Visit Monserrat and enjoy one of the most spectacular mountain views of Catalunya

For many tourists a trip to Montserrat close to Barcelona is the highlight of their visit. Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat called Santa Maria de Montserrat.
It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. Not only is it of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.

"Montserrat" literally means "saw mountain" in Catalan. It describes its peculiar aspect with multitude of rock formations which are visible from a great distance. The mountain is composed of strikingly pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock. Montserrat is also Spain's first National Park and the namesake for the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

Explore the "Enchanted City" near Cuenca with Incantato Tours

The Ciudad Encantada (English: Enchanted City) is a geological site near the city of Cuenca, in Spain in which the erosive forces of the nearby Júcar river, ice and wind have modelled the rocks into stunning distinctive and memorable shapes. Some of the rock formations that have been named Seta (English: mushroom), Puente (English: bridge), Cara (English: face), Amantes (English: lovers) or La tortuga (English: turtle).

Ciudad Encantada was declared a "Natural Site of National Interest" on 11 June, 1929. The surreal landscape appears in different movies such as Conan the Barbarian from 1982.

¡Bienvenidos a Valencia!

Spain's third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona is Valencia. It is located on Spain's coastline, has a warm climate and is situated in the middle of a fertile plain of orange groves and market gardens.
The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and later conquered by the Moors.
The three finest buildings in Valencia - Torres de Serranos, Cathedral de Valencia and La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia - were built in the 14th and 15th century, when the city economically prospered.

Torres de Serranos
The tower was erected in 1491 as a triumphal arch in the city's walls. It is a gateway that combines defensive and decorative features and the two towers are crowned with battlements and lightened by delicate Gothic tracery.

The Cathedral de Valencia
The original cathedral was built in 1262, however much has been added over the centuries. The three doorways are in different styles, the oldest of which is the Romanesque Puerta del Palau. The Cathedral's bell tower, the Miguelete, is Valencia's main landmark.  

Lonja de la Seda de Valencia - The Silk Exchange
Built in the 15th century, the Silk Exchange is Valencia's jewel of European Gothic civil architecture. The majority of the exchange was built between 1482 and 1492. After the master mason Pere Compte's death, a student completed the work, adding some Renaissance elements. Similarly to old medieval castles, the Silk Exchange is based on a fierce, fortress-like appearance re-enforced by its stone walls. The complete site, consisting of the Sea Consulate Room, the Orange tree Patio, and the Room of Columns, covers more than 2,000 square meters. It is considered one of Europe's most beautiful examples of Gothic civil architecture and for that was also added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites.

Have a look at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Barcelona

Did you that know that Barcelona has several sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

Here are just a few examples of the many sights to see while you are visiting this vibrant city:

La Sagrada Familia: This iconic cathedral from the 19th century was first started by architect Francisco de Paula, who had originally envisioned a Neogothic building. However, when the famous Spanish architect Gaudi took over the project in 1883, he soon began to change the project to his own personal and very distinctive style. He was only able to finish the chapel of San Jose, the crypt and the door of El Nacimiento before he died.

La Casa Mila "La Pedrera": A masterpiece built and designed by Antoni Gaudi also on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites is the so-called "La Pedrera" House.
It is one of the best-known works by the architect and one of the symbols of Barcelona. Built between 1906 and 1912, everything in this building is curved and undulating. Reflecting Modernist techniques and tendencies, there are chimneys and sculptures on the roof, large windows and iron balconies set into the stone walls on the outside and the interior consists of two painted courtyards.


Palacio Guell: Antoni Gaudi created the small Guell Palace during the 19th century on top of basements and columns. The site features a dome, stained glass windows and stairs that create an optical illusion to make the palace seem larger. The entrance doors are iron work with coiled sculptures snakes and the terrace is a veritable outdoor museum.

Palau de la Musica Catalana: The Palau de la Musica Catalana Auditorium was inaugurated in 1908. It took the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner three years to complete what is now one of the world's major concert halls. An excellent example of Modernism, the interior is decorated with ceramic mosaics and glass with floral motives.

Discover Cuenca with Incantato Tours

Castilla-La Mancha, the central region of Spain with its windmills and medieval castles, was made famous by Cervantes in Don Quixote's adventures. 

In this region that you will come across the monument-filled city of Cuenca, a picturesque town with a historical center that looks out over rocky canyon walls in the heart of the Cuenca mountains. Cuenca's old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list precisely for its wealth of monuments.

At the heart of the old town is Plaza Mayor. You can find the 18th-century Baroque town hall at the south end. However, one of the first sights you may notice is the Torre Mangana, a ruined tower at the top of the town and all that remains of an Arab fortress that once stood here. With winding, narrow streets, this Gothic and Renaissance city's main sight to see is the Cathedral, construction on which began in the 12th century. It is one of the most original works of Spanish Gothic, with Anglo-Norman influences. The cathedral's treasures, now housed in the Palacia Episcopal, include painting by El Greco. Also not to be missed are the 14th-century Hanging Houses, which jut out over a ravine and were once used as a summer residence for the royal family. They have now been converted into the Museum of Abstract Art.

News from Madrid, presented by Incantato Tours

In the past, Madrid has often been considered the stately, classical cousin to the cooler, hipper Barcelona. However, the ambiance of Spain's capital is changing and it is evolving into a trendy destination in its own right.

One of the main contributors to this transformation has been the emerging and contemporary art exhibitions and there has also been a spike in shopping venues opened with international visitors in mind. 
One of the events to watch is the fourth annual Apertura contemporary art exhibition, presented by the ARTE Madrid Association of Art Galleries. The festival features simultaneous activities at museums and some 50 galleries city-wide.  

There will also be the first ever Summa, a fair hosted by the Matadero Madrid cultural center, that will showcase everything from emerging art and photography to gastronomy. The Matadero center itself is also a happening venue, with year-round events and exhibitions. Located in the previously less touristed Arganzueal district, the center has revitalized that part of the city. 
If shopping is more of interest to you than art, be sure to watch out for the Las Rozas Village. It is a large complex that acts not only as a tourist draw, but is also set to help revive the country's down economy. Close to Gran Via is also TriBail, featuring young designers, appealing shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

An addition to the thriving shopping and art scene, the San Anton Markethas also been a valuable addition to what Madrid has to offer. Situated in the popular neighborhood of Chueco, which is a hub of welcoming restaurants, this modern, refurbished market offers visitors typical season Spanish products in a three-story building. The building originally dates back to the 19th century, but it was modernized in 2002 and finally opened in 2011. San Anton is not a market in the traditional sense, but a combination between market, show cooking and restaurant. 

On the first floor, vendors present stands of food from hamburgers to a selection of more than 60 types of bread, vegetables and fruit. On the second floor, there is a tasting area, as well as the opportunity to purchase Spanish and international cuisine to go. A restaurant is located on the third floor where typical products form the market below are cooked. It also features a terrace lounge with a view. 

For more news from Travel Weekly, please click here. 

Fun Facts about Madrid

• Being the most visited city in Spain it is also the third most populated city in Europe after London (UK) and Berlin (Germany).
• Its sister city in the USA is New York City.
• According to FIFA, Real Madrid C.F. is the world's most successful soccer club of the 20th century. Their stadium is called Bernabéu, and is located in Chamartín in the North of Madrid.
• The well-known dance Flamenco was originated here. There is however a misunderstanding of the word “Flamenco” as many people think this is just a dance, but in fact it is a mixture such art forms as guitar playing, dancing and singing.
• Madrid hosts the largest Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas (bullring) in Spain, established in 1929. Las Ventas is considered by many to be the world center of bullfighting and has a seating capacity of almost 25,000.
• The Royal Botanic Garden or Real Jardin Botanico was an 18th century creation. It was used as a base for the plant species being collected across the globe.
• Madrid enjoys more cloudless days than almost any other city in Europe.
• Madrid decided to give its answer to Disney World and now Warner Brothers Movie World is located here. Everyone now has an opportunity to enjoy the rides and feel like a kid again.
  
  
• Madrid's official symbol of the bear on its hind legs eating berries from the madroño tree is a metaphor for Madrid's growth and represents possession and ownership of wood which is necessary for constructing buildings. 
  
   

Protecting Yourself and Your Investment: Travel Insurance

Dear La Canada HS Travelers, 

As indicated on the registration form, it is mandatory for all tour participants to obtain travel insurance to protect your investment in case you have to cancel for a medical situation, loss of luggage or various other reasons.

Our recommended insurance option is described below along with an online link to Travel Guard. 

We highly recommend this company based on a long and excellent relationship. TravelGuard has a variety of policies including a family plan.

In order for us to keep track of travel insurance for your group, please sign up through these links connected with Incantato Tours. Click here to get a Travel Guard Insurance quote.

Incantato Tours strongly recommends getting Travel Guard travel insurance for your upcoming journey as they have been a very reliable partner and provide excellent services, but we also know that you may have a different preferred supplier or are already covered under another policy. Again, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is mandatory for all Incantato Tours travelers. 

Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip.There is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage etc.

Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online and can you do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.

In the meantime, have a look at the most comprehensive coverage option the "Protect Assist Gold" below. We recommend this packet especially to our travelers who do not have the US-citizenship and need to apply for a tourist visa for Europe. 

Protect Assist (Gold) - Comprehensive Travel Protection for the World Traveler

Trip Cancellation JUST ADDED! - Trip Cancellation due to employment loss or layoff if employed with the same employer 1 year or longer Trip Interruption and Travel Delay Emergency Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation Baggage and Travel Document Protection Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Tracking NEW - Cancel For Any Reason option now available NEW - Cancel For Work Reasons option now available NEW - Children age 17 and under covered at no additional cost IMPROVED -Trip Cancellation limit increased to $100,000 (from $15,000),  IMPROVED - Trip Interruption coverage increased to 150% of Trip Cost IMPROVED - Travel Delay required hours reduced to 5 hours (from 12) ProtectAssist special features: Best coverage for Weather Related Cancellations Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* Default/Bankruptcy Protection* $50,000 Flight Accident Insurance* 24-Hour "LiveTravel" Travel Agency Emergency Cash Transfers Identity Theft Restoration * These additional benefits apply If you are purchasing within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, however, coverage may still be purchased at any time up to 24 hours prior to departure. Increase your coverage with these valuable additions to your Protect Assist Plan: Cancel For Any Reason – 50% reimbursement of nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to your departure. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Cancel For Work Reasons – Offers additional work-related reasons for cancellation or interruption. Also includes our exclusive “Business Assistant” services if you have work obligations during your travels. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Umbrella Package – Medical Expense limits are doubled and coverage is upgraded to primary. Emergency Medical Transportation limits are doubled and benefits upgraded to take you home or to the hospital of your choice. $25,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage will be added Optional coverages cannot be purchased separately. Must be purchased with base ProtectAssist plan.

Comprehensive non-insurance travel services* automatically included with plan! With the ProtectAssist plan, every customer also has access to these valuable travel services when they travel:

· Arrangements for last-minute flight changes
· Hotel finder and reservations
· Rental car reservations
· Emergency medical assistance
· BagTrak® -- lost baggage tracking
· Pre-trip health and safety advisories
· Live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends
· Cash transfers
· Airport transportation
· Golf course reservations
· Event ticketing
· Floral services
· Identity Theft restoration

Business Assistant* (available when Optional Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is purchased)

*Non-Insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.

Eligibility

Citizenship: All Nationalities

Residency: United States

New York, Oregon, and Washington residence please call to purchase
Some rider options are not available and other restrictions may apply
Destination: Worldwide
Ages: All Ages
Max Trip Length: 365 Days

Incantato Introduction: Spanish Cuisine

The Spanish food tradition has varied ancestry, though most Spanish dishes have rather humble origins and are the result of ingredients put together by farmers or shepherd families - many times using leftovers, or at the very least products from their own farms and orchards.
Mountains run through Spain in several directions, acting as natural barriers to communication and making transportation difficult until the last half of the 20th century. This is one of the reasons why cooking differs so much from region to region. Many times the only common ingredients are olive oil and garlic, the two basic ingredients of Spanish food!
Many dishes are prepared today using the same cooking methods and ingredients as they were two or three hundred years ago. Other dishes sprung up from European and American influences and were adapted to the Spanish taste. One thing is for sure, food in Spain is fresh, abundant and full of taste and the Spanish love their food dearly.

Unquestionably pork is par excellence the most favorite Spanish meat:
the Spanish like to make use of all of the ingredients they can and often include a number of different meats in the same dish.
Of course there are many other meats served in Spanish tables including lamb, beef and chicken. But Spaniards are not exclusively carnivorous, there are many vegetarian stews and other dishes that are enjoyed from North to South, from East to West. Vegetables are grown throughout the country, and the varied climates and terrains in Spain mean that a variety of different vegetables are grown. As a result, the vegetable dishes in Spain tend to also vary from place to place.

But what makes Spanish food so popular? The answer is simple it is the quality and variety of the ingredients used. For instance, it was the Romans that imported rice to Spain, giving way to the creation of the Valencian paella and many other rice dishes. Since then, these dishes have come to form part of the typical dishes of Spain and are a definite must for any travelers who are planning on visiting Spain and doing a bit of gastronomic tourism.

There is also a great variety of seafood, including fish and crustaceans from the coast areas, which are used in the preparation of many delicious dishes. The fish industry in Spain is extremely important and forms part of the livelihood of many of the population. Furthermore, Spain is a country that is blessed with such a large and varied coastline, including the Bay of Biscay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This gives rise to a whole manner of different species of fish and seafood being available for Spanish chefs. Therefore the range of Spanish seafood dishes is endless!

When it comes to sweet things, Spain has a very rich dessert tradition. On one hand it was also influenced by the Moors, and on the other many of them are centuries old creations from nun convents. 
If you have a sweet tooth we recommend you to sample some of the many deserts Spain has to offer for a example Churros, Spain’s answer to a donut, a crunchy, deep-fried sweet snack that resembles the horns of the churro sheep. It is mostly served with hot chocolate to dip it in.

¡Buen provecho!

Incantato Welcomes You to Spain!

¡Damas y caballeros, bienvenidas y bienvenidos a España!

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a member state of the European Union since 1986 and is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.

Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar; to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the northwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco.

With an area of 505,955 km², Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France and is amongst the fifty largest countries in the world. Since January 1, 2010, Spain has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Because of its location, the territory of Spain was subject to many external influences, often simultaneously, since prehistoric times and through the dawn of Spain as a country. Conversely, the country itself has been an important source of influence to other regions, chiefly during the Modern Era, when it became a global empire that has left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today, making it the world's second most spoken language by native speakers. Spain is a democracy organized in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy.

The Spanish population stands at over 47 million, with an average density of just 93.4 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The life expectancy in Spain is one of the highest in the world (approximately 82,1 years). Life expectancy for Spanish women, at 85 years, is also one of the highest in the European Union. Around 15% of the Spanish population is under 16 years old, while approximately 15% are over 65. Nevertheless, Spain's population is still quite young in comparison to that of other European countries.

Since Spain has still a monarchy the members of the Spanish royal family enjoy the affection and respect of the Spanish people. The royal family is made up of H.M. the King Juan Carlos, H.M. the Queen Sofía, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Felipe and Letizia, and their daughters, Leonor and Sofía.

Spain, is one of the warmest countries in Europe and has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. Here you can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. It is no surprise, then, that this is also one of the warmest parts of Europe.
When talking of weather, special mention should be made of the Canary Islands. Their special location, facing the coast of Africa, gives them a benign climate with mild temperatures with only small temperature differences between day and night, whatever the season.

The currency in Spain is the Euro, as in other European Union countries. The Euro is divided into 100 cents.
• There are eight different coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 Euro.
• And seven different bank notes, for the following amounts: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro.