Spain is a place of passion. With its deep religious origins, rich folklore and multicultural wealth, Spain takes visitors on a journey of the soul. Soak in famous artistic pieces, museums, theatres and world-class vinos tintos. Eat tapas. Stamp to the Flamenco. Be amazed by the country’s beautiful coastal regions and the spectacularly rugged Pyrenees. Continue the exploration of these diverse landscapes in Portugal with its white-sandy beaches and island hideaways. Hit the links on some of Europe’s best golf courses and mingle with locals in the country’s bustling cosmopolitan clubs or quaint fado bars. And what trip to Spain or Portugal would be complete with taking in a football game? EuroBound will plan the perfect, all-inclusive visit.
Spain
- Originally founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture, Museo del Prado in Madrid also includes important collections of drawings, prints, coins and medals, making it one of the world?s most visited sites.
- Although its construction remains incomplete hundreds of years after it began, the large Roman Catholic church, Sagrada Família is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2010 was consecrated and proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.
- Sitting on a rugged cliff and surrounded by the Tagus River, the city Toledo, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the large 16th century Alcázar fortress, as well as ancient mosques, synagogues, churches and the Hospital de Santa Cruz which is now the Provincial Museum of Archaeology and Fine Arts.
- Looking for a food fight? The La Tomatina Festival, held in the Valencian town of Buñol on the last Wednesday of every August, is the world's largest vegetable fight.
- An inspiration for many songs and stories, La Alhambra in Granada, is a palace and fortress constructed by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada and representing Spain's most significant Islamic architecture.
Portugal
- Considered one of the major expressions of 19th century Romanticism in the world, Palacio Nacional de Pena towers above the town of Sintra and serves as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
- A collection of nine magical volcanic islands, the Azores Islands and their people offer tranquility, beautiful garden settings, historic art and a generally calmer, more relaxed take on life.
- Located just west of Lagos, Ponta da Piedad is a stunning piece of coastline (best viewed by boat) featuring caves, grottoes and rock formations sculpted courtesy of the sea over thousands of years.
- Founded by the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, in 1153, the Monastery of Alcobaca represents one of the first foundations of the Cistercian Order in Portugal, and the arrival of early Gothic style architecture.
- It is believed that the Virgin Mary made an appearance at Fatima in 1917, making it a place for special ceremonies each summer and a popular destinations amongst pilgrims seeking miracle cures for illness.