The Spanish Touch - private tours in Spain

Private Shore excursions in Barcelona

2012-02-16T05:32:00.000-05:00

Barcelona is one of those magical places that seems to draw people into its very essence. The kind of place where people come time and again and never fail to discover something new. At The Spanish Touch we offer private day trips and shore excursions for everyone from first-time visitors to those who have "been there, done that" and are looking for a new experience. We work with you from the beginning to create a custom tour fit to your demands. All of our guides are billingual experts whose main priority is you. our small group tours offer the advantage of getting into more intimate locales and giving you the chance to meet the people and see the sites that make Barcelona such a special place.

For your next visit to Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013 for a free estimate on your private tour or shore excursion.

Valentine's Day Ideas from The Spanish Touch

2012-02-14T07:27:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day is here again and around the world people are celebrating, and Spain is no exception. Around the country couples are preparing for a day of fun and romance, from Cadiz to Barcelona. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in one of these places, here are a couple suggestions for making your day a magical and unforgettable experience.

In Barcelona, take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, the winding streets and plazas, or check out the shops of the Born district. After a romantic lunch (maybe at the Oucomballa or Cafe De L'Academia) head over to the Parc del Laberint (Laberynth park), one of the oldest gardens in Barcelona, and explore the maze. In the evening head up to tibidabo for a panoramic view of the city and dinner.

In Madrid, start the day with a delicious breakfast of churros con chocolate for two before heading over to El Prado museum to see how love was depicted by the great masters of art. Afterwards grab a bite to eat in the always colorful St. Miguel Market. After lunch, head over to Casa del Campo park (and take the cable car out there) or the often-overlooked parque de El Capricho for a lovely stroll. Round off the evening with a romantic dinner in one of the many intimate restaurants that dot the city.

For more information or for help designing your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

2012-01-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

Barcelona and Madrid Cultural Tours - June 2012 dates

The Spanish Touch is pleased to announce the June date for our Barcelona and Madrid Cultural Tour - Join the Spanish Touch for a week long exploration of Spain's biggest cities, and get to know them in a way most people never do!

June 2-9, 2012

Day 1. Arrival in Barcelona.
Transfer to hotel. After lunch, take a walking tour around the old city to stretch your legs and get a feel for the city. Night in Barcelona.

Day 2. Dali’s Theater-Museum in Figueres and Girona
Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to Figueres. Afternoon visit to Girona including the Jewish Quarter and the Cathedral. Night in Barcelona.

Day 3. Gaudi's Modernista Barcelona
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. Afterwards, continue to Park Guell, and Casa Battlo and La Pedrera. Optional evening tapas tour through the old city. Night in Barcelona.

Day 4. Montserrat and Wine Country
Morning trip to Montserrat, including a visit to the Monastery and the Santa Cova. In the afternoon, take a trip into wine country to visit a winery see how the hand-crafted traditions are still alive. Evening transfer via AVE to Madrid. Night in Madrid.

Day 5. Madrid City Tour and the Reina Sofia.
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to the Reina Sofia museum. Afternoon tour of Madrid city center. Night in Madrid.

Day 6. Madrid Museum Day
Breakfast at hotel. Madrid at leisure to visit the famous Golden Triangle of Madrid’s other two most famous museums: El Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Optional day tour to Segovia. Night in Madrid.

Day 7. Toledo Day Tour
Breakfast at hotel. Day trip to Toledo, the famous walled city, including visits to the Cathedral, Cristo de la Luz Mosque, El Greco’s house and the old Jewish Quarter. Farewell dinner and last night in Madrid.

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to airport for return flight to the USA.

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona.
All transportation as specified in itinerary.
11 Meals (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
All entrance fees on itinerary.

Starting from $2,619 per person

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival - New Tour Dates

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Come join The Spanish Touch for a truly Andalusian experience this May! Flowers, dancing, culture and maybe even a little bit of Sherry to help you along your way as you join in the celebration of Cordoba's internationally recognized Patio competition, and The Spanish Touch wants to be your personal guide to make your experience a once-in-a-lifetime event!!

Call us toll-free at 888-480-0013 or visit our website for more information on our current offers.

MAY 2012 Patios of Cordoba Festival

May 7: Arrival in Madrid. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Madrid city center. Evening welcome meal.

May 8: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer via AVE high-speed train to Cordoba. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, head over to the old city to wander the narrow streets and engage with the locals during the Patio Festival!

May 9: Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, take a private tour of the city of Cordoba, including the magnificent Mezquita-Cathedral, the old Jewish Quarter and the Roman bridge. After lunch spend the afternoon discovering the beauty of the Patios of Cordoba, which will be in full bloom and brightest display as more than 20 patios vie for the title of best patio of the year.

May 10: Transfer to Sevilla. Mid-day private tour of the Cathedral of Sevilla, the central point of the ancient city, as well as the largest gothic cathedral in the world. After lunch take a walk along the river to see the Torre de Oro, the Bullring and the Maria Luisa Park. Optional Flamenco show in the evening.

May 11: Breakfast at hotel. Morning private tour of Seville city center, including the Alcazar and the old Tobacco factory, scene of the opera Carmen. Afternoon at leisure. Optional Tapas dinner in the evening.

May 12: Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jerez de la Frontera to witness the Royal Equestrian Horse Show before stopping at one of the best wineries for a chance to sample the classic of all Spanish wines: Sherry!

May 13: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer back to Madrid for last evening in Madrid and a farewell dinner at one of Madrid’s classic restaurants.

May 14: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight.

Price per person for this tour from $3,850 per person based on limited availability, and includes:

All transportation as per itinerary
All accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Guided visits as per itinerary
A billingual Spanish Touch guide-driver with 24 hour availability

Price does not include:

International airfare
All tips and gratuity
Any entrance fees or optional packages (tapas dinner, Flamenco show) not specifically shown on itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Anything not listed above

El Invierno, or ideas for Spain in the Winter

2012-01-11T13:06:00.000-05:00

Well, the cold weather has found us once again. As the temperatures drop outside and the holiday spirits rise, I'd like to take a moment to talk about winter in Spain. for most people, the idea of Spain is that of Sun and Beach (normal, given the 300+ days of sun and lovely climate, not to mention the hidden coves and beaches that line the coast away from the masses of tourists). However, at The Spanish Touch we have always maintained that Spain is really so much more than that: It is the food, the traditions, the culture, the history and the people. And in winter, the lack of crowds means an even better opportunity to visit some of the best sites (which in summer months can often be crowded).

And some of the best-kept secrets of Spanish gastronomy and culture shine brightest in these winter months. In Asturias there are a number of fairs highlighting the region's cheeses (such as Cabrales or Gamoneu) in January and February. In honor of San Sebastian, towns from around Spain from Frigiliana and Almeria to San Sebastian itself celebrate on January 20th. The wine capital of Vilafranca offers up a traditional Catalan dish at the Xato Festival (January 18-24). And no list is complete without the 2nd Annual Truffle Fair which runs through early March in the town of Graus, in the Somontano wine region.

These are just some of the local festivals designed to warm you up as you visit and explore this fascinating country. Let us be your guide and take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the heart of Spain!

For more information regarding these and other festivals or visits to Spain, please contact us at The Spanish Touch.

February 2012 Spain Tour - Wine and Truffles in Spain with The Spanish Touch

2012-01-09T07:12:00.000-05:00

Starting from $3,875 per person, The Spanish Touch is offering a second chance to get a hands-on Spanish experience, as we head into the hills with a local truffle farmer, and also get the chance to make your own wine at one of the region's wineries! Enjoy this comprehensive tour complete with local guides, folklore and a chance to reap the benefits of the season with the fruits of the harvest and the fabulous Spanish cuisine.

For more information or to sign up for this unique opportunity, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

February 17) Arrival in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel in the city center. Afternoon walking tour of the city center. Welcome dinner and Q&A with your tour leader. Night in Barcelona. (D)

February 18) Breakfast at hotel. Early morning departure to Somontano wine country in the shadow of the Pyrenees. Upon arrival in Somontano enjoy a special truffle menu lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit a local winery to learn more about the wines of the region. After transferring to a local Bed&Breakfast, in the evening visit the local truffle fair, to meet some of the truffle hunters and enjoy the opportunity to buy the elusive delicacy. Night in Somontano (B,L).

February 19) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. Early morning visit to a truffle plantation with a truffle hunter, who will explain how and why the search for truffles is such an art, and spend the morning searching for the gastronomical black gold of Spain. After lunch, head back to Barcelona for a last evening before a morning departure. Optional cooking class at a local winery on cooking with wine and local products. Night in Somontano (B,D).

February 20) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. This morning start the day with a wine workshop at a local winery. In the afternoon visit a small winery experimenting with local varietals. In the evening enjoy a truffle dinner at a local restaurant. Night in Somontano. (B).

February 21) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. Return to Barcelona. Along the way stop in Cava country for a visit to an artisanal cava producer, where you will learn the history of Cava and have the opportunity to sample some local cheeses and products in a wine-and-food pairing at the winery. After lunch return to Barcelona and an afternoon at leisure. Night in Barcelona. (B,L).

February 22) Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to The Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s Modernista masterpiece. Afternoon at leisure. Optional afternoon cooking class or spend the day exploring the Picasso Museum, or visiting the old fishing quarter of Barceloneta. Optional evening tapas tour in Barcelona. Night in Barcelona. (B).

February 23) Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure in Barcelona. Optional Catalan cooking class in the city center. -OR- Optional day trip to the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres. Farewell dinner in the evening. Night in Barcelona. (B,D)

February 24) Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight. (B)

Price: $3,875.00 per person.

This tour includes:
Your personal, billingual Spanish Touch guide with 24 hour availability
Truffle hunting with a truffle guide and dog
All accommodation as per itinerary
All transportation and transfers as per itinerary
Guided visits as per itinerary
All winery visits and tastings
Meals as per itinerary

A Return to Barcelona - 15 Years later - The Tierney's Barcelona Visit

2012-01-09T06:44:00.001-05:00

It had been 15 years since Val and Adrienne Tierney last visited Barcelona. Suffice it to say that there have been some changes. Upon meeting them at the airport (and leaving their luggage in the luggage locker at the airport, an almost forgotten feature in modern airports), we headed into the city center for a Gaudi intensive visit. In 1996, the last time they saw it, La Sagrada Familia didn't have a roof. In fact, it didn't have a lot of things that you can see today. While it remains a site under construction, the enclosed central nave and lack of visible construction site (no piles of tools or plaster casts in the central corridor) was a surprise. Val commented that he had expected the change, but it was still shocking to see just how much it has changed!

The weather for an early January day was not too bad, although no sunshine meant that the promised temperatures approaching 60 were never to be. From the Sagrada Familia we headed over to La Pedrera, to continue our Gaudi rediscovery. While the building itself has not changed in 15 years, the presentation certainly has. The city has gone all in to carefully and faithfully restore and make accessible so many of the jewels of Modernisme throughout the city.

After a brief tapas lunch we headed into the old city. Again, while a city of 2000 years may not have seen the buildings change too much over 15 years, accessibility and navigability have made giants strides. We also took advantage of the season to visit the walk through manger scene set up in front of the Generalitat. Leaving them at the airport to pick up their bags and continue on to Morocco, leaving as friends and wishing them the best on the rest of their trip!

For more information or to schedule a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Relaxing with Gaudi

2012-01-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

The Tierney's took advantage of Gaudi's double chair to relax for a minute after exploring Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera. Gathering energy for the second part of the day!

February Truffle Tour - Wine and Truffles in Spain with The Spanish Touch

2012-01-03T13:14:00.000-05:00

Christmas in Spain - Merry Christmas from The Spanish Touch

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from The Spanish Touch!!

Bon Nadal des de The Spanish Touch!!

Feliz Navidad desde The Spanish Touch!!!

Wishing you and yours the very best this holiday season, and remember to enjoy responsibly!!

Hasta Pronto
The Spanish Touch

Last Minute Christmas Ideas from Spain

2011-12-24T06:35:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve is here, the stockings are hanging, the tree is up, and many of us are starting to panic about what gifts we need to give our loved ones. Well this year, why not give them a a gift that they'll never forget: A Winter Wine and Truffle Tour with The Spanish Touch! The tour has everything you could ask for, great food, great scenery, unique opportunities to make wine and look for truffles, and the chance to create unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime!

Surprise the ones you love with a trip to Spain, and if you reserve the tour before 2012 The Spanish Touch will offer a 10% discount on any tour we offer!!

Contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013 and make this Christmas gift something truly special.

American tourism up in Barcelona

2011-12-22T04:39:00.002-05:00

The global crisis continues to dominate our plans, but the latest statistics from Barcelona Tourism show that Americans are among the most likely to travel to the Ciutat comtal (City of the Counts). American visitors to Barcelona are now the fourth most populous group, behind the neighboring neighboring European countries. So come along and see what the city has to offer. But there is so much to offer in Barcelona that many visitors only ever scratch the surface!

Contact The Spanish Touch to design your custom private tour of Barcelona and we'll make sure you have an unforgettable time and treat you to a truly authentic Barcelona experience.

The Hospital of Sant Pau reopens its doors

2011-12-21T09:29:00.001-05:00

The Hospital of Sant Pau, the largest Modernista complex in the world, today is reopening the complex. After months of restoration, the central buildings of Domenech i Montaner's stunning architectural design have been unveiled again. The most impressive feature is the newly renovated Clock Tower (Torre del Rellotge), which was designed to be a central feature of the complex. The Hospital complex is a series of beautiful, Modernista buildings which are connected via underground hallways and passages, offering the sensation of being in a quiet village rather than a functioning hospital. Originally built in the beginning of the 15th century, the hospital's makeover was completed in the early part of the twentieth century, and has been under renovation since February of 2011.

For more information or to plan your private guided tour of Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Off Road Adventures in Barcelona

2011-12-16T05:44:00.001-05:00

Many people relate Barcelona with it's beaches, which is understandable given its location on the Mediterranean coast. But as we've mentioned before, this city is surrounded on the other side by coastal foothills which provide ample opportunity for anyone looking for a getaway from the city without having to change hotels. Ideas such as hiking in Collserola or horseback riding in Montseny are just a couple of possibilities.

Today I want to give you another choice: take a quad ride through the Montnegre National Park. In addition to the fun of the ride, you will have access to some spectacular mountain trails and at the top, a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean. Given the temperate climate of the region, this is an activity that can be done all year long, so don't let the approaching winter hold you back!

For more information, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Visiting wineries with The Spanish Touch

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons visiting a winery with The Spanish Touch is such a unique experience is our relationship with the wineries themselves. We bring people to the wineries where they can talk to the winemaker or sommelier, someone directly involved in the process who can answer your questions. Last week Paula and David Klein experienced this service firsthand.

Between sampling new wines and learning about the newest trends in Penedes, we stopped for lunch and asked some interesting questions of the winemakers and discovered the fascinating evolution of the wine world in Catalunya.

For more information or to plan a private wine tour in Barcelona, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

A Day Making Wine with The Spanish Touch

2011-12-13T13:38:00.002-05:00

At The Spanish Touch we are always looking for ways to make your experience more personal, unique and especially more unforgettable. This year's January and February Truffle Tours feature an optional day of learning to blend your own wines at a local winery! We've decided to add this exciting new option this year in addition to the chance to go on the hunt for truffles and enjoy some of the finest in local Spanish culture and cuisine.

For more information or for help planning your private Spanish tour, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Truffle Tour - Wine and Truffles in Spain with The Spanish Touch

2011-12-07T06:16:00.000-05:00

Starting from $4,250 per person, The Spanish Touch is offering the chance to get your hands dirty, as we head into the hills with a local truffle farmer, and also get the chance to make your own wine at one of the region's wineries! Enjoy this comprehensive tour complete with local guides, folklore and heritage, as well as a chance to reap the benefits of the season with the fruits of the harvest and the fabulous Spanish cuisine.

For more information or to sign up for this unique opportunity, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

January 13) Arrival in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel in the city center. Afternoon walking tour of the city center. Welcome dinner and Q&A with your tour leader. Night in Barcelona. (D)

January 14) Breakfast at hotel. Early morning departure to Somontano wine country in the shadow of the Pyrenees. Upon arrival in Somontano enjoy a special truffle menu lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit a local winery to learn more about the wines of the region. After transferring to a local Bed&Breakfast, in the evening visit the local truffle fair, to meet some of the truffle hunters and enjoy the opportunity to buy the elusive delicacy. Night in Somontano (B,L).

January 15) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. Early morning visit to a truffle plantation with a truffle hunter, who will explain how and why the search for truffles is such an art, and spend the morning searching for the gastronomical black gold of Spain. After lunch, head back to Barcelona for a last evening before a morning departure. Optional cooking class at a local winery on cooking with wine and local products. Night in Somontano (B,D).

January 16) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. This morning start the day with a wine workshop at a local winery. In the afternoon visit a small winery experimenting with local varietals. In the evening enjoy a truffle dinner at a local restaurant. Night in Somontano. (B).

January 17) Breakfast at the Bed&Breakfast. Return to Barcelona. Along the way stop in Cava country for a visit to an artisanal cava producer, where you will learn the history of Cava and have the opportunity to sample some local cheeses and products in a wine-and-food pairing at the winery. After lunch return to Barcelona and an afternoon at leisure. Night in Barcelona. (B,L).

January 18) Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to The Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s Modernista masterpiece. Afternoon at leisure. Optional afternoon cooking class or spend the day exploring the Picasso Museum, or visiting the old fishing quarter of Barceloneta. Optional evening tapas tour in Barcelona. Night in Barcelona. (B).

January 19) Breakfast at hotel. Half/day trip to the Penedes wine region for a visit to 2 local wineries before returning to Barcelona for a last look around the city. Farewell dinner in the evening. Night in Barcelona. (B,D)

January 20) Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return flight. (B)

Price: $4,250.00 per person.

This tour includes:
Your personal, billingual Spanish Touch guide with 24 hour availability
Truffle hunting with a truffle guide and dog
All accommodation as per itinerary
All transportation and transfers as per itinerary
Guided visits as per itinerary
All winery visits and tastings
Meals as per itinerary

Barcelona has Restaurant Week, Valencia has Cuina Oberta

2011-11-24T06:58:00.000-05:00

For the last week almost 30 top restaurants around Barcelona have been celebrating Barcelona Restaurant Week by offering a selected menu for just 25 euros. This weekend is the last weekend to take advantage of this great offer (at least until next year). But if you aren't in the northeastern area, you can also check out the restaurants in Valencia, which through November 27 features 82 restaurants that are offering set menus for lunch (25 euros) or dinner (30 euros) to tempt the palate. This is another initiative of the Valencian community to draw visitors' attention to the mouthwatering diversity of the region's cooking, which extends well beyond the measures of Paella.

But Cuina Oberta, like the gastronomic selection of the region, also extends beyond the borders of the kitchen. This weekend you can take a workshop on cooking, tour local wineries or even head down to the Albufera for a Paella cooking (and eating) class.

If you can't make it this weekend, fear not! As the world opens its eyes to the delights and diversity of Spanish cuisine, these events will become more accessible and more common, meaning more eye-opening and mouthwatering ways to spend your vacation in Spain!

For more information or to design your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Thanksgiving in Spain

2011-11-24T05:45:00.000-05:00

With the Thanksgiving festivities rapidly approaching, I find myself thinking about my youth, about the dinners spread over groaning tables and 20+ people gathered together for a day of friendship and sharing. Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, but that doesn't mean that the Spanish are not open to trying new things. And any holiday which involves food and friends is certain to go down like a great glass of cava.

Every year we host a Thanksgiving Day feast (okay, so it's on Saturday, because everyone here has to work Thursday and Friday), and you would be amazed at the reception it gets. The most fun is the turkey which, as a native of the Americas, is anything but a traditional dish on the old continent. In fact, the word for turkey in Catalan literally translates as "rooster of the Indies".

On behalf of the entire crew at The Spanish Touch, I also want to say how thankful I am to be doing what I do, and that I am able to help people enjoy the best of what Spain has to offer is a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Ice Skating in Barcelona? 'Tis the season!

2011-11-22T07:16:00.001-05:00

This year in the city of Barcelona there is a plan to set up the Mediterranean version of Rockefeller center's ice rink in the center of the Plaza Catalunya. While many of the details are still unconfirmed, it appears as if the skating rink will be set up in the center of the square, which is right at the top of Las Ramblas, and is one of the main plazas in the city. The idea is to offer people the opportunity to step onto the ice from December 2 through January 9, including all the major holidays of the season. As of yet Barcelona city hall has yet to confirm the plan, but if it proceeds it will add another aspect to an already vibrant holiday scene in the capital of Catalunya.

For more information or to plan your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Truffle Tour February 2012

2011-11-17T09:31:00.001-05:00

For anyone looking for that perfect after-holidays vacation, The Spanish Touch has designed our Truffle Tour 2012! In February we will be taking a small group of people into the mountains of Spain in search of the elusive black truffles, as well as for some wine tasting and in general a guaranteed great time!

Starting from $4,250 per person, this tour will offer the chance to get your hands dirty, as we head into the hills with a local truffle farmer, and also get the chance to make your own wine at one of the region's wineries! It promises to be the perfect post-Christmas treat! Stay tuned for more details on this one-time opportunity!

For more information or to plan your next private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Barcelona Restaurant Week - November 2011

2011-11-10T07:10:00.001-05:00

As we mentioned here a couple of weeks ago, Barcelona's Restaurant week, originally scheduled for March and then postponed, has been reestablished for the week of November 21-27, 2011. The idea behind this concept is to allow people to sample the gastronomic delights of some of the city's most heralded restaurants at a set price of 25 euros a person, with a portion of the money dedicated to charity.

You can find the list of restaurants here, and you can make your reservations through the website of eltenedor.es. There is limited availability for the set menu at the restaurants, so be sure to make the reservation in advance.

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Agrotur 2011 - a celebration of Rural Tourism

2011-11-04T11:41:00.002-04:00

I have always been a fan of the off-the-beaten-path type of tourism. Finding those secret corners and small town treasures is part of what makes visiting any new place so special. At The Spanish Touch we do our best to bring these authentic experiences to life for all of our clients, be it a local town fair or a chance to go truffle hunting in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

From November 4 through the 6 in Barcelona they are celebrating an ever growing market in Spain: Rural tourism at the Agrotur 2011. More and more people are becoming aware of the treasures that Spain holds secret away from the big cities. The trade fair brings together groups and people from around Spain with an eye to improving and sharing the possibilities for those increasingly adventurous travelers who want to delve from the beaten path. The trade show (free entrance) highlights this "alternative" tourism throughout Spain. It's exciting to see this area grow, and as the area grows so do the possibilities for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in the small towns and hidden valleys throughout Spain.

For more information or for help planning your private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Madrid Restaurant Week - November 2011

2011-11-03T15:28:00.003-04:00

Following the success of previous years, Madrid, a city with an international recognition for its plethora of excellent restaurants, is opening its "alta cocina" restaurants with prices that make them almost irresistible for any foodie to resist. Yes, once more we celebrate the return of Restaurant Week in Spain. In a show of Spain's international reputation, where last week we talked about the upcoming Barcelona Restaurant Week, this week we highlight the Madrid Restaurant Week. While both cities enjoy deserved fame, the styles of cooking are often vastly different, which is one of the things I love most about Spain, and have talked about before on this blog.

Madrid Restaurant Week runs from November 4 through 13, with more than 50 restaurants joining in the celebration, and all with menus of just 25 euros per person! For a full list of restaurants, visit the Madrid Restaurant Week page here. This month is quickly shaping up to be one of the best for Foodies who are visiting Spain, so get ready to delve into the delectable world of Spanish cuisine!

For more information or for help planning a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.

Dance of the Giants - Barcelona's medieval culture on the streets

2011-10-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

This Saturday evening, starting at 6:30 in front of the Santa Maria del Mar church in the historic Born district of Barcelona, is the 8th annual Dance of the Giants (Ballada del Gegants). The giants, whose history dates back to medieval times, will meet in front of the 14th century church and begin their dance. Then, at 7:15 they will parade through the streets of the Born district, just as they might have done 500 years ago. The parade ends where it begins, with a dance inside the church itself at 8:15. A great way to cap off a Saturday in Barcelona, and then why not go for some tapas in the area, which hosts one of the city's most vibrant tapas scenes!

For more information or for help planning a private trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.