Remembering the Titanic 100 years later in Barcelona

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

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

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

Barcelona Restaurant Week April 2012

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

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

Semana Santa in Galicia - Northwestern Spain

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

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

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

Dansa de la Mort - a unique celebration

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

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

Semana Santa in Baeza, away from the major cities

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

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

Semana Santa - Spain's Easter highlights

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

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

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

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

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


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

General Strike In Spain March 29, 2012

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

A different kind of Day Tour in Madrid

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

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

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

Las Fallas - Valencia's spotlight celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strolling through history - The Haws' day in Barcelona

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

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

Barcelona Beer Festival - another reason to visit

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

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

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

Sant Medir - a celebration in Gracia for everyone!

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

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

Besalu, a Jewish City - March 2012

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

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

Valentine's Day Ideas from The Spanish Touch

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

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


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

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

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival - New Tour Dates

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

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

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

El Invierno, or ideas for Spain in the Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relaxing with Gaudi

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