Luxury, History, Architectural Beauty - combine these with extraordinary settings, artistic surroundings, exquisite cuisine - and you've got the best of the best  - the "Finest of Spain" package.

Your journey through these different and distinct areas of Spain will provide a wonderful cross-section and broad view of some of the traditions and cultures that have united and shared in the formation of this majestic land. 

The Paradors at which you will stay are unsurpassed.  These are the most excellent in Spain - and rival the finest hotels in the world.  All aspects of your stay will be, not just first-class, but of an inspired and superlative level that will surely surpass even the highest of your expectations.

The "Finest of Spain" tour will take you through five geographical areas.  Each one has it's own gastronomy, architectural style, social customs, and unique ambience.  All have made great and distinctive contributions to the history, art, and culture of Spain.
 

 

 

Castilla y Leon:

The kingdoms of Old Castile and Leon - the center of the golden age of  Spain.  From here began the re-conquest, from here the edict and money to explore the new world, and from here knights sallied forth to join the crusades. The city of Leon is, at the same time, stately and bustling.  It has a truly awesome cathedral (be sure and also see this at night when it's fully lit!) ,  Gaudi's famous "Casa de Botines," and plenty of other appealing sites and activities to keep visitors fully captivated for the length of their stay.  One of Leon's most incredible buildings now houses the Parador.

The Hostal de San Marcos Parador is special - in every sense of the word.  Built in 1515, it has a wonderful Plateresque facade and houses museum quality works of art.  This is 5 star luxury at its finest and staying here promises to be one of the real highlights of your journey. 

 

Asturias:

Asturias is the sea - and cider - and mountains of wild grandeur.  Here is proof of the ancient roots of European peoples - the awe inspiring polychrome drawings in the caves of Alta Mira and Tito Bastillo.  This is the part of Spain that was least touched by the Moorish occupation - and has been called the "the most authentic - the most truly Spanish in character." Asturias offers a 180 mile long string of interesting beaches and secluded coves.  It has a thousand fascinating nooks and crannies to enchant every visitor - like the fantasy summer home "El Capricho" in Comillas - designed by the genius Gaudi .  Asturias also has one of the finest hotels in the Parador chain.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva has been transformed into a 5-star hotel of great style.  Archeological finds - artifacts from another age - have been seamlessly woven into the decor of the Parador Cangas De Onis.  The Parador of Cangas de Onis stands dignified and tranquil - far from the other tourist magnets of Spain.  The sparkling clear Sella river curves around the Parador grounds - and the massive Picos de Europa form a majestic natural backdrop that make this one of Spain's very special destinations. 

 

Galicia:

Galicia is green - every possible shade of green - wet and lush.  Galicia is bagpipes and fjords ("Rias").  This is like a land apart from the rest of Spain - this is "Finisterre" - land's end. The Gallegos have their own language and customs quite different from other parts of the peninsula.  Get ready for the best seafood in Spain (a seafood festival is going on somewhere in Galicia every day of the year!) - and the best sparkling white wine (Albariño) anywhere.   Santiago De Compostela has been a hallowed destination for pilgrims and travelers of all kinds for centuries, and it's one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

The Parador Santiago de Compostela, a 5-star hotel, is considered to be the oldest hotel in the world - functioning as a shelter for travelers since 1499.  Its beauty is immense, its quality unmatched.  You will be staying in a luxurious museum - every turn presents new wonders.  This is authentic 5 star sumptuousness - one of the world's great hotels.

The Parador Baiona occupies the whole of its own small, fortified peninsula - "Monte Real."   Wandering out along the fortress walls and taking in the sea and harbor views is very pleasant after a magnificent meal served in their fine restaurant.  The grounds are well lit and guarded, so walking on warm nights can be especially romantic.

 

Extremadura:

Extremadura - the land "beyond the Duero" is the wealth of gold and conquistadores (Pizzaro, Cortes, De Soto) - it is cork oak and wild herbs - vast open expanses and friendly people. This is the great "outback" of Spain - little touristed with much to discover:  The valley of cherries (Jerte valley) a wondrous sea of white in spring - Roman ruins - and pristinely preserved monument towns like the "World Heritage" city of Cáceres.

The Parador Cáceres is housed in the former Torreorgaz palace.  The rooms offer more than adequate accommodations, the service is outstanding, and the restaurant serves exceptional meals.  Dining "al fresco" in the patio on a warm night will make your meal most memorable. 

The Parador Plasencia is another of the chain's architectural wonders.  It is a completely and exquisitely refurbished 15th century Gothic convent.  The Plasencia Parador is perfectly located for walking excursions into the city's delightful old quarter.  You'll be close to many other examples of centuries-old architecture and spend pleasant hours leisurely strolling in this town that is definitely off the well-beaten tourist path.  Stop for an afternoon aperitif on the main plaza and watch the huge "mechanical clock"  in old clock tower strike the hour.

Andalucia:

Andalucia - fiery flamenco, gypsies, olive trees, strong wine, dazzling white villages, castenets and gaspacho.  Andalucia is most people's vision of Spain  - and it lives up to its image. Seville and Granada - the very names ring sweet to the ears.  Nothing on earth is so close to heaven as strolling the Gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, or the white-washed streets of Sevilla - with the heavy smell of orange blossoms hanging in the air - and perhaps the faint strum of a distant guitar.

The Andalusian-styled Parador Carmona is housed in a 14th century moorish fortress.  Decorations are in a very fine style with Sevillian tiles and Moorish motif.  It has panoramic views all around and is conveniently close to Sevilla for easy daily excursions. 
 

 

The Parador Granada presents a very special privilege to those who stay here.  At night, you'll have the enchanting gardens of the Alhambra all to yourself after the other tourists have been locked out!  This and a close view of one of the great buildings in the world - the Alhambra.  There are no finer opportunities for romantic evenings than will be available to you here.

 

Castilla - La Mancha:

Toledo - the Imperial city - the city of three cultures.  For many, Toledo mesmerizes - it exudes a strangely powerful attraction - dark, claustrophobic and profound.  It was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, the home of the brilliantly disturbed El Greco, and the scene of both vicious and heroic events during the Spanish civil war. Dignified Toledo is full of splendor and endless surprises for the traveler.  It is architecturally and culturally fascinating like few other cities could be.  To look at Toledo from afar, is to be beguiled.

The Parador Toledo is set on a remarkable site that has unmatched views out over the city.  The building was originally built by the Count of Toledo in the 14th century and is completely Toledan in character. The restaurant  serves as a school for the chefs of the other paradors, and the meals are nothing short of spectacular.  

Madrid:

Madrid is hands-down winner of the title, "Europe's Liveliest City."  Madrilenos don't really get their day into high gear until after dinnertime - and dinner usually starts around 10:00 p.m.!  Then they flood their beloved city's streets and "pasear" (stroll around) or "tapear" (hop from tapa bar to tapa bar) until dawn. Some speak of Madrid as being drab, but how far from the truth that is!  Granted it suffers, as do many of the world's major cities, from urban sprawl - but once you get past the concrete jungle outskirts, you'll discover a city that provides endless surprises and discoveries. There are many pockets of very old buildings that contain odd assortments of shops, tiendas and bars.  You'll happen upon eighteenth-century Bourbon squares, pleasant plazas and quaint restaurants at every other turn.

Must Sees:  The Prado museum - the Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries, the Plaza Mayor, the Retiro Park, Gran Via - and the list could go on and on.

But really - the thing that makes Madrid so special are the street scenes, the people and the energy that makes this the night-time, high-energy capital of the world.

But really - the thing that makes Madrid so special are the street scenes, the people and the energy that makes this the night-time, high-energy capital of Europe.

You'll stay at a 5-star hotel - and it will be one of Madrid's finest.

We currently put our travelers into one of those below: 

The Melia Princessa	The Melia Castilla	The Westin Palace
The Husa Princessa	The Intercontinental	The Occidental Miguel

                                              

All of these world-class hotels are well-situated for your exploration of Madrid.  Expect the finest class of service - it will be impeccable in every aspect.