SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
BARCELONA: The name of the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudi is very often linked to the city of Barcelona. In fact, it is the architect left his artistic mark on the city with its colourful and striking work. There is so much more to discover in the Catalan capital which came into the international spotlight after the world Olympics of 1992. Further, finally, the Barri Gòtic should not be missed in your visit to Barcelona. Explore the Gothic Quarter, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, by bike or by foot…
VALENCIA: Valencia is officially the third city of Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. However, the city started an important growing process after the opening of one of the most famous futuristic museum in Europe: La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The city of art and science has a total of six buildings, each with its own function. It includes a planetarium, opera hall, IMAX cinema and an impressive aquarium. The large complex was built in the former bed of the river Turia, drained after a flood in 1957. The old river bed became a beautiful park, Jardín de Turia, where different activities such as bike rides can be organized.
MADRID: Madrid, once a small citadel on the Spanish plateau, grew into a metropolis under the time of King Philip II. Nowadays the city of Madrid lives 24/7. The city is bursting with culture and conviviality, where life is enjoyed. The most famous shops and brand resellers are open until late at night together with city’s museums. Three of the world’s most famous art museums can be found here: the Prado, Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen. During your stay in Madrid you can’t forget to visit The Palacio Real has no fewer than 3,418 rooms and is the largest royal palace in Europe after Versailles (France). And what about Real Madrid, the most successful club in Spanish football…you will be impressed during the visit of the stadium or during an official game!
SEVILLA: Seville is the capital city of Andalusia. Located in the South of Spain, Seville is one of the largest Spanish cities with over 700.000 inhabitants. The city of Seville is famous worldwide for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage. This is the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place. But Seville is also the neuralgic centre of the South of Spain, a city full of life and possibilities.
BILBAO: Bilbao, capital of the province of Bizkaia, is the centre of a metropolitan area of more than one million people. It is located on the banks of the Nervión river, which joins the Cantabrian sea 11 kilometres further downstream. The river has been protagonist of its industrial and economic development since the city ́s foundation in 1300. Bilbao, together with the towns located on both sides of the river, is one of the main economic and cultural hubs in northern Spain and has gained international recognition as an architectural point of reference. Certainly, the Guggenheim Museum has acted as its main calling card. But Bilbao has plenty of other interesting sites to offer, in and around the city. And its strategic location makes it an ideal port of entry to other parts of the northern Iberian Peninsula, and to the southwest of France.
IBIZA: Ibiza has exerted a potent pull on the world’s wandering spirits for centuries. The Carthaginians were the first settlers to be drawn to its shores, and in the ensuing years the Moors, the Romans and even pilfering pirates all took turns to stake their claim on this magnificent island in the Med. Such checked heritage no doubt contributes to the mesmerising melting pot of influences visible on Ibiza today, not to mention its reputation as a cradle for everyman. It was, and remains, entirely without discrimination – a place for free thinkers to doze and dream.
PORTO: If you really want to enjoy the beautiful things in life, Porto is a top destination and a must for your travel experiences. You can stroll through the city to see the beautiful pastel-coloured houses. Further, do not miss the several museums of the city for a touch of culture. End the day with an exquisite meal in one of Porto’s many restaurants. And don’t you forget to taste the port?
LISBON: Welcome to Lisbon! Welcome in the capital of Portugal. Lisbon is located near the river the Tagus. A city that is known for effortlessly blends traditional heritage, with striking modernism and progressive thinking. It is home to the greatest explorers of the world such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Lisbon is a patchwork of distinct and colourful quarters, like Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto. You can take the challenge of discovering Lisbon on foot or taking the famous old yellow tram. The famous yellow tram with the name has the name “Funicular”, is the eye catcher of the city, and rides the steep streets. You cannot leave the city without trying the Pastéis de nata, which is the only real recipe Lisbon.
