Valesa Cultural Services - Spain, Portugal, France & Morocco

23/01/2025

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡 & 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟
In Spain and Portugal, there are numerous types of stews to keep warm on a cold winter day. Each region has its own unique recipes that showcase the best local ingredients, from fish stews in the coastal communities to the hearty cocido of Madrid made with chickpeas and meat.

See our full article where we tell you about the best stews to try on your next journey with Valesa!

Spain and Portugal are famous for their diverse, regional cuisines and rich culinary traditions. During the winter, hearty stews are commonly eaten and there

21/01/2025

𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 | 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘
Vermouth is a very common drink in Spain, and there are certain social rituals associated with it. It is usually consumed before lunch on the weekends, offering the perfect opportunity for Spaniards to meet and catch up with friends or family. In the US, vermouth is typically found in cocktails, but in Spain it is a standalone drink. It is aromatic, strong, and in some bars it is even served on tap!

Read our full article to learn more about this unique Spanish aperitif.

#

Upon arrival in Spain, you will undoubtedly notice the prevalence of vermouth, or ‘vermut’, especially at aperitif time before lunch or dinner. In Spain,

16/01/2025

𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Here at Valesa, we believe in responsible tourism and we like to support communities in need. In 2024, we donated a portion of our profits to the village of Tiniskt, Morocco so they could rebuild after the devastating earthquake. We have set a new goal for 2025 - to give back to a very important and deserving community here in Spain.
Head to our blog for more details!

Here at Valesa, we are passionate about responsible tourism, and we believe in giving back to local communities in need. In 2024, we proudly donated 2% of

14/01/2025

𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗴𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁
Recently, our travel manager Jessica attended an exciting event in the Alentejo region of Portugal called ‘Uncorking Alentejo’. It was a unique experience that connected luxury travel advisors to local hotels and wineries, ultimately allowing us to expand our wine tourism offerings.
Check out the photos on our blog of Jessica discovering the best of the Alentejo region!

This past November, our travel manager Jessica attended an exciting event in the Alentejo region of Portugal called ‘Uncorking Alentejo’. This unique

09/01/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔
This month, we’d like to introduce you to our lovely coworker, Jessica! She’s been with us for about 10 years, and we adore her kind spirit and hardworking attitude. She knew she wanted a job that allowed her to travel, and lucky for us she found her place at Valesa. Her multicultural background and foodie nature make her a perfect fit for our team! Read our full article to learn more about Jessica.

Meet Jessica, our lovely coworker of 10 years! Not only is she one of our luxury travel managers, but she is also a kind friend and hardworking mother. As is

07/01/2025

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝗗𝗔𝗢 - 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡
The Dão is a historic wine-making region in northern Portugal, full of rolling green hills and enchanting towns. This region is not very well-known internationally, but the wines here are elegant and noble. Aside from some of the best undiscovered wineries, the area also boasts peaceful gardens, stunning cathedrals, and top-notch hotels.
Head to our blog to see our best recommendations.

The Dão region is located in northern Portugal, just 1.5 hours from Porto. It is still making a name for itself on the world stage.

02/01/2025

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗦 - 𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗖
Chestnuts play an important role in Spanish cuisine, especially during autumn and winter. In plazas and on street corners, it’s common to find small stands selling freshly roasted chestnuts in a paper cone. There are also many local festivals surrounding chestnuts, and each region enjoys this delicacy in its own way.
Read our full blog article to learn more about the importance of this sweet and versatile nut.

Castañas, or chestnuts, hold a special place in Spanish cuisine and culture, especially during the autumn and winter months. During this time, chestnuts are

30/12/2024

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔
We were thrilled to receive the following feedback from the Kearns family after their recent trip with us. Many thanks to their travel advisor, Amy Freyder, for sending her top clients our way! We are very happy they had such a wonderful time!

27/12/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗣𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡 & 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟
During the cold winter months, there’s nothing better than enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of soup. In Spanish and Portuguese gastronomy, soups are very common and in some cases they are enjoyed all throughout the year. If you prefer hearty soups with legumes, you must try the classic lentil soup from Spain full of smoky paprika. Portugal’s caldo verde is a lighter soup made with kale that is served in all homes and restaurants. Head to our blog where we give you the best local soup recommendations.

Comforting soups and stews are a staple in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, especially during the cold winter months. With recipes rooted in tradition, these

23/12/2024

𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱
Our sales team recently visited the quaint towns of Colmenar de Oreja and Chinchón as part of our constant search for authentic, local experiences. Just a 45-minute drive from the capital, these small villages are full of things to do and see!
First, we visited the 16th C Church next to the main town square. With ornate details inside and out, the building actually resembles more of a fairytale castle.

Then we continued to Jesús Diaz e Hijos winery, a family-run local producer with a beautiful underground cave where monks used to store olive oil. To this day, they still use 19th C clay jars to store their wines!

After savoring a traditional lunch, we headed to the town of Chinchón. Its classic main square with wooden balconies is one of the most beautiful in the country. Traditional bullfights are still celebrated there!

These authentic destinations showcase the true culture of Spain.
Ask Valesa about including one of these unique tours in your next client’s itinerary!

https://valesacultural.com/blog/valesitas-team-reveals-unknown-madrid/

19/12/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗖𝗛
Morocco is a magical country with a rich history and cultural heritage. From ornate Mosques and colorful gardens to mountainous terrain and steep sand dunes, there is much to be seen outside of Marrakesh! Some of our most unique and incredible experiences include wine tasting in the fertile hills of Meknes and sandboarding down the Erg Chebbi sand dunes! Don’t forget to visit the cultural capital of Fes, the last true example of a medieval Arab city.
Read our full article to learn more about these wonderful new experiences.

Morocco is a truly enchanting destination, full of history, distinct cultures, beautiful architecture and a variety of landscapes. Marrakesh is the most

17/12/2024

𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 | 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡, 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗥!
In Spain and Portugal, coffee plays an important role in everyday life. It’s enjoyed all throughout the day, from breakfast to the afternoon pick-me-up. However, each country has their own particular way of enjoying coffee. Portugal claims their imported beans from Brazil have the best taste, while Spain offers a variety of specialty dark roast coffee drinks. If you’d like to savor some of the best local coffee, read our full blog article for more details.

Coffee is an integral part of life in Spain and Portugal, to say the least. It is savored by everyone, at all hours of the day, at home and in restaurants.

12/12/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
Chocolate holds a special place in the culture and gastronomy of both Spain and Portugal. Cacao was introduced by the explorers returning from the Americas, and to this day it is a beloved treat that takes on many forms. Spain has its famously thick and rich hot chocolate, while in Portugal you can find handmade chocolates paired with Port wine! There are a variety of sweet treats for all tastes. Do you have a favorite?
Read our full article to learn more about the best local and artisan chocolate brands!

Spain was the first European country to popularize chocolate. With a rich history dating back to the 16th C when cacao was introduced to Spain by the

10/12/2024

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗬𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔
This month we’d like to highlight our very special colleague, Yolanda! She’s been working with us for around 11 years and is currently our Accounting and Operations Director. She is responsible for overseeing our administration department, which is no small task! In her free time, she enjoys planning fun getaways with her son. She is hard-working, efficient, kind and easy to talk to.
Read our full article to learn more about the wonderful Yolanda!

This month we’d like to highlight our wonderful and faithful colleague, Yolanda!  A Valesa veteran over the past 11 years, Yolanda currently serves as

05/12/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘
It’s no secret why Seville is a top tourist destination: the warm, sunny climate and plethora of beautiful monuments and UNESCO sites make it a bucket list destination. Aside from the emblematic Cathedral and Royal Alcazar, there are so many places to be discovered in this charming city. There is a 16th century palace filled with a stunning royal art collection, as well as the vibrant neighborhood of Triana which is brimming with culture and life.
Head to the full article where we tell you the best hidden spots waiting to be discovered.

If you’re travelling to Seville (capital of Andalucia), surely the stunning monuments of Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar are on your itinerary. These are

03/12/2024

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁
In November, we had the pleasure of attending the Connections Luxury event in West Hollywood. Our U.S.-based sales rep, Samantha, represented Valesa at this one-of-a-kind networking event. It was great to build new business relationships, and we are excited to continue growing!
Click the link to our blog article to see some photos of the event.

In November, we attended the Connections Luxury event in West Hollywood. Our U.S.-based sales manager, Samantha, represented Valesa at this one-of-a-kind

27/11/2024

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔
Thank you Leslie for trusting Valesa with your client’s arrangements! We loved to hear from the Judson family with this wonderful feedback after their trip to Spain with us!

25/11/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦
Here at Valesa, we believe fun education is a necessary part of every trip. Cooking classes and workshops are a great way to learn about local cuisine and create lasting memories. We offer an array of unique cooking lessons for all types of foodies: from Mediterranean cooking in the countryside near Barcelona to healthy meals at organic farms. And of course, being led by an expert chef makes the experience authentic and informative.
Head to our blog to read about all of our exclusive cooking classes!

Here at Valesa, we believe that all travel experiences should include opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, to learn, and to have fun doing