Out & About page 4

“The city of the Guggenheim” is an alternative name for this Basque Country destination as, since this original museum was built in 1997, Bilbao has been transformed forever. In fact, now it stands out for its ground-breaking structures created by prestigious architects, and which make it an international benchmark for modern design.

A good many travelers to Spain start their visit to this Iberian Peninsula country in Madrid. Then they’re likely to head south where the climate is more temperate to see historic Moorish castles or east to Barcelona or Valencia. They don’t realize what they’re missing by ignoring northern Spain. Well-preserved medieval villages, picturesque wine regions, the beautiful Bay of Biscay coastline, Basque country and more are just waiting to be explored.

Toledo is known for being a melting pot of cultures, and that is evident in everything from the cuisine to the architecture. A guided day trip to Toledo will start right in the incredible Old Quarter, where you’ll be able to admire Arabic, Gothic and Renaissance architecture right next to each other. A short walk from the Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Europe, you can see Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, a church that was constructed as a mosque more than one thousand years ago. In the Church of Santo Tome, you’ll discover “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”, one of El Greco’s most influential artworks.

You don’t have to travel far from Barcelona to escape the city and explore a completely different side of Spain. On a 10-hour guided tour excursion, you can leave Barcelona and visit an ancient monastery in the mountaintops and then sip local vintages in unparalleled settings.

The city of Girona is Just 100 km (60 miles) from Barcelona, Girona is filled with medieval architecture. A few miles further away is Figueres, home to the iconic painted Salvador Dali.

These 2 great cities will allow you will see everything from Roman aqueducts to Gothic cathedrals. Why not stay in Segovia, and visit Avila for a day trip.