Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Next Stop…Segovia, Spain
Located just an hour north of Madrid, the enchanting city of Segovia is a perfect day trip from Madrid. In the span of just one day you can see a Roman aqueduct, a Gothic cathedral, a castle that looks like it came straight out of a fairy-tale, and end the day by enjoying a meal of roast suckling pig.
The most impressive sight in Segovia is the Roman Aqueduct that was built in the 1st C. It is a true marvel of Roman engineering, as its 163 arches and 120 columns is built on two levels, and was constructed using large stone blocks that fit together without the use of any kind of mortar or plaster. It is one of the largest and best preserved aqueducts in the world. The Cathedral of Segovia was built in the 16th C. and was the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. The Alcázar castle sits high on a hilltop, and some say it was the inspiration for the Magic Kingdom castle used by Walt Disney.
Besides its impressive monuments, Segovia is also known for its food. Favorite local dishes include judiones de La Granja, a stew made with the large white beans from La Granja, Castilian soup, made with garlic and bread, and the most famous dish of all – cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). Visitors flock to local institutions, including Mesón de Cándido (the most famous) and Casa Duque (the oldest), to sample this traditional dish.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Friday, November 25, 2011
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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.
Friday, November 18, 2011
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
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Évora, Portugal
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Monday, November 14, 2011
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.
Friday, November 11, 2011
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
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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
Monday, November 7, 2011
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.
Friday, November 4, 2011
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
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
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
Friday, October 28, 2011
On the Menu…Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado, Lisbon (Portugal)
When you step inside this inviting restaurant, with its brightly colored windows and warm, modern décor, you will understand why it is a favorite dining destination for the locals. But beauty is more than skin deep at this popular restaurant, since what really lures diners in is the food. People keep coming back for the traditional Portuguese dishes that are prepared with a modern-day twist.
There are a variety of appetizers to choose from, including tasty prawns sautéed in olive oil and garlic, and lightly seasoned with cilantro and lemon, carpaccio of cod, and a selection of Portuguese cheeses. For entrees there is a wide variety of fish and meats to choose from, and some vegetarian options as well. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Besides having a friendly and knowledgeable staff, Sacramento also has a nice selection of Portuguese wines to choose from.
- Calçada do Sacramento 40-46
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Phone (21) 342 05 72
- Website: Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sites to See…Picasso Museum, Barcelona (Spain)
A visit to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is essential to understanding the formative years of this iconic artist.
The permanent collection includes over 3,800 of his works, with a concentration on his early production. Half of the collection was donated by Picasso’s personal secretary, Jaume Sabartés, with the other half coming from the artist’s own collection.
The Picasso Museum is housed in five palaces that date from the 13th-15th centuries. It is located in the Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from the Cathedral.
- C/ Montcada, 15-23
- Barcelona, Spain
- Phone: (93) 256 30 00
- Website: Picasso Museum
Friday, October 21, 2011
On the Menu…Restaurante Casa Mingo, Madrid (Spain)
When you step inside of Casa Mingo you will be transported to another part of Spain – Asturias, to be exact – as it is an Asturian cider house that was founded in 1888. It is located near the Estación del Norte (North train station). The specialty of the house is roast chicken, which is a staple for the locals who either join the crowds and eat in, or take them to go to enjoy them at home.
Inside the restaurant, which is built into a stone wall, you will find walls covered in bottles of sidra, the tasty cider that comes from Asturias. You will be amazed as you watch the waiters, and others who are daring, pour the cider in the traditional manner, which entails holding the bottle around the height of their head, into a glass that is located at the height of their waist. It’s truly a technique that requires quite a bit of practice, so don’t try this at home!
- Paseo de la Florida, 34
- Madrid, Spain
- Phone: (91) 547-7918
- Website: Casa Mingo
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