Vibrant music, delicious foods, intoxicating wines and architectural wonders stir the soul and merge together effortlessly to form many traveler’s favorite country; Spain. Join Gate 1 Travel in Spain, and give in to the seduction that the culture and ambiance of this country emits. Join us as we take you on a journey through this enchanting destination from the capital of Madrid, the heart of the country, to the birthplace of Flamenco dancing in Seville and onward to the jewel of the Mediterranean in Barcelona. Come see what Spain has to offer, there are many enticing opportunities ahead!
The Heart of Spain
Some call Madrid,
“el corazón de España”(the
heart of Spain), or the central point and capital from which Spanish life and
culture flow. Visit its colossal Royal Palace, the second largest in Europe,
and on to the vast Plaza Oriente, with its impressive buildings. Visit the
Plaza de España, with its adjacent skyscrapers and towering memorial to Miguel
de Cervantes Saavedra that is no less impressive. Art lovers will flock to El
Prado, the huge museum of Spanish art featuring the works of famous artists
including Goya, Velazquez, Picasso and El Greco. Use your free time to explore
the excellent nightlife and culinary scene in Madrid.
Lovers of Spanish history and art recognize Toledo as a national treasure and
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The incredible canvas of Toledo has helped shape today’s
Spain in profound ways and both Moorish and Christian architecture merge here.
Its St. Tome Church evokes the romance of the high-style Gothic era, and its
chapel houses El Greco’s most famous masterpiece The Burial of the
Count of Orgaz. The Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful
Moorish architecture and is considered the oldest synagogue in all of Europe.
Continue westward to the university town of Salamanca. This breathtaking town is
home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, University of Salamanca, founded
in 1134. The university is considered one of the most prestigious in the world
and was attended by Luis de Leon and Miguel de Cervantes. The town exudes a
lively student atmosphere and café scene. The most impressive sight is the cathedral
that dominates the skyline. You could consider it actually two cathedrals in
one: The Old Cathedral was built in the 12th century and the
New, four centuries later. Together they become the Salamanca Cathedral and
echo the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages.
Northern Spain
The Mediterranean climate of the province of Rioja, like in
southern France and Italy’s Tuscany, creates the perfect wine-growing
environment for visitors to indulge in. Vineyards and bodegas dot the landscape
of rolling valleys and towering mountain ranges of Northern Spain; the perfect setting
for wine-tasting.
Perhaps the North’s most famous city is Bilbao, linked to the Bay of Biscay by
the Nervion River. The incredible Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry may have put
this ultra-cultural city on the map but it does not end with the museum. Bilbao’s
Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo, is a fantasticpreservation of the
medieval city’s original parallel streets and a fantastic area for a stroll.
Christianity takes on a powerful meaning in Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims have
gathered here since the Middle Ages after having walked the famed St. James
Road, some from as far away as Eastern Europe. What makes this place so important
is one of the tombs within: It is believed that the Apostle St. James is buried
here.
Andalusia Region
Perhaps no other Southern city conveys the country’s diverse
past as powerfully as Cordoba,
once the most populous city in the entire world and an important port city. Its
Jewish Quarter and synagogue are marvelously authentic pockets of history that
are a joy to visit. The fusion of Muslim and Christian architectural styles is
poignant in the massive mosque-cathedral of Mezquita de Cordoba, also known as
the Mosque of the Caliphs. Its forest of 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble,
and granite is an unforgettable sight and a true highlight. Predating all of
this is the first-century Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River.
Seville is
one of Spain’s greatest cities and a favorite for many travelers. Its Cathedral
of Seville is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and home to the burial
site of Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of the former great mosque, its
original minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower, still stands. Nearby, the Barrio
Santa Cruz is a labyrinthine network of intimate streets. A more recent symbol
of the city, the Plaza de España, is a graceful, tile-adorned work of
perfection. Opt to join the optional Flamenco Show in this city that is known
as the birthplace of the unforgettable dance, a truly unique Discovery experience.
Any visitor to Granada will
immediately understand why Boabdil, its last Moorish king, wept when he lost
his beloved city to Ferdinand and Isabella. Its hilltop fortress is one of the
world’s finest examples of Moorish architecture. The Alhambra Palace overlooks
today’s modern city, but within its walls kings and caliphs savored a complete world
of their own: cavernous rooms, ornate courtyards, and extensive gardens
overlooking snow-capped peaks.
Mediterranean Region
The resort town of Torremolinos provides a taste of Spanish beach life in
southern Spain’s Costa del Sol region. Mediterranean sands and the city’s
delightful seaside promenade are right across the street from your hotel, and
the town’s shops in the upper town invite a perfect afternoon of browsing and
strolling around during leisure time. It all makes for a relaxed and low-key
stay.
Farther east lies the city where the beloved Spanish dish of
paella was created by fishermen. Fed by Mediterranean moisture and the waters
of the Turia River, Valencia is
Spain’s Garden City. Its most historic buildings, aside from the City Hall, crowd
around a 14th-century cathedral. Its likely best-preserved structure
is the Torres Serranos, or City Gates, that have greeted travelers for
thousands of years and will greet you. A decidedly more modern addition is the City
of Arts and Sciences, a massive and futuristic complex of entertainment venues
and museums.
Barcelona stands
as Spain’s shiny pearl on the Mediterranean Sea, although residents of this
Catalan capital have long advocated for secession from Spain. No matter your
opinion on the matter, the city is a vibrant metropolis of long boulevards, lively
cafes, sea breezes, and dreamy reflections of its prodigal son; architect Antoni
Gaudi. For a true taste of Catalan culture, there’s no place like Las Ramblas,
the pedestrian zone lined with cafes, tapas bars, and shops. Even more of a must-visit
is La Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi’s long-unfinished church, that is projected
to finally reach completion in 2026. The church was started in 1882 and has
been under construction ever since. Gaudi’s Park Guell impresses with surreal
structures and architecture that look like pages from a storybook.
Spain’s Neighbor
You’ve long heard of Portugal as the main hub for the age of
discovery and exploration. You can explore this beautiful nation rich in
tradition for yourself when you choose a Gate 1 itinerary that explores Spain
and its remarkable neighbor.
From Portugal’s shores, courageous explorers set sail to
claim new lands, map the world, and develop global trade. Much of Lisbon’s wealth and culture were
built on these journeys, as its palaces, monasteries, and monuments show. In
the city’s Alfama district, chords of melodic Fado music spill into narrow
lanes from the pubs and cafes. In northern Portugal, on the Douro River, the
city of Porto has
witnessed a long history of wine making, beginning with the port wines produced
in the nearby Douro River Valley, the world’s first designated wine zone.
There are countless reasons to see Spain with Gate 1. A rich
history, magnificent landscapes, stunning architecture and opulent palaces are
among them. Gate 1 Travel gives you another reason; a value that you simply
won’t find anywhere else. Join us in Spain!
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