Set on Spain’s gorgeous southeastern coast, the capital and largest city of the Catalonia region, Barcelona, is an exquisite, seaside metropolis. With its dizzying array of architecture and its world-class galleries and museums, artistic delights abound at every corner (most strikingly in the astonishingly whimsical structures designed by the prolific modernist architect Antoni Gaudi). Explore the winding alleys of the picturesque Gothic Quarter, take in the boisterous carnival atmosphere of the world famous, tree-lined La Rambla boulevard, or go on a gastronomical adventure through the city's restaurants. Head to one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches and when the sun sets, join the eclectic all-night party scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the phenomenal Sagrada Familia, take in an opera at the sublime Palau de la Musica Catalana, and watch a game at the famous Camp Nou stadium.
Less than an hour north of Barcelona, Girona is an easily accessible historical haven permeated with old-world charm. A stroll along the City Walls ‘Passeig de la Muralla’, reveals the vantage point the city's protectors would have had when warding off invaders over the ages, while the well-preserved Jewish Quarter is a must-see relic dating to the 12th century when the city saw a burgeoning of Jewish culture. Also not to be missed, the Sant Feliu and Girona cathedrals are prime examples of Gothic Catalonian religious architecture. Don’t miss taking a stroll past the multicoloured Cases de l'Onyar ‘hanging houses’ that flank the river and make for beautiful photographs.
Situated in the southern province of Alava in the north of Spain, the town of Laguardia is a picturesque town perched on a hilltop. This ancient walled town is surrounded by centuries-old vineyards and framed by the Cantabrian Mountains. Visitors can look forward to exploring the narrow streets flanked by picturesque stone buildings, discover the network of underground military tunnels, which have been turned into wine cellars that people use to this day. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a winemaking or wine cellar tour, or sample the locally-produced variety of wine at the collection of bars in the town.
Situated roughly halfway between Bilbao and Zaragoza, the Spanish province of La Rioja is renowned for its delicious variety of wine. The magnificent Ebro River runs through the fertile valleys of this region, keeping the rolling hillsides covered in countless vineyards; oak, beech, pine, and olive groves; and lush pasturelands. The province is dotted with lively towns, quiet pilgrim churches, and ancient monasteries, which dot the path of the world-famous El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: visiting the impressive UNESCO-listed Monasterio de Yuso in the quaint hamlet of San Millan, exploring the labyrinth of medieval streets in the small town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, and sampling an array of fine wines at a range of local wineries and restaurants.
Located on Spain’s Basque Coast, just over an hour’s drive east from Bilbao, the suave San Sebastian combines an exquisite setting with beautiful architecture, a five-star culinary scene, and a brimming social and cultural calendar. Playa de la Concha is known as one of the best city beaches in Europe for swimming, and Playa de la Zurriola is home to some great breaks for surfing. Visitors can also spend leisurely days among the glorious ornamental plants, ducks, and peacocks at the Parque de Cristina Enea. Wonderfully fresh seafood, Michelin-star menus, and mouth-watering wine-pairing dinners make the city a mecca for gourmands, while venues such as the Kursaal and Tabakalera host excellent musical performances and art exhibitions. Learn about the complex history of the region at the superb San Telmo Museoa.
Dubbed the artistic heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao houses exceptional architecture - both old and new, superb art museums, sublime cuisine and a thriving local music scene. Arguably one of the most notable attractions of metropolitan Bilbao is the glittering Guggenheim Museum - a futuristic masterpiece of titanium-plated curves standing proudly above the Nervion River. The building's construction in 1997 sparked a wave of urban transformation. Today, the city has an array of inspired modern edifices and several historical gems, such as its Neoclassical theatre. If you tire of exploring, take a break and indulge in some people-watching and 'pintxos' - delicious Basque tapas -at the Plaza Nueva, or head out to the emerald hills that encircle Bilbao to enjoy the scenery.
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Aquitaine’, southwestern France's Bordeaux is a blissful mix of sophisticated city and bucolic countryside: historical architecture and hip modern culture, briny river waters and sandy shores, fragrant pine forests and sprawling vineyards. A wander through the city centre will take you past lacy-spired Gothic cathedrals and basilicas, through ancient cobbled alleyways and atmospheric squares dotted with sidewalk cafes, and along the walled banks of the mighty Garonne River. If retail therapy is what you are after, head to Avenue Saint-Catherine, France’s longest pedestrian boulevard, stretching for over a kilometre and lined with stores of all descriptions, from exclusive boutiques to major department stores. Don’t leave town without taking a tour of the wine estates dotting the city’s surrounds, where you can sample the region’s world-famous vino.
Perched majestically on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, overlooking the Tagus River, Toledo is an ancient city in central Spain’s province of the same name. Once dubbed the ‘city of the three cultures’ due to its successive Islamic, Hebrew and Christian occupants, the city now boasts an incredible legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, synagogues and traditional houses heaped into a cobble-stoned spiral. Beyond the impressive medieval walls, the maze of pedestrian streets is lined with artisan shops exhibiting pieces of jaw-dropping, masterful craft work, most notably glass pieces created using traditional glass blowing (which visitors can try themselves). The city is a prime culinary destination, as well as being home to a prolific number of museums, galleries and entertainment venues.
