Spain Vacations: Unveiled & Curated

29/10/2024

96 yr old hotel in Macao restored to it's glory days. Love reading about the cultural achievements the Portuguese people left throughout the word. This hotel is located in Macao, a former Spain and Portugal Vacations Portuguese colony now part of China.

It has all the characteristics of Portuguese architecture with many things instantly recognizable' the tiles floors, austere facade, color schemes, although this green is not that commonly found.

Simon Sio grew up in an old building in the heart of Macao, directly across from what was then one of the city’s finest accommodations, Hotel Central. Decades later, he’s now the owner of this recently reopened grande dame.

19/10/2024

This photo is from a few years ago whilst having lunch in the seaside town and resort of Estoril, located approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon.

07/08/2024

Sun- Kissed Shores.

Historic Ports.

Unforgettable Sailing Adventures.

Spain and Portugal Vacations

Www.Spainandportugalvacations.com

07/08/2024

A huge thank you and welcome to all of our new followers and everybody that has been a follower sometime. We really appreciate your support!

28/07/2024

Discover the Basque Coast & Countryside.

Visiting the Basque Country must include the coastal village of Getaria to understand and enjoy the history and exotic life.

People from here include: acclaimed fashion designer Balenciaga and centuries before him was Elcano, the first to sail around the world. Both are from the small fishing village, Getaria.

Several Michelin rated restaurants, including the famous Elkano;

The legendary turbot is an absolute must!.

Feel free to contact us and make Getaria part of your bespoke itinerary we'll design for you and your traveling party.

www.spainandportugalvacations.com

18/07/2024

𝔸𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟. 𝕄𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕚𝕣.

𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤?

𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 !

16/07/2024

𝔸𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕦𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕒 𝕝𝕦𝕩𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝔹𝕚𝕝𝕓𝕒𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕛𝕖𝕨𝕖𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪

Nestled on Spain's northern coast, Bilbao has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing discerning travelers from around the globe. This once-industrial city has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, shedding its former reputation as a gritty, economically depressed urban center.

In a surprisingly short span, Bilbao has reinvented itself as a beacon of contemporary design and culture, all while maintaining its rich heritage and unique Basque identity. The city's transformation is so profound that it defies easy description - one must experience it firsthand to truly appreciate the scale of change.

Art aficionados will delight in Bilbao's world-class museums; the Guggenheim houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including pieces by international luminaries. Meanwhile, the Fine Arts Museum offers a comprehensive look at Basque and Spanish artistic traditions, featuring works from medieval times to the present day.

The city's vibrant culinary scene is a testament to the region's gastronomic heritage, with Michelin-starred restaurants sitting alongside traditional pintxos bars. Oenophiles can sample exceptional local wines, from the renowned Rioja Alavesa to the crisp Txakoli. Music, dance, and traditional Basque sports also play a vital role in the city's cultural tapestry.

Whether you're drawn by the allure of cutting-edge design, the depth of artistic offerings, or the richness of Basque culture, our Bilbao tour promises an unforgettable journey of discovery.

🌟 Discover Bilbao: The Hidden Gem of Spain's Basque Country! 🌟Embark on a luxurious journey through Bilbao with our exclusive VIP tours! 🏙️✨

Why Bilbao?
🎨 Home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum
🍷 World-class cuisine and wine
🏛️ Stunning blend of modern and historic architecture
🏞️ Gateway to the breathtaking Basque countryside
Our private tours offer:
🔑 Personalized experiences
👑 VIP access to top attractions
🍽️ Reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants
🎭 Immersion in rich Basque culture
From art lovers to foodies, Bilbao has something for everyone. Let us craft your perfect Spanish getaway!
👉
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖺𝖼𝗍 www.spainandportugalvacations.com 𝗍𝗈 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗈𝗋𝗉𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝖡𝗂𝗅𝖻𝖺𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗋𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗇 𝖲𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗇𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗅𝗎𝗌𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗅 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾.

12/07/2024

𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕍𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕒-𝔾𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕚𝕫:

𝕋𝕨𝕠 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕊𝕒𝕟 𝕊𝕖𝕓𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕚á𝕟, 𝕍𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕒-𝔾𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕚𝕫 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟'𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 “𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕝 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪”.

This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and sustainable living that will captivate the discerning traveler.

Whether you're drawn to history, art, music, or sustainable living, Vitoria-Gasteiz provides a serene yet stimulating environment to satisfy your curiosity and rejuvenate your senses.

Places we can include in your private tour:

- The Medieval: Step back in time as you wander through the beautifully preserved old town, with its ancient layout and remnants of defensive walls, the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria and churches that have inspired literary giants like Ken Follett.

- Cultural: including the world-renowned Playing Cards Museum and the fascinating Natural Sciences Museum housed in the 15th-century Tower of Doña Otxanda.

- Green Spaces: Stroll through meticulously maintained parks and the innovative Green Ring, showcasing the city's commitment to sustainability and urban planning.

- Gastronomic: Indulge in the special cuisine of the region, savoring local delicacies in the vibrant Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

- Jewish Heritage: Explore the fascinating history of Basque Jews along Judería street and in the historic Casa del Cordón.

𝕆𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕦𝕥𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕔𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝔼𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕖𝕩𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕪, 𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕕𝕤.

𝕀𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣:

ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠n E𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕘𝕦𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕡ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝔽𝕝𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕫𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕤.

www.spainandportugalvacations.com

05/07/2024

Good night from Madrid.

04/07/2024

¡𝕍𝕚𝕧𝕒 𝔼𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕒! ¡𝔼𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕒, 𝔼𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕒, 𝔼𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕒!

07:45 pmPapis PumpelsWith their funny German Schlager music, the Papis Pumpels are guaranteed to put you in a cheerful mood. The nine-member group from the Ländle region is known for its unusual outfits and rousing atmosphere. Their reinterpretations of hits by well-known artists such as Udo Jürge...

23/06/2024

We're starting some great new tours in Lisbon ann throughot Portgugal. If you're not following our other Facebook Groups you'll be missing out. Please take a minute to join with these links.

Discover Portugal Travel Portugal Unveiled: Lisbon and Beyond

And now onto our new ...

ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜.

Palace of the Dukes of Lafoes or Grilos, Beato, Lisbon

The 1st Duke of Lafões directed the construction of Grilo Palace after Lisbon's massive earthquake on 1 November 1755.

The palace was the first official headquarters of the Portuguese Academia of Sciences when the 2nd Duke lived here.
- the photo with a pink rectangular framing was taken in that same room which still exists today almost exactly when it was built.

The interiors are characterized by decorative richness of murals and the famous blue and white tiles called Azulejos. The ones you see today are from the period when the palace was constructed. Found inside are mural painting sets by Cirilo Wolkmar Machado, and the tiles from the 18th and 19th centuries, which decorate the palace's themed rooms (Academy Room, Venus Room, Chinese Room) .

In 2011 the palace was classified as a Monument of Public Interest.

In 2018 the palace was purchased from the family of the Dukes of Lafoes. In 2022, the Palais was restructured by architect Julien Labrousse and in 2023 the project was laureate of the Versailles Prize - the UNESCO World Prize for Architecture.

21/06/2024

ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜.

Palace of the Dukes os Lafoes ou Grilos, Beato, Lisbon

The 1st Duke of Lafões directed the construction of Grilo Palace
after Lisbon's massive earthquake on 1 November 1755.

The palace was the first official headquarters of the Portuguese Academia of Sciences when the 2nd Duke lived here.
- the photo with a pink rectangular framing was taken in that same room which still exists today almost exactly when it was built.

The interiors are characterized by decorative richness of murals and the famous blue and white tiles called Azulejos. The ones you see today are from the period when the palace was constructed. Found inside are mural painting sets by Cirilo Wolkmar Machado, and the tiles from the 18th and 19th centuries, which decorate the palace's themed rooms (Academy Room, Venus Room, Chinese Room) .

In 2011 the palace was classified as a Monument of Public Interest.

In 2018 the palace was purchased from the family of the Dukes of Lafoes. In 2022, the Palais was restructured by architect Julien Labrousse and in 2023 the project was laureate of the Versailles Prize - the UNESCO World Prize for Architecture and Design.

28/05/2024

We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our new followers in the last months! Would love to thank you personally, so if you have been a new follower, please leave a message so that we can acknowledge and tell you how much we appreciate you!

16/05/2024

Game of Thrones vibes... with clients in northern Spain and Portugal Guided Tours visiting the beautiful Basque country.

07/04/2024

Just a quick note to tell everybody that is following us and the people that have followed the last month how much we appreciate your interest in our page.

Anybody has any suggestions of content that they would like to see please let us know. About Spain!🇪🇸

26/03/2024

Exploring the Palace of Mafra: A Majestic Christmas Concert in 2023

In the heart of Portugal lies the grandiose Palace of Mafra, a marvel of Baroque architecture. Stepping into the opulent church, visitors are greeted by a sight to behold - a symphony of marble intricately carved into masterpieces, surrounding life-size statues that seem to come to life. The air is filled with a sense of history and reverence as one gazes upon the ornate details adorning the church's interior.

Amidst the grandeur, the young performers bring life to the ancient walls, their voices blending harmoniously with the rich history that permeates every corner of the church adorned with precious marble, inlaid mosaics and stunningly beautiful gilded altar.

The Palace of Mafra (Portuguese: Palácio de Mafra), also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra and the Royal Building of Mafra (Real Edifício de Mafra), is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery located in Mafra, Portugal, some 28 kilometres from Lisbon. Construction began in 1717 under King John V of Portugal and was completely concluded in 1755.

In this timeless setting, the Palace of Mafra stands as a testament to the rich heritage and artistic brilliance of Portugal, a place where past and present intertwine in a symphony of sights and sounds. A visit to this architectural gem is not just a journey through history but a soul-stirring experience that lingers long after you have left its hallowed halls. Experience for yourself while in Portugal with Spain and Portugal Guided Tours.

Have you been to Mafra?

Tell others in the community about your experience !

The Palace of Mafra, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra, is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery located in Mafra, Portugal. It was ...

21/03/2024

One of Spain's most fascinating regions also happens to be one of the less traveled by persons from the USA due to the distance from the most frequented places that draw the most tourists.

Northern Spain consists of these provinces, lovely regions where culture and history are combined into spectacular experiences.

Spain's northern territories are known for their stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.

While there isn't a single official designation for the provinces in northern Spain, some of the most popular regions include:

Galicia: Renowned for its deep-rooted Celtic traditions, dramatic coastline, and fresh seafood. https://wikitravel.org/en/Galicia

Asturias: A nature lover's paradise, boasting the Picos de Europa mountains and lush green landscapes. www.britannica.com

Cantabria: Home to historic towns, sandy beaches, and the Altamira caves, famous for prehistoric paintings.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantabria

Basque Country: A unique culture with its own language, celebrated for its innovative cuisine and charming seaside towns.
- https://wikitravel.org/en/Basque_Country_(Spain)

La Rioja: A wine region known for its world-class bodegas (wineries) and charming medieval towns. www.britannica.com
- https://wikitravel.org/en/La_Rioja_(Spain)

Navarre: Offers a taste of everything from the Pyrenees mountains to arid desert landscapes.
- https://wikitravel.org/en/Navarre

Spain and Portugal Guided Tours Discover Portugal Travel Spain and Portugal Vacations

https://www.facebook.com/100025177128112/videos/1191477904955491/

25/06/2023

Lisbon, Portugal - generated image using AI.

Not the "real thing" but the details are quite similar.