Jewish tours of Spain

The Jewish tours of Spain are awesome especially if they are planned properly. Some people may not know why there are Jews in Spain. After the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, and the defeat of Palestine by Romans in A.D70, many Jews were driven away from Israel. The largest number of them went to Spain, and now they are called Sephardic Jews of Spain. They have lived in this country for several decades and have gathered interesting history about their former persecutions, sufferings and prosperous moments. Therefore the Jewish tours of Spain allow tourists to explore the Jewish heritage and traditions.

The tour is mainly focused on many cities. The following are four of those cities:

Barcelona – This is the second largest city in Spain preceded by Madrid, and it is located in a coastal area. Tourists have many things to see and do in Barcelona during their Jewish tours of Spain. Gerona is a good example of an attraction site which is described as the center for the rebirth of medieval Jewish mysticism, and the foundation for the well-known Rabbeinu Yonah and Nachmanides. A visit to the local Jewish museum is to view a few of the oldest tombstones in the whole of Europe, and the tenth century Mikveh can also be very exciting. Other great places that remind many of the ancient Jews are the Jewish Quarter, Carrer Marlet, Placeta de Manuel Ribe and Sinagoga Major. While in Barcelona, tourists should view other great historical sites such as Barcelona Cathedral built in 14th century, Casa dels Ossos built in 1877, Parc Guell(a park), Las Ramblas and the magical fountain located at bottom of Montjuic.

Cordoba – This is just the right place for any tourist who appreciates history, art and culture during his or her Jewish tours of Spain. Juderia (a middle-age synagogue) is among the most interesting places in Cordoba, followed by Casa de Sefarad( a museum). In this city, there are other historical places mainly associated with Muslims such as the Moorish Mosque that was built thirteen centuries ago. Mezquita is a Spanish Mosque constructed in the eighth century, and some people call it a great wonder of the world.

Girona - The Jewish tours of Spain should also include a trip to Girona - a town found in the north of Barcelona. It was one of the renowned and influential Jewish worship, and philosophical centers in the middle ages. Girona’s medieval call is clearly the most properly conserved in the whole of Western Europe. At the Centro Bonastruc ca Porta, the visitors can see exhibitions that display Girona’s Jewish history. Tourists should also visit the Institute for Sephardic Studies during their trip. Approximately twenty miles, in Besalu Town, tourists can find the Mikvah that was made in the 13th century.

Toledo – This is a great place for any Jewish tours of Spain to happen. History reveals that Jews assisted the Moors to lead Toledo for many years, although they were conquered by Christians. Here, there are two old synagogues called Sinagoga del Transito and Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca with incredibly high Jewish, Moorish and Christian influences.

Day tours in Barcelona

Day Tours in Barcelona, Spain

Visit Barcelona

The Mediterranean city of Barcelona in all of its breathtaking beauty is Spain’s second largest city and Catalonia’s capital. This historic city is full of Roman architecture, museums, cathedrals and plazas. Day tours in Barcelona are plentiful with so much to see and do in this ancient city. The location of Barcelona between the Montjuic hills and the Mediterranean Sea make it easy to spend a day at the beach or the mountains. Spend day tours in Barcelona exploring the city or taking in Spain’s most exquisite architecture.

The City

There are plenty of day tours in Barcelona to explore the sights and sounds of the city. You can choose from a walking or bike tour to scout around the city with its outdoor markets, shops, museums, shows, cathedrals and restaurants. You can explore the Gothic Quarter with its medieval charm. Enjoy a day on the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean and stroll along the beachfront boulevards. You can also spend a day venturing into the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Architecture, Cathedrals and Museums

This city is full of architectural masterpieces, museums and cathedrals that can be viewed on day tours in Barcelona. Make sure to see the Sagrada Familia temple and museum listed as Gaudi’s greatest works. Some highlights are Park Guell, Casa Batllo, The Hospital de Sant Pau, Palau de La Musica Catalana and Illa de la Discorda. Spend day tours in Barcelona visiting the beautiful cathedrals including Santa Maria del Mar, la iglesia de Sant Felip Neri, The Barclelona Cathedral and the monastery of Sant Pau del Camp. Museums are a must see day tours in Barcelona including the Joan Miro Foundation, Picasso Museum and the National Museum of Catalan Art. There is no place so unique and beautiful as Barcelona, Spain.

Off Road Tour in Spain

The Adventure of an Off Road Tour in Spain

Taking an off road tour in Spain is a unique way to discover the magnificent beauty of northern Spain and the majestic Pyrenees. Travel is usually via jeep or motorcycle, and off road tours typically range from four to 10 days. On the road, winding paths through this mountainous region open a panoramic view of velvety hills, sparkling lakes and breathtaking mountain formations. Accommodations range from stylish mansions, former fortresses and chic country hotels. Breakfast and dinner are usually included.

The Rioja Area

While descending from the striking Balcon de Rioja and into Rioja on an off road tour in Spain, panoramic vistas of the plains open up below. Rioja is the wine region of Spain and offers excellent vineyards for wine tasting to delight the palate. The medieval town of Santa Domingo de la Calzada features antiquated stone mansions decorated with their coat of arms. Tours of the Cathedral of Santa Domingo de la Calzada are available. This Romanesque-style cathedral was built in the 12th century and is renowned for its “hen and the cock” legend. 

Off Road Tour in Spain

Olite and Surrounding Areas on an Off Road Tour in Spain

Olite is a quaint town reminiscent of the Middle Ages and features a magnificent castle for exploring. Throughout the medieval streets in Olite, cafes line up serving tasty tapas for sampling. Further east on an off road tour in Spain, the impressive Castillo de Loarre, imbedded in a mountain wall, is a striking sight. In Sierra de Guara, painted prehistoric caves, sculpted gorges and charming villages create an alluring landscape for discovery.

While on an off road tour in Spain, there’s always plenty of time and ways to explore the sublime northern region of Spain. Balloon flights are available throughout the region and can be added to the itinerary of any off road tour in Spain; it is a wonderful way to view the Pyrenees.

Jewish heritage in Spain

1) the Jewish heritage in Spain— an introduction
Signs of the Jewish heritage in Spain can be seen in many reminders of the country's colorful history. The Jews (called Sephardis) may be a minority in the country, but they have played an important part in that history, as we shall see.

Jewish heritage in Spain

2) the Jewish heritage in Spain— the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, a large part of southern Spain was ruled by Muslims. Much of the time these people were tolerant of the Jews, allowing them to practice their faith as long as they paid the required tax. They spoke a form of Spanish called Ladino, which included many Hebrew words. Jewish philosophy flourished during this period: One of the most prominent Jewish thinkers was Moses ben Maimon (Rambam), whose chef- d' œuvre "Guide to the Perplexed" attempted to reconcile religion with contemporary philosophy.

The Muslims did often persecute the Jews, however, as did the Christians who regained control in the 1400s. The Inquisition began in Spain, and thousands of Jews were condemned to death. Many fled to the New World, bringing the Jewish heritage in Spain with them.

3) the Jewish heritage in Spain— a modern- day visitor's guide
Present- day reminders of the Jewish heritage in Spain include its many synagogs. Prominent among them are the reconstructed old main synagog in Segovia, which later became a convent; Híjar Synagog in Aragon, one of the best preserved; Córdoba Synagog, which reopened in 1585 in celebration of Rambam's 850th birthday; and the Synagog of El Tránsito in Toledo.

The Jewish heritage in Spain is also preserved on the Smithsonian Folkways collection "Gloria Levy Sings Sephardic Folk Songs" (1958), which has guitar accompaniment. Notable songs include the love song "Morenika" and "Bar Minan."

Barcelona tours

Barcelona tours

Barcelona is a city with rich, diverse culture and has many tourist attractions such as art, museums, architectural sites, ancient house. Barcelona tours cover many interesting places you can visit during weekend travel, holidays, special occasions and more.



Sight Seeing Tours

There is an eight-hour tour, which is one of the best Barcelona tours from morning to evening that is specially designed for those who make short time visits to the city of Barcelona. The daylong Barcelona tour covers the highlights from the street view to mountains and through the most famous buildings. You also get a chance to walk through the Plaza de Catalunya where you get to see beauty in its making presented in statues and fountains.

You also get to see 15th century buildings like the Barcelona cathedral at the Gothic Quarter. The tour takes you through the Plaza Sant Juame where all government buildings are located. You also get to see the home of Olympic athletes in Villa Olimpica and Port Olimpic on foot. Before the lunch you get climb Mount Montjuich that enables you to have a bird’s eye view of the Barcelona harbor and the city as a whole.

You also get a glimpse of the Monumental Bull Ring and the renowned Cathedral Sta Maria Del Mar, anyone who has been too any of these Barcelona tours will tell you that you the Picasso Museum makes a must visit, and that is where this daylong tour concludes.

Barcelona Day Tours - Information

Day tours in Barcelona include walks that take you through culture and cuisine, traditional and social tours on bicycles provide tourist with a different view around the city. Sailing cruises and adventurous tours through hot air balloons always give tourist memorable amongst all of Barcelona Tours.

The city of Barcelona has a lot to offer for both first time and regular visitors. Barcelona Tours also include custom tours for special occasions. All you need to do is make an early booking and the rest will be done to your satisfaction.

Jeep tours in Spain

Jeep tours in Spain


Jeep tours in Spain offer travelers many opportunities to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Jeep tours in Spain give people a chance to see Spain from a perspective that is not usually discussed. For example, the allure of Spain has typically been what is going on in the cities such as the theaters and the nightclubs, but when tourists are introduced to the possibility of taking jeep tours in Spain, they have much more astounding ventures.

Places to Eat

Several great restaurants can be found in the cities, but within the country tourists will find local restaurants that introduce adventurers to the typical cuisine of the country. These local restaurants can be well hidden from view and are not generally listed in guidebooks and other tours that are focusing on the cities. Jeep tours in Spain that use 4x4 vehicles to transport their passengers around Spain will bring their clients to these out-of-the-way places for a unique dining experience.

Activities to Enjoy

As tourists keep their eyes on the city, they miss the opportunity to participate in all of the more enterprising activities of Spain. Jeep tours in Spain bring travelers to the areas where they can indulge in these activities such as kayaking on the rivers, horseback riding through the mountains and hiking in the most scenic areas of Spain where tourists can enjoy sights such as magnificent waterfalls.

The Pyrenees

Many jeep tours in Spain make it a point of taking their tourists to the Pyrenees. These tours do not keep people only on the Spanish side, but they treat their travelers to the French side as well. The tour has been charted to offer clients the best views of these majestic mountains and also pays close attention to where the tourists will lodge for the night; also, tourists are treated to wonderful meals.

Prayer Request Online

Prayer Request

A few years ago this writer was placed in a challenging predicament. A close friend had suddenly become disenfranchised and there was hardly anyone willing to provide assistance. As this person lived a considerable distance it was not possible to be there constantly. I began to send non-perishable food and cash via the postal system.

Unfortunately the funds were beginning to run dry so it became necessary to use credit and pray that it didn't drag me into the gutter alongside.

At first I sent money and packages of food to the postal box he was able to retrieve mail from. In the end, 4 credit cards were maxed out and over 6000 dollars spent. There was little else I could do at that point so, reaching to my religious roots,

I searched the internet for sites in Jerusalem which would accept a prayer request. Honestly I didn't know what to believe; if someone would fall into such a predicament to start with... Could a prayer request actually be a panacea or "cure all" to such ills?

Nevertheless, since I found many websites and which were created just for the remittance of such things; and so I decided to send a prayer request through each of them. In fact to a single one, which offered to read and post a prayer request daily at the western wall in Jerusalem, I sent many.

 
Perhaps ironically, through and act of faith; or simply perseverance and tenacity on the part of my friend, things began to change. He was soon hired as a pianist for a European tour with some famous Jazz musicians and has been riding on thin air ever since.

While it's impossible to prove that such a miracle was attributable entirely to the faculties of prayer, it's quite evident that it most certainly didn't hurt. I would use this prayer request service, and many others regularly if the need were to arrive.