I was just thinking, dangerous I know, that people ask us all the time about which are our favorite places after all of our travels. It’s a tough question for us because we have loved so many that our answer seems to change with our mood. But when someone asked about Europe the other day we weren’t sure what to say.
We have been smitten with Italy for a long time, ever since I used to work there a lot back in the nineties, and France is big on our list now because our daughter and grandchildren live in Paris. But it just hit me that we seldom think of Spain. I don’t know why because we have been many times and always loved it.
So I think it’s time to fix that and start singing the praises of Spain. That got us looking and we found two cities that we have not visited before, Seville and Zaragoza. They are certainly not as well known as Barcelona or Madrid, but there are plenty of good reasons to visit both.
We are more familiar with Seville, because you know, the barber and all, so let’s start there. But before we get into our exploration, we need to find a place to stay. From our previous trips to Spain we know that ILUNION hotels are some of the best in the country, so the ILUNION Alcora Sevilla is our top pick. They, like all ILUNION properties, offer accessible rooms and welcome all pets and service animals so that everyone, including people with reduced mobility, can enjoy all of the comforts and services of this 4 star property.
Better yet, the fantastic rooms and amenities are included in special discount rates for Early Booking and Long Stays. So we can enjoy a beautiful room, gorgeous pools and gardens, and all the wonderful options without spending a fortune.
While we were making our plans we decided that early spring is the perfect time to go. The weather could not be better, and the orange blossoms are in bloom. Not only do we get to stroll through the over 40,000 orange trees, but we also have the magical aroma to surround us for our stay.
They make a perfect backdrop for visiting the Cathedral of Seville, which is one of, if not the, largest church in the world. We hear that it depends on how it is measured with volume being the key factor. And we definitely must see the palace Real Alcázar, not just for the awesome gardens and extravagant architecture, but to stand in the room where Christopher Columbus planned his journey to the Americas.
Then, just when the orange blossoms are fading, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, begins. This year it starts on March 27th and Seville is known as one of the best places in Europe for experiencing the celebration leading up to Easter with floats, parades, and pageantry throughout the city.
Our timing couldn’t be better to continue our trek because Zaragoza also throws quite a celebration for Semana Santa, so we can check out both. Better yet, there is also the ILUNION Romareda in Zaragoza so our hotel needs are all taken care of. We hear that the breakfast is really something special and, as always, they are pet and family friendly.
Located near both the Romareda football stadium and the National Auditorium, this modern hotel has quick, easy access to the Delicias train station and is only a half an hour from the airport. But it is the more ancient attractions of the city that caught our attention.
Zaragoza was once a thriving Roman metropolis named for Emperor Augustus, and quite a bit of the ancient archaeological artifacts still remain. The Forum, Thermal Baths, and the Great Theater, all portray the history and grandeur of the city as it was during the Roman Empire.
About a thousand years later the Moors built the amazing Aljafería Palace, which we would more likely call a castle. At least that’s how it looks to us from the outside. Inside is another story. From the marble floors to the incredible details on the archways and ceilings, the entire residence shouts royal palace.
After our palatial explorations we should be needing a bite to eat. We don’t know why but all of that luxury makes us hungry. Good thing Zaragoza is well known for having plenty of great tapas bars. We hear that the best ones are in the old city, known as Casco Viejo.
Several excellent establishments offer classic bites, including Seafood tapas. Some have specials called a Tabla, which is a wooden plate of cheese and sausages served with a bottle of wine at a discount price. Sounds good to us.
Almost as good as discovering Seville and Zaragoza.
David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com
