Taste and Train

This post has been a long time coming. It took me a while to figure out how to capture all the interesting details of our trip in a single post. It was such an amazing experience that it is nearly impossible to describe what only our senses could absorb!! We drove more than 2,000 kilometres down and back up the Iberian Peninsula, from Madrid to Barcelona, taking in the stunning historical architecture, the breathtaking landscapes, the hospitable people and the superb food. It was well worth the seven hours plus flights with two active boys.

Our itinerary in Spain included:

1. Days 1-5: Madrid: We arrived from Toronto to Madrid in the afternoon and rented a car there. Spent 4 nights, 5 days in Madrid. We mainly explored the Royal Palace, the cathedral and downtown area.
2. On Day 3, Toldeo: We took a day trip to Toledo, original capital of the Moorish Empire in Spain. It is known for its exceptional steel weaponry such as swords. In hindsight, there was enough to see and we should have spent a night there.
3. Days 5-7, Cordoba: We drove to Cordoba from Madrid, and spent 2 nights there. We could have easily spent two more days there, as it was impossible to take in all the details in such a short time. We stayed at the NH Amistad in the Jewish quarter, a great hotel in the ideal location. It felt like we had traveled back to the first millennia, as we walked the intricate network of old cobble-stoned alleys and explored the historical architecture. Although it was scorching hot during the days, Cordoba was beautiful and lively at night!
4. Days 7-8, Seville: Drove to Seville on Day 7 and spent a night there. We did a night tour by horse carriage, which was a memorable experience.
5. Days 8-10, Granada: Spent 2 nights in Granada but wish we had planned for at least a couple more. No words can describe the beauty of Alhambra. The walls of this palace are covered with intricate carvings and poetry in the Arabic language.
6. Days 10-11: Valencia: Valencia was on the way to Barcelona, so an ideal stop for a night. The city again had cathedrals and many historical buildings.
7. Days 11-14, Barcelona: Just the city to bring the Spain trip to its finale. The drive there was amazing with beautiful coastal scenery and city bursting with life and energy. Other than the beaches, restaurants and bustling Placa Reial (city centre), this was the city of Gaudi and his breathtaking architecture.

All in all, palaces such as the Palacio Real, cathedrals like Sagrada Familia, historical landmarks like the Mosque and Cathedral of Cordoba and the amazing Alhambra in Granada, Spain has it all, along with hospitable and very helpful people. To me, the biggest surprise was the amazing road network. For a country with over 20% unemployment, clearly being part of the European Union has its benefits! I can go on and on about those two weeks. I will let my photos talk to our experiences and happy to provide tips and guidance to those considering a Spain vacation.

Our first day in Spain, Madrid Downtown

The king’s palace in Madrid

Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain. Toledo has historically been known for forging steel swords and armour

Inside the mosque of Abd Ar Rahman I in Cordoba

A memorable horse and carriage ride in Plaza De Espana, Seville

Gallery of the Court of Lions at Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra. The palaces are a sight to behold – no words can do justice to the experience!

Fountain of Lions at the centre of Court of Lions, Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra

Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona