SPAIN OVERVIEW

Spain, the second largest country in Europe (France is the biggest) is located in southwestern Europe in an area known as the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is surrounded by the Mediterranean to the east and to the south, Portugal to the west, the Atlantic to the southwest, and France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay to the north. The Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands situated in the Atlantic are also part of Spain.

Spain is a fascinating country, rich in art and culture. The legacy of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians have all left their mark throughout the country.

For the traveler, the question becomes how much can I tour in the limited time I have in this country. The best place to start any tour should be Madrid, capital of Spain. This city is one of the liveliest cities on the European continent. At just about any hour of the day or night, there is always some type of activity going on. The city, and Spain in general, is very well know for the night life. Bars, discos, and restaurants do not even start to get busy until 10 or 11 pm, and the former stay open all night long!

From Madrid, a network of roads and high speed rail lines extend throughout the country, making it easy to quickly travel to any destination of interest to you.

In the sunny southern part of Spain you will find Andalusia, former cultural and power center of the Moors. Throughout this region you will see examples of Moorish architecture and arts. The most famous of which are the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba. The Alhambra, the high point of Muslim architecture in Spain, is an exquisitely decorated palace/fortress compound located on a hill overlooking Granada. The palace and its grounds are absolutely stunning and must be a part of your visit! The intricate sculptures, arches, columns, and pools are combined in such a way as to leave even the most jaded visitor awestruck. You will enjoy wandering through the vast palace wondering what beauty you might encounter just around the next corner.

In Cordoba, visitors will enjoy the splendor of the Mezquita, once the 3rd most important religious site in the Muslim world. Throughout the temple, rise close to 900 intricately carved columns and arches. Gazing upwards, it is possible to see the intricately worked wood that makes up the ceiling. If you close your eyes, it is not hard to imagine the Muslim population heeding the exotic songs of the imams (Muslim clerics) beckoning them to their daily prayers.

Close by Madrid, discover the remnants of Spain’s Medieval and Renaissance past. Wander through the narrow streets and fortifications of Toledo and Segovia, catching glimpses of old churches and palaces. In Toledo, visit the church that today houses "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" one of the finest works produced by the Renaissance master "El Greco". Outside of Segovia, visit the beautifully preserved, mile long Roman aqueduct. In the city itself, explore the Alcazar, mighty fortress of the former kings and queens of Spain.

Want something a little different, try Catalunya and Barcelona. This region of Spain is distinct both in its culture and its language, Catalan. Barcelona is a bustling port city, vibrant and alive, a feeling that causes most visitors fall in love with the place. Stroll down La Rambla, the city’s most famous street, and sample the various markets, bars, and top notch restaurants you will encounter. For unusual architecture, visit the houses and buildings produced by the "Modernists". The best example of this architectural movement is the impressive, though still unfinished, La Sagrada Familia church, designed by Antoni Gaudi.

For those of you who just want to relax, spend some time on the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, located in the southern part of Spain. You may also want to consider just driving through and visiting some of the large wine growing regions, sampling the distinctive wines of Spain.

Finally, from Spain it is fast and easy to travel to other destinations in Europe. Current favorites include quick trips to Portugal, France, and Italy.