Valesa Cultural Services - Spain, Portugal, France & Morocco

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

21/11/2024

𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 | 𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗗𝗨𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦
The Ribera del Duero DO wine region is one of the most popular in Spain. Here along the banks of the Duero River is where these high quality, full-bodied reds are produced. This region contains prestigious wineries with one-of-a-kind experiences. There are modern properties offering tastings and exquisite gastronomy, as well as small, charming estates. And make sure to stay in the most luxurious, 5-star hotel in the area to feel totally pampered.
Click the link to our blog for all the details.

Ribera del Duero is one of the most recognized of all Spanish wine regions. Located just 2 hours north of Madrid, this area contains a number of exceptional

19/11/2024

𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣 - 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗢
At the end of September, we hosted a wonderful LUXURY FAM trip to Morocco for a special group of Travel Experts advisors. We explored Mosques and gardens in the city of Marrakech, dined at top-tier restaurants, and had a wonderful cooking class! We even took an excursion into the Atlas Mountains to get a firsthand look at the local culture and way of life.
Check out the photos on our blog post from this unforgettable trip!

At the end of September, we hosted a wonderful LUXURY FAM trip to Morocco for a special group of Travel Experts advisors. We explored the bustling city of

14/11/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗣𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗞𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 - 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗘𝗦
Fall is pumpkin season, not only in the US but in Spain as well! This versatile vegetable has been cultivated in Spain for centuries and plays an important role in the country’s gastronomy. Most pumpkins in Spain are grown in the region of Valencia, where they make plenty of delicious sweets such as pumpkin fritters. It’s also used in savory dishes, perfect for those cold fall days.
Read our full article to learn about this fall staple and its significance in Spain.

Pumpkins are the symbol of fall here and in the US. From Halloween through Thanksgiving, these large vegetables from the squash family take on many forms,

12/11/2024

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗢𝗟𝗚𝗔
This month we are featuring our wonderful reservation manager, Olga! Her unique background, sweet personality, and attention to detail make her a perfect fit for our team. She speaks multiple languages and enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants in her free time. We are lucky to have her!
Read our full article about Olga on the blog to learn more.

Meet our wonderful reservation manager, Olga! Born and raised in Madrid, she decided to get her degree in tourism because she loves to travel and organize

08/11/2024

𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗮 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁
Next week, our US marketing and sales rep, Samantha Coffey will be attending the Connections Luxury Event in West Hollywood. This event provides meaningful networking opportunities with other professionals in the luxury travel market. Valesa, along with other international suppliers, will get to meet leading luxury buyers from the US.
We are excited to be a part of this community, and we look forward to creating even more long-lasting business relationships! We hope to see you there!

In November, our US marketing and sales rep Samantha Coffey will be attending the Connections Luxury Community Event in West Hollywood. This event provides