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by Bertha Morales
I started traveling with my parents when I was just a kid, mostly going on road trips through upstate New York, New Jersey, other northeast cities, and at least three trips down to Florida before my parents decided to move to Miami. My father always made us feel safe on our trips. He was a safe driver and took all the necessary precautions to ensure we were prepared for any unforeseen situations on the road.
Over the years I have gone on many road trips, some for two or three days, others like one of my most recent one, for almost a month - And I can easily say this trip was one of the best trips of my life time.
We flew in and out of Madrid and spent almost a whole month driving through beautiful cities and villages; mostly in Spain and France, but also visited a couple of cities in Portugal.
The roads were awesome, we felt safe, and our “Tom Tom” (GPS system) helped us get everywhere without the slightest error.
I must admit a lengthy trip in Europe can be quite expensive, however, if you do your homework you can make an excellent and unforgettable trip through Europe that won't make you feel too guilty.
Below are the main cities we visited. In some we just stopped for lunch and an afternoon stroll, in others we overnighted for one, two or three nights, depending on distances driven between them or how much we wanted to do while there. The names of each one of them provide a link that may assist you in planning your own road trip through Spain, France and Portugal. So read on and click on those you are interested in reading more about.
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Calle Alcalá (Alcala Street)
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Madrid, the city where Victor Manuel de la Fuente was born (my Great Grandfather), is also one of my favorite cities. The food, the nightlife, the culture and the people are just some of my favorite things. I never get tired of visiting Madrid. It has so much to offer and so much to see. I recommend you do your homework ahead of time and know what shows to see, where to dine and what tours to take before you get there.
http://www.spain.info/
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Puente Lusitania
(Lusitania Bridge)
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Merida - The splendorous history of Merida can be observed in the monumental and archaeological ensemble that it keeps, one of the best preserved in Spain. http://www.spain.info/
Lisbon is a city with both river and coastline. It is a beautiful city at the center of a region rich in diversity. Perhaps this is why Lisbon is a city that is full of life. Here people have an exuberant party spirit, doing things spontaneously for the sheer pleasure of spending time in the company of others.
http://www.visitlisboa.com
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Castelo dos Mouros
(The Moorish Castle) |
Sintra, a beautiful town at the foot of the mountain range of the same name with unique characteristics and natural riches, as well as the historic buildings in the town and mountains.
http://www.visitportugal.com
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Panoramic view of Huelva
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Huelva has some of the best beaches on the Andalusian coast, like Punta Umbría, Isla Cristina and the important tourist centre of Matalascañas. Within the wide range of hotels on the coast, the Paradors at Ayamonte and Mazagón deserve a mention. http://www.spain.info/
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Palacio de San Telmo
(San Telmo Palace)
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Sevilla is a jovial and fun city that young people readily identify with. When it comes to nightlife, the city has a wide variety of places to go. If visiting the city in summer time, you are strongly recommended to frequent the many restaurant and bar terraces set up along the banks of the river. This city has been credited with the invention of the Tapas and there could be well into a thousand bars where the choice of food is enormous. The hotels in Sevilla are restored as well-maintained town houses or mansions arranged around a typical Andalusian courtyard. This is an experience not to be missed as they are available in all price ranges. http://www.spain.info/
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Paseo Campo del Sur
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Cádiz - A visit might begin in Puerta Tierra, the entry point through the walls and the dividing line between modern and old Cádiz. On one side, wide avenues, beaches, sailing clubs and modern sporting facilities. On the other, a Cádiz with more flavor and history, that of the old districts, fishing district and center of the local tradition of satirical verses, or Santa María - living temple to Flamenco. http://www.spain.info/
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Calle El Bravo
(El Bravo Street)
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Tarifa is the easternmost end of the Peninsula. Open to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the city has vast beaches, furiously lashed by east winds.
http://www.spain.info/
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Málaga offers countless spots and corners full of local colour. One of the best options for accomodations in Málaga is the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, located next to the Castle. Golf lovers have an extra incentive to visit Málaga, since it has some thirty courses scattered around the entire province, some of which are ranked among the best in Europe. http://www.spain.info/
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Playa de Almuñecar
(Almuñecar Beach)
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Granada - At the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, lies one of the most interesting cities in eastern Andalusia. An impressive Andalusian legacy meets architectural gems from the Renaissance and the most modern facilities, typical of the 21st century. Because of its great communications, its marvelous climate, its beaches, and its snowy mountains, Granada is a unique destination for cultural, adventure and business travel. http://www.spain.info/
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Plaza de Julián Romea
(Julian Romea Plaza)
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Murcia - A chain of mountains surrounds the plain which Murcia sits upon, a city of Arab origin whose existence is closely linked to the fertile lands around the river Segura. From among its streets of guilds emerges the tower of the Cathedral, one of the symbols of the city. http://www.spain.info/
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Playa del Postiguet
(Postiguet Beach)
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Alicante - Located in the middle of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is one of the most important tourist destinations, located in the Spanish east coast. The many golf courses, along with the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea, are part of the appeal of this beautiful harbour city, which sits at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara, a silent witness to the numerous civilizations to have settled here. http://www.spain.info/
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Plaza del Ayuntamiento
(Ayuntamiento Plaza / City Council Plaza)
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Valencia - Famous around the world for its Fallas festival and its delicious Paella, Valencia is sought after, both as a tourist destination and for holding meetings and events. Washed by the Mediterranean Sea, its excellent climate is one of its main advantages. Access from European capitals is easy thanks to its international airport, just 8 kilometres from the city center. http://www.spain.info/
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Casa Batlló (Batllo House)
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Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city that incorporates Roman remains in its urban street patterns, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avant-garde art. The city where the emblematic buildings of Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Luis Doménech i Montaner offer extraordinary culture. But Barcelona's culture is not only evident in its buildings, parks and outdoor sculptures, it is also found in its countless museum collections. Artists of the stature of Picasso, Miró, Tàpies and Gaudí, have museums entirely devoted to collect their works. Artistic pieces from all periods are kept in the city's History Museum, the Museum of the History of Catalonia, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Barcelona's cuisine is a showcase for the greatest of Catalonian recipes.
http://www.spain.info/
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Port de Marseille
(Port of Marseille) |
Marseille, the oldest city in France, dates back to 600 bc. Its inviting shoreline offers opportunities for bathing and water sports. The sandy, landscaped beaches extend as far as Grotte Rolland. Parts of the shoreline passed Grotte Rolland, the terrain becomes more diversified with unspoiled “calanques” (a deep, narrow inlet where the sea has rushed in and formed a natural little cove), and creeks, where the clear water provides welcome coolness. They say that Marseille belongs to those that come by sea and this is proven to be true as Marseille has the second pleasure boat complex in Europe and the first in France with 14 marinas and 8,600 berths. http://us.franceguide.com/
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Lyon offers you an unusual journey through time and across cultures, with its center listed as a world heritage site. Its narrow streets, its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages), bustling quays and the big squares of the peninsula with over 200 floodlit sites at night make Lyon an interesting place to visit by day or night.
http://us.franceguide.com/
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Musee du Louvre
(Louvre Museum)
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Paris, the city of lights, is always bursting with activity; openings of new venues follow the re-openings of old ones. Paris offers an excellent lifestyle. There is a wide range of accommodation options, lots of restaurants, nightlife and plenty of different activities. You can take to the streets on a bicycle or on rollerblades and recharge your batteries in one of the parks and gardens. Paris is a picture perfect city and one you can't miss when visiting Europe.
http://us.franceguide.com/
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Vins de Bordeaux
(Wines of Bordeaux) |
Bordeaux is in the heart of the largest fine wine region in the world. Bordeaux is a city of art, culture and history which has extraordinary 18th century architecture.
http://us.franceguide.com/
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Playa de la Concha
(Shell Beach)
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San Sebastián, a city with traditional Basque cuisine, where modern and creative forms of cooking are on offer in the form of "pintxos", "banderillas", “tapas” and "cashuelitas" (different kinds of small dishes) which, accompanied by cider, "txakoli" or good wines satisfy the most demanding palates. The unrivalled concentration of distinguished restaurants are signs of a city with wonderful cuisine. http://www.spain.info/
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Fiestas de San Fermín
(San Fermin Celebrations)
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Pamplona is a city where tradition and modernity live harmoniously side by side. Famous worldwide for the running of the bulls in San Fermín. During this event, the streets of Pamplona are a 24-hour party, where the bull is the star. Night and day, risk and excitement go hand in hand with high spirits and ongoing celebrations.
http://www.spain.info/
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Palacio de la Aljafería
(Palace of the Aljaferia)
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Zaragoza - In Zaragoza a spectacular year-round cultural program awaits you. Fun is assured with wonderful nightlife at any time of year. Pubs, nightclubs, bars and terrace bars open their doors until the early hours of the morning.
http://www.spain.info/
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Vista panoramica de Bilbao
(Panoramic view of Bilbao)
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Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis with a population of more than a million people. Situated in the Territory of Bizkaia, the city is surrounded by fertile landscapes, with forests, mountains, beaches and steep coasts, which make Bilbao an excellent destination for any traveler. http://www.spain.info/
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Puerto de Santander
(Santander Port)
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Santander is an elegant city which extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Situated halfway between the sea and the mountains, Santander has a particular mixture of ingredients in its gastronomy, and in general.
http://www.spain.info/
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Castropol-Villa de Castropol (Castropol Villa) |
Castropol is a small fishing village in Asturias, on the high east bank of the Ribadeo River. It is also the village where part of my husband's family was from and the main reason for our visit. One of the best places throughout our trip where we enjoyed all the seafood we wanted and at very moderate prices. Service was phenomenal as well at Restaurante Peña Mar. http://www.spain.info/
http://www.complejopenamar.com/restaurante.html
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La Coruña is situated beside the Atlantic Ocean. It's a historic city whose history has maintained close links with its old fishing and commercial port.
http://www.spain.info/
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Region of Galicia. Millions of people from all over the world come to this city every year. In Santiago, gastronomy is an active part of the culture of the city. There is a spectacular array of restaurants, bars and taverns, with prices to suit every budget, quality is what they all have in common. Here you will eat well and plenty.
http://www.spain.info/
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Crucero de las Islas Cíes (Cruise to the Cies Isles)
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Vigo. In the Galician province of Pontevedra, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the city that lends its name to the southernmost estuary of the Rías Baixas - Vigo. Its fishing origin has left a historic quarter with a strong maritime flavor, which contrasts with the modern facilities of its marinas.
http://www.spain.info/
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Panomara de Puebla de Sanabria (Panomaric view of Puebla de Sanabria) |
Puebla de Sanabria, recognized as a historic-artistic site, it still preserves most of the walls which once protected the city. The town also has a great many ancestral homes and mansions decorated with old coats of arms dotted among its narrow streets. http://www.spain.info/ |
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Catedral Vieja
(Old Cathedral)
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Salamanca is in the central area of Spain, 212 kilometers from Madrid. Universal, magnificent, wise, young and golden, this city is an inland destination well worth discovering. http://www.spain.info/
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Vista nocturna de Avila
(Nocturnal view of Avila)
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Avila rises under the shelter of the Gredos Sierra, behind the walls of Castile-León. A priceless compound concealed, made up of Renaissance churches and palaces. http://www.spain.info/
After visiting Avila, we continued on back to Madrid where we spent an additional couple of days making our final rounds to shop and take on a few additional sights before we flew back home.
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Below you will find a few additional links for hotels, restaurants and other resources that may assist you in your travel plans should you decide to go on a similar road trip in Europe.
My recommendations when traveling anywhere is to do your own research in advance, check out the places you would like to see, learn what others think about those places and then make your own conclusions.
What I can say for sure, is that this road trip was an unforgettable one and I would do it all over again if I have the chance to.
InterContinenal Hotel Madrid, a luxury landmark on Paseo de la Castellana, one of the city's most famed thoroughfares. The Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Real Madrid Museum, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the elegant Serrano shopping street, and the Royal Palace of Madrid are all a few minutes away. For reservations and additional information on this hotel, visit their website InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
Sobrino de Botín, previously known as Casa Botín and believed to be the oldest restaurant in the world (since 1725). We had a great experience at this restaurant, the food was delicious and the service was right-on! It seems everyone wants to dine at the old Casa Botín when visiting Madrid. www.casabotin.com.
Museo del Jamón have several locations throughout Madrid, however there are great places throughout the entire country to try Spain's Iberico Ham, Manchego cheese and other great Tapas such as the Chorizos, the Serrano ham, Octopus and many other delicacies. http://www.museodeljamon.es/mj.html
Corral de la Moreria is one of the best Flamenco shows in Madrid.
http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/ingles/flamenco.html
Yasmin, “international fusion” may be a good description for the food at this stylish and modern restaurant. Nice music and great prices (Rua da Moeda, 1a Sao Paulo, Baixa, Lisbon, Tel: 213 930 074, www.yasmin-lx.com)
Lisbon Marriott Hotel, one of the best hotels in Lisbon, provides a warm welcome and great service overall.
www.marriott.com
Paris Marriott Hotel Champs Elysees, the only hotel on the celebrated Champs Elysees. Revered among hotels in Paris for its luxury and location. www.marriott.com
La Riuá (C/Mar 27, Valencia, Tel: 963914571) and Elche (Vila Vilá 71, Barcelona, Tel: 934413089, www.restaurantelche.com) have been the best two restaurants where I have experienced an authentic Paella.
Tenorio, a great restaurant for both its menu and service. It also offers magnificent décor (Passeig de Gracia 37, Barcelona, Tel: 932720592 or 94)
La Rotonde Montparnasse owns its popularity both to its location, and its menu (105, Boul. Montparnasse, Paris, Tel: 01 43 26 48 26). http://www.rotondemontparnasse.com/anglais.htm
Chartier. Busy restaurant with turn-of-the-century décor, good food and great prices (7 Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre - 9th, Paris, Tel: 0147708629).
La Braisiere, offers pleasant atmosphere and excellent food. Great choice for lunch, and if you are not looking to spend too much, it may be a good choice for dinner as well (54 rue Cardinet, Paris, Tel: 0147634037).
There were many other great restaurants, nightclubs and hotels visited during our road trip, but we also enjoyed stopping at the foot of a mountain or near the ocean shore after going to one of their local markets to buy some good cheese, bread and wine.
Through the links made available for each of the cities, as well as those for the restaurants, hotels and other links we have provided here, you will be able to do plenty of research to find the places that will be right for you.
I also recommend Zagat.com as a great resource to learn about restaurants. The official websites for Portugal, Spain and France also found in our Destinations Page will also be a great resource. You may also book your hotels through the links provided in our Destinations Page.
Hope you have enjoyed our Road Trip in Europe - We sure did! And I hope you will enjoy your next trip where ever your travels may take you.
Our Thanks to the Official Tourism Office of Spain for their assistance with some of the information and photography provided in this article.
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