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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

 

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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.

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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

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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.

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