The Chupinazo - Let San Fermines Begin!

San Fermin, perhaps the most famous party in all of Spain, has officially begun! The "Chupinazo" took place this morning in the Plaza Mayor in Pamplona, in the northern region of Navarra. The traditional start to a week long celebration which includes the Running of the bulls brings thousands of people into the town's main square to see the first fireworks set off, the "official" start to the party. Viva San Fermin!

And whether people come to run alongside the bulls every morning or to watch the show from a balcony, the celebration is a unique and unforgettable experience for all.

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

The Pinheiros - Days 5 and 6 - San Sebastian, The Guggenheim and more wine please!

San Sebastian is great town. Lisa and Scott had the whole day to explore, and weather allowing, hit the beach for a few hours. The start of the day was less beach weather, but we headed down to San Sebastian city center anyway. As I was returning to Barcelona, I left them on their own in the city center for the day, to eat some tapas, drink some wine, do some shopping, and maybe even visit the old city. Originally there was a wine tasting in the evening, but the host had to go tot he hospital in the morning and we decided it might be better to let the effects of the anesthesia completely wear off, so the tasting was moved back a day. The following day  they already had a visit to the Guggenheim scheduled with our local guide, so it was simply a matter of combining the two things. 

Carol picked them up on Saturday morning with their luggage (moving to a hotel in San Sebastian for the night) and they were off to their token museum visit on the trip. If you are going to visit just one museum in all of Spain, it's hard to argue with the Guggenheim in Bilbao as your top choice. Even non-lovers of modern art (like myself) are left speechless and amazed at it. Lisa was particularly glad she went, and said it was definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip. The evening wine tasting was another highlight, with Gabrielle  providing a great array and a wonderful tasting. 

Next up a return train trip to Barcelona and 2 more days in the Catalan capital. 

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

Happy 4th of July from The Spanish Touch

As we celebrate the 236th anniversary of the United States' independence, I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday, and enjoy the fireworks!!

The Spanish Touch

The Pinheiro's tour - Day 4 - A trip through Spain as it should be

This morning began somewhat dubiously for me, revisiting the snail stew from the day before. But not to be deterred, we checked out of our charming Bed and Breakfast and headed over to Alquezar, a town of just 100 permanent residence, but thanks to rural tourism over the last decades one that can grow to over 15 times that amount at certain times. This is impressive, since most people still couldn't find it on a map of Spain. Alquezar is, nonetheless, one of those towns that's filled with more legends and folklore than you could possibly take in, especially in just one morning.

 Unfortunately one morning is all we had, as our schedule called for us to be in Basque Country by evening. We met our guide at the tourist office for a walking tour of the history and legends of the town. It was fascinating to learn about the town, and particularly to see how the details can really bring the legends to life. Details like the chimneys (the "Witch-scarers"), or the overpasses that at one point connected the entire town, which without a guide would have passed unnoticed.  After an hour and a half exploring the town, we decided to head up and take the scenic route to Hondarribia.  The road that leads there passes through some spectacular scenery, along mountains, winding roads along the lake with picturesque little villages dotting the green hillsides.

Taking advantage of our leisurely pace, we decided to stop at the Castle of Loarre, an 11th century gem nestled into the foothills of Huesca. We arrived just in time, and were allowed to head in to the castle to explore even though they were about to close. One of the more completed and restored castles in Spain, it's no wonder that it was chosen as background for a number of films like Kingdom of Heaven. Lisa even got the chance to close the castle doors!

Next up was a quick stop for lunch in the lovely village of Ayerbe, then on to Hondarribia and a couple of days in Basque Country. We arrived in the evening, and the Parador of Hondarribia awaiting on the top of the hill with a commanding view over the harbor and the town, greeted us. An evening of relaxation and tomorrow a day off to explore and enjoy one of my favorite cities in all of Spain: San Sebastian.

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

The Pinheiro's tour - day 3 (II) - A unique wine and birthday dinner

As we drove through the plains of Lleida and into the mountainous areas of wine country, outside was very sunny and hot (there was a thermometer reading on the side of the road that read 47.5C or about 117F , but I think that might have been sitting out in the sun too long). But at 6 o'clock, when we got to the winery for our wine tasting, the temperatures had come down a bit more and we were ready for a tasting. I have often said I would rather visit smaller wineries to get a feel for the region, it gives you a more personal touch. Sergio from Alodia certainly falls into that category. He works a one-man show, and is dedicated to recovering the local varietals such as Alcañon, Parraleta and Moristel. He explained how the work with these lesser-known grapes can often be much harder, as they lack the training and evolution of some of the bigger names of the region such as Chardonnay, Cabernet or Merlot. We sampled the range of his local varietals, including the only wine made from Alcañon in the region, and - since it only grows in the region - by extension in the world! The other advantage is that you can ask the winemaker questions, and Scott and Lisa were free to ask questions which Sergio was more than happy to answer about everything from which oaks, why and what difference it makes to where he found the grape varietals to start his project.


After the visit we drove around the corner and into the tiny village of Adahuesca where we were spending the night at a Bed and Breakfast. As it was Lisa's birthday Scott requested the lamb dinner, and we all enjoyed a quiet evening eating locally produced products and enjoying the wine of the region (Alodia also makes the only sparkling wine with the DO Somontano). Then it was off to bed to get ready for tomorrow's drive through the country and up to Basque country. 


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

The Pinheiro's Tour - Day 3 (I) - Montserrat and lunch

Day three of the tour found Lisa, Scott and I leaving Barcelona for a few days. First stop: Montserrat mountain. Technically it was our second stop, as we stopped for a minute on the way out of the city so they could drop off a couple of postcards at the post office. At over 700 meters up, the temperatures at the monastery were much more bearable than along the coast. It was a great day to do some walking, and so we did. We sampled some cheese, explored the monastery and then took the walk down to the Sagrada Cova. Well okay, we didn't walk all the way, but we did get a good sample of the walk, complete with the numerous Moderniste statues dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, where the peculiar Catalan blend of national pride and religion is clearly visible.

We bypassed lunch with the tourists to continue on our way inland. We stopped along the plains of Lleida for a quick lunch at a local diner. The rabbit and pork were fine. I tried the local snail and meat stew, which was surprisingly tasty. After lunch we continued up to the Somontano region where we would be spending the night.

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

The Pinheiro's Tour - Day 2 - Trapsing around Barcelona

The first full day of Scott and Lisa's tour began in Barcelona city center. Having already wandered around some of the old city yesterday, we headed right across town first thing in the morning to visit Sagrada Familia. Early in the morning has it's advantages as a time to visit. First of all, with the sweltering heat wave that has descended upon most of Spain (temperatures in southern Spain got up over 40C or 104F) it was easier to do the explaining of the exterior without feeling like you might melt into the sidewalk. Secondly, most people seemed to have gotten off to a later than usual start, so even on the inside we had a fair bit of room to wander and take some pictures. 

Once we finished with Sagrada Familia we headed back into the old city. Going back in time from Modernisme to Roman civilization is much easier when the city in question is one where history is built on top of itself, layers of civilizations in such a compact area, it really is a treat. Starting at the old Roman walls (of the fully named Colonia Iula Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino, or Barcino for short) we traced the route of the various groups who have passed through the gates of the city. Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Franks, Jews, Christians, and more have all left their mark on the city. 

From the legend of tortures of Saint Eulalia to the horrific bombings of the Italians during the Spanish Civil War to the original location of the Jewish drinking fountain, there is so much to see in Barcelona that to compress it all into one short day is impossible. So we focused on the highlights and pointed out the things that might be of interest during free time. Coming complete circle and ending up once again at the Cathedral we headed back to drop them off for a spot of lunch before hitting the gym and heading off to the Flamenco show, where they were able to catch 1 and a half shows!

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

The Pinheiro's tour - Day 1 - welcome to Barcelona

Lisa and Scott Pinheiro arrived in Barcelona all set for their 9 day adventure around northern Spain. Day 1 was a simple affair. Having met them at the airport, we headed to their hotel, right along the Plaza Catalunya. the rest of the day was theirs to explore the city, catch up on some rest and get ready for the rest of the week. With a couple of suggestions for things to see and where to eat (on a Monday in Spain that can be more complicated, especially for dinner), they spent the day exploring Las Ramblas and La Boqueria, the old city and enjoying some tapas and wine. The rest of the tour awaiting, beginning with a half-day tour of Barcelona on day 2.

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

The Zaslav's Tour of Barcelona

There are some bonuses to staying at the Hotel Florida at Tibidabo in Barcelona. The most obvious are the spectacular views over the city and the quiet and calm that come from being up on the hill. It can, however, be a bit of a problem if your taxi driver gets lost getting there.  Luckily for us, however, we had no such problems. Meeting the family at 10:00 we headed off down the mountain and into Barcelona to explore the history and legends of the city. Our morning walk took us through the old city, and we learned about the long history of the city, it's important Jewish community in the Middle Ages, and the Catalan culture in general. Our tour took us through the old streets of the old city, stopping in the oldest synagogue in Spain (with foundations back to Roman times), where we learned why so many buildings in the Gothic Quarter have steps going down at the entrance. 

A stop for lunch on an outside terrace refueled us and we were back in the car for the afternoon visits. A change of gears from ancient history brought us to the Moderniste element of Barcelona and it's most important monument: The Sagrada Familia. After we discussed the architectural elements and symbolism of Gaudi's masterpiece, we headed up into the last site of the day, Park Guell. Seeing what Gaudi did with the landscape and how it was all designed to blend into the hill upon which it was constructed is something that is best experienced firsthand. From the mosaic to the pathways to the gardens, everything seems calculated to make sure it's something you never forget. Our day ended where it began, and we headed up the mountain to the hotel to say goodbye. Thanks to the Zaslav family for being such a pleasure to work with!

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

A weekend in the mountains in Spain

This weekend is San Juan, celebrated throughout Spain as summer's official welcoming party. But this year we opt for something different. No bonfires, no fireworks. Just a quiet rustling creek, distant clanks of the flocks of sheep returning fromn their day's grazing and spectacular views over the Vall de Boi. The clang of the 11th century church and the gentle chatter of the neighbors sitting on their balconies enjoying a refreshing breeze as the sun slowly drifts behind the Pyrenees. Yes, a different feeling. And a very pleasant chance to remember that tucked into the hills of this marvelous country are sites which surpass any ideas you might have had about them. Such beauty, such peace and such a great country.

For more information on planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.
BlackBerry de movistar, allí donde estés está tu oficin@

Taking in the details - a tour of Barcelona

The Jaramillos arrived in Barcelona's airport ready to hit the ground moving. We headed into the city accompanied by a typical Barcelona late spring morning. Our morning tour led us through the Gothic quarter, exploring the streets, buildings and squares that make up this singularly spectacular area. Facades, gargoyles, cobblestone streets and the sensation of walking through living history always make this area a special place to explore. Our tour led us through the cathedral of Barcelona, the old Jewish Quarter, through 3 of the 4 old Roman gates to the city and down Las Ramblas to La Boqueria market before we stopped for a quick coffee to get off our feet for a few minutes. After visiting the Plaza de Rei and learning about the differences in architecture from Madrid and Barcelona in the 16th century, we deviated from the original plan so that we could take in some of Gaudi's treasures with the remaining time. The Sagrada Familia, for someone who has never seen it before, is always a very pleasant surprise, and it is difficult to explain the architecture, symbolism and ingenuity of the temple if you have not seen it up close. Our time was drawing to a close and the effects of a long flight and the warming temperatures made it for a relaxing drive to the port for them to catch their cruise ship to continue their adventures. 

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

Small Town Tourism in Spain

Barcelona. Madrid. Sevilla.  Everyone knows the names of the big cities in Spain. They are magical places, filled with sights, sounds and a plethora of options for even the most experienced traveler. But what about some of those off the beaten track, fishermen's village kinds of places, the kind that you used to read about? Thereare still a number of them around, hiding away in the shadows of the big cities, comfortably nestled in the hills or along the beach in areas that not so frequented by tourists. But for the informed visitor, they provide a perfect break from  the sensory barrage of the cities.

Towns like Ametlla de Mar or Montefrio, towns where time seems to go by slower,  the pace is relaxed. It might be that "tourist" sites are not as plentiful in these towns, but therein lies there treasure: he town itself is a site. So this summer step back from the sites and sounds of the city for a day and just relax with the locals by the beach or in the hills.

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

Northern Spanish Wine Route with The Spanish Touch

For wine lovers, The Spanish Touch is proud to offer wine tours such as as the one outlined below, incorporating the wine regions of Penedès and Priorat (Barcelona), Somontano, Rioja, Bierzo  and Rias Baixas. 

Traverse northern Spain through its wine country, starting in Barcelona with the Penedes and Priorat regions close by. Head up to the small - but impressive - region of Somontano, and then on to Rioja, the heart of spanish wine culture. From Rioja head up to the upcoming region of Bierzo and finally arrive in Galicia to explore the Rias Baixas.

The Magic of Dali and the streets of Girona with the Masters

A day tour to the Dali Theater-Museum and the city of Girona provides people with a great peek at what Catalonia has to offer outside of Barcelona. Meeting in the lobby of the hotel at 9:30, the Masters' and I headed out of the city and up the highway to Figueres. Along the way we discussed the background of the region, Dali and how the landscapes we were passing influenced the boy who was to become the most famous of the surrealist painters. The Dali Museum, however, is much more than just a showcase for his paintings. It is a work of art in itself. Everything in it was designed by Dali and all three of the Masters' were immediately impressed and immersed in the art. While Dali offered no guide for visiting his museum, learning about his life and what was happening does shed light on his works. We spent the morning wandering through and admiring his artwork before stopping for a quick bite at a local cafe.


Following lunch we headed over to Girona for an afternoon stroll through the old city. The cobblestone streets, the bridges, the ancient churches and walls of the two thousand year old city really bring its history to life. The Cathedral, and its  treasury bear witness to the importance and riches that the city has seen throughout its history. As we walked back down the winding streets we came across a mother duck with her ducklings, clearly enjoying an afternoon stroll just like us. In all a lovely end to an enjoyable and educational Spanish experience!

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

What is a "Spanish" Food Tour - A Personal Take

To refer to “Spanish Food” is to refer to a concept that is as varied as it is rich. Spain is made up of a number of very different regions. the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol, starkness of Castilla-la Mancha, the wild inlets of the Costa Brava, the majesty of the Pyrenees and the green pastures of Asturias are all a part of this “Spanish cuisine”. And the food of each region is as different as the landscape. From fresh fish and seafood to wild game to the avant-gaurde cooking of chefs like Ferran Adria, the country is bursting with flavors for every taste. And we dare not forget the famous Iberian Hams! Throughout the year there are local festivals and fairs in celebration of the local produce, be it strawberries or olive oil, sausage or Galician octopus. At the Spanish touch we try to incorporate these local festivals as much as possible to give you a chance to get a true culinary experience,.

But there are some seasonal foods which draw particular attention, and which we do our best to bring out in their fullness. These seasonal tours are specific to regions and times of the year, and include opportunities you will not find elsewhere, be it truffle hunting in the mountains or scouring the valley for mushrooms, walking through the olive groves or getting an up close and personal view of the grape harvest.

At The Spanish Touch we strive to provide the best service and best resources for truly experiencing the delights of Spanish gastronomy, and to offer a singular tour that will open your eyes and your taste buds to the incredible world of Spanish cuisine. 

  

For more information on a private guided tour in Spain, give us a call at 888-480-0013.

A taste of Barcelona with the Raimondis

In Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

I met Paul and Jane at the dock on Saturday morning for a day-long Barcelona experience. The weather was perfect, and we were off. As we drove into the city, passing by the giatn Columbus statue at the end of Las Ramblas and past the Llotja, where Picasso once studied, you begin to get a feeling for the city. Aside from the collection of magnificent buildings, Barcelona city is a piece of art on display. From  Roy Lichtenstein's "Barcelona Head" and Marichal's "La Gamba" to the people and the winding streets, the city works as a collective to offer inquisitive visitors an insight into the culture and the people.

Our morning visit took us through the old city center, winding the streets as we passed through two thousand years of history, stopping to take in the small shops and detailed facades of the buildings, the medieval arches of the sides streets and, naturally, the magnificent display of gothic architecture that is so characteristic of the city itself. A stop for a quick refreshment was called for with the springtime sun warming the streets before we continued into the heart of the city, viewing Las Ramblas, the Plaza del Rei, the Roman Temple and the Palau of the Generalitat.

Lunch was a thoroughly enjoyable event, as we stopped for tapas at a local restaurant and enjoyed some of the local treats like Spanish tortilla, Gambas al ajillo, xoricets in a wine sauce, and of couse the omnipresent olives and pa amb tomaquet. After lunch we headed over to Sagrada Familia. Bypassing the line and heading straight into the church, which defies the standard categorization of "just another church" so much that even the most hardened travelers cannot help but be moved.

We finished the day heading back down Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi's other famous houses before saying goodbye at the cruise ship port. In all a lovely day and great people, a truly memorable experience!

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

Tenerife - A Spanish Island in the Sun

Spain is made up of 17 different regions. 15 of them are located on the Iberian Penninsula. But two of them can be found surrounded on all sides by water: The Balearic and the Canary Islands. Today I want to talk about Tenerife, the "Island of Eternal Spring". As its moniker implies, weather is never an issue. The Canary Islands are the southernmost point of Spain, closer to the West African coast than to the mainland. Tenerife is a spectacular place which holds secrets and surprises for everyone!

14th century churches, historical town centers dating back hundreds of years and wonderfully preserved due to the relative isolation of the island, and other relics of Tenerife's colorful past are often overshadowed by the sheer beauty of nature at work. National parks abound, with spectacular cliffs, rugged landscapes and beaches that are famous among surfers. And don't forget about the food (and the local wine!)

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

Galician Wines on show

More and more people are talking about the fascinating world of Spanish wines. No more is Rioja the only region that people can name from Spain. in fact, there are more than 65 different DOs (denominacion de origen) throughout the country. Even so, Galicia can sometimes be overlooked. Long known to insiders for its mouthwatering seafood and lovely white wines, the Northwestern region of Spain is gaining a well-deserved international reputation for quality.

This Saturday, May 26, more than 70 wineries from 5 of the region's DOs are opening their doors for a free visit and tasting for people who are learning more about the region, the history and the wine. Add to that 31 restaurants that will be offering special menus based around the wines and you've got the recipe for a great way to spend a weekend.

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

Ordesa National Park - The Lost Mountain in Spain

In the seriously under-appreciated Northern regions of Spain are hidden some of the best National Parks on the Iberian peninsula. One such example is Ordesa National Park and the Lost Mountain (Monte Perdido). A destination unto itself, Ordesa is more or less halfway between the Bilbao and Barcelona, along the Spanish Pyrenees. It's the perfect place to avoid the summer heat, spend a couple of days (or more) enjoying nature, hiking and and discover the history  of the region (the towns and valleys of the region, aside from some spectacular panoramas, played an important role in the reconquest of Spain). And staying in a National Park away from the hurry and heat of the city doesn't mean shying away from pampering yourself. In fact, just the opposite. At the foot of Monte Perdido you can stay in the Parador of Bielsa. So if you are looking for a different kind of summer escape, why not look toward the north and away from the beaches for an experience you'll never forget!
For more information or for a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Made in Spain - something for everyone

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is what exactly does Spain produce. Well, the obvious answer is wine, olives, cured hams and assorted other fruits, vegetables and grains. All of which are excellent and any visitor to Spain would do well to try them. And don't forget to try some of the local desserts, wherever you are you are sure to find something wonderful and new!

But beyond that there is so much that Spain has to offer. From leatherwork and ceramics (which vary from region to region, what you find in Granada or Cordoba for example, has little to do with the Toledo work which is very distinct from the Catalan works). SEAT is the Spanish car company founded in 1950. 

Spanish Fashion labels and clothing stores (Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Adolfo Dominguez, Zara, etc) are becoming more common sites in the States.  And as anyone who has walked the streets and shops of Madrid or Barcelona can tell you, shoes is big business as well. Brands such as Camper and Victoria have long since established themselves in the market for their quality and style. 

These are just a couple of ideas for things made in Spain, but there is so much more to discover, why not come over and find out for yourself!

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