October 2009
Our trip began in Barcelona where we were blessed with incredible weather. We were awestruck by the unique architecture of Gaudi, particularly at Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. We also enjoyed all the sights and sounds along Las Ramblas, and tapas!
In Andalusia we had a private guide and transportation throughout our 9 days. We stayed in the Santa Cruz district of Seville. In addition to exploring that town, we day-tripped to Cordoba, home of the incredible Mezquita mosque.
En route to Jerez de la Frontera, we stopped at several White Villages, some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In Jerez we went to a magnificent performance of the Andalusian horses at the equestrian school. We also visited a sherry bodega, although we're sad to say most of the group wasn't enamored of this wine! Another highlight was the flamenco show we attended at a small club. And we enjoyed views of the ocean as well as the historical center in nearby Cadiz.
Our last stop was Alhambra where we had a private tour of the Alhambra Palace. Our hotel was fashioned after it so we spent quite a bit of time in the lounge soaking up the ambience! Our farewell dinner was in a sharp new restaurant that specializes in paella. It was hard to say goodbye to our superb guide.
Half of the group continued on to Lisbon, Portugal where the good weather followed. Here we took a city tour, explored the downtown and spent a half day in Sintra where we visited the national palace. We journeyed to the trendy seaside town of Cascais on our own, checking out the shops-and grilled sardines! And we really enjoyed listening to fado music at a dinner show one evening. It was another memorable trip!
In Andalusia we had a private guide and transportation throughout our 9 days. We stayed in the Santa Cruz district of Seville. In addition to exploring that town, we day-tripped to Cordoba, home of the incredible Mezquita mosque.
En route to Jerez de la Frontera, we stopped at several White Villages, some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In Jerez we went to a magnificent performance of the Andalusian horses at the equestrian school. We also visited a sherry bodega, although we're sad to say most of the group wasn't enamored of this wine! Another highlight was the flamenco show we attended at a small club. And we enjoyed views of the ocean as well as the historical center in nearby Cadiz.
Our last stop was Alhambra where we had a private tour of the Alhambra Palace. Our hotel was fashioned after it so we spent quite a bit of time in the lounge soaking up the ambience! Our farewell dinner was in a sharp new restaurant that specializes in paella. It was hard to say goodbye to our superb guide.
Half of the group continued on to Lisbon, Portugal where the good weather followed. Here we took a city tour, explored the downtown and spent a half day in Sintra where we visited the national palace. We journeyed to the trendy seaside town of Cascais on our own, checking out the shops-and grilled sardines! And we really enjoyed listening to fado music at a dinner show one evening. It was another memorable trip!