International Lodging Corporation

Customized travel services in Spain & Portugal

Sites to See…Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

By

ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Spains-UNESCO-World-Heritage-SitesWith 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain ranks third just behind Italy and China. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers the World Heritage Programme that designates and catalogs places that are of significant cultural or natural importance.

To help you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Spain we have listed below some of the top World Heritage Sites that you won’t want to miss:

Andalucía

  • The Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín (Granada) – for more information, click here
  • Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias (Seville) – for more information, click here
  • Historic Center of Córdoba – for more information, click here
  • Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza

Barcelona

  • Works of Antonio Gaudí – for more information, click here
  • Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau – for more information, click here

Madrid and environs

  • Monastery and Site of El Escorial – for more information, click here
  • Aranjuez Cultural Landscape – for more information, click here
  • University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
  • Historic City of Toledo – for more information, click here
  • Historic Walled Town of Cuenca – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct – for more information, click here
  • Old City of Salamanca – for more information, click here

Extremadura

  • Old Town of Cáceres
  • Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
  • Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) – for more information, click here

Valencia

  • La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia – for more information, click here

For a complete list of Spain’s World Heritage Sites, click here.

Photo Credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved. Photo of Seville’s Cathedral and La Giralda

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Private Walking Tours in Córdoba – 2 & 3 Hours

By

ILC-blog-Private-Tours-Cordoba-SpainOnce the capital of Moorish Spain, Córdoba was the most cultivated and magnificent city in 10th C. Europe. Most visitors are drawn to Córdoba to see the Mezquita, the stunning mosque that was begun in 785 and is considered the most splendid Islamic monument in the western world.

There is more to see in Córdoba beyond the Mezquita, and taking a walking tour with a private guide is the perfect way to explore and discover the secrets and charms of this Andalusian gem.

Choose from either a 2 hour walking tour or a 3 hour walking tour of Córdoba. All tours can be customized to meet your specific interests.

The 2 hour private walking tour includes the following sites:

  • Visit the unique and very ancient Mezquita (mosque), an active Cathedral, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984
  • Explore the medieval Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue (when open)

The 3 hour private walking tour includes the following sites:

  • Visit the unique and very ancient Mezquita (mosque), an active Cathedral, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984
  • Explore the medieval Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue (when open), the Roman Bridge
  • Visit the Renaissance-style gardens of the Alcázar, the ancient fortress of the Catholic Monarchs, or the House of Sefarad Museum

2017 Prices (for up to eight participants) and other info:

2 hour tour:

  • US $250 – Monday through Friday (start time from 9:00am – 5:00pm)
  • US $335 – Saturday, Sunday and Holidays (start time from 9:00am – 5:00pm)

3 hour tour:

  • US $340 – Monday through Friday (start time from 9:00am – 3:30pm)
  • US $430 – Saturday, Sunday and Holidays (start time from 9:00am – 3:30pm)

All tours:

  • Price includes a tour with an official licensed guide for the number of hours specified
  • Price does not include entrance fees and transportation costs (if any), which are extra
  • Common languages available: English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian
  • Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
  • Prices are subject to change

For more information and reservations, contact us.

Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sites to See…What to See in Córdoba (Spain)

By

ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Cordoba-SpainOnce the capital of Moorish Spain, Córdoba was the most cultivated and magnificent city in 10th C. Europe. It is best known for the Mezquita, the stunning mosque that was begun in 785 and is considered the most splendid Islamic monument in the western world.

Today it is a city of about 330,000 inhabitants, with many artistic and architectural riches. Stroll down the narrow, winding streets of the old Jewish quarter and admire the lovely whitewashed homes with flower-filled private patios and balconies.

Here is a list of some of the things to see during your stay in Córdoba:

  • Mezquita – built between the 8th and 10th centuries, the mosque consists of 19 naves divided by marble columns holding 2 levels of red and white arches. A cathedral was built inside the mosque in the 16th C. For more information, click here
  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – a military fortress built in 1328, where Ferdinand and Isabella held court, received Columbus and launched their conquest of Granada. For more information, click here
  • Judería – the labyrinth of streets and little squares conserves the Jewish quarter’s ancient flavor
  • Museum of Archaeology – housed in a beautiful Renaissance palace, the museum displays finds from Córdoba’s varied cultural past.
  • Torre de la Calahorra – tower located on the far side of the Roman Bridge, it is the oldest defense building in town (built in 1369). For more information, click here
  • Calleja de las Flores – a narrow, cobblestone street that is the most photographed in Córdoba. Located close to the north-east corner of the Mezquita, off the Calle Velázquez Bosco.

Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas • All rights reserved.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.