From Market to Market

Something that stands out when I think of Spain: The markets and ferias, or fairs. These markets can be indoor or open-aired. They might have fresh produce or fresh poultry. Or perhaps they are a display of local artisans' work. Maybe you're looking to pick up a pair of unique earrings for a friend back home, or you want to try some fresh squeezed OJ. Here in Barcelona, let alone Spain in general, I have found quite the array. Sometimes, it's a permanent market, like "La Boquería" on Las Ramblas. Sometimes, I've found myself wandering over by a certain plaza just to take a glimpse at what's on display on those brown tables or what's being sold under the white tents. And some of my favorite times are those surprises of walking down a street to find local vendors selling homemade chocolate, or cheese wedges, or other specialties!

Here are some pictures of markets around this city:

Fruits and veges on display at La Boquería.


Eggs of all kind inside la Mercat Santa Caterina (Saint Catherine's Market)

Christmas decorations at Fira de Santa Llucia (Saint Lucy's Fair), a seasonal fair during the month of December located outside of the main Cathedral


Browsing tee shirts, hats, scarves & more at this market set up right by Plaza Catalunya

Interested in visiting some of these hot spots? Contact The Spanish Touch to set up your next tour.

A Proper Tapas Spread

Ask any person to tell you something about Spain and chances are the word "Tapas" will probably come up in conversation. There is much to be said about these small rations of food that people pick at, usually accompanied by a beverage of your choice. They are a great way to try a little bit of everything while enjoying the afternoon/evening with friends. Plus, the menu varies all around Spain. No matter where you are, though, there seems to be something for everyone. And there seems to be the staple tapas, too. Something like "pan con tomato," or bread with tomato is a common one, along with "patatas bravas" or potatoes with a spicy Brava Sauce. However, you might order a small portion of a salad, something seafood (which might include calamari, sardines, etc.), a variety of sausage, mushrooms, and the list goes on! Usually you order a couple different types and end up sharing them with your party. But don't feel like you need to eat everything in one sitting. After tasting at one place, head on out to the next tapas bar for a different selection. Tapas Bars may seem to be a dime a dozen, but of course, there are always certain restaurants that have their specialties. A great one to check out here in Barcelona is Lonja de Tapas. They have 4 different locations right in the city. Mmmm. Is it dinner time yet?

The Spanish Touch offers Tapas Tours for those who everyone: from learning more about this Spanish experience to discovering some of the best places to satisfy your hunger to helping Tapas veterans look for a great new find or a great wine pairing!

Valencia Tour- something for everyone!

Another tour in Valencia, another day full of history, good food, and great shopping finds! Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, has a unique feel to it, but then again I feel that way about all of the cities I have visited. The Spanish Touch enjoyed a half-day tour with Barry and Donna Case, a couple who stopped in at this port city while cruising around the Mediterranean. So much to see, so much to share, so little time! So I will share with you just some of the highlights of our tour.

We had a great tour through the city, starting at the Bull Ring and Estación del Norte, the North train station ornately decorated with mosaic tiles. Such a style displays the Modernismo touch that graces various buildings around this city. We walked through the City Hall Plaza, spotted the rather large post office, and headed over to the Central Market. The market is quite the experience for all 5 senses as hundreds of stalls sell fresh fruit, fish and of course, my favorite, artisan chocolate, among other treats! We did not leave empty handed!

After admiring the 15th century silk exchange known as La Lonja, we brushed off our walking shoes once again. What would a Spanish city be without its cathedral? The Valencia cathedral (below, right) showcases Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic style architecture, along with frescoes, a pair of Goya paintings, and what is claimed to be the Holy Grail. Wherever you come from, it's hard not to admire the craftsmanship that went into this building.

Among other treasures, we also spotted the Serrano Towers. They are hard to miss as they were once the entrance into the old Roman city. Now, they serve as a great look out point and giant piece of architecture!

Of course we stopped to eat some lunch-- paella. Valencia is the birthplace of this rice, saffron and typically seafood and/or chicken dish. As the day moved on, more and more treasures were found both on the street and inside the shops. The handmade ceramics (produced right here in the Valencia region) decorate the walls of the city, but the memory does not have to end with a photograph! Why not give into the urge to bring home a piece of Valencia's ceramic!

On the car ride back to the port, we managed to drive by the famous Opera House along with a view of the City of Arts and Sciences. (below, photo taken at previous time) ¡Qué bonita!

Thanks again to the Case family for such an enjoyable great tour!
- Justine

La Castanyada - A Spanish Halloween

As a child, I always loved Halloween. The trick-or-treating, the costumes, the fun games.... So when I first got to Spain I was surprised to find that the customs were not exactly the same. As we approach All Hallow's Eve, in this traditionally Catholic country we find the emphasis not so much on the scary costumes which people used to use to keep evil spirits away from the graveyards, but on a much more practical aspect: How to keep yourself awake and warm while standing guard. The answer throughout Spain came in the form of a simple nut. The Chestnut, to be precise. While most Americans think of Christmas Carols when they hear the word Chestnut, in Spain it brings to mind the Castañada (Castanyada in Catalan). This festival is celebrated from Malaga to Barcelona to the Atlantic Coast of Galicia, and, while the local customs vary, generally concern roasting these tasty treats over an open fire to provide nourishment and warmth through the night. This was traditionally accompanied by the occasional swallow of the year's young wines to keep spirits up. And so, throughout Spain this weekend, people will be celebrating with friends and neighbors this annual tradition, and towns and villages provide bonfires to keep spirits warm and alive as they pass the night away.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information about these and other festivals, and we will be glad to offer you a customtour designed to introduce to the culture and people of Spain you can't get any other way!

Harvest Festivals

These last few months have been pretty packed in Spain. Starting in late August with the grape harvest and continuing through November, the country has become a hotbed for local festivals and traditional harvest-time activities. Members of The Spanish Touch have been fortunate enough to get to events such as the Alella Harvest Festival and the Catalan Wine and Cava Fair in Barcelona, but the events are everywhere throughout Spain. This weekend we will be visiting the annual CavaTast celebration in San Sadurni, and we will also be taking some clients up to a local mushroom festival where local "boletaires" (wild mushroom collectors) will show us their best offerings and share some of their expertise and experiences. Each region has its own unique way of celebrating this wonderful season, and each celebration is a great way to really get in touch with the local culture and people. If you would like help organizing your visit to Spain to incorporate one or more of these Festivals, please contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to help!

Fine Dining with The Spanish Touch - A Dinner to Remember

I recently had the pleasure of taking Lynn and Herb Cantor around Barcelona for a few days, and we included a trip to the three-michelin-star Sant Pau restaurant to kick things off. The first thing that stands out is the restaurant itself, on the outside a relatively unassuming building with a small parking area for the guests. However, upon entering it was clear the restaurant was anything but typical. It balanced gentle colors and a simplicity that somehow perfectly fit the environment, and I found myself relaxing and drinking in the environment before we even got our seats. It promised to be a spectacular affair.

After starting with a welcome broth, we decided on the tasting menu, a 13-course carnival of tastes and contrasts. The highlights were many, and I could not, even now, choose a favorite, because each dish was a delicacy unto itself, so the crawfish with chamomile was a completely different experience from the lloritos, a Mediterranean fish only found in these waters during the summer months, which was completely different from the pork trotters with hot sauce, celery and hazlenuts. Perhaps the course that most stands out in my memory was the cheese course: 5 cheeses matched beautifully with a contrasting flavor, be it the local Garrotxa Bauma cheese matched with rasberry, vegetables and vinagrette, or the Barousse from the Pyrenees matched with nuts or the Cocagne with pear in eau-de-vie, each person at the table had a different preference, though everyone agreed it was sumptious.

The wines of the evening were a nice opening cava made locally for the restaurant, followed by a delightful young white wine (Godello grape) from the small Valdeorras DO. It went perfectly with the appetizers and the creative dishes. The second wine was a priorat, which was also an excellent selection and complimented the meat and cheese dishes without overpowering.

A surprise of the evening was meeting the chef in person, Carme Ruscalleda! All in all, it was a dinner that far surpassed all expectations, and left us discussing its proper place among the best meals of our lives.

Until the next time, bon profit and thanks again for the food and memories!

Wine and Mushrooms Tour - this October

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know about a new tour The Spanish Touch has set up for this year: Of Mushrooms and Wine. The Barcelona-based tour includes some unique opportunities to visit wine and mushroom country as well as see several of the most interesting and fun local fairs surrounding them. This year we will be visiting the Cavatast celebration in the Penedes wine region and a mushroom festival in the heart of Mushroom country. And of course we include visits to Barcelona's most famous and interesting sites, as well as a few gastronomic treasures in the city itself. It promises to be a great time, don't miss this opportunity!

For complete information, visit our website or contact us via email (info@thespanishtouch.com) or phone (1-888-480-0013).

Tour de France in Spain

This year's Tour de France is underway, and we know the main protagonist in the form of Lance Armstrong. However, it also marks the first time in more than 40 years the Tour has passed through Barcelona, and tomorrow is the big day. Thursday, July 9 marks the date that the riders will wind their way down from the beautiful city of Girona ( to the heart of Barcelona itself, passing the Arc de Triumf, the Statue of Columbus, and finishing at the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic. While the city is preparing for the riders' reception, the people in the streets are divided on the issue. For many, it represents a great opportunity for Barcelona to show its splendors, and for others it is a headache that is interrupting trains, roads and public transportation. But whatever their feelings, the city is all set and ready to receive the biggest cycling event of the year with a full complement of activities at the Poble Espanyol and at the Citadel Park.

Contact The Spanish Touch to help plan your visit to Spain.

Jazz and Wine in Barcelona with The Spanish Touch

Next weekend in Vilafranca del Penedes, the capital of the Penedes wine region about 1 hour south of Barcelona, is the ViJazz Wine and Jazz Festival. From July 3 to July 5, The Spanish Touch will be there visiting with the wineries and cava producers of the region, as well as taking in some of the best jazz and swing music of the summer in the midst of the medieval center of Vilafranca. What better way to spend a day or two of your summer vacation in Spain than joining us. Come along with us to taste some of the best wines of the region, and take advantage of the opportunity to get immersed in the culture of wine, the music and the region!

The Mediterranean Society in Spain

A slightly belated thank you to the 18 members of the Mediterranean Society who visited Spain with us at the end of last month. During the twelve-day tour they visited Tarragona, Barcelona, and the Costa Brava. It was one of the best group experiences I've had, and would like to thank each and every traveller for the opportunity to share their experiences with us. Highlights included: Tarragona's Roman heritage tour (Thanks Xavi), The Modernista day in Barcelona, Empuries, Cadaques, Besalu, and even a late-late season Calçotada! Look for the pictures soon on our website, and thanks again to the whole group for making our job so much fun!

If you would like to plan your group's Spanish vacation,contact us and we will be glad to work with you each and every step from planning the itinerary to the tour itself. Let us be your friend in Spain!

New Facebook group

Hi everyone!

I just want to share some exciting news: We are now a part of the Facebook society! Come join us and share your Spanish experience with everyone. We will also be updating the site with upcoming events in Spain to help you, including local festivals, shows, etc...

And, as always, if you need any additional help, don't hesitate to contact us directly at The Spanish Touch for more information or any other questions or comments.

Truffle hunting with The Spanish Touch

We are still in the grips of one of the coldest, strangest winters Spain has suffered in a long time, but that does not mean that there are not things going on! With the recession affecting Spain as much as the rest of the world, prices have been driven down and barriers opened up to visit places and do things that previously had been extremely difficult to get to. This year, the Spanish Touch is offering a unique opportunity to go look for the culinary "black gold" of Spain, truffles. In the beginning of March we will be taking a small group into the region of Graus, in Aragon, and will be going out with a local farmer to search for truffles. We will also be visiting the truffle fair in Graus, with events like cooking classes and a truffle market.

There are still a few openings available, and if you are interested, please visit our website or contact us at info@thespanishtouch.com for more information.

The Spanish Touch in 2009

Happy New Year to everyone!

As the holiday season winds down (which in Spain happenned yesterday with Three Kings Day) we would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2009, and let you know of a few interesting developments in The Spanish Touch.

This year promises to be a good year,a year of change and hopefully we can help you celebrate that change. And speaking of celebrations, to celebrate our 5th anniversary we are offering a 10% discount on all our day tours!

We are grateful to everyone who has made our first five years so memorable, and look forward to the new challenges and faces we will see in the future, and as always, we hope to provide each and every one of you with a fantastic Spanish experience soon!


Thanks again and best of luck in 2009!!

The Spanish Touch Team
www.thespanishtouch.com

The Phylloxera Fair - celebrating the people and the wine

This weekend the Cava capital of the world will be in full dress for the annual "Festa de la Fil-loxera" town party. Complete with parades, elaborate costumes, fireworks, and the famous Catalan "Diables". This annual reminder of how the townspeople, with their vineyards under the threat and attack of the phylloxera insect, rebounded and successfully overcame the infestation to revive the wine trade. It is a dedication to the spirit and character of the people, as well as a tribute to the town's principal resource - wine.

For more information on visiting the region or wine tours in general, contact The Spanish Touch.

Technical Difficulties for The Spanish Touch

I deeply regret having to report that The Spanish Touch has been experiencing technical difficulties on our website. For most of last week the website was down, and we have not yet recovered full email access. Most emails sent during the last week were not received, and I have not been given a time frame for when to expect them again.

I am pleased to report that our website is up and running once more, and we can now receive emails. Please pardon this inconvenience and we hope to have this situation remedied soon.

Eric Hersey

Director
The Spanish Touch
Tel: 888-480-0013
Fax: 267-937-5651

Madrid and Andalusia Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Madrid: transfer from airport to hotel. Day at leisure in Madrid. Welcome dinner in Madrid. (Madrid)

Day 2 - Morning tour of Prado Museum and surrounding area. Afternoon trip to Toledo. (Madrid)

Day 3 - Transfer to Seville. A brief overview of the city is followed by lunch and a walking tour of the city. In the evening, an optional bullfight at Seville's impressive Plaza de Toros. (Seville)

Day 4 - Day at leisure to enjoy Seville. Optional trip to Jerez, heart of sherry country, for a wine tasting at one of the spectacular wineries. Evening at leisure in Seville. (Seville)

Day 5 - Transfer to Granada, city of Moors and Catholic kings. Along the way, stop for lunch in the historic town of Antequera, just north of the spectacular El Torcal Park. (Granada)

Day 6 - Day in Granada. Visit to the Alhambra, the 12th century Moorish palace and fortress. In the evening, a dinner and flamenco show. (Granada)

Day 7 - Travel up to Madrid via Cordoba, ancient home to the Caliphs of the Moorish empire, and the majestic Mesquita. Evening farewell dinner in Madrid. (Madrid)

Day 8 - Transfer to airport, hotel or port.

The price includes:

Private guided tours as per itinerary.
A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona.
All transportation as specified in itinerary.
11 Meals (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
All entrance fees on itinerary.

Price: Starting from $2,645 per person.
Available dates: all year.

For more information please visit our website or contact us.

All our tours can be totally personalized to better adapt them to your needs and preferences.

Paradores Tours, Spain

Many people have asked us about staying in the Parador hotels around Spain, combining luxury with affordability. Staying in a Parador is not just the treatment you would expect for a 4-star hotel, with large, comfortable room and excellent service, it is much more. Most of the hotels are strategically located throughout all of Spain, in exquisite locations and always surrounded by the best of the natural environment of the region, or else close to, and often in, historically significant places that offer a true slice of Spain. In fact, the hotels themselves are sometimes architechtural gems. Between the key locations and the beauty of the places and the hotels, from The Spanish Touch we offer tours that run throughout Spain incorporating the Parador hotels:

Northern Route: Paradors of La Seu (Catalonia), Vielha (Catalonia), Sos del Rey Católico (Zaragoza), Olite (Pamplona), Ondarribia (San Sebastian), Santillana (Cantabria), Cangas de Onís (Asturias) and Santiago de Compostela (Galicia).

Mediterranean Route: Aiguablava (Girona), Tortosa (Tarragona), El Saler (Valencia), Puerto Lumbreras (Murcia), Mojácar (Almeria) and Nerja (Málaga).

Castille and North Central Spain: Teruel (Aragon), Cuenca (Castilla la Mancha), Chinchón (Madrid), Gredos (Avila), Salamanca and León.

Andalusia and Southern Spain: Carmona (Seville), Córdoba, Ronda or Antequera (Málaga), Ayamonte (Huelva), Zafra (Badajoz).

For more information about our Paradores Tours, please visit our website or contact us.

All our tours can be totally personalized to better adapt them to your needs and preferences.

Barcelona and Costa Brava Tour

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel. After lunch, take a walking tour around the area to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. An evening drink and brief overview of your itinerary at your hotel will be followed by dinner. (Dinner)

Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel. Tour the Heart of Barcelona, including La Pedrera and Casa Battlo, the Plaza Catalunya, and the world-famous Las Ramblas. After lunch, take in the famous Barrio Gotic, one of the best preserved examples of the gothic times. Perhaps stop in for an afternoon coffee and chocolate stop near Fargas, the oldest and most beloved chocolate shop in the city. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

 Day 3 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, the two most admired masterpieces of Gaudi. After lunch, we head up to Montjuic Palace, visit the Olympic Stadium and the Poble Espanyol, where an optional Flamenco dinner show can be taken in. And after the show, why not check out a different show: the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. (Breakfast)

Day 4 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning trip up to Montserrat Mountain, including a visit to the Monastery, and take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. After lunch, take an excursion into wine country, where you can tour a classic artisan winery and see how they make the famous Spanish Cava. Enjoy a dinner with wine in the region. (Breakfast)

Day 5 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer up to the ancient city of Girona for a tour which includes, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, and the 11th century Cathedral. After lunch in the old city, visit the town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. Visit Dali's one-of-a-kind Theater-Museum of Dali. In the Evening, dine in the old city charm of Girona.Night in Girona. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning trip up to Besalu, an classic medieval town. Continue up the Nuria Valley, nestled into the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. Night in the Pyrenees. (Breakfast)

Day 7 - Breakfast at hotel. Take a morning trip out to the Costa Brava town of Cadaques, a splendid example of the Catalonia coast, and home to the medieval castle now known as the Casa-Museu Dali. Lunch at a seaside restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at the beach, or pay a visit to the Centre D'art de Perrot-Moore. In the evening, head back to Barcelona. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8 - Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure in Barcelona. Why not visit the Olympic Village of Barcelona, or visit the Arc de Triumf and have a coffee in one the squares in the Gracia district. In the evening, meet for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport.

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Barcelona and Girona, as specified in the itinerary.
Intercity transportation as specified.
11 Meals (7 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
All entrance fees on itinerary.

Price: Starting from $2,864 per person
Available dates: all year.

For more information please visit our website or contact us.

All our tours can be totally personalized to better adapt them to your needs and preferences.

Barcelona and Basque Country Tour

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy an evening stroll around the city center, and a welcome dinner where we will review your tour itinerary.

Day 2- Morning tour of Barcelona, including the Gothic neighborhood, the world-famous Las Ramblas, and the Maremagnum port area. In the afternoon, visit the Sagrada Familia church and spend some time wandering through Park Guell.

Day 3 - Morning trip to Montserrat, including a visit to the Monastery and the Santa Cova. In the afternoon, perhaps take a trip into wine country to visit a winery and enjoy some Cava, Spain´s sparkling wine.

Day 4 - This morning, head up to Girona and walk around the old Roman walls and the 11th century Cathedral. After lunch, head over to the town of La Seu D’urgell, one of the most important Catalonian towns in the Middle Ages, famous for its spectacular Romanesque churches and Cathderal. Night in La Seu D’Urgell.

Day 5 - Take a trip across to the natural park of Ordesa National Park, and enjoy the day walking the trails. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

Day 6 - Moving across the country, we head toward the famous town of Pamplona, where the famous Running of the Bulls takes place. Stop in one of the picturesque towns along the way for lunch. Spent the night in Pamplona.

Day 7 - Today, head up the coast toward the border town of San Sebastian, and enjoy the afternoon in this charming fishing town. Late evening arrival in Bilbao.

Day 8 - Morning tour the city of Bilbao, visiting its many fascinating sites, including the Guggenheim Museum. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to one of the Basque country’s fascinating villages.

Day 9 - Transfer to Bilbao airport for return flight to the USA.

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Barcelona, La Seu D’urgell, Pamplona and Bilbao as per itinerary.
All transportation as specified in itinerary.
Meals as per itinerary
Private guided tours as per itinerary.

Available dates: all year.
Price: Starting from $2,100 per person.

For more information please visit our website or contact us.

All our tours can be totally personalized to better adapt them to your needs and preferences.

Romanesque Route and the Pyrenees Tour

Day 1 - Transfer from Barcelona Airport or your hotel to Barcelona. Afternoon Tour of Barcelona. Night in Barcelona.

Day 2 - Full Day tour of Barcelona and Montserrat Mountain. Night in Barcelona.

Day 3 - Transfer to Pyrennes (about 3h and 30 minutes). Afternoon at leisure in Vall d´Aran. Night in Vall d´Aran.

Day 4 - Full Day Tour: Romanesque Route, visiting Boí, Taüll, Durro, Barruera and Erin La Vall. Night in Taüll.

Day 5 - Walking tour or 4x4 tour discovering the National Park of Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake. Night in Taüll.

Day 6 - Full Day Tour in Andorra. Night in Andorra.

Day 7 - Transfer to the Coastal Pyrennes of Garrotxa and Empordà. Full Day Tour of Girona. Night in Girona.

Day 8 - Walking tour of Garrotxa. Night in Girona.

Day 9 - Half-day tour of Besalú. Night in Girona.

Day 10 - Morning tour of Costa Brava and transfer to Barcelona. Night in Barcelona.

Day 11 - Transfer to the airport or port.

Available dates: From April to October. Every year.

Price per person: From $1,990 (price includes tours, acomodation, transfers, entrances and transportation). Price based on a group of six (6) people.

For more information please visit our website or contact us

All our tours can be totally personalized to better adapt them to your needs and preferences.