Roundtrip Spain

About the destination: Orleans is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region of north-central France, located some 120 km south-west of the French capital Paris. The main reason to travel here is not the city itself, but the many castles in the area. Some of the most famous and beautiful 'Chateaux' in the Loire Valley are: the 'Chateau de Chinon', the 'Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau', the 'Chateau de Langeais', the 'Chateau de Villandry', the 'Chateau de Chenonceau', the 'Chateau d'Amboise', the 'Chateau de Chaumont sur Loire', the 'Chateau de Blois', the 'Chateau de Cheverny' and last, but definitely not least, the 'Chateau Royal de Chambord'. This latter one, probably, is the most famous Castle in France. Visiting it, is not only recommended, but compulsory. A visit to Orleans would not be complete without a visit to the Cathedral. With a similar design to Notre Dame in Paris, the Cathedral can been seen above the buildings from most of the town. Another major attraction of the city is the House of Joan of Arc, the heroine of the city. The best way to get to know Orleans is to walk around the center of town, or along the banks of the river Loire and visiting some of the city's great boulangeries.

About the destination:

Barcelona is een prachtige stad gelegen in het noordoosten van Spanje. Onder Nederlandse toeristen is Barcelona al jarenlang de populairste stad op het Iberische schiereiland. De combinatie van perfecte winkelstad, veel bezienswaardigheden, heerlijk eten en de ligging aan het water maken van Barcelona de topbestemming die het is.

Het aantal dagen dat je nodig hebt om Barcelona te verkennen is vooral afhankelijk van persoonlijke voorkeuren. Als je een groot deel van de hotspots wilt bezoeken inclusief een aantal musea, dan heb je al snel een dag of vier tot vijf nodig. Wil je ook nog op je gemak een of twee dagen aan het strand doorbrengen dan moet je er één of twee dagen bij optellen. Barcelona heeft voldoende te bieden om er een hele week naartoe te gaan als het weer een beetje mee wil zitten. Wie korter dan 3-4 dagen gaat die zal keuzes moeten maken. Je kunt tijd besparen door zo efficiënt mogelijk te plannen. Ook het vooraf kopen (via internet) van kaartjes kan ervoor zorgen dat je meer kunt doen in minder tijd. Vraag je echter af of dat hetgeen is wat je wilt.

About the destination: Valencia prizes its huertas, orchards, of citrus fruit trees, which flourish despite the arid conditions. Here visitors will find monuments to water, or fountains, and celebrations of vegetation, or gardens. This provincial capital, the third largest city in Spain, also offers a variety of museums and ancient monuments and buildings, all with a distinctly Moorish and nautical flavour. Valencia is the birthplace of both paella and orxata de chufas, and it provides the most authentic setting for sampling them. From the Old Town rises the Gothic and neoclassical Seu, Metropolitan Cathedral. Its tower, the Micalet, offers a far-reaching panorama of the historic centre of the city. The inside of the cathedral is notable for its cool simplicity and simple, but beautiful, six-panel altarpiece. The Museu de la Seu, the Cathedral Museum, claims among other lesser treasures, two large Goyas and one of Spain’s several supposedly authentic Holy Grails. Nearby is the Llotja de la Seda, the former silk exchange, with its handsome pillars. No matter if you like the modern or the old, Valencia has everything to offer. You can get lost at night in the historic centre and walk in front of the illuminated cathedral or visit La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the City of Arts and Sciences, the avant-garde side of the city.

About the destination: Murcia is a city on the Segura River, located in south-eastern Spain, inland but not far from the coast. It’s mainly a services city and an important university town. The city has grown considerably in recent years, and avenues and fine promenades now surround its attractive old quarter. Its pedestrianized streets and small squares create a peaceful atmosphere, complemented by a rich architectural heritage, dominated by the cathedral. Walking by Murcia's Old Town you'll find some beautiful buildings. Around the Cathedral visitor will see a few big avenues but also lot of small and narrow streets to explore. Also on this area there are many restaurants and Tapas Bars, shops, souvenir shops, and lot of coffee shops. A good option may be to have a drink at Cathedral Square before starting to explore the area. From any bar on this square there is a wonderful view of the square’s two main buildings: The Cathedral and Palacio Episcopal. It is a huge square and always it is full of people. Murcia's Cathedral is one of best and most impressive Cathedrals in Spain. The temple was constructed on the site of an old Arabic Mosque during the 15th century. Looking at the facade one can observe three different styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The bell tower is 95 m. tall and has some beautiful Plateresque ornamentation. The interior of the Cathedral is mainly Gothic, with a layout of three naves and surrounded by some chapels. Nearby, we find Murcia's Town Hall, a colourful and beautiful building, where there are interesting exhibitions open to the public. Murcia is home to beautiful churches and museums, a fascinating old town, attractive plazas full of people and energy. It's the capital of the Murcia Region, a region known for agriculture and tourism, but also for the charming mountain villages, fishing station, beaches that are untouched and for the green countryside.

About the destination: The Muslim rulers of Granada adored and adorned this provincial capital. Ignore the low apartments of Granada and look up: the majestic clay-red Alhambra palace looms against the Sierra Nevada, Europe’s sunniest ski slopes. And the refreshing coastline is also nearby. The Alhambra, the red one in Arabic, is an Islamic monument of universal fame ad unfaded grandeur, built on a hill covered with splendid woods and gardens. The numerous courtyards and rooms inside the palaces of the Casa Real are among the finest examples of Mudejar art and architecture. Constructed after the Reconquista of Granada to replace the mosque on the site, the Cathedral of Granada is the first purely Renaissance cathedral is Spain. The Royal Chapel, reached by a separate entrance, contains the elaborate tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella, along with Isabella’s splendid private art collecting. South of the Cathedral is the Albayzin, the old Arab quarter, a set of winding alleyways with Moorish-style archways decorating the walls. Granada is famous for its holy week celebrations, which include festivities and processions. For less cultural diversion, stick to the student pubs around the university.

About the destination: Perhaps nowhere else does Spain’s diverse heritage present itself so tangibly to the visitors as in Cordoba. The Roman Bridge, and scattered pillars and ramparts testify to the city’s importance in Roman times. The Arab occupation brought about its greatest prosperity and for a time Cordoba, with is vast library, was the largest city in the world. Cordoba captures the essence of Andalusia today: White-washed houses along narrow streets hide serene patios, and the strains of cante jondo, a vocal style in flamenco, still resound from time to time. Most sights and monuments are clustered in the Juderia, a maze of narrow winding streets that was once the city’s Jewish quarter. This area lies between the Plaza de las Tendillas, Cordoba’s main square, and the River Guadalquivir. Here visitors will find the city’s symbol, The Mezquita, Great Mosque, which is a mystic wonder; an airy forest of 850 marble, alabaster and stone pillars supports the 425 striped double-decker arches. From the tower visitors can clearly see how the 13th century conversion into a cathedral resulted in an incongruous juxtaposition of styles. Mischievous The Jewish quarter is great for tapas and bar-hopping, while you are at it, try a light, dry fino or a sweet Pedro Ximenez, the most famous local wines. Córdoba has plenty reasons for visiting it. This city invites you to dream: just wander through its convoluted alleys and you will realize you're in a unique place. Do not miss the sunset from the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river. After that you won’t want to go to sleep.

About the destination: Seville has a special colour, this effervescent city is filled with captivating traditional architecture in colours of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir runs approximately north-south through Seville. Most of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana lies on the west bank. At midnight, impromptu singing, clapping and guitar playing fill bars and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes apparent. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, hordes of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to spark the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unimpressive; you must go inside to get some sense of its dimensions. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the barbed spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air able to hypnotize and if you know how to live it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Merida is the capital of the Extremadura region in Spain. The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Mérida is a perfect city for cultural tourism. The main tourist attractions are the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre; Los Milagros Aqueduct, the Diana’s Temple, or the Roman Bridge, whose construction gives meaning to the existence of this town and because of its strategic value it is a crucial element for trading and all the wars that took place in the east of the peninsula.

About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Vía, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. Its tangle of side streets south of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are what makes the real Madrid. Spend half a day in the Prado Museum, thaat sit to rest on the steps leading down to the lake in lush Retiro Park. The city begins to live it up as soon as the sun goes down. Madrid claims to boast the largest number of bars per capita of any European city. Madrid teems with cultural events all year round. After concert, play or film, you can choose among literally hundreds of tapas bars and an endless array of nightspots. Madrid successfylly combines its cosmopolitan sophistication with its most cherished local traditions, the result is fascinating to explore.

About the destination: Salamanca is an architectural tapestry woven in sandstone. Though there are excellent examples of Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque structures, the golden stone itself is the thread of continuity and harmony. Nonetheless, this ancient university town, has many monumental highlights. Plaza Mayor, considered by many the most beautiful main square in Spain is a fine place for admiring architecture. The town hall is the large, elegant building in the centre of the square. Two beautiful cathedrals stand side by side: the New Cathedral boasts beautiful Plateresque facades and it is the only entrance to the connecting old, Romanesque Catedral Vieja. The university, the focal point of the city, is one of the best examples of Spanish Plateresque style. Salamanca at night is a party. The illuminated city is the meeting point for hundreds of students collecting tapas and beer. But make no mistake, it is also a city to enjoy a quiet night, savoring some wine on a terrace of Plaza Mayor.

About the destination: Leon is a lovely little town that lies in the north of Spain in the Castilla y Leon region. Represented by images of lions this town is proud of its historical heritage. The city still like to remind the world that it had 24 kings before Castile had laws. Though this blue and airy city reached its peak in the 11th century, it’s still remarkably appealing. The Plaza Mayor, with its lovely arcades and cafes is the prefect starting point to explore the old centre of Leon. The outstanding attractions of the city are the colossal Cathedral, a 13th century Gothic extravaganza featuring resplendent stained-glass windows, and the Basilica of San Isidoro, with a royal pantheon whose vaults are decorated with perfectly preserved Romanesque frescoes. Leon, with its wide avenues and open spaces, pedestrian zones and the river Bernesga providing shaded walks along its banks, is truly a beautiful city.

About the destination: Gijon is a coastal city in Asturias province in northwest Spain. Gijon is a dynamic and lively city where visitors can enjoy numerous parks, sports facilities, restored and protected historical and artistic heritage. As one of the region’s most important cities, Gijon hosts fairs, conventions, concerts and major cultural and sporting events. The Old Town is near the City Hall Square, and it covers several areas. In Marques Square is the statue of King Pelayo and the elegant Revillagigedo Palace. This square is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in one of its many bars and clubs. Cimadevilla is the old fishermen’s quarter. It is full of small houses, painted with brilliant colours, and full of typical cider bars and night clubs. Straight on from Cimadevilla´s streets, we´ll reach the top of Santa Catalina Highlands, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city and port. Here, you can also find one of the most important monuments in Gijon, an Eduardo Chillida’s Sculpture called "Elogio del Horizonte". Gijon has remains from Roman settlements such as The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, which are the largest preserved Roman Baths in Spain. A famous holiday resort among Spaniards, Gijon offers a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene as well as good beaches.

About the destination: Santander is an elegant port city which extends along the northern side of the handsome Bahía de Santander and it's a lively place with much to see and do. It is a deeply historical place full of wide streets, pleasing architecture and waterside restaurants. Santander’s most popular neighbourhood, El Sardinero, was once a very exclusive holiday spot for the wealthy. Nowadays it preserves a belle-époque elegance and its one of the most beautiful parts of the city, especially valued for its environmental quality and spectacular beaches. The Paseo de Pereda, with its typical houses with enclosed balconies, and its gardens constitutes a buoyant boulevard which separates the coastal strip from the historic quarter of Santander. The nearby Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, its earliest construction dating from the 13th century. Under the main chapel is the crypt of El Cristo, a sombre vaulted chamber in which various traces of the Roman era were discovered. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city as its good city beaches, its numerous parks and gardens, its gastronomy and its history makes it the perfect gateway.

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.

About the destination: San Sebastian is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa. It became a popular touristic destination in the late XIX century thanks to Queen Christina of Austria, who spent her summers there. The beauty of the city and its gastronomy are two of its main tourist attractions. La Concha Bay presides over the city flanked by the Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull. Facing La Concha is the Island of Santa Clara, where the lighthouse is located and it is accessible by boat from El Puerto. To the left of La Concha we find Ondarreta beach and at the far end of it, we have the set of sculptures “Comb of the Wind" by Eduardo Chillida. The old town, located at the foot of Monte Urgull between the port and the mouth of the Urumea, comes alive each evening when tapas and Basque specialities such as shellfish, seafood and squid specialities, can be enjoyed in local bars. The old town displays a Belle Époque splendour that will amaze all visitors. The city is home to the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Quincena Musical, among other important events, that attract spectators coming from all over the world. Elegant, sophisticated and with a fin-de-siècle feel to it, San Sebastian is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

About the destination: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.