Toledo
Toledo is a treasure chest of churches, museums, synagogues and mosques set in a labyrinth of narrow streets, plazas, and inner patios in a lofty setting, high above Río Tajo. The Old Town's cathedral reflects the city's historical significance as the heart of Catholic Spain, and it's one of the most extravagant cathedrals in the country. The heavy interior, with sturdy columns dividing the space into five naves, is on a monumental scale. Every one of the numerous side chapels has artistic treasures, with the other main highlights being the coro, Capilla Mayor, Transparente, sacristia and belltower. Due to the thunderstorm, we didn't get to see El Greco's masterpiece--El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz. Finally, we got to see the Sinagoga del Tránsito, which now houses the Museo Sefardí . The vast main prayer hall has been expertly restored and the Mudéjar decoration and intricately carved pine ceiling are striking. Finally, don't forget to try mazapan at Santo Tomé! Toledo is famous for this delicacy.
Toledo is a treasure chest of churches, museums, synagogues and mosques set in a labyrinth of narrow streets, plazas, and inner patios in a lofty setting, high above Río Tajo. The Old Town's cathedral reflects the city's historical significance as the heart of Catholic Spain, and it's one of the most extravagant cathedrals in the country. The heavy interior, with sturdy columns dividing the space into five naves, is on a monumental scale. Every one of the numerous side chapels has artistic treasures, with the other main highlights being the coro, Capilla Mayor, Transparente, sacristia and belltower. Due to the thunderstorm, we didn't get to see El Greco's masterpiece--El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz. Finally, we got to see the Sinagoga del Tránsito, which now houses the Museo Sefardí . The vast main prayer hall has been expertly restored and the Mudéjar decoration and intricately carved pine ceiling are striking. Finally, don't forget to try mazapan at Santo Tomé! Toledo is famous for this delicacy.
Madrid
While Madrid was probably my least favorite excursion, the city has so very much to offer on such a grand scale! Few cities can boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s and many art lovers return here again and again, so rich is the city’s art collection. The Museo del Prado and the Museo de Reina Sofia are two world-class art galleries you won't want to miss! The museums boast many masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Miró, Picasso, and Dalí. Also, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. From tapas in sleek temples to all that’s new to sit-down meals beneath centuries-old vaulted ceilings, eating in Madrid is a genuine pleasure. Don't forget to sample chocolate & churros at La Chocolatería de San Ginés! ¡Están riquísimos! Also, explore Parque Retiro, Palacio Real, el Rastro, and la Plaza Mayor!
While Madrid was probably my least favorite excursion, the city has so very much to offer on such a grand scale! Few cities can boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s and many art lovers return here again and again, so rich is the city’s art collection. The Museo del Prado and the Museo de Reina Sofia are two world-class art galleries you won't want to miss! The museums boast many masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Miró, Picasso, and Dalí. Also, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. From tapas in sleek temples to all that’s new to sit-down meals beneath centuries-old vaulted ceilings, eating in Madrid is a genuine pleasure. Don't forget to sample chocolate & churros at La Chocolatería de San Ginés! ¡Están riquísimos! Also, explore Parque Retiro, Palacio Real, el Rastro, and la Plaza Mayor!
Salamanca & Ávila
The monumental highlights are many in Salamanca, with the exceptional Plaza Mayor, two cathedrals, and la Universidad de Salamanca being unforgettable highlights. Salamanca is home to a massive Spanish and international student population that throngs the streets at night and provides the city with so much youth and vitality. Don't forget to look for la rana (frog) on the facade of the University for good luck! Also see if you can spot la astronauta and el diablo eating helado on one of the columns outside the Cathedral. Ávila is a town much smaller than Salamanca. It boasts beautiful walls that surround the city and a Romanesque cathedral in the center. You can actually pay to climb on top of the walls and walk along them, as you take in an absolutely beautiful view of the city. While Ávila isn't as action-packed as Toledo or Salamanca, it's definitely a gem worth seeing for yourself.
The monumental highlights are many in Salamanca, with the exceptional Plaza Mayor, two cathedrals, and la Universidad de Salamanca being unforgettable highlights. Salamanca is home to a massive Spanish and international student population that throngs the streets at night and provides the city with so much youth and vitality. Don't forget to look for la rana (frog) on the facade of the University for good luck! Also see if you can spot la astronauta and el diablo eating helado on one of the columns outside the Cathedral. Ávila is a town much smaller than Salamanca. It boasts beautiful walls that surround the city and a Romanesque cathedral in the center. You can actually pay to climb on top of the walls and walk along them, as you take in an absolutely beautiful view of the city. While Ávila isn't as action-packed as Toledo or Salamanca, it's definitely a gem worth seeing for yourself.
Cuéllar & Coca
Cuéllar & Coca are two small pueblos in the province of Segovia, located in between Segovia & Valladolid. Both cities have a long-standing tradition of agriculture. Both Iron Age & Roman settlements have been discovered in the cities. Several famous Spanish conquistadors are from Cuéllar, including Diego Velázquez. Lots of 14th & 15th century buildings are still preserved in these cities. While this was a rather non-traditional excursion, it was probably one of my favorites. We toured two castillos and a bodega. It was SO interesting to see how the wine was made. We even got to taste several different kinds of wine after the tour. I learned the proper way to taste wine! Our group even got to have a delicious three course meal together at a restaurant in Cuéllar. It was such a nice end to all of the excursions.
Cuéllar & Coca are two small pueblos in the province of Segovia, located in between Segovia & Valladolid. Both cities have a long-standing tradition of agriculture. Both Iron Age & Roman settlements have been discovered in the cities. Several famous Spanish conquistadors are from Cuéllar, including Diego Velázquez. Lots of 14th & 15th century buildings are still preserved in these cities. While this was a rather non-traditional excursion, it was probably one of my favorites. We toured two castillos and a bodega. It was SO interesting to see how the wine was made. We even got to taste several different kinds of wine after the tour. I learned the proper way to taste wine! Our group even got to have a delicious three course meal together at a restaurant in Cuéllar. It was such a nice end to all of the excursions.