Created by shaqpr
1 person likes this trip

Spain Trip 2008

A trip from December 25, 2008 to January 10, 2009, travelling to Madrid, Seville, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada …
Trip Tags:None yet!More  

Trip Tags

Added by shaqpr
Added by others
Trip Tags
Add Tags
Custom
Cancel

Location:
Madrid, Barcelona...
Day:
12/25/2008 to 01/10/2009
Category:
Things to do, City...

Thu 12/25/08 (day 1) - Madrid

Average Rating (122):
     
Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurba …
Thing to Do
Museo Nacional del Prado
Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
Madrid, 28014
Spain
+34 91 330 2800
Thu Dec 25 12:00am - Sat Dec 27 8:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
Tu-Su 9a-8p
http://museoprado.mcu.es/ihome.html
Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. In July of 2005 the Council of Ministers approved a EUR44.6 million expansion plan which increases the museum's total space by 50%, and allows for 500 more works of the permanent collection to be showcased. On October 30, 2007, the annex opened with a collection of 19th-century Spanish artwork which enabled the Prado to reclaim its glory as a crown jewel of Europe. Come for the art; stay for the architecture.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (4):
     
Made of steel and glass, this fine old railway station building was designed by the Basque architect, Ricardo Velázq …
Thing to Do
Estación de Atocha
Emperador Carlos V 3
Madrid, 28012
Spain
+34 90 224 0202
Thu Dec 25 12:00am
Add to Trip
Average Rating (22):
     
Built of granite, glass and metal, the angle at which these towers lean is simply spectacular. They're 27 stories hi …
Thing to Do
Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa)
Plaza de Castilla, s/n
Madrid, 28046
Spain
Thu Dec 25 8:00am - Thu Dec 25 10:00am
Notes
Built of granite, glass and metal, the angle at which these towers lean is simply spectacular. They're 27 stories high and a shining example of how dynamic and modern Madrid has become. Their official name is Puerta de Europa (Gateway to Europe), though locals call them the KIO Towers after the business group in charge of their construction. They were eventually completed in 1996 by the banking group Caja Madrid. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee (famous for New York's AT
Add to Trip
Average Rating (4):
     
The capital's largest parkland area attracts thousands of madrileños during sunny weather. It's the closest some of …
Thing to Do
Casa de Campo
Calle del Campo
Madrid, 28041
Spain
Thu Dec 25 10:00am - Thu Dec 25 12:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
24 hrs

The capital's largest parkland area attracts thousands of madrileños during sunny weather. It's the closest some of them get to a day out in the country and a great picnic spot. As for entertainment, there's the Zoo Aquarium , an amusement park , a boating lake, and a cable car . You'll find some good restaurants here, and the trade center usually has some sort of exhibition going on. To get to the park, head down Cuesta San Vicente from Plaza de España and cross Puente del Rey.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (5):
     
Templo de Debod dating from the second century BC, is small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hierogl …
Thing to Do
Templo de Debod
Ferraz Street 1
Madrid, 28008
Spain
+34 91 366 7415
Thu Dec 25 1:00pm - Thu Dec 25 2:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
Apr-Sep: 10a-2p, 6p-8p M-Su, Oct-Mar: 9:45a-1:45p, 3p-6:15p M-Su
http://www.munimadrid.es/templodebod/

Dating from the second century BCE, this small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics, and religious inscriptions was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in 1970 in recognition of Spain's assistance in saving historical remains during the construction of the Aswan Dam. You will find it located in a peaceful and pleasant park, but you are advised not to come here after dark.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (8):
     
Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio …
Thing to Do
Palacio de Cristal
Paseo Duque de Fernán Núñez, s/n
Madrid, 28012
Spain
+34 91 574 6614
Thu Dec 25 2:00pm - Thu Dec 25 4:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
10a-6p M-Sa, 10a-4p Su

Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Velázquez was hired to design this greenhouse to hold all the flowers brought over from the islands. It's an attractive steel and glass design that now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofía . Admission is free.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (41):
     
There are many ways to spend your time and money at this attractive central square: stroll around and admire the arc …
Thing to Do
Plaza Mayor
Southwest of the Puerta del Sol
Madrid, 28013
Spain
Thu Dec 25 3:00pm - Thu Dec 25 6:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
24 hrs

Plaza Mayor is another popular tourist spot in Madrid. It was built during the reigns of King Felipe II and his son King Felipe III, at the turn of the 17th century, when it was deemed that Plaza de la Villa, the former city square, had become too small for the city's growing population (Plaza de la Villa still exists, it is located nearby on Calle Mayor). Plaza Mayor served different puposes: on top of housing the city's public market, royal and religious celebrations were held in the square, as well as bullfights and public executions.

Today, public executions and bullfights have given way to street performers and all sorts of entertainment, ranging from Mexican mariachis to chair massages. Plaza Mayor is also home to the tourist office (at No. 27 Plaza Mayor), different souvenir shops, and several restaurants where tourists gather to enjoy a meal or a drink out on the sunny patios. Those interested in architecture won't want to miss the Panaderia, the oldest building (1590) of the Plaza Mayor. Out of the nine doors leading to the plaza, the most famous one is called the "Arco de Cuchilleros" and it leads down to La Latina.
Add to Trip
 
Average Rating (11):
     
Catedral de la Almudena took over 100 years to be built, due to political conflicts, wars, and a lack of financial r …
Thing to Do
Catedral de la Almudena
Calle de Bailen
Madrid, 28013
Spain
+34 91 542 6522
Thu Dec 25 4:00pm - Thu Dec 25 7:00pm
Notes
Open Hours: Winter: 9a-9p M-Su, Summer: 10a-1p
Madrid's cathedral took over 100 years to build, due to political conflicts, wars, and a lack of financial resources. According to legend, it's named after the Virgen de la Almudena, whose icon was found during the Reconquest hidden in a house that the Arabs called al mudena. The building's exterior is an example of eclectic 19th-century design. The doors are bronze and there's an image of the Virgen (now Madrid's patron saint) on the façade. The interior is full of light, benefiting from the stained-glass windows and multi-colored ceiling. Its grand Grezing organ gets played on Sundays, holidays, and the day before holidays.

Mass: 10am
Add to Trip

Fri 12/26/08 (day 2) - Madrid

Average Rating (23):
     
It's known as the "lungs of Madrid," and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central loc …
Thing to Do
Parque del Buen Retiro
Plaza de la Independencia, s/n
Madrid, 28001
Spain
+1 34 91 5888790
Fri Dec 26 7:00am - Fri Dec 26 9:00am
Notes
Open Hours
7a-11p M-Su, Summer: 24 hrs M-Su

It's known as the "lungs of Madrid," and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez ). On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th Century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (66):
     
Palacio Real is the former royal residence that houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio an …
Thing to Do
Palacio Real (Royal Palace)
Calle de Bailen
Madrid, 28013
Spain
+34 91 547 5350
Fri Dec 26 9:00am - Fri Dec 26 12:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
Apr-Sep: 9a-6p M-Sa, 9a-3p Su, Oct-Mar: 9:30a-5p M-Sa, 9a-2p Su
http://www.patrimonionacional.es/preal/p…

This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculptures, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armory. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and the work was carried out between 1738-1770.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (39):
     
Founded in 1902, the club's teams had to play in a variety of venues throughout the city until El Estadio Santiago B …
Thing to Do
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (El)
Avenida de Concha Espina 1
Madrid, 28036
Spain
+34 91 398 4300
Fri Dec 26 9:00am - Fri Dec 26 11:00am
Add to Trip
Average Rating (59):
     
Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the most popular and commercial area in the old town. Five hundred years ago it was jus …
Thing to Do
Puerta del Sol
Plaza Puerta del Sol
Madrid, 28013
Spain
Fri Dec 26 12:00pm - Fri Dec 26 2:00pm
Notes
This busy crossroads is Madrid's main meeting place and crowds always loiter around the statue of the bear and the madroño ("strawberry tree") at the bottom of C/Carmen. It is also officially the geographical official heart of Madrid and therefore Spain; it holds the kilómetro cero (a plaque on the pavement outside the Casa de Correus, under the clock): the point from which all distances from the city are measured. Here thousands of revelers gather at midnight on New Year's Eve to eat their grapes, one for each chime of the clock, and drink champagne. The Puerta del Sol is also where Napoleon's Egyptian cavalry charged locals on 2 May 1808, as depicted in one of Goya's most famous paintings, El Dos de Mayo.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (28):
     
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía's galleries of modern art feature works by some of the 20th Century's most …
Thing to Do
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (MNCARS)
Plaza Santa Isabel 52
Madrid, 28012
Spain
+34 91 774 1000
Fri Dec 26 6:00pm - Fri Dec 26 8:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
10a-9p M-Sa, 10a-2:30p Su
http://museoreinasofia.mcu.es

This gallery of modern art features work by some of the 20th Century's most outstanding artists, including Picasso - Guernica has its own special space - Dalí, Tàpies, Chillida, Miró, Gris, Bacon, Le Cobursier, Lipchitz, Schnabel, Numan, and Roberto Matta. There is a library, research center, bookshop, cafe, souvenir shop, and restaurant.
Add to Trip

Sat 12/27/08 (day 3) - Madrid

Average Rating (21):
     
The Thyssen-Bornemisza family collected what became one of the world's finest private art collections over a number …
Thing to Do
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Paseo del Prado 8
Madrid, 28014
Spain
+34 91 369 0151
Sat Dec 27 2:00pm - Sat Dec 27 6:00pm
Notes
Open Hours
10a-7p Tu-Su
http://www.museothyssen.org

The Thyssen-Bornemisza family collected what became one of the world's finest private art collections over a number of generations. The Spanish state bought it from them in 1993 for USD 350 million and converted the early-19th-century neoclassical Villahermosa Palace into a fabulous art gallery. You will see masterpieces by Van Dyck, Durer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Kandinsky among others. The collection follows a chronological order running from the 13th to the 20th Century. There is a cafeteria-restaurant, free cloakroom and a conference room. Admission: EUR6; students, senior citizens: EUR4; under-12s: free. Temporary Exhibitions: EUR5; students, senior citizens: EUR4. Combined Admission: EUR9; students, senior citizens: EUR5. Group bookings: taquilla@museothyssen.org, or call 34 91 369 0151.
Add to Trip
Average Rating (20):
     
Another majestic work of art commissioned by King Carlos III to ennoble the city. This time his architects chose to …
Thing to Do
Fuente de Cibeles (La)
Plaza de Cibeles
Madrid, 28014
Spain
Sat Dec 27 6:00pm - Sat Dec 27 7:00pm
Notes
Another majestic work of art commissioned by King Carlos III to ennoble the city. This time his architects chose to create an image in white stone of the goddess Cibeles driving a carriage drawn by lions. Ventura Rodríguez came up with the design while Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutierrez carried out the work. It's surrounded by some of the city's most important historic buildings and it has become a favorite symbolic landmark for madrileños. The fans of Real Madrid football club gather here to celebrate their team's victories.
Add to Trip

Sun 12/28/08 (day 4) - Seville, Sevilla

Average Rating (44):
     

City
Seville, AN, Spain
Sun Dec 28 12:00am - Sat Jan 3 12:00am
Add to Trip
 
Average Rating (9):
     
It took almost 400 years to build Spain's largest church and the third biggest in the Christian world. Standing on t …
Thing to Do
Cathedral
Avenida de la Constitución
Sevilla, AN 41004
Spain
+34 95 421 4971
Sun Dec 28 11:00am - Sun Dec 28 1:00pm
Add to Trip
Average Rating (5):
     
Seville's most impressive building was originally a Moorish minaret, known as the Mohammedan minaret of La Giralda. …
Thing to Do
Giralda
Plaza Virgen de los Reyes
Sevilla, AN 41004
Spain
+1 34 95 421 4971
Sun Dec 28 2:00pm - Sun Dec 28 4:00pm
Add to Trip

Mon 12/29/08 (day 5) - Cordoba, Granada

Average Rating (13):
     

City
Cordoba, AN, Spain
Mon Dec 29 6:00pm - Tue Dec 30 5:00pm
Notes
CÓRDOBA lies upstream from Sevilla beside a loop of the Guadalquivir, which was once navigable as far as here. It is today a minor provincial capital, prosperous in a modest sort of way. Once, however, it was the largest city of Roman Spain, and for three centuries it formed the heart of the western Islamic empire, the great medieval caliphate of the Moors.

It is from this era that the city's major monument dates: the Mezquita, the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed by the Moors in Spain. It stands right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the old Jewish and Moorish quarters, and is a building of extraordinary mystical and aesthetic power. Make for it on arrival and keep returning as long as you stay; you'll find its beauty and power increase with each visit, as of course is proper, since the mosque was intended for daily attendance.

The Mezquita apart, Córdoba itself is a place of considerable charm. It has few grand squares or mansions, tending instead to introverted architecture, calling your attention to the tremendous and often wildly extravagant patios. These have long been acclaimed, and they are actively encouraged and maintained by the local council, which runs a "Festival of the Patios" in May. Just 7km outside the town more Moorish splendours are to be seen among the ruins of the extravagant palace complex of Medina Azahara which is undergoing fascinating reconstruction.
Add to Trip
 
Average Rating (39):
     

City
Granada, AN, Spain
Mon Dec 29 8:00pm - Tue Dec 30 5:00pm
Notes
If you see only one town in Spain it should be GRANADA. For here, extraordinarily well preserved and in a tremendous natural setting, stands the Alhambra – the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. It was the palace-fortress of the Nasrid sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom, and in its construction Moorish art reached a spectacular and serene climax. But the building seems to go further than this, revealing something of the whole brilliance and spirit of Moorish life and culture. There's a haunting passage in Jan Morris's book, Spain, which the palace embodies: "Life itself, which was seen elsewhere in Europe as a kind of probationary preparation for death, was interpreted [by the Moors] as something glorious in itself, to be ennobled by learning and enlivened by every kind of pleasure."
Add to Trip
 

Sat 01/03/09 (day 10) - Barcelona

Average Rating (298):
     

City
Barcelona, CT, Spain
Sat Jan 3 8:00am - Sun Jan 4 6:00pm
Add to Trip
 

Mon 01/05/09 (day 12) - Lisbon

Average Rating (90):
     

City
Lisbon, Portugal
Mon Jan 5 10:00pm - Wed Jan 7 10:00pm
Notes
The city on Seven Hills, the birthplace of fado, a maze of dark and narrow streets that date back for centuries.From Alfama, to the Parque das Nações, to the historical district and the new and thriving business district, Lisbon is one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

Alfama The oldest part of the city is Alfama, which has many tourist attractions. A leisurely tour on the old trams in this part of the city, steeped with an old world charm is an experience of a lifetime. The Castelo de S.Jorge , which was won back from the Moors in 1143, is a must in the itinerary for history buffs. This area of the city, with typical narrow streets and traditional architecture, has a unique and friendly atmosphere. Those who do visit Portugal will certainly notice and enjoy the hospitality of the Portuguese people, which in itself is an attraction of the city.

Barrio Alto Bairro Alto is one of the areas of the city with great nightlife. Here you will find a large number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Belem In Belem, near the Tagus River, there is a variety of monuments and leisure areas. The Torre de Belem is the point from where many expeditions departed, in search of new worlds in the 14th and 15th Centuries. Other beautiful monuments dedicated to Portuguese explorers can also be found in this vicinity such as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos , both of which are definitely worth a visit. Another attraction of the area is the Centro Cultural de Belem, otherwise known as the CCB, which accommodates many international art exhibits and events with the largest auditorium in the city. Also located at the CCB is the Museu Berardo, which has some of the world's most renowned pieces of modern art. Just some of the artists whose works are on display are Dali, Picasso, Warhol, Pollock, and countless others, making this a must see.

City Center The center of the city, apart from being the business and commercial core of the city, also contains many landmarks and shopping locations.

Lisbon also has an Underground network that can take you anywhere in a matter of minutes.

Outside the City The towns near Lisbon are just as interesting to visit, and provide for a change of scenery and sights that cannot be found in the city. In around twenty minutes you can go to the beach or to the countryside. West of the city is beautiful Cascais, a town whose rich history is evident in its wealth of historical landmarks and attractions. It also has a large number of beaches. To the south, Costa da Caparica, a fishing village, also has wonderful beaches and allows you to see what a traditional Portuguese fishing village is like.
Top 10 SIGHTS
See these sights first
1. JERONIMOS MONASTERY
A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place.
2. BELEM TOWER
The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
3. GULBENKIAN MUSEUM
Treasures from the East and the West.
4. BERARDO MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
One of the world's greatest modern art collections.
5. OCEANARIUM
An odyssey of sea creatures in a state-of-the-art building.
6. ST. GEORGE'S CASTLE
Overlooking the city from millennium-old walls.
7. ANCIENT ART MUSEUM
Fascinating Oriental and European art.
8. MuDe - DESIGN
Add to Trip
 

Fri 01/09/09 (day 16) - Toledo

Average Rating (7):
     

City
Toledo, Spain
Fri Jan 9 12:00am - Fri Jan 9 7:00am
Add to Trip
 
Showing items 1-23 out of 61 total
 
1 of 3
 
Add to Trip:
No trips found! Why not create one?
 
Talk about this trip


 

Get Driving Directions

Select starting point from your items list or enter address below
Select starting point from your items list or enter address below