Sites to See...Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda, Seville (Spain)

 

 

Built on the site of the Great Mosque, the Cathedral of Seville is the largest Gothic building in the world and the third largest in Europe. No visit to Seville would be complete without touring its great expanse, marveling at the 15th C. stained glass windows, numerous works of art, and the tomb that is reported to contain the remains of Christopher Columbus. Inside the Cathedral you can visit the Sacristy of the Chalices and the Royal Chapel.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Giralda. This iconic Moorish minaret tower has come to symbolize Seville and is the only part that remains from the Great Mosque. Follow the 35 ascending ramps inside the Giralda (there are no stairs) to the top of the tower, and from there you can enjoy the breathtaking views of this enchanting city.

• Avenida de la Constitución s/n
• Phone: (95) 456 31 50
• Sevilla, Spain
• Website: Catedral de Sevilla

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On the Menu…Bodega Santa Cruz, Seville (Spain)

Take a break after touring the impressive Cathedral of Seville and have a bite to eat at the Bodega Santa Cruz, which is very close by. The locals who frequent this lively tapas bar call it Las Columnas (the columns), which refers to the large stone columns you'll find at its entrance.

Once inside, look for the blackboard next to the bar to see the selection of tapas being offered. If you're a meat eater, you have to try the pringá, which is a popular meat sandwich that is typical in rural Andalucía. Other favorites include the berenjenas con miel (eggplant with honey), jamón ibérico (Spanish ham), and of course the local favorite soup, gazpacho (chilled tomato soup). Whether you just have a few tapas, or make an entire meal of it, you will enjoy both the food and the atmosphere at this local institution.

Calle Rodrigo Caro, 2

Sevilla, Spain

Phone: (954) 21 16 94

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Checking in...Hotel Villa Jerez, Jerez (Spain)

The city of Jerez is a traditional Andalusian city that dates back to Moorish times. Much of the charm and aristocratic air of the city can still be seen and felt today in the casco antiguo (old town), the wide streets, and tree-lined squares. Jerez is perhaps best known for the fortified wine (sherry) that takes its name from the city. No stay in Jerez would be complete without visiting one or more of the bodegas (wine cellars) that are open to the public, such as Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman.

The 5-star Hotel Villa Jerez is a boutique hotel housed in an 18th C. mansion that was formerly owned by the Domecq family, and evokes the charm and elegance of Jerez. It is located in the heart of the city, close to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. The mansion-style hotel is set amidst palm trees in an acre of subtropical gardens, which makes you feel like you are staying in a tranquil country estate.

The intimacy and charm of the Hotel Villa Jerez can be felt throughout the property. Its 18 rooms are each uniquely decorated with elegant fabrics and furnishings, and many offer a balcony or terrace. The Junior Suite is very spacious, and has a living room, separate bedroom, bathroom with hydro-massage tub and separate shower, and balcony or terrace.

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Next Stop…Figueres, Spain

Whether you are looking for a day trip outside of Barcelona, or planning to explore the Catalán region, Figueres is the perfect place to include in your itinerary. Located about an hour and a half north of Barcelona (86 miles), Figueres is easily reached by car via the A-7 highway north towards France. There are also a number of trains from Barcelona that currently make the journey in about 2 hours; this time should be reduced in 2012 when service is added from Barcelona to Figueres on the AVE, which is Spain’s high-speed train.

Figueres is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, the surrealist artist who was born in 1904. The main attraction in town is the Teatre-Museu Dalí, which incorporates the town’s theater from when Dali was a child, and the Torre Galatea, which is where the artist spent the latter part of his life until his death in 1989. You can visit Dalí’s crypt in the basement of the museum.

Visitors to the museum will see the largest and most diverse collection of Dalí’s works, including paintings, sculptures, 3-dimentsional collages, and furniture, gathered primarily from the artist’s own collection. There is also a gallery that exhibits an impressive and unique collection of jewelry that was designed by Dalí.  For more information on the museum click here

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Checking In...Pousada de Óbidos (Portugal)

Óbidos is an enchanting medieval walled city rich in history, and only a short drive (80 km) north of Lisbon. The charm and beauty of the town was so endearing that the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, presented the town as a gift to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel, in 1148. The white washed houses and stone streets offer visitors an exceptional "back in time" experience. Beyond its natural beauty, the town has a number of museums, and hosts several wonderful events such as Holy Week, the Ancient Music Festival in October, and the International Chocolate Festival in March.

In the fortified town of Óbidos is the 12th C. Castelo de Óbidos, which was the first historic monument to be converted into a Pousada in 1951. On July 7, 2007, it was selected as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. The 12th C. castle sits atop the charming town of Óbidos, with its winding, narrow stone streets. Entering through the Porta da Villa gate, guests are transported back to medieval times. Make sure you book your room early, as the hotel only has a total of 9 rooms (try and book the turret rooms).

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Sites to See…The Alhambra and the Generalife, Granada (Spain)

No visit to Granada would be complete without touring the Alhambra palace that sits atop a hillside overlooking the city.

Built in the 14th C. as the primary residence of the Nasrid Sultans, it is one of the most famous examples of Moorish architecture, and the most popular tourist attraction in all of Spain.

Set aside a few hours to visit the various parts of the palace, including the Alcazaba (military fortress), the Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces), and the Generalife Palace and Gardens. The Alcazaba provided defense for the royal family, and is the oldest part of the complex, dating from the 9th C.

You will marvel at the handiwork of the Moorish craftsmen that produced the most exquisitely decorated function rooms, courtyards, fountains and patios found in the Palacios Nazaríes. The smaller Generalife Palace served as the summer retreat from the main palace, and is known for its lush gardens.

Tickets for the Alhambra can be bought at the ticket office, but due to the high demand for tickets and the restricted number of visitors allowed per day, advance ticket purchase is recommended.

For more information on types of tickets available and for online purchase of tickets, visit Turismo de Granada.
Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife

• C/ Real de la Alhambra s/n
• Granada, Spain
• Phone: (902) 441 221
• Website: La Alhambra y el Generalife

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Checking In...Hotel Meninas, Madrid (Spain)

The Hotel Meninas is a 4-star boutique hotel that is housed in a historic 19th C. building in the heart of the city, just steps from the Opera House, Royal Palace, and Plaza de Oriente, in an area known as Madrid of the Habsburgs. Many of the buildings in this area were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, when the area was the favorite place of nobles and the bourgeoisie, due to the proximity to the Royal Palace.

The hotel building, along with the others on this charming cobblestone block, have been restored to showcase the classic style of the buildings and their wrought-iron balconies. The interior of the hotel and its 37 rooms have been fully restored to include modern amenities. The hotel offers Individual and Standard rooms, as well as Junior Suites. The Junior Suites have a separate living room area and can accommodate up to 3 people. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the Special Junior Suites are perfect for families, as they can accommodate up to 4 people.

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Cataluña’s Priorat Wine Region (Spain): Region revitalization and quality recognition (Part 2)

 

The revitalization of wine production in the Priorat region began in 1979 when René Barbier, whose family hailed from Avignon in France, and Alvaro Palacios, whose family hailed from Spain’s famed Rioja wine region, began buying land and planting new vineyards in the region, which were called clos. Others soon followed, and from 1989-1991 the first 3 vintages were produced by a group of five wineries that pooled their grapes at a shared winery in Gratallops. The wines were sold under five labels: Cos Mogador (Barbier), Clos Dofi – which was later renamed Finca Dofi (Palacios), Clos Erasmus, Clos Martinet, and Clos de l’Obac. From 1992 onwards the winemakers began producing their wines separately, and focused their attention on producing high-quality wines, with good results.

In 2000 the Catalan government raised the region’s designation to Qualified Designation of Origen - DOQ (in Catalán) or DOCa (in Spanish) - which is an elevated status that recognizes the high quality and uniqueness of the wines being produced in the region. The Rioja wine region is the only other region of Spain that is recognized with DOQ/DOCa status.

Today, wines sold under the labels of the pioneers who revitalized Priorat and put this small wine producing region on the world map are winning high scores and praise from critics and consumers alike, and are also commanding high prices. Alvaro Palacios’ L’Ermita 2002 sells for $250 and receives scores of 93, while Celler Mas Doix and Clos Erasmus have also garnered high scores and much acclaim.

Our next post in the series will talk about what makes the Priorat wines so unique, and what types of wines are produced.

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On the Menu…Tapas 24, Barcelona (Spain)

Foodies looking for a dining experience in Barcelona that won’t break the bank should make a beeline to Tapas 24, where the atmosphere is casual and the menu offers everyday favorites that have been raised to new heights. Tapas 24 is one of chef Carles Abellan’s three restaurants in Barcelona, which include Comerç 24 (with 1 Michelin star) and Bravo24 in the W Hotel. Chef Abellan worked for many years alongside chef Ferran Adrià at his world-renowned restaurant El Bulli on the Costa Brava, before opening his own restaurants in Barcelona.

The first thing you need to know about Tapas 24 is that it does not take reservations, and it is a very small restaurant with limited seating. Most diners sit at a counter facing the bar and kitchen where you can watch your food being prepared. There are additional tables indoors (high-top tables with stools), as well as a handful of tables located outdoors on the sidewalk terrace. The next thing you need to know is that this is a very popular place, with both locals and tourists, so if you want to eat here you’ll have to arrive early (by Barcelona standards) between 7:00 - 8:00pm. Once 8:30pm rolls around the locals will start streaming in and there will be a long wait for your chance to sample the delicious tapas on the menu.

While you’re deciding which tapas to try, start out with the Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato, olive oil and salt), an absolute staple in any Barcelona restaurant. Another must-try is the Bikini Comerç 24, which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that has been elevated to a whole new level. The ham in question is actually the fine cured Spanish Jamón Ibérico, the cheese is a mild white cheese, and the special ingredient that takes the Bikini out of the realm of a normal sandwich is the shaved black truffle that they add to it. Don’t be surprised if you order seconds on this one, you won’t be alone. Even if you don’t normally order fried eggs for dinner, you really should try the Huevos Estrellados (literally “smashed eggs”), which is a delicious combination of fried eggs, french fries, and a selection of meats that you get to choose from. This is an egg dish that is delicious at any time of the day. The tapas menu also includes traditional dishes, such as Patatas Bravas, Croquettes, Lentils with Chorizo, and Tripe, which makes it hard to select from so many great choices.
Be sure to leave room for dessert so you can try the Xocolata Amb Pa Oli i Sal, which is a chocolate mousse, drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, and topped with toasted bread. While you may not normally add olive oil and salt to your chocolate, you may start doing so after tasting how well they all come together at Tapas 24.

• Carrer de la Diputació, 269
• Phone: (93) 488-0977
• Barcelona, Spain
• Website: Tapas 24

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Checking In…Suites Avenue (Luxe) Apartments, Barcelona (Spain)

Visitors to Barcelona looking for spacious accommodations that are contemporary in design, centrally located, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, need look no further than the Suites Avenue (Luxe) Apartments.

Located in the heart of Barcelona on the Paseo de Gracia, the Suites Avenue (Luxe) is a modern building with a sleek stainless steel façade that was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Its prime location, directly opposite Guadí’s famed Casa Milà (La Pedrera) in the upscale Eixample neighborhood, provides easy access within walking distance to the city’s finest shops, restaurants and sites of interest.

Suites Avenue offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites that are fully equipped with high-quality furnishings, a living room with a large flat screen LCD TV, small dining area, full bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Some suites face the interior courtyard, and others offer a view of La Pedrera and have a terrace facing the Paseo de Gracia.

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Sites to See – Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte, Braga (Portugal)

The city of Braga has had a long-standing importance as a religious capital. This is evidenced by the nearly three dozen churches you will find, one of which is the Cathedral of Braga. The Cathedral was begun in 1070 and is the Portugal’s oldest church.

An important pilgrimage site in Braga is Bom Jesús do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount), which was begun in 1722 and is located just 5 km east of the city center. Considered one of the masterpieces of European Baroque style, its centerpiece is the hilltop granite double staircase lined with chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, the Stairway of the Five Senses, and the Stairway of the Three Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity). Sitting atop the staircase is the twin-towered neoclassical church that was begun in 1784.

Visitors can make the 381 ft. climb on foot, or you can follow the pilgrims’ tradition of ascending on your knees. There is also an old-fashioned funicular that will take you to the top of the hill, which was the first to be built in the Iberian Peninsula and is still in use today. The views of the city below from the hilltop are quite stunning. For more information on the city, click here.

• N103-3 (5 km east of Braga)
• Phone: (25) 367 66 36

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Next Stop…Arraiolos, Portugal

 

 

Arraiolos is a charming town nestled in the hills of Portugal’s Alentejo region, located only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lisbon. Driving through the open, rolling plains to Arraiolos makes for a great day trip for visitors who want to get out of the city and experience a traditional town in the country’s heartland.

The history of Arraiolos can be traced back to the 2nd C. BC, and the remains of the 14th C. castle and 16th C. church can still be visited today. But most visitors to Arraiolos come to visit the stores and workshops that sell the famous hand woven wool rugs that the town is best known for. The history of rug making in Arraiolos dates back to the 13th C., when it is believed that Moors introduced the craft of rug making to the local residents. The rugs continue to be completely hand made today by local women using a needlepoint stitch that is applied on a sturdy canvas. The original designs were inspired by traditional Persian rug designs, and over the years the styles have evolved to include figures and animals, as well as more contemporary designs. Don’t worry if you fall in love with one of the rugs, as local merchants can either fold the rug down to a manageable size, or ship it home to you to avoid the hassle of having to carry it back. For more information on the town, click here.

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Itinerary Suggestion: An Introduction to the Treasures of Spain I

First time visitors to Spain will often ask us where they should go or what they should see on their first visit to the country. This is a difficult question to answer, as Spain is so very rich in history and culture that it is impossible to do more than just skim the surface on any one trip. That’s why we recommend that people plan to visit Spain more than once, and on each trip they can concentrate on a specific area so that they can truly appreciate the beauty of the treasures that abound.

A good way to get a quick introduction to the people, the culture and some of the country’s most iconic cities and sites is to follow this 8 day 7 night itinerary. It is designed to give travelers an overview of some of the most significant sights to see. Once you’ve had this overview and gain some insight into what Spain has to offer, you are sure to return, and hopefully you will be able to incorporate time in your itinerary, outside of the sightseeing, to experience those intrinsic things that make Spain – and its people – uniquely special. Spaniards have a unique love of life and appreciation for living life to its fullest, and this can be seen in the simplest activities they enjoy, such as taking an evening stroll through town, meeting friends and going for tapas, or sitting in an outdoor café and watching the people go by.

This first itinerary begins in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and takes you to the enchanting Andalusian cities of Seville, Córdoba and Granada, where you can visit some of the country’s iconic sites, including the Cathedral of Seville (world’s largest Gothic cathedral and burial place of Columbus), the Mezquita in Córdoba (8-10th C. mosque that was converted into the Cathedral of Córdoba), and the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace). 

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid in the morning; sightseeing in the afternoon
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 3: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 4: Leave early in the morning. Drive (400 km) or take the high-speed AVE train (2.5 hours) to Córdoba; sightseeing in Córdoba
• Day 5: Take morning AVE train to Seville (45 minutes); sightseeing in Seville
• Day 6: Morning sightseeing in Seville. Depart in afternoon to Granada (about 3 hours by car, bus or train)
• Day 7: Sightseeing in Granada
• Day 8: Return to Madrid for trip home (4 hour drive or train ride, or a 1 hour flight)

Information on what to see and do, and where to eat in these cities can be found on our website or on our blog. Simply search by city.

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Checking In…Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza, Seville (Spain)

Ask anyone who has ever been to Seville and they’ll tell you that there’s something about the city that captivates you with its charm and beauty, and puts you under its spell. In addition to taking in Seville’s remarkable sites, including the Cathedral, the Giralda, the Alcazar and the Plaza de España in María Luisa Park, be sure to leave enough time to truly experience the magic of the city. Take a stroll along the river and through the Barrio Santa Cruz, enjoy the delicious food at one of the many tapas bars or restaurants, and strike up a conversation with the locals, who have an amazing love for life that is truly contagious.

The perfect place to feel at home in Seville is at the Hotel Las Casas del Rey de Baeza. This charming 4-star hotel located in the heart of the historic city center was formerly a residential mansion that was built in the 18th C. You will feel as though you have been transported back in time as you pass through the reception area and step out into the charming interior patio at the center of the mansion, and you can see the exterior walkways above that lead to the guest rooms.

The guest rooms are furnished in traditional colonial style furniture with natural fiber carpets, a neutral color palette, and views of the courtyard through either windows or French doors that open onto the patio. There are Dreamer rooms, larger Deluxe rooms, and Junior Suites that offer a living room area (some separated by a door).

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Cataluña’s Priorat Wine Region (Spain): Location and history of the region (Part 1)

This is the first in a series of posts about Cataluña’s Priorat wine region. Over the series we will introduce you to this region and wine type, which has been gaining popularity, and then share with you information from our recent visit to a few of the vineyards in the region.

The Priorat wine region is located about 1.5 hours south of Barcelona in the province of Tarragona. It is easily accessed via the motorway AP-7 (toll road) south towards Tarragona. Get off the AP-7 at exit 34 and follow the signs to T-11 towards the town of Reus. Once past Reus look for signs to N-420, which is the smaller, local road that will take you to Falset, which is the capital of the region, and a good place to select as a base for exploring the surrounding villages and wineries.

The wine region received its Denominació d’Origen (DO), which means Designation of Origen, in 1954. But winemaking in the region can be traced back to the 12th C. when the monks from the Carthusian Monastery Scala Dei (Ladder to God) began planting vineyards on the steep terraced hillsides of the region and making wine. The monks ruled over the seven nearby villages for over 600 years, until their land was seized by the state in 1835. The monks fled and the monastery was subsequently ransacked and burned down by the local peasants who revolted against the oppression they had been subjected to by the church. The ruins of the Scala Dei Monastery can still be visited, and this site is a must see for visitors to the region. For more information on the monastery, click here.

Our next post in the series will provide info on how this region was revitalized in 1979 and caught the attention of wine lovers and critics the world over.

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