A unique wine tour part I - A Family Affair- The Tejas' Spain Vacation - Day 3

The first wine tour of the Teja's vacation was to the Penedes, and while only 3 wineries were on the agenda, it promised to be a full day. When we arrived at the bodega we were met by Silvia and led to our cars for a 2 hour off-road excursion. The Penedes region has 3 different sub-regions, and today we got the chance to explore the land in more depth. Our first stop was along the lower level of the hills, where we saw how the white wine vineyards are growing, on roads that made me glad I wasn't driving. In addition to the grapes we were introduced to some of the other natural flora of the region, including the flor de Sant. Joan (pictured), which has been used by locals for centuries (in the middle ages it was burned in houses to drive away evil spirits). 

We continued our exploration of the countryside to the next level of vineyards, learning more about the care and attention that is paid to the wines, although I am suspicious that what will stand out in the memory of our group today was the cherry tree, where we were treated to fresh-off-the-tree wild cherries which were absolutely delicious!  But for me, I think the highlight was our encounter with a herd of sheep (!), who were coming up the single lane road we were driving down, and passed by our cars so closely I could have reached out and touch them (I was warned not to do so). Our final stop on the off-road excursion was at the top of the mountain, where we had a great panorama of the Penedes valley. 

Oh yes, let's not forget the wine. Upon returning to the winery, the tasting began, accompanied by some fresh baked bread and the wineries' own olive oil. We sampled a series of wines, although I have to admit that the Parellada monovarietal Honeywell, delicate and delicious!

Next stop a picnic lunch and more wineries!

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

Barcelona's Modernista Heritage - A Family Affair- The Tejas' Spain Vacation

After a full day and a lovely evening meal at the 5 Jotas the  previous day, the Tejas were set for further exploration of the Ciudad Condal. Today was an adventure into the world of Antoni Gaudi with Dolors. Getting picked up at the Apartment and whisked off to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, obligatory visits made all the more intriguing when you hear about the history, roots and links that the building, and indeed the man himself, have with the city of Barcelona during one of its most influential periods. 

It's hard to underestimate the importance of the Modernista movement and, in fact,  the Renaixença in the history of Barcelona and Catalonia as a region. The half day tour ended along Passeig de Gracia, with plenty of time for them to return to the old city and explore some of the winding back streets that we had visited the day before. 

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

Summer Concerts in Seville's Real Alcazar Gardens

Every year for the past 14 years the Real Alcazares (Royal Palaces) - one of Seville's most popular and awe-inspiring attractions has opened its garden doors for a series of summer concerts. The Gardens are a unique testimony to the city's history, and with the setting of the sun the romance and charm of old Andalusia comes through in so many ways. The Gardens open to concert-goers at 9:00, with the concerts beginning at 10:30 and lasting for one hour. While that may sound a bit late, remember that if you want to eat dinner beforehand, 8:00 is considered an early dinner! 

You have a variety of styles to choose from as well, from classical and flamenco to jazz to Baroque/Renaissance and medieval dance. The concerts take place every night, and tickets are only 5 euros at the door for that day's show and depending on availability (for a mere 6 euros you can get them online for the show you want with guaranteed entrance).  Given the heat that can afflict Seville in the summer, this is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the chance to explore the gardens and enjoy authentic Andalusian culture during the cooler hours of nighttime. 

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

Castles, Caves and Canyons - Off the beaten path from Valencia

Given the amount of time dedicated to the beaches of Spain, it's hardly surprising that the rivers and lakes receive so little attention from visitors. But that doesn't mean that they should be overlooked. Just over an inland from Valencia we find the town of Cofrentes, and the canyons of the Jucar River. There you will find pre-Roman Iberian settlements, the Don Juan and Hermosa Caves, the Castle of Chirel, and last but not least, a 14km river cruise that takes you through the canyons themselves.

So whether you want to take a hike over to the spa or up to the castle, go spelunking in the caves or simply sit back and relax on the river cruise, this area is one of those special places that will make your visit all the more unforgettable!

For more information or to include a visit to the Canyons of Jucar on your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

A Family Affair- The Tejas' Spain Vacation - Welcome to Barcelona - Day 1

After months of phone calls, emails and planning, the day finally arrived for the Tejas to come to Spain. For the past four months we had been putting it together, and now it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labors. The family of 7 arrived early and we met them at the airport and we were off. With a group of seven it's always a bit complicated, so we had decided to book an apartment right in the center of Barcelona with a great view of the Cathedral. After dropping off the bags and freshening up a bit, we were off for a bit of Barcelona exploration. As we strolled the narrow streets that led to the Cathedral and the old city, we talked about the history of the city, about the walls and buildings, but also about the culture. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the history of these places (after all, with 2000+ years rolled into one city it's easy enough to do), but when you do that you risk missing out on the culture and so many other things that make the places you visit so special. The familiarization tour took us through to a cursory view of the "highlights" of the old city, and when we finally stopped for some a light lunch and people watching at the Plaza Reial it was with a better understanding of where they had arrived. 

After an afternoon at leisure to get their legs under them, we headed out for a welcome meal. The tapas, wine and sangria flowed and everyone seemed to agree that the trip was off to an excellent start. Up next: A visit to the Sagrada Familia and further exploration of Barcelona. 

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

The Padillas' last day in Barcelona - Montjuic and Tapas

 The last stop on the Padillas' Barcelona adventure was the panoramic views from Montjuic, site of the Castle and the Olympic games, and some of the most breathtaking views over the city. Our first stop was the Mirador Del Alcalde (Mayor's Lookout), from which you have a nice vantage point over the port and Mediterranean. From there we took the cable car over the parks and gardens of Montjuic, and learning the history of the mountain, from the 16th century through to the present.

 We got off the cable car at the Castle on the top of the hill, a castle that has for centuries overlooked the city below. In recent years the castle has undergone a renovation in its offerings: for years it housed the military museum, but now holds an interesting collection of art expos and historical data. And the views from the top are outstanding! 

To conclude the day and their time in Barcelona, we decided to visit one of Barcelona's most well-known tapas bars: The Ciudad Comtal, where we enjoyed an early dinner of local tapas and some lovely wine.

The next stop for the Padillas: Andalusia, where Sevilla, Granada and Malaga await their visitors with that southern Spanish hospitality that has become as much a part of their fame as the white-washed villages and bullrings. 

a parting view of the Thinking Bull

The Padillas' Barcelona Experience - Park Guell (with a K)

On their last full day in Barcelona, Anne, Raul and Brea spent the morning wandering the city, making their way up to the Gracia district. We met in the Plaza del Sol in the heart of Gracia and headed over to Antoni Gaudi's urban playground, Park Guell. On the way over we had a discussion about the origin of the name, which is almost always spelled one of two ways: Parc Guell (in Catalan) or Parque Guell (in Spanish). Both, however, are wrong. The proper spelling, as written by Gaudi himself, is Park Guell, with a K, in tribute to the English garden communities that Gaudi based his design on. 

These days the Park is a magnet for tourists for good reason. The sheer beauty and size of the mosaic patterns and intricate designs of the park benches and guard houses, as well as the detailed method Gaudi laid out for making his development as integrated as possible with the natural contours and landscape of the hill, make for a enjoyable day of exploration for even the most seasoned traveler. 

We got a great picture of a street performer

The Padilla Catalan Experience - Girona and Besalu

Barcelona is an amazing city. It really is. There's so much to do and see that you feel like you could spend your entire vacation right there and not discover everything. And of course, that's true. But that doesn't mean that there aren't things outside the city worth visiting. Lots of things. And so, Saturday morning found us driving up the highway and away from Barcelona for the day. The drive through the Catalan countryside was an enjoyable one, even with the heavens opening up as we arrived. 

Our first stop was the medieval town of Besalu. A Catalan original, Besalu was once one of the region's most influential cities. Nowadays it's more well known for its beautiful gated bridge and the city center, which retains its medieval character and charm, despite what can sometimes be large crowds. Luckily for us, the weather kept most of the crowds away. We were very clear: It's allowed to rain while we are in the car, or while we are in a building. And by and large, the weather cooperated. But as we crossed the bridge, the rain started coming down a bit harder, so we decided it was the perfect time to stop and have a cup of hot chocolate. The cafe, tucked into the lower floor of one of the houses that dates back centuries, had enough magic in it to match the town, and more than cancel out the rain. And the hot chocolate was delicious! When we left the rain had eased to a stop, and we continued our visit to the town. When it started to rain harder, we ducked into a bakery, or under the protection of the 12th century church. We even made it down to the riverside path for a view of the bridge from the Jewish Quarter. 

The drive to Girona from Besalu is not a long one.  Which was convenient, as there was a certain amount of hunger building for lunch. When we reached Girona we headed straight toward the Plaza de Independencia for lunch. The food was good (even the "thing of lamb", which I was brave enough to try), and by the time we left the restaurant, well fed and watered, the sun was making an heroic attempt to break through. Girona is always ranked among the best places to live in Spain, and it's not difficult to imagine why. The old city is a vibrant, living tribute to the history and culture, with legends and narrow walkways, high walls, and the Cathedral perched atop. 

We actually counted the steps down this time as well (90). The highlight of the day, though, was convincing Anne to climb up to the top of the tower overlooking the city. She showed a lot of bravery going up the spiral staircase, but much more so in coming down. 

As we drove back it was with a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. For as beautiful and exciting as Barcelona is, it's good to get out and discover other elements of the region too.

The Spanish Touch

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Further exploration with the Padillas - Barcelona and the Costa Brava

Meeting up on Friday morning at the steps to the Cathedral, Raul, Anne Brea and I once more took to the streets of Barcelona. This morning's meanderings took us through the old city of Barcelona, a labyrinth of streets and buildings that encompass more than 2,000 years. we took in the Roman Walls and Temple, the medieval palaces and the high Gothic architecture of the Cathedral, the winding streets with imposing facades from the 18th and 19th centuries, saw the house where Joan Miro was born and in all spent a few hours laughing, talking and learning about the more fascinating aspects of the Catalan capital. 

After a lunch break and a cup of coffee we hit the road and drove out of the city up to Tossa De Mar. This is one of those towns that almost defies you to not love it: the semicircle beach, the pedestrian streets filled with shops (some rather more touristy) wrapped around a centuries old town all kept neatly together by the remains of the walls that once protected the city. Walking through the old city gate and seeing the cross that marked the entrance to a safe place, it is a place where everywhere you look presents another photo op. We made it all the way up to the lighthouse and some spectacular views over the coast, where it's easy to see the Costa Brava's rugged beauty in all its splendor. 

On the drive back we stopped in the town of Mataro to visit Can Manetes, for a chance to look around the shop and see what local artists are making before we headed back into the city to make sure we were well rested for the full day that awaited us the following morning.

The Padillas' (long awaited) return to Spain - Part II, welcome (back) to Barcelona

For the better part of the last decade, Anne and Raul Padilla had been trying to get back to Spain, a country they had last visited in the mid 1980s. Finally this year was the year. together with their granddaughter Brea the plan was set in motion in February. Their first stop was Madrid and the surrounding areas. A few days in the country's capital, and they were ready for the next stage: Barcelona here we come! 

Staying in an apartment on one of Barcelona's most fabled and quintessential streets, Carrer Montcada, the three of them were ready for a few days of touring with The Spanish Touch. Our first day was a morning excursion over to Sagrada Familia. There's something magical about Sagrada Familia, the way it draws you to its every nook and cranny. For Anne and Raul, the last time they saw Gaudi's temple it was an outer shell, so the sight of its 8 completed towers and the rising facades, sculptures, designs, mosaic was something they had been looking forward to. The exploration of the Basilica was a great way to get into the city's history and culture. And it was the perfect start to a few days of enjoyable company and discovery. 

Pimientos de Padron - traditional tapas with a twist

Pimientos de Padron are a bit misleading. When most Americans see the small peppers they immediately think of various types of hot peppers which bear a striking similarity. However, these peppers are not necessarily hot. In fact, part of what makes eating them such an adventure is that you're never sure if you're going to be the one who gets the hot one! Found in almost every tapas bar in Spain, pimientos de padron arrived in Spain in the 16th century via missionaries coming back from the new world. The best and most traditional pimientos are grown in Galicia.

For information on tapas or for help creating your ideal itinerary for a guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Barcelona's Lesser-known Coast - The Maresme

Barcelona is famous for many reasons, and the region surrounding it as well. But some of these regions have managed to escape the spotlight. At The Spanish Touch we believe that the best way to travel is to be informed about the possibilities, and we view it as a part of our job to help interested visitors to discover the region, beyond just the pictures and "major" tourist attractions. And today's search brings us closer to Barcelona than people generally consider. When we talk about the Coastal regions people think of the Costa Brava, or the Costa Daurada along the south. but the Maresme coast, that stretches between the city of Barcelona and the Costa Brava, offers some spectacular ideas for the inquisitive explorer. 

Take, for example, the capital city of Mataro: originally a Roman city, the town was also the birthplace and home Modernisme's most important figures, Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The town center features pedestrian walkways which wind through the stores and buildings, leading to the 17th century church, a modernista market and even Roman ruins. 

Castle lovers have several options as well, as both the Castle of Vilassar and the Tower of Santa Susanna can be visited, and provide visitors an opportunity to discover the history and legends of the coastal towns.  The ruins of Burriac Castle are one of the most popular sites for hikers in the area.

And speaking of hiking, both the Montnegre Natural Park and the Serralada Litoral foothills offer ample opportunities for a day in the great outdoors, with visits to ancient dolmens, castle ruins, and spectacular panoramas over the sea. Horseback riding and quad rentals are also quite popular as well. 

Finally, i would be remiss if I did not mention food and wine. From having one of the top restaurants in the world (Carme Ruscalleda's Sant Pau) to up-and-coming restaurants like Tresmacarrons to some of the best tapas along the coast, the culinary offering is sure to satisfy even the most demanding palate. 

And the Alella wine region, the smallest in Spain, has been winning awards in recent years for their unique wines and cavas, and enjoying a picnic in the vineyards just a half hour outside of Barcelona is a truly wonderful way to spend a spring or summer afternoon. 

For more information regarding private tours in the Barcelona region contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013. 

The Costa Brava - digging deeper into one of Spain's most popular regions

The Costa Brava (a name made up for it in the 20th century, and much like Crocodile Dundee, it was given because they thought it would be good for the tourism industry), is the stretch of coast that runs along the northern part of Catalonia to the French border. Let's dispel a common misconception: it doesn't actually border Barcelona. Th the coast just north of the city is called the Maresme, and I'll be writing about that area in the future. the Costa Brava is an area which runs from Blanes (about 60 km north of the city) to the French border. Some of its more famous towns include:

Roses -  in the Cap de Creus Natural Park, a spectacular beach town, and the closest "major" town to the now closed "El Bulli" restaurant.
Cadaques - an artists village, once a popular retreat for local and international artists due to its beauty and quiet charm, which, despite the crowds that pile in during the summer months, it still manages to retain most of the year. It's also a 1 km walk to Portlligat, Salvador Dali's home.
Tossa de Mar - another fishing village, most notable for its medieval ramparts right on the sea cliff overlooking the town. 

Lloret de Mar - unfortunately better known for its popularity among European youth for cheap bars and clubs, the town is trying to reinvent itself and focus on the beauty of the region, which includes several botanical gardens which make the visit more than worthwhile. 

But exploring the region a bit more yields so much more. There are medieval castles to be explored in towns like Torreolla de Montgri and Platja D'Aro. For ancient history buffs check out the Roman and Greek ruins at Empúries and  the Iberian Settlement at Ullastret. But if you just want a taste of the traditional, old world fishing village, you can go to the less well-known towns like Palafrugell, L'Escala or Selva. 

The Spanish Touch is now offering private tours to the Costa Brava for people who are looking to get more out of their visit to Spain than just the "sun and beach" experience that for so long represented Spain. Day trips, weekend excursions and fully guided vacations can be arranged and customized to fit your particular needs, maximizing your time and your experience.

Old School Record Stores in Barcelona - Guest Blogger Harriet Freeman

Old school Record Stores in Barcelona

Even with the advent of digital music downloads, physical music copies are seeing a raise in sales (15 times more than in 1993). Especially in Barcelona! If you're a hardcore music fan and are looking for records, from Vinyls to CDs, there are a number of stores in Barcelona going stronger than ever that will fulfill your musical needs.

So revisit the days of going into a record shop and discovering new music the tried and tested way. Without further ado, here are some of the best record stores in Barcelona.

1. Revolver Records

Probably the biggest record store company in Barcelona, it's most likely going to be your first point of call for all things musical.  It's very well located too, in the city center, just off of Las Ramblas near Plaza Catalunya. They specialize in practically all music types including rock, indie, metal, punk, garage and more. C/ Tallers, 11.

2. Luchador Records

If you're staying in the Raval Area, then Luchador records will most likely serve you during your trip. This shop in particular is for the collectors out there, those of you who are looking for that hard to find record that you can't get anywhere else. These guys are all about the exclusive and alternative. C/ Ferlandina, 39 (right).

3. Discos Paradiso

Right next door Luchador records is Discos Paradiso, a shop set up by two Catalan music aficionados called Gerard and Arnau. It's a good place to find some golden oldies, but they are also specialists in techno, dub step, house, and electronic types of music. There's also a back room where artists play from time to time! C/ Ferlandina, 39 (left).

4. Subwax

This record store has a long history and was originally located in Sweden. Before it moved to Barcelona, it was the longest running record store there. They mainly focus on electronic music and reggae, and have about 10,000 in their collection. C/ Valldonzella, 3.

5. Wah Wah

This record store is also located in Raval. It's a small store which reminds of me of the record stores I found in Soho, London, when I was an adolescent. It's also a record label which reissues records that are no longer in production. The shop is divided into two sections, "The Classic Section"  run by Shakira where you'll find all sorts of styles, and "The Dance/Electronic Section" run by DJ Zero. C/ Riera Baixa, 14.

Harriet Freeman works in the tourism industry for OK Apartment Barcelona, a company that specializes in Holiday apartments in Barcelona . She is an expert on northern Spain and Barcelona and runs her own blog; Things to do Barcelona.

Paradors and Mines - A Day Tour to Cardona

Cardona is a small town in northern Catalonia where you can find the spectacular castle overlooking the town, which has been turned into one of the most spectacular parador hotels. But at The Spanish Touch want to show you more than just one of our favorite hotels: We want to bring the 30 million year old history of the region to life!

Since well before the arrival of the Romans, the town was a stronghold for the Iberians who built a fortress on the hill next to the "snowy" mountain. Why, you might ask? Because the mountain is a salt mountain, with one of the richest and largest mines of salt in Europe, over 300km of underground tunnels that reached a depth of over 1300 meters!  Join us for a chance to see how the industrial and the historical melded together to produce one of Spain's inspiring stories in a fairytale setting.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information on this or for help in planning your own private tour of Spain at 888-480-0013.

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.