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.

The Patios of Cordoba and a picnic on the patio - Day 7 - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

Sunday morning found the group with some free time in Sevilla. As Concepcion had mentioned a number of things to do in the city, ideas were not hard to come by. The Cathedral was visited, streets were explored, and the time passed quickly. At 12:30 we were off to witness another UNESCO World Heritage site: Cordoba. It's not just the Mezquita/Cathedral of Cordoba that's on the list, it's the whole city center. First was lunch. After seeing the Mother's Day mobs in the restaurant, we decided on an impromptu picnic. Lola, our guide, was a great help, finding us a sandwich bar and helping with the orders. Once everyone had a sandwich - and a couple of local pastries for dessert - we stopped in the patio of the Mezquita, in the shade of the bitter orange trees (which, as Lola later explained are easily discernible from sweet oranges by their leaves) to picnic and prepare ourselves for the afternoon tour.


La Mezquita, the Moorish mosque that has been transformed into a church, is one of the greatest testaments to how important Cordoba was. The mosque had room for 25000 worshippers back in the times when Cordoba was under the caliphs and was one of the biggest cities in the West. Lola took us through section by section, explaining how parts were recycled, why so many columns and much more, always in an engaging and charming demeanor. Steve Kalinowski took up the challenge on getting a good picture in one particularly tricky area with light contrasts and extreme detail in the carving. We sat by the organs and learned the history of the Church before we headed out of the Mezquita to explore the rest of the old city. As it was Mother's Day, and the Patios of Cordoba Festival, and a spectacular Sunday afternoon, there were more than a few people out exploring. But Lola, like Rosa in Granada, seemed to find ways to make our experience that much more intimate.

From the Jewish synagogue to the preeminent eye doctor of the Moorish empire, Lola kept us intrigued and laughing all the while until we parted company. The last stop was the Patios. Cordoba's Patio festival dates back to 1918, and was designed to bring the culture, architecture and patrimony of this national treasure into the limelight. After a couple of queues that were too long, we found a couple of patios from the 50+ that were open to the public. Such colors, such vibrancy, such a unique experience!

Arriving back in Sevilla in time for a small tapas dinner, we stopped at the restaurant next door to the hotel. On this quiet back street of the Santa Cruz quarter, it's almost hard to believe that just a few meters away are the loud, busy and a different kind of fun than we were looking for this evening. A quiet tapas dinner, with a nice sangria, was just was was needed. Oh, and a Vespa with a whitewashed spare tire on it to boot, but maybe that's a different story.

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

Day 6 - Andalucia in the Rain - Antequera and Seville - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

The one thing about springtime is that you can't do much about the weather. The forecast was for rain, and rain we got. Lucky for us this morning was primarily spent in the car as we left Granada to cross Andalusia to Seville. Along the way we stopped in the town of Antequera. The rain was falling, but not too hard so up we went to discover a different kind of Spain from what we had seen up to this point. Antequera is a smaller town but one that in its day was important, as evidenced by the Arco de Gigantes, a 16th century triumphant arch complete with Roman relics. We toured the 3 meter thick outer walls, and climbed the watch tower and finished the tour in the Colegiada de Santa Maria, which was the church that was a trial run for the Cathedral of Granada.

A quick lunch stop and off we went to Sevilla. Our hotel being in the heart of the Santa Cruz district, our guide met us there to begin the tour at 4:30. Thankfully the rain, which during the drive had been a constant companion, seemed to have been waiting for us to arrive in Sevilla to call it a day, stopped. And blue skies were visible for the first time all day. First stop: the massive Cathedral. The third largest Cathedral in Europe, and the largest purely Gothic, it houses paintings by Murillo, amazing vaults and the tomb of one Hernando Columbus. As well as his father, Christopher. The well traveled and often disputed explorer's bones, which in 2006 were definitively proven to be his thanks to the presence of his son's tomb, are held aloft by the four kingdoms that made up the newly formed Spain.

The tour continued through the Alcazares Reales where Concepcion explained to us the difference between Moorish and Mudejar architecture, then showed us several key differences as we explored the different palaces of how we could easily tell that, unlike the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra, this was a Mudejar building. The gardens of the Alcazar are a combination of French, Italian and English styles, and a pleasure to walk through on a springtime evening. As we made our way back to the hotel through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter and the Barrio of Santa Cruz, Concepcion explained the history and cultural expressions of the city and the neighborhood, bringing the streets and plazas into a different light which made it much easier to connect with.

After a nonstop tapas tour of Andalucia, the group decided it was time to sit down and have a proper meal. So we walked over to the Bullring, stopping along the way at the Guadalquivir River. We also passed what looked to be a wedding in the Bullring (hmm, high heels on the sand of the ring, can't imagine that would be too comfortable) before hitting the restaurant for oxtail, shrimp croquettes and other savory dishes.

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

Day 5 - The magnificence of the Alhambra and eating our way through Granada - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

 The Alhambra is always a highlight. It's just difficult to put into words exactly what it is to someone who has never seen it before.  It is, as several people throughout the day mentioned, the kind of place you could easily spend several days in, and never take the same picture twice. We met Rosa at the entrance to the Alhambra, and started into the fortress grounds right away. The group being gardeners, we decided to hold off on the Generalife gardens until after visiting the palaces, so that we could have more time. So we began our visit with the Alcazaba fortress and the old city, first crossing over the original aqueduct that brought water from 6km up the mountain directly into the palaces. The Alhambra is a site in constant renovation, and Rosa explained as we saw the archaeological dig the problems they have had in balancing everything. We stopped in a small shop to get a first hand explication about how the Moors made their intricate inlaid wooden objects from a local craftsman before heading through the Portal de Vino into the most visible part (from the exterior), the towers and the fortress. From up top on the towers you have a panoramic view over the city of Granada, tucked in beneath the Alhambra and rising up the Albaicin on the other side. But the true treasure of the Alhambra awaited us in the Nazrine Palaces.

Rosa led us through the Nasrid Palaces expertly, and not just because of her obvious knowledge and passion for what she does. The Alhambra receives over 8000 visitors a day, and the palaces are not usually a sea of tranquility for people. But as we walked through the various rooms, she kept up away from the large groups and made the whole experience much more intimate than otherwise would have been possible. There is little one can say to explain the beauty of the palaces, even having been there before. It is truly one of those magical places.

After a quick return to the woodworker's store and a stop for coffee, we entered into the Generalife gardens.  The gardens, which used to be used primarily for food, are beautifully maintained. And it's easy to imagine life in the summer palace, with it's spectacular central garden and fountains.

After saying goodbye to Rosa and heading back into town, we stopped again for a quick spot of tapas and then to freshen up a bit at the hotel. We met again at 4 to go over to the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, burial site of the Catholic Monarchs and their children. A visit to the Renaissance Cathedral and a stop by the spice shops followed before another stop for churros con chocolate. As all of us wanted churros, the waiter brought us a "half a wheel" of churros along with the chocolate. It took a surprisingly short period of time to polish it off (admission: I am fairly certain I ate most of the wheel) and once more we returned to the hotel to rest up for dinner. Tonight was the ir de tapas night, bouncing from one tapas bar to another to sample a selection of plates. As we began early by Granada standards for a Friday night (we met at 8:15 to get started), there wasn't much problem in finding places. Three hours, 5 restaurants and an evening full of laughter later, we called it a night.

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

Day 4 - Welcome to Andalucia and the gardens of Granada - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

An early pick up at the hotel for a morning flight to Malaga was on the menu for this morning. The hour-long flight to the capital of the Costa del Sol was enjoyable, and the pilot pointed out Sierra Nevada as we flew over  the highest mountain in southern Europe. After arriving in Malaga and picking up our rental car, we started our inland drive to Granada. One of the things that often surprises people is just how mountainous Spain is. the drive from Malaga to Granada is rarely a flat one, as we drove past countless olive groves and smaller towns. We reached Granada and our hotel, a converted 16th century palace, with enough time to relax a bit and grab a bite to eat before Rosa met us at the hotel to show us around the city. The hotel's location made it easy to find a restaurant, and we took a seat outside for lunch at a nearby place that looked inviting.

One of the the things I love most about Granada is their penchant for including a tapa with every drink you order. Our first tapa was migas con chistorra, fried bread crumbs with sausage, and our table was soon filled with a several more plates. Mealtime in southern Spain is really an experience in itself. There is no concept of hurry at all. And the fact that today coincided with the Fiesta de las Cruces meant that there were a number of people in traditional dress, from little girls dressed in flamenco dresses to men riding their horses in full regale.

Rosa met us at the hotel at 4:00 and we began our adventure through Granada. The vibrancy of the city throughout the day was tangible, and Rosa guided us expertly through the winding streets of the old city, directing us to some of the most beautiful cruces in the city. As we walked she explained the long, often complicated history of the people of Granada (converting to Christianity, then to Islam, then back to Christianity, etc.) and showed us some of the many carmens (gardens) of the city. As we walked up the old Albaicin quarter, we encountered a full fledged celebration in one of the upper plazas. After maneuvering through the crowds and up to Saint Nicholas lookout for a beautiful view of the Alhambra, we walked down the more direct route and passed through the calle de te, filled with tea shops and nifty little shops. Rosa left us for the day at the bottom of the street, and we headed back to the hotel.


Dinner was a sit down affair, the restaurant was reasonably empty given the early hour (it was, after all, only 8:30), and we all enjoyed some splendid local cuisine. Highlights included Susan's fish, Darlene's venison and the bottle of red wine.

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

Markets, Picnics and Marches - Day 3 - Montserrat with the Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

Wednesday we got an early start so as to make an unscheduled visit to the Boqueria market first thing in the morning. Meeting the group at the hotel, we headed down cto Las Ramblas again, this time with the singular intention of visiting the largest covered market in Europe before embarking on our scheduled trip to Montserrat. La Boqueria first thing in the morning is really the best time to visit, before the crowds descend upon it and you can really explore the stalls. And explore them we did, starting with the colorful fruits and delicious candies that greet you just past the modernista entrance sign. We took in the sights, sounds and smells of the early morning market, from the massive tuna head to the fruit juice stands and dried fruit stops, it was a great start to what promised to be another fun adventure.

The drive up Montserrat, aside from providing spectacular views of the mountain and the surrounding terrain, provides the opportunity to explain the history and some of the legends surrounding what for many people represents the true heart of Catalunya, both spiritually and culturally, which are often intermingled freely here. Examples of this mixing of religion and culture abounded along our "march" down to the Sagrada Cova, site of the original angelic visions over 1100 years ago. The sculptures and statues that line the path were built around the turn of the 20th century, and represent the modernista movement's reverence for religion, nature and Catalunya all in one. As representations of the mysteries of the rosary, their religious implications are clear. The repeated images of dragons and roses (Saint George is here again) and flowers, culminating in Puig i Cadafalch's amazing cross and Gaudi's resurrection scene. Having survived the march (which is in fact just about a mile down and back up), we head into the monastery, arriving with about 15 minutes to spare to hear the Escolania boys choir. The church filled to hear Europe's oldest boys choir, and then emptied to allow us the chance to explore the mostly 19th century reconstructed church.

As we walked back to the car, we stopped to buy a loaf of bread and some locally produced cheese. Upon arriving at the car, we sat down, enjoyed the views over the valley, and enjoyed a picnic lunch with bread, cheese, some dried fruit picked up at La Boqueria earlier and some cupcakes that Elna had made for George's birthday. A lovely lunch and a great way to end our day in Montserrat. Up next, Andalusia here we come!

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

Day 2 - or adventures in a Mediterranean city - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

Tuesday morning the group met, refreshed and rested, ready to hit the town. Today is Barcelona day. A chance to see the city up close and personal. Our visit to the city center coincided with Spanish Labor Day, so many shops were closed, but it also meant that we had more free reign in the sometimes tight lanes of the Gothic Quarter. As one of the group is the organist for her church, this morning we took the liberty of stopping in at Santa Maria del Pi, an unexpected stop but one where the organ was playing on through partially refurbished pipes. The church itself, with it's massive rose window and unique Catalan Gothic architecture, is a great place to visit. As the least visited of the three main churches in the old city, it retains a certain small town charm. That charm was quickly fused with the vibrant reality of the city from the moment we stepped from the stone lit interior into the bright sunlit plaza on the other side of the door. The local products market in the Plaza del Pi provided samples of cheeses and other delicacies before winding our way over to Las Ramblas.

Our morning visit of the old city having left us ready for a refill, we headed over to the Born district for some tapas. On the way we passed street stalls and vendors who were selling hand crafted products, then walked past Santa Maria del Mar church before alighting for lunch. We came, we saw, we ate. Then we proceeded to go across the city and up to Montjuic for a panoramic view of Barcelona. Well, that was the plan. It was interrupted along the way, however, by hundreds of spectators and lots of police who were trying to get some stranded tourists down from the Statue of Columbus at the foot of Las Ramblas. It appears that somehow 6 tourists had been stuck up there for hours, and the resulting convergence of traffic meant that everyone got a great view of the statue from a variety of slightly different angles.

We finally made it up to Montjuic, and a chance to see the city we had just spent the morning exploring from above. We also stopped into the Olympic Stadium, site of Carl Lewis' dominance and over to the Palau Sant Jordi structure, site of the original Dream Team. At the end of the day we headed back into the city with a dinner reservation (with a surprise) awaiting and Montserrat calling for the following morning.

For more information or to plan your own private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-80-0013.

Immersion in Medieval Culture - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Day 1

Sometimes a trip comes together at the last minute. Sometimes it comes after months of planning. Such was the case with the Bishop/Kalinowsky/Olsen group who arrived on Monday. The process began back in December, and after numerous emails, phone calls and months of planning arrival day came. Meeting at the airport, we headed directly into the heart of Catalunya's history: Montblanc's Setmana Medieval.  Think of it as a giant Renaissance fair, in a walled city. Everyone in the town gets involved, from the costumes and banners throughout to the the children parading, and even the local supermarkets hung burlaps signs befitting the era.

As we walked through the Bove gate, we walked into a different place. Welcome to your vacation. Stopping at the various stalls, with the pastries being of particular interest, we made our way winding through the streets lined with centuries-old buildings to the Gate of Sant Jordi. Sant Jordi, or St George, is the patron saint and according to Catalan tradition, it is in front of the walls of Montblanc where he slayed the dragon.

A trip to the Santa Maria Cathedral, home to the Catalan Courts in the 14th century,  and a walk along the upper levels provided spectacular views over the city. As the rain was holding out, we were able to get a clear view of the activities and parades, as well as see the walls that once demarcated one of the region's most important cities. One of the interesting things to note were the numerous balconies throughout the old city, and how they were decorated and used. After a brief pit stop for a coffee, we headed up to the Pla de Santa Barbera, where the Castle of Montblanc once stood.

Lunch was a tapas affair. Iberian ham, sausages, peppers and sangria were shared. But dessert was to be eaten on the street. At one of the stalls we had passed earlier, which was selling all manner of Coques, a local pastry. Chocolate and Cabello de Angel pastries were bought, and shared among the group. A spot more of sightseeing and back to the car to get back to Barcelona, tired but satistied.

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

Malaga - more than just the gateway to the Costa Del Sol

For years the city of Malaga was famous more for what it was close to than what it is. People arrived in Malaga only to depart immediately for the tourist haven that is the Costa del Sol. But recent years have seen great strides made in Malaga's infrustructure, and people are starting to take more notice of this 2000 year old city. The Roman Amphitheater, the Moorish Alacazaba-Gibralfaro Castle complex on top of the hill, and Pablo Picasso have all done their part to bring the spotlight off the hotels and beaches of its neighbors and onto Malaga itself. The Spaniards themselves are noticing the change as well. No other Spanish city experienced more growth in tourism in the first quarter of 2012 than Malaga. Locals as well as visitors from other countries are discovering the treasures of a city that genuinely reflects its people, a city of almost half a million that can make you feel like you're in small town Spain with the friendliness and relaxed attitude of its people, the sunsoaked streets and plazas and plethora or fantastic restaurants along the beach.

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

The Araya's Experience- Day 7 - La Pedrera & Tarragona

On their last full day Victor and Katherine got to see one of the best known sites in Barcelona, eat a delicious paella and visit one of the region's oft-overlooked treasures. It began with a bit of a complication. 24,000 complications actually. The annual Bombers 10K race attracted thousands early on Sunday morning, meaning crossing the Gran Via was slightly more complicated than usual. But having accomplished that, we we off to Gaudi's other masterpiece, La Pedrera. I love this building, and I love showing others the building, because I want to share my passion, from the twisted iron entrance gate to the rooftop's flowing forms of the chimneys, towers and views over the city, the building just sings of Gaudi's love of nature, and his unique style.

Next we jumped in the car and headed on down to the Roman city of Tarraco, now the city of Tarragona. As the first city built outside of Rome, it houses an impressive collection of roman antiquities, from the reconstructed amphitheater by the sea to the Circus and the still standing Roman wall, the discerning visitors can walk the streets of Tarragona's  historic area and find something impressive just by looking around. Like the Cathedral, which was built over a Moorish Mosque, which was built over a Visigothic church, was was built over the Roman Temple. Being a Sunday afternoon, the Archeology Museum was closed, but we spent several hours exploring the town. We stopped for lunch before the restaurants closed for the day, and chose a lovely paella restaurant for one last chance to enjoy the local cuisine. The freshly baked bread with olive oil was also a big hit. We finished the day by walking off lunch, wandering over to the other side of the Roman town and walking through the Roman gate before making our way back to Barcelona.

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

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.