Here is a nice article written by Betsy Goldberg of Virtuoso on her recent visit to Spain with us. Our FAM trip had travel advisors visiting some of Spain’s emblematic cities, and some lesser frequented gems. To read more about some of the hotels click below.

From the Virtuoso Blog -  Just back from Spain

Cordoba, one of Andalucia’s loveliest cities, has just added one more reason to spend the night.

A new initiative has been introduced in Cordoba promoting night-time visits to their Mosque-turned-Cathedral. Its called the Soul of Cordoba “El Alma de Cordoba” and allows a limited number of visitors each evening to experience an extra special illuminated autoguided visit to one of the most singular religious buildings in the world. The “Mezquita-Catedral” is a UNESCO ‘World Heritage Monument and in our opinion one of the must see sites in Europe. 

Cordoba’s period of greatest glory began in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest, and by the 11^th century the city had had become the centre of a great realm renowned for its artistic and intellectual predominance and its liberal tolerance of other religions. After the Christian conquest, In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, Cordoba’s Great Mosque was turned into a cathedral. The structure was maintained and several chapels were built. Later the heavy, incongruous Baroque choir was sanctioned in the very heart of the mosque by Charles V in the 1520s. Artists and architects continued to add to the existing structure until the late 18th century, making the Mezquita an intriguing architectural oddity with styles spanning 8 centuries.

The Alma de Cordoba night-time visit costs 18 Euros and begins from 8pm to 10:30 depending on the time of year. The visits  last approximately one hour. Ask us to include this in your next customized trip plan for Southern Spain.

www.elalmadecordoba.com

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 Great news from one of Europe’s top museums! The Prado Museum announced last week that it will be open for every day of the week, no longer closing every Monday. This measure will go into effect first only for the exhibition of “The Hermitage in the Prado” which will be open Monday to Sunday beginning on November 8, 2011. The permanent collection of the museum will begin opening daily beginning on January 16^th, 2012. The Prado, which has a general entry fee of 10 Euros (about $14), will remain open even on Good Friday, when it has traditionally been closed; it will be closed only three days a year, Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25 This improvement in service to the public will also see an increase in the hours that the museum allows free entry. Visitors will now be able to enjoy the museum for free every day during the last two opening hours. (Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm and Sunday from 5pm to 7pm)The Monday opening is an effort to guarantee the sustainability of the museum in the coming years with a goal of eventually generating 60 percent of its operating budget through entry fees and other income to help offset reductions in government support in the weakened European economy.

Velazquez’s – The Surrender of Breda or The Lances  – Part of the Prado’s permanent collection.

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Catch up with us at ILTM in Cannes!  The International Luxury Travel Market (5-8 December, 2011) is the leading annual business to business event for the global luxury travel community. The world’s most sought after destinations and unique travel experiences are showcased for the most discerning international luxury travel buyer. As an Inbound Operator will be attending ILTM and will be located within the Tourist Office of Spain booth.  Buyers, If you are attending we would love to see you at one of our pre-scheduled appointments or at some other time if you prefer.  We are looking forward to seeing the best of the best of the luxury travel industry!

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New Issue of Virtuoso Life features Valencia and Morocco. 

Valesa Cultural Services has been a proud Virtuoso preferred supplier for the past 20 years. We are an “On-Site” for Spain and Portugal and enjoy working with top travel agents from around the world to create bespoke Spanish and Portuguese travel experiences for their clients.

September Issue:

“From Valencia to Morocco you’ll discover new and exciting ways to satisy your travel cravings. Add to that, American Whiskey, Urugay’s wines, sprinkle in a few top Chefs and its a recipe for success.” 

 ”Chef’s Table: Page 118 – Top toques dish on their favorite destinations, their inspirations, a where they eat on their nights off.

MOROCCO: Land of Dates and Honey: Page 128 – A culinary journey through Marrakech leaves no taste bud untickled.

VALENCIA : All Fired Up: Page 140 – In Valencia, a recipe for satisfied travelers: Great food, groundbreaking architecture, and unabashed pyromania

Why Do It Yourself: Page 36 – Now serving: Gourmet Paris and the Loire for a group.

Also, you won’t want to miss – The Virtuoso Traveler on page 54 – For experiences that run deep, Lima’s Luis Humberto Zazzali taps into his travel advisor’s expertise

Read the complete current Sept 2011 edition of VIRTUOSO LIFE here!
© 2011 Virtuoso, LTD.