Oysters and Wine - A Catalan take on a classic

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

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

La Pedrera turns 100 - a centennial celebration

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

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


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

November in Spain, a reflection on my favorite month

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

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

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

Best accommodation for families in Barcelona

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

Save money

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

Live as a family

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

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

Yet more advantages

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

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

Author Bio: Harriet Freeman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Special -our new Autumn Discovery Northern Spain tour

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

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

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

Staying in Barcelona around Eixample or the Gothic Quarter

Staying in Barcelona around Eixample or the Gothic Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

Gothic Quarter of Barcelona: The historic centre of Barcelona

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

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

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

Author Bio: Harriet Freeman

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

Barcelona's Patron Saint Party

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

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

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

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


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

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

Harvest Wine Festival Season

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

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

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

The Magic of Rocks - El Torcal National Park

Just an hour north of Malaga in Andalusia is El Torcal National Park, Spain's original national nature preserve (1929). This park is a hotbed for nature lovers and outdoor types, offering some of the most spectacular hiking in all of Spain. Walk past the strange natural limestone formations (a unique combination of weather and the natural erosion has left the area marked with rocks that look like they were stacked on top of each other by giants of another age. When you explore the park you will also find well marked paths to caves with traces of prehistoric man and fossils of ancient sea creatures! And during the summer, take advantage of the warm nights to visit the park by moonlight with guided visits! 

For more information about El Torcal or to arrange a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 1-888-480-0013.

Dali by Night - a summertime tradition

This summer marks the 21st edition of the Dali Theater-Museum's Dali by Night exposition. For those in the area before September, I recommend spending a night out in Figueres. The museum, which closes its doors for the regular exhibits at 8:00 opens again 2 hours later for a special night time visit. From 10pm to 1:00 in the morning, enjoy the genius of Dali in a different light. Capacity is limited to just 500 people, so it's important to get your tickets ahead of time. But be prepared for a unique twist on an already surreal experience! The visit includes a glass of cava and (weather permitting) an audiovisual show on the patio of Dali's most famous museum, a work of art in itself and showcase to some of his most famous works.

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

Festa Major de Sants - Barcelona's "Other" August Festival

The Festa Major de Gracia gets all the headlines, and is (deservingly) one of the highlights of Barcelona's vibrant summer festival scene. But the Festa Major of Sants, which this year celebrates 25 years, is another one that, given it's proximity - both geographically and date - to Gracia, tends to get overlooked. Nonetheless it is another splendid example of culture which is open to the public. In the heat of the summer the festival occupies 15 streets in the Sants district of Barcelona, and features live music, street performers, dancing giants, theater and the traditional correfocs (fire-runners). The local flavor and pride that shows through each of these elements is a distinct and enjoyable way for the discerning visitor to really get a grip on the culture of the people and the city. From the opening dance on August 19 to the closing Castellers competition on august 26, this year's edition promises to be a spectacular tribute to the people of the barrio and a great time for all.

For more information on private guided tours that take you into the heart of Spanish culture, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

"La Noche De Vino" - Wine Night in Andalusia

August 15 is the halfway point of August. And what better way to celebrate than with a local festival based on one of Spain's signature products! In the small town of Competa, in the Axarquia region of Andalusia (East of Malaga, on the other side of the Costa Del Sol), today is the "Noche de Vino" celebration. Originally a celebration of the town's patron saint, since 1973 the party has been focused on the regional wine, Malaga (sweet) wine, a relative of Sherry. In the morning and the evening the star of the show is the local grape varietal: muscatel. The In the morning they have the traditional grape pressing in the main square, followed by dancing and a lunch of local specialties, and of course, wine. There is a medieval market that goes on in the streets all day as well. The party continues in the evening with an exposition of the local arts and cultures, live flamenco music, awards for the best wines and a free tasting. what better way to spend a day discovering the roots of the region than participating with the locals in their town fair!

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

The August Fiestas of Barcelona - The Festa Major de Gracia

Gracia and Sants, two of Barcelona's most celebrated barrios celebrate their town fairs this month. The more famous is the Festa Major de Gracia, which begins this week is a week long celebration that brings locals and visitors alike together in the streets and plazas of the charming district. Streets compete for the title of best decorations, and the activities go all day, from storytelling to beer tasting to live music into the wee hours of the night. Naturally, the party would be incomplete without local touches like the correfocs (fire-runners) and Gegants! It's a great way to spend a day (or two, or three) and celebrate with the locals with local foods, and culture on display.

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

More than a tour - an experience with Bob and Carolyn Grosso

Today I met Bob and Carolyn at the Majestic Hotel along Passeig de Gracia bright and early, both of them ready for a full day of wine and culture. It was a particular pleasure to welcome them to Barcelona as Carolyn is my father's cousin, and the Hersey resemblance is definitely there. We set off in almost no traffic, as August in Spain, even in a metropolis like Barcelona, is pretty much a vacation month, making it much easier than usual to get in and out of the city. And so we zipped out of the city and down the highway a short way to Sant Sadurni D'anoia.

First stop: Rimarts and a great guided tour at the hand of the winemaker himself, as he explained the difference between a handcrafted wine and the industrial process. Between the explanation and then getting the chance to watch the degorgement of a bottle by hand, the Martinez brothers' passion for what they do comes through loud and clear. It's not nostalgia that makes them do what they do, simply that technology, for as advanced as it is in terms of production, cannot yet measure up to the original method in terms of quality. And the proof is right there in the glass in front of us. tiny bubbles rising up from a golden glass of enticing cava. 

After saying goodbye and talking briefly about what makes the region so well adapted for making sparkling wine, we were off to a second winery for a different wine experience. At Mas Comtal we took a walk through the vineyards, and as the harvest is almost upon us, we were even able to taste the grapes right off the vine! It is a great visual aid to see the difference between Merlot grapes and Red Moscat, and of course the opportunity to eat a grape or two right off the vine is not one that happens every day!  We followed up the walk with a Merlot tasting, including a Rosé, a "standard" red and a fortified dessert wine made using the solera system.

After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (the fiduea was excellent, as was dessert!) we headed back to Barcelona. Along the way we talked about the history of Barcelona and Catalonia, and how it led to the Modernista movement, of which Gaudi's Sagrada Familia was our destination. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Modernista movement, Gaudi's expiatory temple (now a basilica) is a feast for architecture and history lovers, and one almost feels that an hour and a half is hard to do it justice. The history and progression of this masterpiece of Catalan architecture show through the designs, lights, windows, and internal structures of the building at every turn.

We ended the day back at the hotel, and I sincerely hope that Bob and Carolyn enjoyed their day as much as I enjoyed taking them around. Best of luck on your cruise and I hope to see you again in the not-too-distant future!

For more information regarding your personal Spanish experience contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Wine, Tapas and a Castle - a summertime trifecta

Next Friday, August 10, in the heart of the Priorat region about an hour and a half south of Barcelona, and every Friday for the remainder of the summer, take in wine, tapas and music in a medieval castle!  The Castle of Vi in Falset, in the heart of the region, opens its wine museum all day for people to explore and learn about Priorat and Montsant wines. But it's the evening when the fun really starts. Live music, a selection of tapas from local establishments and, of course a glass or two of Priorat wine to complete the evening. What a wonderful and unique way to spend a Friday night in the summer, basking in the culture, food and hospitality of the region!

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

New Years Eve in August - Only in Spain

Bérchules, a small mountain village in the Alpujarras of Granada, a region popular among hikers and nature lovers, is celebrating New Years Eve tonight. That's right, the end of the year celebration, complete with eating the twelve grapes, the twelve bell tolls, and almost 10000 people gathered in the Main Square to ring in the New Year. In August. The tradition began after a blackout in 1994 forced residents to celebrate by candlelight with no fanfare. The residents of the village decided to re-create the event in August, to do it properly. And it caught on. Last year more than 8000 people joined the celebration, which starts mid afternoon and continues on into the wee hours. Local sweets, street celebrations and even parades turn this town of 900 residents into the place to be on the first Saturday of August. The celebration is proof that some traditions don't necessarily have to be hundreds of years old to make their way into the folklore of a country. Add this to the reasons to visit Spain, where the smallest villages often offer the most interesting stories!

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