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Even if you had all the money in the world to visit every single country in the European Union, that’s still 28 states across over 4 million kilometres to cover. We doubt you – or anybody for that matter – has that much time on their hands, to be honest.
But just because you can’t see all of Europe, doesn’t mean you should remove it from your travel list. The key to a wonderful and rewarding experience is in fact, to concentrate on one country at a time, allowing yourself to soak in all that the country has to offer.
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So, concentrate on one country we shall! And to Spain and its best locations we shall venture forth…
#1 Home to one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture!
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The romantic palace-fortress of Alhambra in Granada is one of the most stunning in Europe. This pink-hued palace was built in the 14th century and is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture.
Wonder through each of its rooms and you’ll discover carved stucco panels inscribed with poetry, colourful mosaics, and polished columns made even more romantic and beautiful with its dramatic location backdropped by the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
#2 The castle that inspired Cinderella’s castle
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, fortress, and an inspiration to Disney’s iconic Cinderella Castle, and that’s just some of the impressive things one can say about Alcázar of Segovia located just a short train ride from the capital city of Madrid.
Today, the structure houses a museum and an archive which are open to the public with many tour options available. You can also climb the Tower of San Juan II, which – after a climb up a 152-step spiral staircase – will reward you with a stunning view of the landscape surrounding the area.
#3 An olive oil haven
Image via Trafalgar
Spain is known as one of the best producers of olive oil and you can’t leave Spain without sampling it. With Trafalgar’s Be My Guest experience, join the Morillo family for dinner at their olive oil mill where you will be welcomed with a drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard. Then you will hear all about how oil is produced from their 6,000 trees and also get a chance to sample their produce.
#4 Houses that sit on the edge of cliffs
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You would think that being built on a steep spur will be a hinderance to the city’s development, but you would be mistaken. Cuenca’s geographical location has contributed to its fame, being famously known for its casas colgadas, or hanging houses. Sure, they look like they’re hanging precariously off the edge, but it’s also a sight to behold.
Other highlights of Cuenca includes the gothic style Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Julian, and the bridge of Saint Paul.
#5 A cultural experience for the senses
Image via Trafalgar
Be sure to include the charismatic Seville in your ‘to visit’ list. Home to the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, the imposing Plaza de Espana, and also the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, Seville is also the place to be to experience first-hand, the fiery flamenco dance. This passionate art form will have you enthralled by the twirling of colourful skirts and the rhythmic clapping of castanets.
So, Spain and its best-kept secrets beckon, and should you heed its call, then you’ll be glad to know that Trafalgar has just the thing for your wanderlust; with many Spanish itineraries for your picking. A 9-day Spanish Experience starts from RM4,134 in conjunction with MATTA Fair 2018. Book from now until 18th March 2018.
Apart from 160 itineraries to Europe, Trafalgar also has over 226 itineraries around the world, and boasts more than 70 awards and 97% real guest satisfaction from real reviews.
For more info on Trafalgar and MATTA Fair 2018, visit http://www.holidaytours.com.my/trafalgarmatta/, call Holiday Tours at 03-6286 6220, and tune in to LITE from 12 to 16 March 2018 at 7.40am, 8.40am, 5.40pm, and 6.40pm!