A loop through Spain

Toledo is in itself impressive, as it is a walled city with steep roads originally designed to protect it against invaders. It is famous for its gold, which can be purchased (in the form of jewelry) for reasonable prices.

The mosque in Cordoba is striking in its size alone; it covers several city blocks. The inside is quite beautiful as well, with many shrines and elegant architecture.

The true highlight of the trip, however, was La Alhambra in Granada, a completely breaktaking palace with gardens, fountains, and amazing rooms set high above the city.

Quick Tips:

Vegetarians should also be aware that meat is a prominent part of the Spanish diet, and the alternative (especially if you are working with a set menu for the tour as we were)is usually an omelette. Vegetarian dishes can certainly be found, but they take a little work.

Best Way To Get Around:

When touring La Alhambra, you have the option of simply viewing the grounds for the beautiful sights or learning about the history of the palace through guide pamphlets and tours. There are on-site casual restaurants and giftshops selling memorabilia and disposable cameras for those who forgot their own! This is a great spot for those of all ages, with any amount of interest in historical sights. It is simply amazing.

Toledo is a great example of the three cultures that have been dominant/present in Spain throughout its history, Christian (mainly Catholic), Muslim, and Jewish. There are a number of small churches, mosques, and synagogues that can be toured, and the presence of all three in this city gives a nice sense of Spain's history. For those who are not interested in history, these sites are simply beautiful!

Toledo is famous for its gold, and our group took advantage of this fact to buy gold earrings, pill boxes, necklaces, and cufflinks for reasonable prices (this makes Toledo a good spot to buy travel gifts and mementos). There is a small open-air market near several casual eating establishments, providing a perfect place to sit, talk and relax while touring the city. In addition, the quiet history and untouched architecture make Toledo quite a romantic place to spend the day. In general, Toledo is a great spot for an overnight or day trip from Madrid. I recommend it!