ValenciaCity Breaks in Spain
Barcelona - This vibrant Catalonian capital is blessed with outstanding architecture, from the mediaeval alleyways of the Gothic Quarter to the emphatic decorative art of Gaudi. The 4.5km of superb new beaches, chic cafes, the Port Vell with its new Imax cinema screen, huge aquarium, and nightlife of the "Olympic area" complement the colourful Barceloneta quarter. At the waters edge, the lift to the top of the Christopher Columbus monument offers a glorious view across the city.
Madrid - The main draw for most people coming to Madrid is the world-class art palaces, but there are also numerous parks, museums, tapas bars, nightclubs and restaurants which divert your attention away from your original intentions for the city. The Old Town is pretty easy to navigate and surprisingly small, so you can walk it easily, taking in the breathtaking achitecture at the same time.
Seville - One of the first people to fall in love with Seville was the poet-king Al-Mutamid, and the city's ability to dazzle has not abated since. It takes a stony heart not to be captivated by its exuberant atmosphere - stylish, confident, ancient, proud, yet also convivial, intimate and fun-loving. Visit the historic and best known districts of Seville: Santa Cruz , Triana and la Macarena. Anyway, other districts too, like El Arenal or La Alameda, as the rest of the ancient center of Seville, carry the air of their cultural heritage. But culture is not only expressed in buildings. It is also found in the centuries old folkloric traditions. In Semana Santa (holy week), the streets of the old center of Seville convert into the giant open air stage of the spectacular Easter processions for a week. Only two weeks later to be followed by the April Fair (April 11 - 17, 2005 ). Seville is also the birthplace Flamenco that also has several centuries of history.
Valencia - Spain's third-largest city, and capital of the province of Valencia, comes as a pleasant surprise to many. Home to paella and the Holy Grail, it is also blessed with great weather and the spring festival of Las Fallas, one of the wildest parties in the country.
Bilbao - The Capital of the Basque country in the north of Spain, Bilbao can be accessed by Air, land and Sea. Its a mainly industrial town and a major sea port, but the Basque culture is worth experiencing and the world famous Guggenheim is reason enough to travel there.