What Reigns in Spain:
Top 10 Things to Do in Spain That You Can't Do at Home

Dec 2007
A trip to Spain…it's the vacation you've been dreaming about. But although you may love your luxe hotel room, it's no place to hide out. There are tons of things to do and see in this exciting country. So grab your camera, hit the road and try these great ways to spend a day…

10. For the Love of Art
Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has won accolades all over the world. The curvaceous, free-form sculpture is one of his signature pieces of work. Established as part of the plan to redevelop the city of Bilbao, it showcases permanent and visiting exhibits featuring the works of Spanish and international artists.

9. Less is Moorish
The Alhambra Palace, overlooking the city of Granada, is the most famous example of Moorish architecture. Consisting of the Royal Palace with the Lion Court set in the center and several others built by different rulers, Alhambra features lush gardens and a beautiful fortress. The slender columns, fountains, and light-reflecting water basins were all designed to recreate paradise on earth.

8. Snow Job
It's hard to believe some of the most breathtaking skiing can be found just two hours from the beaches of Costa del Sol in the famous Sierra Nevada mountains. Set above Granada, it has the best snow and the longest season in the country-five months of snow! Take lessons during the day and party all night to get an authentic taste of the ski scene here.

7. If you Build It, They Will Come
That must have been Antoni Gaudi's motto, whose daring and unique architectural skills play a big role in the design of this historical city. His over-the-top basilica has lured many visitors but the private buildings he designed and the magnificent Parc Guell have attracted tourists as well.

6. Chow Down
One essential to pack for this trip: Your appetite. You won't be able to get enough of these savory Spanish dishes. Tapas, a wide variety of appetizers, can be eaten cold or warm and may include ingredients like olives, cheese, fish or squid, clams or mussels. Try one or sample a bunch and make an entire meal out of it. In Valencia, try paella--the famous rice dish cooked in fish or chicken broth that's been a tradition for centuries. What varies is the type of food that's added to the rice like vegetables, clams, mussels, prawns, peppers and lemons, to name a few.

5. Move to the Music
Want to experience a traditional form of folk music? Try Flamenco, a combination of strong, rhythmic music and intricate hand and footwork. Ask your hotel concierge where you can find the most authentic Flamenco show. This type of music influenced many of the other Spanish musical styles.

4. Art a la Carte
Spain is the place to nurture your love of art or develop one if you haven't already. Don't leave for home without checking out Madrid's famous El Prado (see 14th to the 19th century art from Velázquez, Goya and El Greco), Thyssen Bornemisa and Reina Sofia museums, the latter of which features the works of the famous Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

3. Water Works
Segovia's aqueduct, the most famous symbol of Segovia, was built at the end of the 1st century AD without the use of mortar or cement, at a time when the Roman Empire at its most powerful. This prime example of fine civil engineering is recognized around the world.

2. Crazy for Cordoba
Visit Cordoba, once one of the most important capitals in Europe, which produced important philosophers, scientists and artists. See the 1200 year old Mezquita, the Moorish mosque or experience the arts of flamenco, bullfighting and drinking in old taverns known for their tapas and local sherries.

1. Run For Your Life
Tired of Monday night football? Try a more dangerous sport. The Running of the Bulls involves teasing or tormenting bulls to enrage them, then running in front of those that have been let loose on a specific course on a town's streets. Set in San Fermin in Pamplona, the most famous run attracts visitors from around the world. Anyone who dares may participate.

Book your trip to Spain today. Call Club ABC Tours at 1-888-TOURS-ABC.