Take Your Next Trip with Cathedral Travel

Spain 2022

Cathedral Travel is leading a tour to Spain in October 10 - 19, 2022. In preparation for that trip Sarah and I traveled to the Iberian Peninsula this Fall - 2021, to check it out! We had a fantastic three weeks exploring the sights and flavors of the country. Below are some of the highlights.

There is something magic about Spain. The air, the food, and the people are all so warm and engaging. We spent one week each in Seville, Madrid and Barcelona to soak up the cities and all they had to offer. In each city we checked out a number of hotels to plan where the group can stay next year. We love staying as close to the city center as possible to take advantage of the historic sites as well as the night life. Spaniards typically don't eat dinner until 8:00 and later!

Speaking of eating get ready to taste a cuisine that has been influenced by Arab, Jewish, French and local spices. Every dish has a story to tell and a flavor to enjoy. A favorite of ours is the common ‘pan tomat’, bread with fresh ground tomatoes. It sounds pedestrian but it is simplicity at its best! The wines of each region are are typically red and robust, while one of our favorites is the white, Rias Brexias; great with sea food!

The architecture of many of the historic sites are so well preserved. You get the feeling when you walk into the Alcazar of Seville or the Alhambra of Grenada that you have time traveled back 500 years and more. They are exquisite and alluring. You can almost hear the echoes of the footsteps of their former owners.

The intersection of religion is one of the hallmarks of Spain. Rarely was the dialogue between the three Abrahamic faiths so robust and enduring. There was a unique interplay of science, faith, medicine and politics that lasted for centuries.

Some of the world’s masterpieces are on view in Spain. El Greco, Goya, and Velasquez in Madrid’s Prado Museum. There are also the finest collections of Picasso and Dali. Get ready to witness a modern miracle in the work of Anton Gaudi. His Cathedral, Segrada Familia is breathtaking in Barcelona.

As we traveled on trains from place to place we had the opportunity to meet ordinary spaniards. One of the common expressions we heard when we became acquainted was, “Are you happy?” There is a certain carefree spirit among the citizens of this lovely country. It is rich in culture and traditions and we look forward to returning together with you!