Next Stop...Palacio Real de la Granja, Segovia (Spain)

 

 

 

 

 

If you are planning a day trip to Segovia, be sure to include in your itinerary a stop in the town of La Granja de San Idelfonso to see the Royal Palace of La Granja. It is located about 15 minutes southeast of Segovia, or about an hour drive north of Madrid.

La Granja was the summer palace of the Bourbon kings. It was built from 1719-1739 by Philip V, the grandson of Louis XIV, who attempted to replicate the grandeur of his birthplace, Versailles. The word granja means farm, and there was once a farm on the site of the palace. Visitors to La Granja can tour the palace and gardens, and see a collection of antiques, paintings, and an impressive collection of Flemish tapestries.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sites to See...Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago (Spain)

Overlooking the Plaza del Obradoiro in the heart of the old town is the majestic Catedral de Santiago, which was completed in 1211. The Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe.

The Cathedral is the destination point for the millions of pilgrims who follow the Way of St. James each year, a route that begins in France and traverses northern Spain. They make the pilgrimage to visit the Cathedral, which holds what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle St. James. Legend has it that St. James’ remains were brought back to Galicia in 44 AD, after he was beheaded in Jerusalem. For more information click here

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Queluz (Portugal)

 

 

 

Only 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon is the town of Queluz. It makes a perfect day trip out of Lisbon and is easily accessed by car, train or bus. When you arrive, head straight for the Queluz Palace.

In the early 1800s the town's proximity to Lisbon and pristine country setting made it the perfect location for the royal family's estate and hunting lodge. In the latter part of the century the country estate was converted into a grander Summer Palace by the Infante Dom Pedro, and was the home of Queen Maria I during her reign. Today the Summer Palace and its gardens remain one of the finest examples of late 18th C. Portuguese architecture; it is often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles." For more information on the Palace click here

If you would like to experience what it was like to stay in one of these fine buildings firsthand, you now can, as one of the buildings on the palace grounds once used by the Royal Guard of the Court is now a hotel - the Pousada de Queluz (Dona Maria I). For more information on the Pousada click here

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Checking In...Hotel Pestana Porto, Porto (Portugal)

Located along the Rio Douro, the 4-star Pestana Porto Hotel is as charming as the city of Porto. This boutique hotel was formed by combining 11 traditional buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Located in the heart of the city's historical center, on the Praça de Ribeira, you can see the port wine lodges that dot the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river from the balconies of the hotel. The hotel is located just minutes from the Casa do Infante (Prince Henry the Navigator’s birthplace), the 14th C. Igreja de São Francisco, and the 19th C. Palácio de Bolsa (stock exchange).

 

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On The Menu...Tarta de Santiago (Spain)

When you visit Santiago, be sure you leave room for dessert, because you don’t want to miss the famous treat that takes its name from the St. James cross that adorns it.

The Tarta de Santiago is a delicious almond cake that you will see displayed in bakery and restaurant windows throughout the city, and should be on every visitors’ gastronomic “must try” list during their stay. The recipe for the cake dates back to the 16th C. and traditionally is made with exact proportions of Mediterranean almonds, sugar, and eggs.

Pasteleria Casa Mora, located a short walk from the Cathedral at Rúa do Vilar 34-60, is known for being the first pastry shop to adorn the cake with the Cross of St. James in 1924, and some say they make the best Tarta de Santiago in town. We’ll let you be the judge!

However, if you don't feel like waiting for your next trip to Spain, why not try this recipe at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ lb. (1 ¾ cup) of whole almonds
• Zest from 1 lemon
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Directions:

Finely ground the almonds in a food processor.

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs and the sugar to a smooth pale cream. By hand, beat in the lemon zest and ground almond, and mix very well. Grease a 9 inch springform pan with butter. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake in a pre-heated 350° oven for about 30 minutes, or until it feels firm to the touch. Let cool and then take it out of the pan.

To decorate with the Cross of Santiago, print a cross on paper and cut it out to make a stencil.  Place the cross stencil in the center of the cake and then dust the cake with the confectioner’s sugar until it is fully covered. Lift the cross stencil to reveal the design left on the cake.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Foodie Friday...Cafe Majestic, Porto (Portugal)

Entering through the doors of the Café Majestic, diners are transported back to the Belle Époque period of the 1920's when the café opened its doors, with its marble walls, ornate cherubs, and gilded mirrors.

In its heyday, intellectuals, bohemians, and Porto's high society all met at this café, located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, a pedestrian street that is at the heart of the city's main shopping area. Today, locals and tourists gather to sip their morning espresso, have their afternoon tea and rabanadas (a Portuguese version of French toast), or enjoy a traditional dish of "Bacalhau á moda do Porto" over a leisurely dinner. Bom apetite!

Rua de Santa Catarina, 112              Phone: (22) 200 38 87
Porto, Portugal                               Web: Café Majestic

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...El Escorial (Spain)

El Escorial is a great place to visit if you are looking for a day trip outside of Madrid. Located about an hour’s drive northwest of Madrid, the Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a royal site that functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum and school.

The monastery was commissioned by Felipe II in 1563 and was completed in just 21 years. It contains the Panteón de los Reyes (Royal Pantheon), which is the burial site for most of the Spanish kings of the last five centuries. You can also visit the Royal Library that houses a priceless collection of 60,000 volumes, the Philip II Apartments, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo el Real. For more information from the tourist office of San Lorenzo click here.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page

Cheers...History of Sherry, Jerez (Spain)

Sherry is the fortified wine produced in the Jerez area of the province of Cádiz. Its origin dates back to 1100 B.C. when the Phoenicians brought the first vines to the region. The name "sherry" is derived from the name "Sherish," which was the 12th C. Arabic name of the city.

In 1933, the Consejo Regulador was created to protect sherry's consistency. The EU ruled in the 1990s that all EU nations must recognize that Sherry only comes from this region of Spain. Today visitors to Jerez can visit a number of the sherry "bodegas" or cellars to learn more about the different types of sherry and how they are made, and of course enjoy a sherry tasting.

Just a few bodegas you may want to visit - click on name to visit their website:

• Gonzalez Byass
• Sandeman Bodegas
• Bodegas Tio Pepe / Gonzalez Byass

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Palmela (Portugal)

 

 

 

 

Located just 20 minutes southeast of Lisbon, Palmela is perhaps best known for the 12th C. fortress perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,200 meters, at the edge of the Arrábida mountain range. From its hilltop location you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding farmlands and vineyards, the Sado estuary, and even Lisbon to the north.

Palmela is also an important wine growing region, producing table wines and a fortified wine called Muscatel of Setúbal. If you visit at the beginning of September, don’t miss the grape harvest festival that takes place, offering processions, performances, and the release of bulls.

The 12th C. fortress has been converted into the Pousada de Palmela, so you can see what it’s like to stay in a castle.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On The Menu...Discover Salmorejo, Córdoba (Spain)

Many people are familiar with gazpacho, the cold tomato soup that is well known both inside and outside of Spain. But not as many people are familiar with a variation of gazpacho that is a staple in homes throughout Córdoba - salmorejo. Salmorejo is a richer and creamier version of gazpacho. Like gazpacho, it is made with tomatoes, oil, vinegar and garlic, but the addition of bread gives this soup a creamy texture that is thick and velvety. It is served chilled and topped off with chopped eggs and diced Serrano ham.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Foodie Friday...Vinería San Telmo (Seville)

When in Seville, there are many excellent options for tapas meals in all price ranges. A favorite, which is both cutting-edge and reasonable on the wallet, is Vinería San Telmo.

This local favorite provides a wide selection of Spanish dishes. Try the Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham), Chorizo (Spanish cured pork sausage), Ensaladilla Rusa (Spanish potato salad), or Salmorejo (cold tomato soup from Córdoba), to name a few. Centrally located in the Barrio Santa Cruz near the Murillo Gardens, Vinería San Telmo is a perfect place to stop for either lunch or dinner, so be sure to pencil it into your itinerary.

Paseo Catalina de Ribera, 4
Sevilla, Spain
Phone: (95) 441 06 00
Web: Vinería San Telmo

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Chinchón (Spain)

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking to get away from Madrid and want to find a place that you can experience a true Castilian town, then head to Chinchón. Located just 35 minutes southeast of Madrid, this charming town has managed to maintain its charm despite its proximity to the country’s capital.

Once you arrive, head straight to the Plaza Mayor, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world due to its structural harmony and proportions. This picturesque square is surrounded by three- and four-story houses built in the 15th-17th that have wooden balconies. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes and take in the beauty of this square, and leave some time in your itinerary to enjoy a traditional Castilian meal at one of the many fine restaurants in town. Be sure to try the Anís de Chinchón, which is an aniseed liqueur the dates back to the 17th C and is consumed as a drink, or is used as an ingredient in sweets and cakes. For more information on Chinchón click here

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sites To See...Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon (Portugal)

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a must see for visitors to Lisbon.  The monastery was started by the order of Manuel I (1515-1521) and was meant to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India and his successful return.  Vasco da Gama, along with other great figures in Portuguese history, are entombed at the monastery.

The monastery is located in the Belém district, and is considered to be one of the most important sites in the city.  In 1983 it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the nearby Belém Tower.  The monastery is easily reached via the tram no. 15E.  For more information on Mosteiro dos Jerónimos click here

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Estoril (Portugal)

Located on the Portuguese Riviera, the town of Estoril is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Located just 20 minutes west of Lisbon, it is easily accessed by car, or you can also take the train if you want to avoid the traffic.

Estoril is a fashionable seaside town that is home to Europe's largest casino and some of its finest golf courses.  In the 1930’s it was a popular destination for European royalty and aristocrats, and a chosen place of exile for a number of deposed European monarchs (including King Juan Carlos of Spain). Today visitors come to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, play tennis or golf, enjoy Estoril Park, and to try their luck at the Casino Estoril, which was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond and Casino Royale.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Checking In...Pestana Palace Hotel, Lisbon (Portugal)

 

 

 

 

Located on a hilltop in the upscale Santo Amaro residential neighborhood, the Pestana Palace hotel is a set apart from the busier parts of the city, while still being close to all of the places of interest.  

Built in 1907, this 5-star hotel was originally the private villa of the Marquis of Valle Flor, who was a wealthy cocoa magnate.  It is one of the best examples of Romantic Revival architecture in Portugal, and is listed as a National Monument.

The hotel consists of the main villa, which includes four suites that have retained the elegance and architectural features of the original villa, as well as two wings of rooms that were added amidst the property’s extensive gardens.  This gem is truly an oasis in the heart of the city.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On The Menu...History of Paella, Valencia (Spain)

When you think of paella, you may envision a round, shallow pan full of saffron-colored rice, topped with an abundance of seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and mussels. However, you may be surprised to learn that the original paellas were made by field workers who cooked them over an open fire and used ingredients that were more commonly found in the fields, such as chicken, rabbit, and snails.

Today there are as many variations of paella as there are cooks, and the locals in Valencia take pride in handing down their own family recipes from one generation to the next.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Foodie Friday...Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Lisbon (Portugal)

Opened in 1837, this cafe and pastry shop is an institution in Lisbon.  Both locals and tourists alike flock to this cafe to savor the classic custard tarts know as Pastéis de Belém, made from a secret recipe that originated in the monastery.

The blue and white tiled walls, and hustle and bustle of the cafe, will take you back in time. Enjoy the delicious and addicting warm tarts at a table in the cafe, and then take a box home, just like the locals do.  You won't be able to eat just one, and that explains why they sell over 10,000 tarts a day.

Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92           Phone - (21) 363 74 23

1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal         Web - Pastéis de Belém

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Avila (Spain)

The city of Avila is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a good day trip during your stay in Madrid. Located a little over an hour from Madrid, Avila is easily accessible by car, train or bus.

When you arrive, you will first be taken by the perfectly preserved 11th C. walls that encircle the city. As you pass through the archways of the ancient city, you will be transported back in time. A part of the wall has a promenade that you can walk on, and from the top of the wall you can take in the stunning views of this enchanting city.

Be sure to visit the Cathedral, which is built into part of Avila’s walls. It was begun in 1099, but most of what is seen today was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Avila is also known for being the birthplace of St. Teresa. You can visit the Convento de Santa Teresa, which was founded in the 17th C. and was built on the site of her birthplace.

 

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Time to Save...Madrid Card (Spain)

A great way to save those hard earned travel dollars is to take advantage of the Madrid Card on your next visit to this beautiful city.  It is the essential sightseeing pass for visitors to Madrid.

Here are just some of the benefits the card offers: 

• Free entry to more than 40 museums 
• Unlimited journeys on the Madrid Vision tour bus 
• Discounts at shops, shows, restaurants, and leisure centers

Cards are available for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours, and range in cost from €32 - €85, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.  Click here for more info on the card.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Cascais (Portugal)

 

 

On your next visit to Lisbon, take some time to visit the town of Cascais. Located just 45 minutes from Lisbon, this tiny fishing village has grown into an elegant and cosmopolitan town that attracts many visitors, with its sandy beaches, pedestrian streets and fashionable shops, restaurants and bars. In the early 20th century it was a favorite resort frequented by European nobility and kings.

Sun lovers will enjoy the nearby Guincho Beach, which is also a favorite of surfers and has hosted World Surfing Championships.  For golf enthusiasts there are several golf courses in the area, including Quinta da Marinha Oitabos Golfe, which evokes links in Scotland. For more information on Cascais click here

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Rafael Nadal defeats Roger Federer at French Open

Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer for his 6th French Open title with a 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1 victory. Nadal is now 5-0 against Federer at Roland Garros, and continues to dominate on clay. This win is Nadal’s 10th Grand Slam title, and ties him with Bjorn Borg for a total of 6 French Open titles. Nadal holds on to his No. 1 ranking, thanks to Federer’s win over Djokovic in the semifinals. For more information from the NY Times click here

With Wimbledon just 4 weeks away, we’ll see if these two top players will meet again at the finals in London.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page

On the Menu...Sweet Treats of the Alentejo Region (Portugal)

As you explore the charming towns of the Alentejo region, be sure to indulge in its delicious desserts. Many of the desserts originated in the convents, and are made from ingredients such as egg yolks, almonds, sugar or honey, and perhaps a dusting of cinnamon.

In Évora try the Encharcada (egg cake with almonds) from the Convent of Santa Clara, Pão de Rala (sweet brown bread), or Sericaia (traditional dessert with plums).

In Beja sample the Trouxas de Ovos (made from eggs and sugar), or Pastéis de Santa Clara.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Foodie Friday...Cinc Sentits Restaurante (Spain)

Located in the Eixample area of Barcelona, this restaurant provides cuisine of unparalleled freshness and excellence.

They partner with small local purveyors from the region and consistently exude a passion for quality. From fish and foie gras, to lamb and veal (not to mention exclusive farmhouse cheeses), Cinc Sentits (Five Senses), encourages visitors to take a tasting tour of all the fine cuisine Spain has to offer.

We hope you enjoy our restaurant selection. Click here for their website

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Next Stop...Montserrat (Spain)

Make sure you visit this Benedictine monastery, which sits atop a 4,000 foot high mountain and is famous for the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat (the Black Virgin), the patron saint of Cataluña. You can visit the monastery as a day trip from Barcelona, as it is only 35 miles NW of Barcelona. For more information on monastery click here

The monastery is also well known for the Escolanía de Montserrat choir school, which dates back to the 13th century. The choir consists of boys who are from Cataluña and range in age from 9 to 14, and are either sopranos or altos.  The choir performs Monday through Saturday at 1:00pm, and Sundays at 12:00pm. For more information on choir click here

When visiting Montserrat don't forget to make some time to visit the Museum of Montserrat, as it has many fine works of art, including works by artists such as El Greco, Picasso, Dalí, and many many more! For ticket information click here

Did you know…the monastery's publication company has the oldest printing press in the world; the first book was published in 1499 and the press is still in use today.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sites to See...Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid (Spain)

This magnificent museum features the greatest artists of the 20th century. Many visitors come for iconic works by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. In fact, the Reina Sofia houses Picasso's Guernica - arguably his most esteemed painting. Also feel free to peruse the extensive library collection. Discover Spain's sublime contributions to 20th century art and learn about the works of the masters. Click here for their website

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.