized by its contrasting scenery. The coast offers beaches and panoramic views to seduce even the most hardened visitor. The mountain zone to the East offers the essence of Galicia’s interior, a nature almost completely untouched brimming with life.

The A Mariña area is famous for its sandy beaches, and we can also find ancient dolmens and forts, remains of the Celtic communities, as well as a number of medieval monuments and monuments that tell the story of the region.

In the most mountainous region, O Caurel are perhaps the most complete of the Galician Sierras,  where you will find the "Devesa da Rogueira", possibly the most representative example of the Galician flora, with a number of fantastic hiking and biking trails.

In the city of Lugo itself, do not miss the chance to visit the Roman Walls, which run for 2km and feature 10 doors – 5 old and 5 new – especially the Porta Miñá, which has undergone the least modification since its inception. The Cathedral is also worth a visit. 

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

Hiking tours in Barcelona - Montseny

A spectacular autumn in Barcelona has provided for perfect hiking in nearby Montseny. Just an hour from the bustling downtown are routes for all levels of hikers. From casual, gentle routes for those who want a day to enjoy the breathtaking scenery to challenging climbs for those wishing to measure themselves against the imposing Turo de L'Home, the mountain is a treasure chest waiting to be opened.

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

High cuisine in Valencia

From October 17 through the 23rd, the city of Valencia will become a focal point for alta cocina, as 10 5-star hotels from aroudn the region offer their finest dishes for the very reasonable price of just 30 euros a plate (for lunch, the price goes up to 40 euros for dinner). The goal of this Semana Gastronomica de First Class Hotels is to inform people of the wealth and tradition of the Valencian kitchen, sometimes overlooked by Madrid and Catalonia, or else pigeonholed for its Paella and horchata (both or which, naturally, fully deserve any and all praise that they recieve).

This is a great opportunity for people to discover more about the tradition and extensive possibilities of Valencia as a foodie haven.

The participating hotels are:
SH Valencia Palace, SH Villa Gadea, Westin Valencia, Denia Marriot Hotel, Hospes Palau de la Mar, Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Villa Venecia Hotel Boutique, Gran Hotel Villaitana Golf & Business Resort, SHA Wellness Clinic , La Calderona SPA & Sport Hotel


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

Saint George and the dragon

Saint George (San Jordi) is ubiquitous in the Barcelona region. Take a look around the city, the towns and villages and you will see representations everywhere. From the Regional Government building to hidden corners in parks like this one, from classic images to Subirach's statues, Saint George stands guard over the region in constant vigilence.

For more information or to plan you private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.
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Small town treasures

When you get the chance to wander through small towns in Spain, you usually find hidden treasures, like this moderniste building juxtapositioned with a neoclassical 18th century church.
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The Pickett's Barcelona Experience - A farewell dinner with Gracia

The final evening before you catch the return flight is always an adventure. And when we picked up the Picketts at 8:00 for our farewell dinner, we wanted to make sure that their last meal in Barcelona was as special as the rest of their trip. So we headed into Gracia to a lovely little restaurant featuring Catalan fusion cuisine. As it is not a place that is frequented by too many tourists, the menu was only available in Spanish and Catalan. But after a week Jackie was able to figure out some of the menu, and Elna helped with the rest. We finally got to raise a toast with cava, and spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening reliving the highlights of the week over a wonderful meal. We enjoyed the meal in traditional style, over 2 and a half hours. It was a pleasure to be able to share a table with them, and I hope that their time in Spain will always be one of happy memories, as we have of them!!

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

The Pickett's Barcelona Experience - The Romance of Girona

As the last full day of the tour approached, it is was easy to look back at the week with the Picketts and say that the time had certainly been well spent! Having seen Barcelona, Tarragona, the Costa Brava and Dali's museum, the last day was reserved for the city that always ranks as one of Spain's premier quality-of-life cities: Girona. Maybe it's the surrounding farmlands, or the proximity of the Pyrenees, or the 4 rivers calming influence, but Girona is one of those cities that just feels like a medieval city. From the moment you cross over the bridge over the Onyar river and into the Lionesses' square, standing at the feet of the Sant Feliu church, with the profile of the Cathedral rising over head, it's like you have stepped back into a simpler, more relaxed and rustic time.

As we arrived at the same time as two large tour groups, we decided to take an alternate route through the city, so as not to have to fight the crowds the whole time. First up was the 12th-century Romanesque Sant Pere de Galligants church. As we crossed over the dammed Galligants river and back into the original walled section of the city, we saw the passeig, the old defensive walls and from there you can understand why the French once had such a difficult time taking the city.

A short winding walk up the cobbled streets led us to the Arab Baths, a misnomer as the Moors whose construction was copied by the people of Girona in the 12th century had long since been expelled. From there we headed into the church of Sant Feliu, and soaked up the legend and history of the church and it's patron saint. 

                                                 

A quick stop for coffee and we were back, climbing up to the Cathedral itself, the widest single nave church in Europe boasting some spectacular chapels and the treasury. The path back down through the town started at the top of the walls, with a spectacular panorama and then through the gardens and narrow stone streets where you could find the balconies with hanging plants, a cafe with 3 tables taking up the available space at a conjunction of streets, everything you would imagine of an old European city in its romance and vibrancy. 

For more information or for assistance planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-013.

Romesco Sauce - Traditional Catalan Sauce recipe

Salsa Romesco is a sauce that is traditionally associated with calçots and eaten during the wintertime. That said, this sauce can also be used for vegetables, meats and a wide variety of other plates and dishes.

Nyora Pepper

The key ingredient in the salsa is the nora (nyora in Catalan) pepper, a type of dried red pepper originally from the Valencia area. This pepper is sold dried and is typical in Catalonia and Valencia. It can be found in specialty stores but if you have trouble finding it it can be substituted with a sweet, mild dried red pepper.

This is our recipe for making the Romesco:

Ingredients (4 people):
40 gr of toasted almonds / 40 gr toasted hazelnuts / 1 clove of garlic / 5 ripe tomatoes / 1 onions / 3 nora peppers / 1 slice of baguette / olive oil / vinager / salt

Romesco Sauce

Process:

• Heat the oven and put the onion and garlic colve on a oven-safe plate with a pinch of salt and a shot of olive oil. Cover with aluminum foil for 1 hour at 350ºF.
• Do the same with the tomatoes, but leave them uncovered.
• Soak the nora peppers for 10 minutes in warm water. Cut them open and scrape our the pulp.
• Fry the slice of bread with the hazelnuts and almonds.
• Put the onion, the clove of garlic, the nora pepper pulp, tomatoes, nuts and bread in a blender and mix it all together. 
• Add olive oil, a little bit at a time, to acheive desired consistency.
• Add salt and vinager to taste.

Check out our food tours in Spain and our Cooking Classes!

The Spanish Touch

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CavaTast 2011 - a weekend to discover the wonders of Spain's premier sparkling wine

From October 7 - 9 the town of San Sadurni, the epicentre of cava, will open its doors to wine lovers from around the world for CavaTast 2011. For three days the wineries of the region will host a giant open house throughout the whole town, with courses on tastings, food pairings, live music, cooking classes, and much more. Some examples that we are especially looking forward to seeing are the food pairings with chocolate, the cava process with samples of hwo the wine evolves, and and the cooking demonstration featuring traditional Catalan dishes where cava is one of the principal elements. 

For information or to join us on a private wine and cava tour, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013. Cheers and see you there!

Of Trains, Churches and Parks - The Lamonte Group's Barcelona Day Trip

A full day's visit with the 6 members of the group began with a pickup at the hotel at 8:45. Being in a hotel on Las Ramblas has many advantages, but one disadvantge is that it makes getting out of the city a bit more complicated, especially at rush hour. Nonetheless we braved the traffic and made our way over to Montserrat. When we arrived at the Cremellera the group members were thrilled to discover that we were taking the traditional train line up the mountain, allowing us all the chance to enjoy the scenery and take (lots of) pictures as we climbed up to 900 meters and the monastery. With the end of summer's unsual heat still a worrying factor, we immediately began our trek down (via the funicular train, another bonus for our train lovers!) to the Sagrada Cova, winding our way along the Path of the Rosary and stopping for explanations and photo ops. I have always loved the way the train operators tell you that it's a twenty minute hike, when the reality is much closer to 45 minutes each way. But we made it and back just in time to sneak into the basilica to catch L'escolania boys choir sing the Virolai, the traditional Catalan hymn to the Blessed Virgen of the Mountain.

After a quick lunch at the Monastery cafeteria, we headed back down the mountain on the train and back to Barcelona for an afternoon of Modernisme. First stop along the way: The Sagrada Familia. The question always arises when visitors come: inside or outside? Today the group was split 50/50 on the answer. We finished up at the temple at 5:30 and made our way to our final destination for the day, Park Guell. Gaudi's urban adventure hardly needs explanation, with its sinuous paths and impressive mosaics.

For more information on planning a private guided visit to Barcelona or Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

For anyone who has been to Girona, watch this!

@JustTravelous: Watch this video and you will fall in love with the Catalans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_Je9Oh7e5E&feature=share #InPyrenees #goosebumps


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The Pickett's Barcelona Experience - Dali and the Costa Brava

After a day off to explore the treasures of Barcelona on their own, Jackie and Walt and I once more met at the hotel early in the morning for our longest drive of the week: Figueres and the Costa Brava. For anyone who is interested in art, has ever heard of Salvador Dali, or simply wants to experience an art museum like never before, Dali's self-designed Theater Museum in Figueres is a must. From the raining taxi in the entrance to the beating heart in the jewelry section, the museum never ceases to surprise and amaze those who pass through it. Dali's sketch interpretations of The Divine Comedy and Don Quixote were highlights this time through.

Next we headed off to the coast, and the famously picturesque village of Cadaques. After a spectacular rice lunch we enjoyed the perfect late summer weather and the relative emptiness of the town as we strolled through the streets, up the staired and twisting passages which often hide lovely views of the inlet and/or the whitewashed town itself.  


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

The Pickett's Barcelona Experience - Barcelona's Modernistas

Today's tour with Walt and Jackie took us to, for many, the highlight of any trip to Barcelona: The Sagrada Familia. Barcelona's history is one of continual change and advancement with a great respect for its heritage and roots. And perhaps the highest expression of this is the Modernista movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  And for many the highest expression of the movement is Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece. The Pickett's visit first thing in the morning meant that the Sagrada Familia was easy to navigate, and its sheer size allows for people to get lost in the details, both inside and outside.   With time to enjoy the temple we took in the details of the intricate facades and towers, as well as the columns and windows on the interior of the still unfinished building.

After an enjoyable experience of discovery and fascination we continued back to the old city, to visit La Boqueria and Las Ramblas for a short walk to finish the day. The colors, smells and sounds of the city's most famous street proved a wonderful compliment to the Sagrada Familia. The day finished with leaving the Pickett's at the cable car of Montjuic mountain, and leaving them to enjoy the remainder of the day on the mountain.

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