Day Tour: Nerja and Frigiliana

Malaga is becoming an increasingly popular port destination, and with so much to do and see, it's easy to see why people are starting to see past the "costa del golf" label that has been stuck on it for years. Today we offer you just one of our tours departing from the city itself. and heading into the heart of unspoiled Andalusia.  

The Nerja and Frigiliana tour includes:

Transfer to and from the airport, port or hotel to Nerja and Frigiliana

The Spectacular Balcon de Europa promenade in Nerja, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The Cuevas de Nerja

A Guided tour of the "pueblo blanco" (white village) of Frigiliana, a town of Three Cultures, tucked into the hills behind Nerja. 

For more information about his or other private guided tours in Malaga, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Modernism and Mosaics in Barcelona - a hands-on experience

Mosaic is a style that is intimately linked to Barcelona. The most prominent are the Modernista examples, the lavish decoration of Park Guell's Drac and the fairytale-inspired guard houses, the Palau Baro de Quadras or the decorative art of the Palau de la Musica Catalana. But there are other examples as well, from Roman houses to Joan Miro's work on Las Ramblas, Barcelona offers an abundance of styles and examples of over 2000 years of artistic heritage. The Spanish Touch is now offering an exciting way to get involved in the history and culture of Barcelona: a Mosaic in Barcelona Full Day Tour!

The itinerary for the tour:
9:30 Meet your guide/driver at your hotel.
9:30 - 1:30 Spend the morning visiting some of the most important Mosaic sites in Barcelona, including:
Palau Guell
Park Guell
Palau Baro de Quadras
Casa Comalat
Las Ramblas
1:30 - Transfer to Mataro 
2:00 - 3:00 Tapas Lunch     
3:00 - 6:00 An Introduction to Mosaic course with local artists at Can Manetes.
6:00 - 6:30 transfer back to your hotel in Barcelona

 The course offers an introduction to the style most-associated with modernisme:Trencadis. Participants have the opportunity to create their own decorative work, which, naturally, they can take with them when they go.

The tour includes:
Transportation to and from hotel/port/airport
Guided tour in BarcelonaAn Introduction-to-Mosaic class with a local bilingual artist
All materials and tools necessary for the class
Tapas lunch in Mataro
A Bilingual Spanish Touch guide

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

Roots and Vines - Priorat Day Tour

The Spanish Touch is offering tours for anyone who wants a deeper insight into one of Spain's premier wine regions: Priorat! As one of only two DOQ (Denominación de Origen de Qualidad) - the other is Rioja - Priorat has been the poster child for Spanish wine growth over the last decades. And The Spanish Touch wants you to be able to experience the region, from the roots to the glass and everything in between.


On the roots and vines tour, you will visit the heart of the region, the Scala Dei Monastery, where the thousand year history of the region's winemaking all began, and where they still make an excellent wine. Afterwards enjoy a tasting at a Moderniste winery before enjoying a full lunch at a local restaurant. Walk off your lunch (and the wine) with an afternoon visit to the Bellmunt Mines before returning to Barcelona in time to freshen up, relax and maybe go out for a few tapas!

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

Private Shore excursions in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those magical places that seems to draw people into its very essence. The kind of place where people come time and again and never fail to discover something new. At The Spanish Touch we offer private day trips and shore excursions for everyone from first-time visitors to those who have "been there, done that" and are looking for a new experience. We work with you from the beginning to create a custom tour fit to your demands. All of our guides are billingual experts whose main priority is you. our small group tours offer the advantage of getting into more intimate locales and giving you the chance to meet the people and see the sites that make Barcelona such a special place.


For your next visit to Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013 for a free estimate on your private tour or shore excursion.

A day trip to southern France - Rich and Rose day 9

One of the reasons people can keep coming back to Barcelona is the seemingly unending possibilities to do something completely different in the space of a single day. Walled medieval cities, spectacular mountains, the beach, architecture, museums, exploring ancient civilizations and abandoned castles...all within an hour or two's drive of the city. And yes, even visiting France. On their last full day in Spain, we decided to cross that border. So up through the Pyrenees we headed and over the border into France. It was the first time in a long time for Rose, and the first time ever for Rich, in France. 

Our destination was the town of Elne, only about 3 miles from the coast and overlooking the Roussillion Plain. While the weather had cooperated with us throughout most of the trip, today was slightly overcast and threatening to rain all day. We parked the car and walked the streets of Elne, enjoying the fact that we had traveled to another country and pointing out the cute houses and interesting signs. 

As we reached the medieval quarter and walked through the winding streets, we spotted a particularly likely restaurant, with views out over the valley. Lunch was spectacular (the eggs hollandaise and salmon were mouthwatering, and the pork looked every bit as delicious). On the way back we stopped at a local winery and spoke with the owner for a few minutes before picking up a couple of nice bottles of wine. 

It's great to have so many options for a day trip from Barcelona, the hardest part is deciding which ones you want to do this time, and which ones you will save for your next visit! 

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

Walking the hills of the Maresme - Rich and Rose day 8

After having visited the beach yesterday, today we headed to the hills for a different kind of relaxation. When    you leave the paved roads of the towns and the last house disappears you know you are getting close to where you want to be. The best part is that we only had to drive about 15  minutes to get there, and yet somehow it felt much more remote. Parking the car close to the picnic area at the base of the walking route, we began our uphill walk, taking in the plants and flowers (an early year for the almond blossoms) as we walked. After learning about the indigenous flora at the Santa Clotilda Gardens yesterday, we spotted a number of varieties of plants and trees that we recognized. It was a highly enjoyable afternoon hike, as we walked up to the statue overlooking the towns of Teia and El Masnou, with Barcelona in the background.

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

The other side of the Costa Brava - Rich and Rose Day 7

There are places along the Spanish coast that have earned a certain amount of infamy among travelers: The Costa del Sol towns of Torremolinos and Benalmadena, for instance, or the Costa Brava towns of Lloret de Mar and Calella have reputations for attracting hordes of young Europeans enticed by the idea of good weather and cheap alcohol. And these reputations have proven hard to shake. In part because there is still a fair amount of truth to it during certain seasons of the year (spring break, summer holidays, etc), but the rest of the year it's easy to overlook the original reason these towns got gained popularity: they are beautiful towns, with picturesque coastlines and the charm of the old world within driving distance of major international airports. 

So with the forecast calling for rain (despite the crystal blue sky and distinct lack of clouds), we packed an umbrella and headed up to Lloret de Mar for a morning excursion. If you take the alternate to the highway, a slightly more expensive but more picturesque route, you can get to Lloret in just over an hour. Our first stop was the Santa Clotilda Gardens overlooking the town. Established in 1918 on the cliffs overlooking the Costa Brava, and mixing Italian Renaissance and Catalan Noucentisme, the gardens offer a spectacular look into the combination of history and natural beauty which first made the region famous.

The exploration of the garden, with its descriptions of the various flora  (both native and imported) was followed by a walk over to La Dona Marinera (the fisherman's wife), a tribute by sculptor Ernest Maragall to the women of past ages who were responsible for taking care of the whole house and everything else while their husbands went to seek their fortunes at sea. The walk along the cliff to the statue is lovely, and the view over the town center and the beach makes the walk even more special.


For more information about private guided tours along the Costa Brava or in Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Down time in Barcelona - exploring Gracia - Rich and Rose day 5 and 6

One of the most common complaints of overly-ambitious travelers is that they end up trying to do too much. Every day has to be packed with activities both morning and afternoon, always on the go, trying to maximize your time. But for many people, this style ends up actually making the experience less enjoyable, as you don't have the down time to settle down at a local cafe, sip a cafe con leche while nibbling on a local delicacy like melindros or even churros con chocolate, and just reflect and relax, letting the culture and the city wash over you.

Rich and Rose took their down time to visit the Gracia district, one of the more popular, and in my humble opinion, best places to do just that. Filled with plazas and small streets, Gracia feels more like a town than anything else, despite being connected by Passeig de Gracia and just a stone's throw from some of the city's liveliest attractions. Going there with a local, someone who grew up in the area and knows all the back streets and where to find the best egg shop, or the olive oil specialist, or even where to find the best tea - coffee is the  big dog in Spain, so finding a good tea shop can sometimes be more complicated than it might first appear.

So a few hours spent wandering the streets, and the chance to stumble upon something magical, in this case the local town hall was open and the parade figures where on display. Sometimes it's the down time that turns out to provide some of your trips most memorable moments.

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

Back on top of Barcelona - Rich and Rose - Day 3

Having been to Barcelona already on several occasions, there were a few loose ends to tie up, and one of them was to get back to Tibidabo, the mountain overlooking the city. On their first visit in 2005, they had made it up there, but only very briefly at the end of the day, and so had been waiting for an opportunity to get back and explore. And on Monday that opportunity arose. The four of us headed up the mountain to the foot of the amusement park, which was closed for repairs and which, combined with the relatively chilly wind and off season,  made parking no problem at all. After parking we headed up, walking past the modernista houses which line the entrance, before arriving at the gates of the amusement park. Before us stood the Sagrada Cor Temple, visible from almost anywhere in Barcelona.

The Tibidabo mountain, coming from the Latin words Tibi Dabo (I will give you) comes from the Bible passage about the temptation of Christ, and the stained glass windows reflect that saying with various scenes of saints and from the Bible. The temple is the creation of architect Enric Sagnier, one of the most prolific, if undermentioned, architects of Barcelona's modernista  movement (close to 300 buildings in Barcelona are said to have been built by him). The first hermitage was established on the mountain in 1886, but the temple construction did not begin until 1902. You can still see the original hermitage at the base of the temple.


Aside from the grandeur of the temple itself, the views over the city are unbeatable. We spent several hours walking up and around the temple, and getting a lay of the city below, from Montjuic to Sagrada Familia and the Agbar Tower, the whole city spreads out before you, and it is both inspiring and humbling to realize just how much work has been done, and how much there is to do and see.

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

Rich and Rose - Day 2 - Local Festivals and a stroll along the beach

On Sunday the sun broke through the clouds and a promising day lay before us. First stop was the local Tres Tombs Festival, a traditional Catalan festival centered around animals. It gets its name from 3 laps (tres tombs in Catalan) which the local animals traditionally did around the church or chapel of the local town before being blessed by the priest. Nowadays the festival features more pets than livestock, but in many ways the traditions remain strong. Locals walk the streets offering neighbors and visitors alike homemade cakes and sweet moscatel wine straight from the porro! 

As the sun soaked streets began to dry out, we headed down to the beach for a stroll along the beach. Several hours, a handful of shells (always a great time to look for shells after a stormy night) and countless pictures later, we headed back for a traditional Catalan lunch of pollaste a l'ast and potatoes. In all a decidely enjoyable way to spend a Sunday and to get into the local culture.

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

Mataro's hidden treasures - A day out with Rich and Rose

After arriving on Friday morning and spending the first day adapting to the local lifestyle (siesta included), we began our tour on Saturday with a trip up the coast to Mataro, where the first train in Spain connected Barcelona and the industrial region. The town of Mataro, built on the Roman town of Iluro, houses a number of hidden treasures. As one of the most important towns during the 19th century Renaissance of Catalonia, Mataro offers discerning visitors historical and architectural gems including the Roman baths, the 15th century church and modernista buildings. We also stopped in to take a look at Can Manetes, our favorite local art shop, where you can take the opportunity to learn how to make the mosaics seen throughout the region in Modernista works. After lunch we visited the Modernista pastry shop El Miracle, and headed out for a bit of shopping before calling it a day.

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

The High Speed Trains of Spain - or how to get around comfortably

With this week's announcements of the AVE high-speed train connecting Barcelona to Girona and Figueres, it seems like a good time to talk about the trains in Spain. As the most extensive rail network in Europe, Spain's high speed lines are top for comfort and ease of getting from one place to another. So today I want to give you some ideas for travelling via the high-speed lines around Spain.

It's not necessarily as fast as flying, but you have the advantage that most of the stations are right in the heart of the city, and you don't have to be there two hours ahead of time, and you don't have to worry about overhead luggage space, or the guy in front of you leaning his seat back into your knees, you can actually enjoy the scenery, even at close to 300 km/h, and you can always go tot he bar car if you need to walk around a little bit.

Most  of the lines are based out of Madrid, making it easy to get from Madrid to virtually anywhere in Spain quickly and easily. But more and more lines are connecting other cities, like Barcelona or Valencia with Seville, or Barcelona and Malaga. For example (with approximate times):
Madrid - Seville - 2 hours 30 minutes
Madrid - Valencia - 1 hour 40 minutes
Madrid - Malaga - 2 hours 30 minutes
Madrid - Girona -  3 hours 30 minutes
Madrid - Zaragoza - 1 hour 15 minutes





Barcelona - Madrid - 2 hours 30 minutes
Barcelona - Malaga - 5 hours 30 minutes
Barcelona - Seville - 5 hours 30 minutes

Valencia - Sevilla - 3 hours 50 minutes

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

The most unique bars in Barcelona by guest blogger Harriet Freeman

Bars form a large piece of Barcelona culture, so it makes sense that when you visit the city you should visit a few. Many interesting bars are largely traditional where you can buy a drink and some tapas and can usually be found outside of touristy areas. However, for those looking for something a little different; here are some of the most original bars in Barcelona.

Ice Bar Barcelona: This bar is a few years old now and has built up quite a reputation in that time. In this establishment, pretty much everything is ice, from the stools to the cup you drink from. Don't worry about getting cold here though because you are provided with coats, gloves, and everything you need to stay warm. You'll also find some great ice sculptures of symbolic sites from around Barcelona, like La Sagrada Familia. There is a downside though… The prices. It's not all bad though because it's right by the beach. If you've planned your summer trip to Barcelona then its a great place to sunbathe and cool down in afterwards (or vice versa).

El Bosc de les Fades: Time was that this place used to be a well kept secret. Not so much anymore, but don't let that put you off, because you should definitely visit at least once. Located right by the wax museum just off Las Ramblas, this bar will transport you into the world of fairy tales. It is beautifully themed in the form of an enchanted forest and is an absolutely bewildering located to sit down with some friends and chill with a drink. Why mention earlier that it's not a well kept secret anymore? Well, with fame came a price hike, so maybe you should only go once to check it out.

Sincopa: This bar was opened by two french people and it's very unique for a few reasons. The first reason is that there are no tables (though there are several stools around the bar). The decor is also incredibly original to the point that the ceiling is a topsy-turvy  concert stage. The drinks are also more reasonably priced than the last two bars and it's a great place to socialise. You can find it on Calle Avinyó, 35.

Pipa Club: Located in the former studio of the painter Pere Pruna, it's a locale in which various celebrities pass through from time to time. It's a unique space for conversing and social gatherings where you can pretty much enjoy a drink  and feel as if you where at home thanks to the very lovely decor with a focus on Sherlock Holmes and pipe memorabilia, as well as the live piano music. It's a great atmosphere and is sort of a "hidden gem", though it gets pretty crowded with locals and young travelers on the weekends. Again with the prices though, at €4 for a beer or even a cola, you might want to consider making it a one off.

Harriet Freeman is a specialist on northern Spain and Barcelona, and writes on behalf of OK Apartment Barcelona, specialists in cheap accommodation in Barcelona.

High Speed train Barcelona to Girona is here!

In an announcement made earlier this week, the AVE high speed train line from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres will officially start running next week. In just 37 minutes you can go from downtown Barcelona to Girona, one of the jewels of the region for its history, architecture, food...well basically just because it's a great city! And in a few minutes more you will arrive in Figueres, home to the Dali Theater-Museum. Why is that so important, aside from the museum? Well, because from Figueres you can catch the high speed TGV train to Paris! Which means....wait for it..... that the Madrid-Barcelona-Paris High Speed line is now in effect (albeit changing trains in Figueres)!


Prices are reasonable as well, as it will cost just under 25€ round trip from the Catalan capital to Girona and 32€ round trip to Figueres. If you want to take the 17 minute AVE ride from Girona to Figueres it will cost just under 11€ round trip, making renting a car unnecessary for a quick day trip from either Barcelona or Girona to visit Dali's birthplace and museum.



For more information on visiting any of the these cities, or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Merry Christmas from The Spanish Touch

Merry Christmas from The Spanish Touch!!

Bon Nadal des de The Spanish Touch!!

Feliz Navidad desde The Spanish Touch!!!

Wishing you and yours the very best this holiday season, and remember to enjoy responsibly!!

Hasta Pronto
The Spanish Touch

Visiting Spain - so much more than sun and beach

Recently I came across this quote:

“They want to live like the Spanish, go out for tapas and get to see all the possibilities that the big cities offer. It is not a tourism that is focused on sun and beach but rather on culture, the cities, and with a heavy interest in the food and wine”...

It was in reference to Brazilian travelers, but i think it fits in perfectly with what The Spanish Touch has been saying for the last eight years: Spain is so much more than what it was presented as for much of the twentieth century. We are still fighting the image of a country where everything is about sun, cheap wine, Flamenco and lying on the beach. But little by little people are beginning to realize just how much Spain has to offer. 

I feel privileged to be able to help people discover a part of that. The idea of seeing Spain like the Spanish do, going out for tapas, and really getting into the heart of the culture is what first brought us to create this company. And it is encouraging to see how the Spanish government is getting behind the idea as well. It won't happen overnight. There are stigmas that will take time to get past, and not all of them are bad (Personally, a night out in Seville for tapas and then a Flamenco show is right up there for a great way to spend a night!!), but just as Spanish cuisine has been brought to the world's forefront by a few creative geniuses, let's hope that the culture and heritage of the Iberian Peninsula will get their due. 

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

MAY 2013 Tour - Patios of Cordoba Festival

Come join The Spanish Touch for a truly Andalusian experience! Flowers, dancing, culture and just 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!!

May 11: Arrival in Madrid. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Madrid city center. Evening welcome meal.

May 12: 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 Patios of Cordoba Festival!

May 13: 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 14: Transfer to Sevilla. Afternoon private tour of Seville city center, including the Alcazar and the old tobacco Factory, scene of Bizet's Opera Carmen. In the evening why not take a walk along the river to see the Torre de Oro, the Bullring and the Maria Luisa Park.  Optional Tapas dinner in the evening.

May 15: Breakfast at hotel. Morning private tour of Seville Cathedral, central point of Seville's historic center and final resting place of Christopher Columbus as well as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Afternoon at leisure. Optional Flamenco show in the evening.

May 16: 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 17: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer back to Madrid for last evening in Madrid and a farewell dinner at one of Madrid’s classic restaurants.

May 18: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight.

Medieval Fair of Vic - Medieval fairs in Medieval cities

This weekend is the annual Fira Medieval de Vic, (Medieval Fair of Vic), about an hour and a half north of Barcelona. Along with the fair in Montblanc, this is one of my favorite medieval fairs. Dating back more than 2500 years, the city of Vic enjoyed its zenith during the Middle ages, and this fair brings that heritage to life. From the local stalls and displays of trades that can be traced back through generations, the Vic fair is an extremely popular early December tradition for locals and inquisitive visitors. One of the highlights is the Medieval Market, a remarkable, detailed reproduction of a 15th century market in the heart of the old city.

The fair runs from 10 in the morning through 8 in the evening, December 6 through December 9.

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

El Puente de la Purisima - The Start of the Christmas season

In the US we have Black Friday to mark the beginning of the holiday season. In Spain they have the "Puente de la Purisima", or the long weekend of December 6 (Dia de la Constitucion) and 8 (Immaculate Conception), both national holidays. The two days mark the last holiday in Spain before Christmas itself, and as such the real start of the Christmas season. The lights have been up for a couple of weeks now, but this weekend, holiday or no, stores throughout Spain will be open as residents and visitors alike jump into full Christmas Spirit. the Christmas Markets are open and everything is ready for the season to hit full stride. If you are in Spain during the month of December take a moment to catch some of the best of wherever you are. It's usually fairly easy to find something unique, from the local town hall celebrations to the lights to the sweets and traditional Christmas cuisine, indulge yourself a little bit!

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

Oysters and Wine - A Catalan take on a classic

Ostres, Xarel•lo Paenedès! That's the slogan of a new campaign that has just begun in the Barcelona area to create a greater awareness of the culinary treasures available locally. The Penedes region, just south of the city has teamed up with the Delta Ebre region to offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to sample oysters from the region with Xarel.lo wine, a white wine traditionally used in cava making, but of late making great strides on its own as unique white wine. The campaign is being carried out in restaurants throughout the region between November 2012 and April 2013. A mouthwateringly tempting proposal that is sure to present a unique and refreshing take on a classic food and wine pairing. 

For more information on planning a custom wine tour in the Barcelona area, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.   

La Pedrera turns 100 - a centennial celebration

La Pedrera, Gaudi's last, and arguably greatest, civic work turned 100 this year. One hundred years inspiring rave reviews and withering criticism, it's perseverance is one of the Casa Mila's greatest attributes. A tribute to Gaudi's idea that "in nature there are no straight lines", La Pedrera ("The Quarry" in Catalan) has been turning heads on Barcelona's most fashionable street since its completion on October 311912. Nowadays considered a masterpiece of Modernista architecture, for the month of November the building is offering visitors a spectacular passage through the heart of Barcelona's Renaissance.

This weekend a twist on the traditional Gegants, at 5:00 Saturday afternoon will find the Rei Gaudi (King Gaudi) and Reina Pedrera (Queen Pedrera) hosting a meeting of the Modernista gegants in front of the building.  On Sunday there will be a Casteller (human tower) festival.


For more information on Modernisme or full help planning your custom tour in Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

November in Spain, a reflection on my favorite month

November is my favorite month. It starts with Halloween, continues through my birthday and finishes with Thanksgiving. Really, it is hard to find something about November I don't like. And have spent a significant amount of time living on the Mediterranean coast, I sometimes forget that it can be a cold, cruel month in the great Northeast where I was raised. These days I wear my fall jacket over my shirt and am pretty much comfortable, even in the evening hours it´s not unusual to see people sitting out on the terrace of the local bars and restaurants enjoying a tapa and a drink.

When I was younger November meant pick up football games and fires in the evening. These days I think of the changing produce in the local markets, and the sun-splashed barrios of the old city center where locals and visitors alike can drink in the culture and bask in the fresh autumn days and crisp (but not too cool) evenings that almost call you to the terrace for a glass of wine and a steaming plate of patatas bravas. All along the coast, your options may vary from a glass of sweet Malaga dulce while you enjoy a plate of berejenas con miel in Malaga to a sparkling glass of cava and a selection of local cheeses along the Barcelona coast. 

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

Best accommodation for families in Barcelona

The biggest step to planning any vacation is the accommodation. Many people will instantly book a hotel without thinking much of the other options, but if you're a family, then there's one other option, especially in Barcelona, that may benefit you more than staying in a hotel. Instead of staying in a hotel, why not consider choosing an apartment as you Find cheap accommodation in Barcelona.

Save money

So why is an apartment ideal? There are a number of reasons, first and foremost is that you can save money. Staying in an apartment is usually cheaper than a hotel, because not only are the prices lower, you can save money on food because apartments come equipped with kitchens. There are extra charges for adding breakfast to the board at hotels, and they're usually unfair charges at that. For what you pay in a day for breakfast at a hotel, you can pay for a week of breakfast when staying in an apartment. That doesn't even include lunch and dinner; you can really end up saving a fortune.

Live as a family

In other forms of accommodation, everyone lives under the same roof, if you want to watch TV until late, you can't because the children are tired from a long day out and want to sleep. In an apartment, everyone has their own bedrooms. You can tuck the kids in and sit up with your partner and watch TV, you even get time to yourselves, it can be just like a honeymoon.

You also don't have to pack as many clothes as you'll usually find a washing machine. Maybe you can bring some toys for your kids to keep them entertained at the home? With more floor space, they can certainly play on the living room floor, or in their rooms, whilst you sit with your laptop taking advantage of the free wi-fi that most apartments bring.

Yet more advantages

The experience of staying in an apartment means you feel as cozy as you do at home when you return to base after a day out, and as mentioned before, you usually get free wi-fi. There are so many Barcelona apartments to choose from that you can almost always find the perfect location to stay in. Maybe you want an apartment between La Sagrada Familia and a metro station, or maybe between the beach and a great restaurant, then you can be sure there's one.

So the next time you plan your holiday, don't dive straight in to book a hotel, instead, think about how an apartment may benefit you. Check out these Vacation rentals in Barcelona. If you're going to Madrid instead, then consider Madrid apartments. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I'll do my utmost to get back to you.

Author Bio: Harriet Freeman

"Having been an expat in Barcelona for over 5 years and eventually entering the tourism industry; I made it my priority to become somewhat of a guru on all things Barcelona. As a frequent blogger on the city; I aim to keep all of my readers in the know about the Catalan Capital."

Saint Narcis - Girona's Patron Saint's Fantastic Festival

Girona's reputation as one of Spain's most beautiful cities is a well-deserved one. It ranks among the top cities to live in every year, and the history, legends and culture that imbue the winding streets and stone walls make it a treasure for any inquisitive traveler. But every year at this time, the city rolls out the fireworks, giants, street stalls selling everything from roasted chestnuts to regional wines to books and locally produced crafts. Today marks Saint Narcis, the patron saint of the city whose church is easily recognizable to anyone familiar with Girona as the "other" church in the city (the Cathedral sits high above everything else). The saint's history and  legend intertwine throughout the 2000 year history of the city.  While October 29 is the official date, the festival lasts for a week, combining its proximity to the celebration of All Saints and ending on the following Sunday.

In addition to the stalls and traditional dances (Sardanas and Haveneres), there are a number of open house visits that are free and include some of the most remarkable buildings in the city. Throughout the day and week the city is one large celebration of history, culture and the vibrant daily life that make Girona such a special city.

For more information on private guided tours in Girona or throughout Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

A Different sort of Sunday Afternoon in Barcelona - time for a ride

On Sunday I picked up a happy couple for a different sort of Barcelona experience. They had been travelling around Spain, had visited Madrid, taken a Mediterranean cruise and had just arrived in Barcelona the previous day. And now they were headed up to take a horseback ride through the Collserola hills just behind Barcelona. A romantic outing and a unique way to get a different view of the Catalan capital. Their arrival coincided with the coldest weather Barcelona has had in months. Not particularly cold, mind you, just colder than it had been. But Sunday morning broke with a crystal blue sky, and the winds that had whipped the region Saturday had settled down. By midday they had all but blown themselves out. As we headed out to the we talked about the history of the city and Picasso.

The horse ranch was almost completely empty, as Sunday afternoon is not a very popular time for locals to go out. And the route chosen would take them on the hills where the clear skies would allow for some great panoramas over the city. First they had to get to know the horses, brushing them and learning how to fit the bridle. Naomi even borrowed some riding shoes from the instructor. Two and a half hours later we headed back to the city, and both of them were extremely happy with their experience, having thoroughly enjoyed their romantic, personalized adventure.

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

1st edition of Madrid Exquisito - Great food in a great city

Madrid is more than just a capital city. It's a cultural hub, a dynamic fusion of grandeur and local tradition. One of the only places I have ever found where a fried calamari ring sandwich is considered not only normal, but downright local. It is a city that offers a great array of entertainment, and it´s culinary offer is worthy of its reputation. From September 27 - October 7, the city of Madrid has teamed up with some of the best restaurants to offer the first ever Madrid Exquisito, a similar idea to Restaurant week. For the next ten days,   30 euros will get you a tasting menu at Palacio de Cibeles, El Chiscon, Cafe de Oriente, and more!

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

Fall Special -our new Autumn Discovery Northern Spain tour

From November 10 - November 18, 2012: Late Harvest and Autumn Colors: The best Food, Wine, History and Landscapes of northern Spain on Display and at your fingertips with The Spanish Touch on our exclusive Late Harvest and Autumn Colors Tour this year.

Starting from $3,075 per person, join us as we take you right into the heart of the culture and the region, a journey which features the some of the best foods, wines, historical and cultural sites all as we take you through the Pyrenees in full fall splendor!

Check out The Spanish Touch website for more information on this unique opportunity to discover just how magical Spain can be!

Staying in Barcelona around Eixample or the Gothic Quarter

Staying in Barcelona around Eixample or the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona is a city full of places that you cannot miss out on visiting and one of the best ways to enjoy these places and the essence of the Catalan capital is by staying in Barcelona Accommodation directly in the city centre. But in what area should you rent your apartment?  Well, although it's usually the most expensive, by far the best place to stay is in L'Eixample. If you're not looking to spend money though, on the other end of the price spectrum is the Gothic Quarter of the city. A lot of people talk about how you should stay in the Gothic Quarter of the city, so you can imagine it's a great place to stay, but be warned: it's not for everyone and I'll tell you why later. For now, let's take a look at what each location has to offer.

L'Eixample: The heart of Barcelona with the Guadí's most famous works

Without doubt, L'Eixample is one of the most prime areas in which you can rent a place to stay and at the same time be only a short walk away from monuments such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló from Gaudí, Casa Amatller and Casa de les Punxes from Puig i Cadafalch, and Casa Lleó Morera from Domènech i Montaner. amongst other attractions! L'Eixample is roughly divided five areas, Eixample Dret (Right) and Eixample Esquerra (Left), Sant Atoni, Sagrada Familia, and Fort Pienc. Of these divisions, the best place to stay is around the Sagrada Familia area, Passeig de Gràcia,  or Rambla de Catalunya.

The right side of Eixample stretches from Calle Balmes until Passeig de Sant Joan, and includes Passeig de Gràcia mentioned before (probably the best road for high street shopping in the city). The right side is also home to Plaza Catalunya, the very centre of the city. Rambla de Catalunya is a very nice street lined with bars that have terraces which are very nice to chill out around in the summer. Take a look through this list and you'll see that it's easy to find a Barcelona apartment in these areas.

In the left side of Eixample you will find the Modelo Prison - a building featured in the movie Salvador and which represents the repression of Franco, el Matadero - Joan Miró's park (a park built on a former slaughterhouse) which features a work of art by the Spanish Artist a year before he died, the former bullfighting arena called Las Arenas which is now a shopping mall that allows visitor to wander around the roof for full 360º views of the city, and Casa Golferichs, a modernist house built in 1901 by Joan Rubió i Bellver that is now a Civic Centre. Although it's not as prestigious as staying in the right side, it won't cost as much and it's very well connected with the rest of the city.

Gothic Quarter of Barcelona: The historic centre of Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city whose great historical significance with remnants of the Roman era is still present. It is also home to some of the greatest Gothic monuments like the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (aka Barcelona Cathedral), and Santa María del Mar, as well as great places to relax with your friends with a drink like Plaza Real. You can also see the remains of a temple dedicated to Augustus and parts of a roman wall if you follow the "Roman Route" of the city. You will also be able to easily find a Metro station with Jaume I (Line 4), Liceu (Line 3), and Drassanes (Line 3) all within this area.

So why did I mention earlier that the Gothic Quarter isn't for everyone? Well, as well as being the historical core of the city, it's also the centre of nightlife. If you're the type of person who loves to party, or consider yourself a nighttime person, then this district is the place for you to stay. Otherwise you will probably want to bring earplugs as you might find that you end up staying on a relatively active street during the late hours of the night. Nightclubs here are usually open from late in the evening until the early morning the next day.

How can we apply this information to those wishing to stay in the city then? Well, if you're a young traveller, someone looking for great nights out, or group of friends looking for a great value place to stay in Barcelona, make sure you stay in the Gothic Quarter. If you're a family visiting Barcelona for the first time, or a couple looking for a great holiday, then make your stay in Eixample instead. And if you can't afford to stay in the right side of Eixample? Consider moving over to the left side.

Author Bio: Harriet Freeman

"Having been an expat in Barcelona for over 5 years and eventually entering the tourism industry; I made it my priority to become somewhat of a guru on all things Barcelona. As a frequent blogger on the city; I aim to keep all of my readers in the know about the Catalan Capital."

Barcelona's Patron Saint Party

I've been to a number of cities during their major celebtraions. And one of the things that I have found to be universal is that the locals all get very excited about their specific traditions and the unique aspects of this or that. It's a great source of pride for the locals. And justifiably so, I might add. This weekend is the La Merce Festival. As La Merce (Barcelona's patron saint) falls on a Monday, the city will be celebrating a three day weekend in authentic Barcelona style. Classical music, jazz and rock concerts, family parades and wine and food tastings. From the heights of the Castle at Montjuic to the Barceloneta beach, circus performers, fireworks, and everything in between promise to make this weekend a wonderful way to meet and greet the city, it's buildings and streets, people, traditions and offers!

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

A day or two with The Freedmans - A Tour in and around Barcelona

Louise and Fred Freedman arrived in Barcelona having spent the previous couple of weeks exploring ports and cities around Europe. The end of the cruise left them ready to settle for a couple of days and enjoy their surroundings. Our plan called for a half day walking around the city center, discovering the quiet and not-so-quiet corners of the Gothic Quarter, strolling Las Ramblas and taking in the sights of the capital of Catalonia. But having spent so many days hitting the cities on cruise excursions, truth be told they were ready for something a little different. So off we went to provide them with a bit of a panorama, and an insider's guide to the city tour. We did a (shorter) route through the old city and then headed off to explore some of the other regions. As they had a few days of relaxation and city living after living on the cruise ship, today was really about getting them settled and situated, showing them where to go and what sort of things they should see and the best time/where to go.


And having enjoyed their time so much, we decided to meet again the following afternoon. As it is harvest season, what better chance to visit the vineyards and learn a bit about the wine and the culture. The highlight was sampling an ageing chardonnay right from the cask while our guide showed us the log of the daily fermentation process. Moments such as that are one of the great advantages of doing what we do, where small groups and personal contact really let our guests experience the culture, not just see it. After a walk through the vineyard and a great tasting of some of the various wines of the region, we headed back to Barcelona, where we had arranged for the Freedmans to enjoy dinner at Vell Sarria, one of the best paella restaurants in the city, away from the tourist crowds.

for more information of for help planning your private day tours in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Harvest Wine Festival Season

September finds us in full harvest time around Spain. At The Spanish Touch we've been lucky enough to take some of our visitors to the vineyards over the last few weeks to see the grapes ripening, and to taste them as they are just about perfect for picking. The activities for oenophiles include tasting events, getting hands on harvesting experience and charming local village festivals where the first press is blessed in the town's main square. From the Rioja Alavesa region's to the coast of Barcelona to the Sherry region of Jerez de la Frontera, Europe's largest vine-growing country is preparing for celebrations.

My personal experience this weekend will be focused around the Barcelona area, with the Alella Festival starting Friday night and the Phylloxera Festival on Saturday night in the Cava capital, San Sadurni and a walk through the vineyards again on Sunday morning as we learn about the history of wine in the region. Wherever you are in Spain this is a great opportunity for the inquisitive traveler, whether a wine connoisseur or just want to learn a little more about Spanish culture, these festivals are a window into the heart of the regions, where wine growing goes back thousands of years, deep into the roots of the land and the people. 

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