Sites to See…Museo del Grabado, Marbella (Spain)

The Museo del Grabado is a contemporary art museum that showcases a fine collection of engravings and graphic art. It is located in the old section of Marbella, and is housed in a restored 16th C. building that was formerly the Hospital Bazán.

The exhibitions cover a wide range of some of the best Spanish art in the print medium. The collections contain everything from 15th-century engravings, to works by internationally renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Tàpies and Miró.

Hospital Bazán, s/n             Phone: (952) 765-741

Marbella, Spain                  Web: Museo del Grabado 

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On the Menu…Taberna Coloniales, Seville (Spain)

If you work up an appetite while strolling through the streets of this beautiful city, take a break and enjoy some tapas at Taberna Coloniales. This is a popular tapas bar close to the Casa de Pilatos, and just a short walk from the Cathedral.

The menu offers a wide variety of traditional tapas to choose from. If you're not sure what to have, ask one of the friendly waiters to make some suggestions, and be sure to ask what the tapa of the day is. The wine list features a nice selection of wines from many of Spain's fine wine producing regions, or when in doubt, order a tasty pitcher of sangria to accompany your delicious meal.

Plaza Cristo de Burgos, 19            Phone: (954) 50 11 37

Sevilla, Spain                             Web: Taberna Coloniales

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Next Stop…Braga, Portugal

Visitors to northern Portugal should be sure to stop in Braga, the oldest city in Portugal. Located in the northwestern corner of the country, Braga was established in 27 BC by the Romans, and is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world.

Braga is also the capital of the Minho region, a region best known for its colorful festivals, baroque churches, well-preserved cities and lush vegetation. The city's young population, attractive historic center, and lively streets make Braga an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful area. For more information on the city, click here.

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On the Menu…Casa Labra, Madrid (Spain)

Located in the epicenter of Madrid, just off the Puerta del Sol, is Casa Labra, a Madrid institution that was founded in 1860. If you have any trouble finding it, just look for the place with a crowd spilling over onto the sidewalk next to El Corte Inglés department store.

Hungry Madrileños line up to enjoy the specialty of the house, the Bacalao de la Casa, which is small pieces of cod that are battered and fried until golden, as well as the Bacalao Croquetas (cod croquettes), which are equally delicious. Whether you stand at the crowded bar or at one of the tables outside of the bar, or sit in the restaurant where you can select from a variety of the cod and meat dishes offered, you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant that has been attracting the discerning locals for over 150 years.

Tetuán, 12                Phone: (91) 531-0081

Madrid, Spain             Web: Casa Labra

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Sites to See…Cathedral of Évora (Portugal)

The Cathedral of Évora was built in the 12th C. and is the largest cathedral in Portugal. It is located in the heart of this beautiful city – a city that is so full of well-preserved monuments, it is no wonder that UNESCO designated Évora a World Heritage Site.

The exterior is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The well preserved 14th C. cloisters are picturesque and include statues of the Evangelists. The Sacred Art Museum houses the treasures from the church, which include its most precious item, a 13th C. ivory Virgin that opens to reveal intricately carved scenes from her life.

Near the Cathedral is Évora's most famous landmark, the Temple of Diana, dating from the 2nd C. It is one of the Iberian Peninsula's best preserved Roman monuments, with 14 of its 18 original Corinthian columns still intact.

Largo Marqués de Marialva           Phone - (26) 675 93 30
Évora, Portugal

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Checking In…Pousada de Viseu (Portugal)

The city of Viseu is located about 180 miles northeast of Lisbon. It is believed that the name of the city was derived from the Roman term "viso", which means good view, and you can still enjoy panoramic views from the city's highest point. Besides its cultural sites, Viseu is also known for the handicrafts that are produced by the local artisans, including quilts and carpets, pottery, and fine embroidery and lace.

When you're ready to take a break from the sightseeing and shopping, you can check into the recently opened Pousada de Viseu, located on a hill near the center of town. Housed in a building that was built in 1842, it formerly served as the São Teotónio Hospital. The architectural details of this classic building were painstakingly maintained and restored to showcase its original grandness. A glass ceiling has been installed over the inner courtyard that was once uncovered. Today the courtyard is a cozy lobby and meeting area for guests.

The 84 guest rooms are spacious, and include Standard rooms, larger Superior rooms, and spacious Suites that have a sitting area, and some offer a terrace. The Special Suites have a living room, separate bedroom, and a large wrap-around terrace.

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On the Menu…Irati Taverna Basca, Barcelona (Spain)

  
Irati Taverna Basca is located just off the bustling Rambla de San Josep, not far from the famous Liceu Opera House.  It is one of our favorite places to grab a light snack of Basque pintxos in the Gothic Quarter.

Along the line of tapas, pintxos are small snacks eaten at bars, but they tend to be a bit larger and are usually served individually on bread slices with a toothpick (i.e. "spike" - or pintxo in Basque) in them. A variety of toppings is offered, and since they are all displayed on the bar, all you have to do is pick the ones that look most interesting or appealing to you. You can eat as many or as few as you'd like, but if you're like us you'll find yourself with a stack of toothpicks on your plate before long. Be sure to hang on to those toothpicks, since the bartender will count them up when you're done so he can tally up your check

Cardenal Casañas, 17        Phone: (93) 302-3084

Barcelona, Spain               Web: Irati Taverna Basca

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Time to Save…Granada Card (Spain)

The Granada Card provides direct access (one visit only) to the Alhambra, Generalife, Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Monastery of Cartuja, Monasterio San Jerónimo, and the Science Park Museum, without having to stop at the Ticket Office. Exact date and time for entrance to the Alhambra has to be chosen at time of purchase, and is subject to availability.

The card also includes limited free trips on city buses, and a 24 hour ticket for the Granada city sightseeing tour bus. 

You can purchase the Granada Card from the Granada City Hall, the Science Park Museum, at certain branches of the Caja Granada Savings Bank, or online from Caja Granada. For more info on the card click here

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Checking In…Hospes Palau de la Mar, Valencia (Spain)

 



Valencia is a beautiful cosmopolitan city located on the Mediterranean on the eastern coast of Spain. There is something for every visitor to enjoy here: historical sites, museums, cultural events, leisure activities, shopping, and great food. It is here that Spain’s iconic dish, the paella, was created. With the recent launching of Spain’s high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Valencia, visitors can have breakfast in Madrid, hop on the AVE train, and 90 minutes later find themselves enjoying a Paella Valenciana in the city where it all began.

The 5-star Palau de la Mar Hotel is a charming and relaxing place to call home while you explore all that the city has to offer. This boutique hotel is housed in an elegant 19th C. mansion that is centrally located in the heart of the historic part of town. The building’s design is elegant and classic, with vaulted marble archways and beautifully carved wooden staircases, while the guest rooms are decorated in a comfortable contemporary style.

There are a total of 66 guest rooms, with the Dreamer and Deluxe rooms located in the main building. The Junior Suites are located in the original palace building and are spacious, with a sitting area and open-plan bathroom with separate shower stall. The large Presidential Suite has a living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

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On the Menu…El Patio San Eloy, Seville (Spain)

If shopping on the Calle Sierpes, one of Seville's main shopping streets, makes you hungry, then head over to El Patio San Eloy to take a break and enjoy the lively atmosphere and delicious tapas offered here. You can sit at a table or on the ceramic tile benches in the rear and enjoy a cold caña (beer) and some tapas or montaditos (small sandwiches). 

There is always a buzz from the crowd of local shoppers and students who frequent this tapas bar. They are drawn in by the casual and welcoming ambiance, and of course the tasty food!

Calle San Eloy,           Phone (954) 50 11 37

Sevilla, Spain

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Next Stop…Aranjuez, Spain

Located about 40 minutes south of Madrid, Aranjuez is a great day trip for visitors who want to get away from the city. It is easily reached by car via the A-4 highway, or by train or bus from central Madrid. 

The main site of interest is the Royal Palace, which was commissioned by Philip II in the mid-18th C. The main palace building is impressive and is entered through a cobblestone courtyard.  Set in one of the gardens is the Casa del Labrador, which was built in 1803 and was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles.  There are a number of gardens surrounding the palace, including the impressive Jardín del Principe (the Prince’s Garden) and the Jardín de la Isla (the Garden of the Island). For more information on the Royal Palace in Aranjuez click here

Locals flock to Aranjuez from May to July to enjoy the delicious locally grown strawberries that are served with fresh whipped cream (fresas con nata). A fun way to make the trip from Madrid is to take the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), which was built in 1851 and was the country’s second train line. The one hour ride is a unique experience, as passengers ride in beautifully restored trains from the early 1900s that are attended by staff who are dressed in period costumes. The train leaves from the Museo del Ferrocarril (Railroad Museum) in Madrid on Saturdays and Sundays in May, June, September and October. For more information on the Strawberry Train click here

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