Top things to see while you’re in Spain
- Running with the bulls: during the week of July 6-14, six bulls are released each morning onto the narrow streets of Pamplona. Masses of tourists and locals seeking an adrenaline rush run in front or next to the raging bulls. The entire week of festivities (associated with the Fiestas de San Fermin) is one of Spain’s best highlights.
- Party - in Ibiza: Whether you’ve hopped on the Disco Bus to take you from club to club, or ou’re slowly making your own way through the bars, Ibiza is the place to party, well into the afternoon.
- Tour - of the Basque country: Pais Vasco, as it is also known, is just north of Madrid. This tour of the unspoilt countryside is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the world.
- Museum – Museo del Prado: This is Madrid’s most popular tourist destination, and is home to some of the oldest, and greatest, collections of art in the world.
- Festival - visit Valencia for the Fiesta de Las Fallas from March 12 to 19 every year
- visit Alhambra Palace: situated in the Granada, the Alhambra complex is basically a palace with exquisite gardens surrounded by a fortress. A national monument, it has mythical and romantic connotations.
- Barcelona’s main street – Laz Ramblas: take a break from the festivals to enjoy a stroll down Barcelona’s main street, Las Ramblas.
- visit the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim museum
Organised tours
Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com.au) offers a range of tours and package deals to Spain.
‘Barcelona Adventure’ includes a full day city tour including lunch, 3 nights accommodation, transfers and daily breakfasts. It runs for 3 nights, and is priced from $449.
‘Taste of Madrid’ is a panoramic tour of Madrid’s most prominent buildings and monuments, including the ancient Austrais and Borbones quarters. It includes 3 nights accommodation (including breakfast) and a morning panoramic city tour.
Tempo Holidays (www.tempoholidays.com) also offers great deals on land packages around Spain.
‘Northern Spain’ leaves from Barcelona on a 8-day tour, priced from $1401. Transportation is by way of modern deluxe motor coaches, and the package includes local sightseeing with expert local guides (as per itinerary), entrance fees to monuments, accommodation, meals (as per itinerary) and a multi-lingual tour leader.
‘Taste of Madrid’ is a 4 day highlights deal, priced from $357.
Or, to book a tour of Spain in conjunction with the rest of your European holiday, take a look at Harvey World Travel (www.harvey.com.au). This European fly/cruise package is priced from $6905 (fom Melbourne) and includes a return economy-class airfare, two nights first class accommodation in London, city tour of London, 12 night “Spain, Portugal and French Highlights” cruise aboard the Marco Polo, all meals on board, two nights first-class accommodation in Barcelon and a city tour of Barcelona.