4 great weekend Trips in Spain

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.

The Cathedral of Toledo will undoubtedly be the focal point to which your eye is drawn, thanks to towering position on a hill overlooking the city. Once inside, you can admire works by the likes of Goya, Rubens and El Greco. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral is also home to the portraits of all the cardinals from the church dating back for more than 500 years.

Meal time at Toledo will include, items like veal, roasted lamb, traditional tapas, truffle cake and even some local Spanish wine.

Montserrat

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.
Montserrat is a mountain overlooking Catalonia, but it is best known for being home to the Santa Maria de Montserrat. This Benedictine Abbey dates back to the 10th century, and it still serves as the home to more than 100 monks.
When you arrive in Montserrat, you’ll have the chance to visit the Royal Basilica, admire the 12th century statue known as the Black Virgin, tour the Museum of Montserrat or even ride a cable car to maximize the already incredible view from the mountaintops. Weekdays you get the opportunity to hear the angelic voices of the La Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest children’s choirs in Europe. There are also ample hiking opportunities for those who want to get away from it all and explore on their own two feet.

After Montserrat, why not take the coach to Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, what many consider to be the cava capital of the world. Cava is a sparkling, bubbling version of champagne local to Spain, and Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is home to some incredible underground wine storage cellars. You’ll have to chance to visit a winery or 2 and see how cava is made, from pressing the grapes to bottling it up. Of course, this is also the time when you’ll have opportunities to taste the local cava, revelling in the light and delicious flavour of this iconic Spanish sparkling wine.

Avila and Segovia

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.

Avila is known for its religious significance and its role as the birthplace of iconic female mystic, Saint Teresa. Once you arrive in Avila, soak in the incredible views from the vantage point of Cuatro Postes. Then, make your way to the most popular religious structures in the city: The Gothic Avila Cathedral and the Romanesque San Vicente Basilica. Amble along cobblestone streets, snapping as many pictures as possible of the famous medieval walls and the towers dating back to the 11th century.

Segovia. learn about this medieval city, its Roman history and its magnificent location between the Clamores and Eresma Rivers. When you arrive, start by basking in the sheer engineering skill and beauty of the Roman aqueduct, which boasts two tiers and is one of the best preserved landmarks left by the ancient Romans in Spain.

Next up is the Alcazar, a brilliant castle dating from the 11th century that served as inspiration for today’s Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. A guided tour through Alcazar lets you get close to the stunning turrets and see the exact spot where Queen Isabella herself was crowned in the 15th century.

Girona and Dali Museum

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.
As you approach the banks of the Onyar River, you’ll see the medieval walled city of Girona ahead.

As you follow your guide along cobblestone streets, don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures of the Jewish Quarter, which has been in place since the Middle Ages, the incredible facade of the 11th century Girona Cathedral or the panoramic views over the colourful houses on the Onyar.

Why not drive to Figueres. Once you arrive, prepare to see the breath taking collection of modern works at the Dali Theatre Museum. As you browse through the countless pieces by Dali, you’ll gain insight into his creative genius and cultural influences. End the day with a walk through Figueres, and admire the charming city and take some photos to remember the trip.