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Top 10 Spain

2. STEPPING BETWEEN HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

Spanish architecture is simultaneously a reflection of the country’s history and proof of the charisma of the local people. The Roman constructions, such as the theatre in Cartagena and the incredible aqueduct in Segovia, are just as fascinating as the modern ones, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao and the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (City of Arts and Science) in Valencia, which were the drivers of the makeovers of these cities. But in the middle, there’s an array of styles which help make Spain the country with the third most buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

There is an undeniable Moorish influence, more to the south of the country, giving it an exotic feeling. The Arab domination of Spain, with the powerful Al-Andalus kingdom, left many majestic buildings, such as the Mosque of Córdoba and the Alcázar of Seville, as well as a hybrid Mudejar architectural style, which combines Moorish, Gothic and Roman architecture, and was also adapted for numerous forts and monuments. But the greatest example of this period is the Alhambra in Granada, a sumptuous, refined palace and fortress complex, with luxurious gardens. At the same time, the Roman style extended northward, following the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and Gothic architecture dominated the cathedrals, as is the case of Burgos, Toledo and León.

The two biggest Spanish cities, Madrid and Barcelona, have played an important role in bringing two very specific architectural styles to public knowledge. During the 19th century, the Spanish capital became a kind of ambassador of the neo-classical style, which we can see in buildings such as the Museu del Prado and the Museu Thyssen-Bornemisza, whilst in Barcelona, during the 20th century, the city’s expansion opened the way to a proliferation of modernist architecture. Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect is a household name, who left various “pieces” throughout the city with his very own, individual and intriguing aesthetics. Examples of these are the Parc Guëll and the Casa Batló, although the Sagrada Família is his masterpiece, which he tragically left unfinished.

  • 1/10

    DISCOVERING THE ART OF SPANISH CUISINE

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  • 2/10

    STEPPING BETWEEN HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

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  • 3/10

    LARGE CITIES WITH STRIKING FEATURES

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  • 4/10

    EXPLORING THE CITIES WITH MULTICULTURAL HISTORY

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  • 5/10

    WANDERING THROUGH THE PICTURESQUE TOWNS

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  • 6/10

    GETTING TO KNOW THE BEACHES FROM THE NORTH TO THE SOUTH

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  • 7/10

    GOING ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

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  • 8/10

    ENJOYING THE EXCELLENT WINES

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  • 9/10

    EMBRACING NATURE

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  • 10/10

    CELEBRATING SPAIN

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  • A solution for travelers who are looking for an affordable but still good quality tour. Our hand-picked basic accommodations are 3 star hotels or similar.


    Paying more than standard for better accommodation services to make sure you absolutely have a comfortable trip. You will stay in very good accommodation (4 star, some 3 star high end).


    Mostly first-class hotels, with impeccable services with personal care (5 star hotels, Pousadas, mixed with very charming rural accommodation in smaller towns where high end hotels might not be available). Perfect choice for having great value for money!



  • You will pick up the rental car at the nearest desk on the first day that you will be driving. You should return it on the second last day at the nearest desk to your hotel. With the rental car you have the freedom of choice of how much to do and see each of the travelling days, allowing you to access some of the hidden gems along the way between each location. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at your Hotel, tour with you, and take you back to your hotel. Our driver will ensure you have what you need to make the most of your time. You will be driven on an Air conditioned and very comfortable luxury vehicle. The driver would be at your service about 8 hours per day, within the kilometers and itinerary set. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.The private driver service costs around 400 Euros to 500 Euros per day. The final price will be calculated based on your specific itinerary.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at the train stations and take you to the hotels and vice versa (where service is needed or available). Where there are no trains available, buses will be used as an alternative. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


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  • Portugaltrails – Viagens e Turismo, Unipessoal, Lda
    Address: Rua das Lapas, Centro Comercial da Charneca
    Loja 13, Charneca, 2750-772 Cascais, PORTUGAL
    License nr. RNAVT 2791 (Turismo de Portugal, I.P.)
    Tel: +351 214 851 476


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