Spain Travel

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Contest > Word Trips Contest > Subscribe > See All > forums spain Barcelona Stunning, still evolving architectural... more Granada The Alhambra, a glorious complex of Moorish... more Madrid Now head-to-head with Barcelona in hip... more Intro Map Fact Sheet Photos Why Go? Balearic nights-chill on Formentera or party on Ibiza Weigh in on the Barcelona vs. Madrid debate-but only after you've thoroughly researched both Seville-city of sun and late night religious processions (and flamenco) All spain Guides Toledo Granada Madrid Barcelona Valencia Seville Balearic Islands Barcelona Madrid Toledo Valencia Balearic Islands Seville Granada Deals Experience Italian hospitality with MSC Cruises Andalusian Style, Resort Exclusivity in Marbella Book your 2006 cruise now and get 2-for-1 fares, free airfare, and more Resort Exclusivity in Marbella, Spain Cultural Discovery, Unique Style in Madrid More Related Articles October 2004 Europe on Adrenaline Beyond—way beyond—the piazzas, the... 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September 2005 Around the World in 50 Films They don't call them motion pictures for nothing:... August 2005 Ombudsman: Turbulent Transaction A couple find themselves out $8,000 when an... August 2005 Trip Tech: Snap Happy Organizing and sharing digital photos has never... March 2005 Word of Mouth: Hostel Takeovers As Spain pushes its number of government-owned... From our Forums Share opinions, advice, and travel tales about Spain Information may have changed since date of publication. Please confirm details with individual establishments before planning your trip. Subscribe Now And Save 78%! 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travel insurance policies and

UK Travel and Holiday Insurance in an Instant UK instant online travel and holiday insurance cover All required policy cover details and emergency telephone numbers will be on the insurance documents you receive online and via email. Read about our various travel insurance policies and find the right one for you and your family Find a complete index to our travel insurance products by clicking on the bold text above. With the information on these pages, you can make better use of our comparison and booking software, and obtain the right cover . . . at the right price. We believe travel insurance should be affordable, solid, and effective. So, these pages offer the cheapest good quality insurance in the UK. Please feel free to click on the link above and read for yourself. If you are already comfortable with the process of taking travel insurance, then simply click on one of the quotation buttons in the blue panels at the top of this page. Contacting your Emergency Services Provider? Please Note : If you bought one of our policies prior to 1st January 2004 then your emergency contact details are as follows. For emergency contact details for policies purchased after this date then click here 24 HOURS MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE OPERATED BY MEDI-CALL LIMITED We try to make any claims procedures as easy as possible, but by reading a few of the rules below you can make any possible holiday claim you may need to make a lot easier. IMPORTANT - please quote Essential Travel and Scheme Number shown on the first page of your Certificate and Your Certificate Schedule Number. Medi-Call Limited provides immediate help in the event of Your illness or injury arising outside the UK (United Kingdom) - they provide 24 hour multi-lingual emergency service 365 days a year and can be contacted by telephone, telex or fax. UK Insurance Emergency Telephone Numbers Should a serious medical problem arise You must contact Medi-Call Limited immediately. (+44) 1273 321976 Fax: UK (+44) 1273 731261 Responsibility You are responsible in advising Your attending doctor to seek prior approval for any treatment except in extreme circumstances where a request for prior approval would delay surgery in a life threatening situation or medical crisis. Failure to contact Medi-Call Ltd may limit the benefits payable, or in certain circumstances, insurance cover will not be provided. When You call upon the services of Medi-Call Ltd it is a condition of the service that First Assist shall solely be responsible for all decisions on the most suitable and reasonable solution to any medical problem. The service includes, where necessary: 1. Multi-lingual assistance with hospitals and doctors 2. Repatriation arrangements and necessary escorts by a medical attendant 3. Travel arrangements for other members of Your party or next-of-kin 4. On arrival in the United Kingdom, an ambulance service to hospital or home. Please note: We are not responsible for the availability, quality or results of any medical treatment received by You. Ho To Make a Travel Insurance Claim from policies bought BEFORE 1st January 2004 All claims other than Medical Emergency Assistance must be made direct to: CLAIMS SETTLEMENT AGENCIES 308-314 LONDON ROAD HADLEIGH ESSEX SS7 2DD Telephone 01702 553443 Fax 01702 553231 They will send You a travel insurance claim form which You will need to complete and return to them with Your Certificate Schedule and any other documents requested. All Claims must be submitted within 31 days. Claims Agency For all claims we use Claims Settlement Agencies Limited who have been settling claims since 1990 and is our preferred Loss Adjusters and also handles certain insurance claims for other insurers such as AXA. They are experienced in handling and maintaining large corporate accounts in particular Air Miles. They currently have 25 staff who are processing approximately 25,000 claims per year . Emergency contact details for policies bought after 1st January 2004 Emergency Medical Assistance. It is important that in the event that you need to contact the medical emergency you must quote Optimum and your policy number ET/AON (followed by your number) Travelsolve Assistance provides immediate help in the event of an insured persons illness or injury arising outside the United Kingdom, they provide 24 hour multi-lingual emergency service 365 days a year and can be contacted by telephone or fax. Emergency Numbers are : UK: +44 (0) 1733 457593 FAX: +44 (0) 1733 502293 When an insured person calls upon the services of Travelsolve Assistance it is condition of service that Travelsolve Assistance shall be responsible for all decisions on the most suitable and reasonable solution to any medical problem. The service includes, where necessary: 1. Multi-lingual assistance with hospitals and doctors. 2. Repatriation arrangements by escort by a medical attendant. 3. Travel arrangements for other members of your party or immediate relative. 4. On arrival in the United Kingdom, an ambulance service to hospital or home. NOTE: FAILURE TO CONTACT THE ASSISTANCE COMPANY MAY RESULT IN A CLAIM BEING INVALID. Making A Claim on policies bought ON or AFTER 1st January 2004 If you need to make a claim please obtain a claim form by telephoning or writing to our claims handlers. Please note that for your claim to be considered you must register this within 28 days of returning from you trip. When contacting the claims company please insure that you quote Optimum and your policy number that will start ET/AON (followed by your policy number) At Instant Holiday Insurance we use Claims International Limited ( CIL ) who are the market leaders and are the leading specialist in there field. They have a large portfolio which includes travel and medical related claims handling, policy administration services and fulfillment services, financial protection and credit card enhancement and other related claims handling products. From 1992, CIL has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lindsey Morden Group of companies and as such forms part of a global network of claims handling companies, including Cunningham Lindsey, the UK's largest loss Adjuster. CIL has managed and administered over 140,000 claims per annum and has strong working relationships with major Insurers and Intermediaries as well as Lloyds Underwriters and other insurance based clients. In the event if having to make a claim on your travel insurance policy please use the contact details below: Claims International Ltd 14th Floor Leon House 201-204 High Street Croydon CR9 1ER TEL: 0208 680 5142 FAX: 0208 760 0298 info@cilint.com Once you have contact the relevant department, please return your claims form, with your original policy documents, and please insure you have photocopies or any paper work that is requested from the claims company. Tips for Travellers Abroad. Always take out Travel Insurance well in advance of travelling. The travel insurance policy will cover you for any medical expenses that you incur should you be involved in an accident or become ill and require hospitalisation . Sometimes medical costs can be astronomic and without sufficient insurance cover you could end up in serious trouble. Apart from medical expenses the policy should also cover things like; legal expenses,cancellation & curtailment, loss of money, baggage, passport, etc. and personal liability. Make sure you are covered for any activity that you intend to undertake so that you and your equipment are covered while participating, e.g. skiing, scuba diving etc. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, make sure you fill in the emergency contact information page of your passport! Read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. Familiarise yourself with any local laws and customs of the countries to which you are travelling and avoid violating them whilst on holiday, deal only with authorised agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques. Remember, while you are in a foreign country on holiday, you are subject to its laws. Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two months, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the British Embassy in the country you are travelling to. This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. Finally, if you do get into trouble, contact the nearest British Embassy. Travel Insurance Policies for UK Residents in Brief With instant online quote and immediate certificate & policy cover. Travel insurance in an instance without any hassle and with totally safe online transaction from start to finish. Covering backpackers and student cover as well as wintersport for ski and snowboarders and more as well as multi & single trip policies, annual and seasonal cover for resort workers who maybe in a ski resort or holiday complex for a matter of months and need adequate cover but do not want to pay the normal travel and holiday insurance rates. Online Travel Insurance Booking Procuedures Explained in Brief You will be presented with an instant online holiday insurance quote for your selected insurance package which could be for Europe or Worldwide or ski wintersport cover for example and for your selected dates of travel. You can then either select that policy or choose an annual policy which is also returned, this is usually slightly more but obviously it covers you for a full year and not just a single trip. You then enter your details with your credit card details being last of all. You can print off your travel insurance policy and cover details online immediately. You will receive your insurance certificate also via email and regular post. site map | ski-insurance | travel sites | uk-travel-links | worldwide-travel-links | home UK Airport Hotels | Uk Airport Lounges | Short Breaks other insurance sites which also offer great rates uk income protection insurance | uk mortgage insurance | uk home insurance | uk online finance

Argentina Travel Guide Overview

Argentina Tours | Argentina Tour Guide | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Central and South America Argentina Overview Argentina Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Argentina Central and South America Overview Browse Argentina Photos Argentina Questions and Answers Read Argentina Journals Find a Argentina Travel Buddy Argentina Overview Argentina is a land of extremes, its hectic urban centers contrasting with a staggeringly remote hinterland, and can be simultaneously hot in one region and cold in another. The one common thread is that the people possess a curiosity, passion, and fervor for life, most visible when it comes to football, the national obsession. Evita, the Tango, gauchos and estancias are the country’s clichéd attractions, but what strikes visitors most is that life here is for living – the fast pace only letting up for the afternoon siesta. Referred to as a grimy Paris, Buenos Aires is a sophisticated capital brimming with character and an excellent spot for shopping and watching the world go by – whether it’s pedestrians strolling or motorists driving at break-neck speed. Nightlife is second to none and the restaurants are a food-lover’s delight. Argentina’s national parks teem with wildlife and incredible mountainous vistas, while the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls are natural wonders. Endless hiking opportunities abound in the south, where Patagonia is stunningly barren and mystifying and the Tierra del Fuego feels like the end of the world. The Andes offer excellent skiing – the ski-resort of Bariloche being the country’s most established. Horse riding, adventure sports and birdwatching are just a few of the other activities on offer throughout the country. Argentina, vastly unexplored and undiscovered by most tourists, is an adventure waiting to happen. Geography Argentina is situated in South America, east of the Andes, and is bordered by Chile to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil to the north and northeast. There are four main geographical areas: the Andes, the North and Mesopotamia, the Pampas and Patagonia. The climate and geography of Argentina vary considerably, ranging from the great heat of the Chaco ( El Chaco ), through the pleasant climate of the central Pampas to the sub-Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea. Mount Aconcagua soars almost 7000m (23,000ft) and waterfalls at Iguazú stretch around a massive semi-circle, thundering 70m (230ft) to the bed of the Paraná River. In the southwest is a small ’Switzerland’ with a string of beautiful icy lakes framed by mountains. Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --

Spain Travel

Tourist Office of Spain - Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain Our Office Useful Addresses How to get there Travel Tips Activities Travel Bulletin Tour Operators' Index Request Information Home Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone -choose yours. Visit our main Web site: Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain PASSPORT - MONEY - CUSTOMS PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS : No visa for Spain is required for Canadian, US passport holders and nationals of European Unions countries for stays up to 3 months as a tourist. For stays exceeding this period, other nationalities or work permits please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Spanish Consulates are as follows: Toronto : 200 Front Street, Suite 2401, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3K2. Tel. (416) 977 1661 cgspain.toronto@mail.mae.es Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Montreal : 1 Westmount Sq. Ste 1456, Montreal, P.Q. H3Z 2P9. Tel. (514) 935 5235 consular@total.net Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information click here . INOCULATIONS : No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain. MONEY: As of January 1st, 2002, the new Spanish currency, as in most European Union countries, is the Euro. The currency will have notes and eight coins. The notes will have face value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 euros. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and the coins will range in value from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 euros (approximetly $10,000 Canadian dollars) without declaring the amount at customs. The current rate of exchange varies from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks. Travellers cheques are most practical and Canadian currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to buy some euros before leaving (for first day expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travellers cheques at the bank once in Spain (although banking hours might be subject to change, presently they are: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Major credit cards are honoured in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. The convenient Interact System can also be used throughout Spain, providing one of the easiest and cheapest ways of obtaining cash abroad; consult with your bank about your particular card and fees. For Currency converter click here . CUSTOMS: You may bring the following into Spain: personal effects, a personal laptop, one video camera or two still cameras with ten rolls of film each. A portable radio or portable tape recorder per person is admitted free of duty, as well as 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. One bottle of wine and one of liquor per person. The following sports equipment is also allowed: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets and golf clubs. PETS: Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN Railways: Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es . One of Europes most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia. The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spain know as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included. AVE, Spains sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes. TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL , which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE. Buses: Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information. Ships: Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPAIA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries. Driving in Spain: In order for Canadians to drive in Spain, they must: Have an International Driving Licence Be 18 years of age or older Be a tourist Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents. Taxis: All major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. For further information click here . ACCOMMODATION There are more than 10,000 hotel accommodations in Spain. They are divided into several categories, among them Hotels, Residence-Hotels, Apartment-Hotels, Motels and Pensions. All of them have a plaque at the entrance showing their official category, from one to five stars. Establishment classified, as "Residence-Hotels" does not provide meals. Official forms are available at hotels and any complaint concerning service may be registered. PARADORES DE ESPAA is a state-run network of hotels. Many of them are castles, convents, or palaces restored and furnished with every modern amenity. Most of them are scenically located. Reservations can be made directly to: Central of Reservations in Madrid, Tel: 011 34 91 5166666 and the fax: 011 34 91 516657/8 - Web site: http://www.parador.es For further information please visit Tourism Spain main Web site or contact our Tourist Office in Canada. New representatives in Canada: Adsum Tourism Services 4159 Dundas St. West, Suite 218 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Phone : 416-237-1930 Fax: 416-237-9212 paradores-ca@adsum.ws Apartments and Villas: There are many for rent, especially along the coastal resort areas. It is advisable to stay a few days at a hotel or pension and look around for a suitable place. Prices can vary according to the season, area or location. An Official Guide to Apartment-Hotels can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Call us for a list of addresses. Camping: Spains excellent campsites can be found along the coast, on the islands, as well as in scenic areas. Campings are also classified under a star rating system which can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Rural Tourism: A magnificent alternative to visit the real Spain off the beaten track. Accommodation in traditional country farms is available all over Spain and most of then offer complementary activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, etc. OTHER INFORMATION Taxes: A 7% VAT is to be added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms. Service is included. Getting your VAT back: Travellers to Spain are entitled to a reimbursement of the 16% VAT tax they pay on all purchases as long as these add up to no less than 90.16 euros (approximately $150) per store. The vendor must provide the purchaser with a duly filled out invoice, which includes the price of each good, the VAT paid for each item, as well as the identification for both the vendor and purchaser. The goods must be brought out of Spain whitin three months. At the time of departure, the invoice must be submitted to the Spanish Customs Officer in charge of VAT refunds at the international port, gate or airport (there is a specific booth for this purpose just prior to the entrance to the international area). The Customs Officer will stamp the original copy, which should be turned in at a bank in the airport for reimbursement. Tipping: Service is generally included in the bill. Tips are at your own discretion, although a 10% tip is customary. Language: Castilian (Spanish) in the whole territory. Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician in their respective autonomous regions. English is usually spoken in the tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast as well as French, although a booklet with the most common phrases in Spanish is always helpful. Electric Current: 220 volts (50 cycles) are commonly used in Spain, although 110 still exist in some areas. Round prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard Canadian plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. Bullfights: The season starts in March and runs until the middle of October. Shopping in Spain: This is not only an exciting venture but also practical as Spain offers today some of the best prices on many articles. Spain has a long tradition in making leather goods (shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses gloves, etc.), clothing (original fashion designers or ready-made), embroidery and lace; jewellery (classical or modern designs, as well as artisan gold and silver works); blown glass, pottery, antiques (some of the antique galleries in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville are among the best in Europe); furniture; interior decorating items (the famous Lladro porcelains, iron grille designs, silver and other metals such as candelabra, trays, bowls, etc.); toys; musical instruments (Spanish guitars are know to be the best in the world). Madrid and Barcelona are of course the major cities for shopping. In Madrid, the main commercial areas are: the Goya, Principe de Vergara and Serrano districts for exclusive fashions; Narvaez, Conde de Penalver and the old downtown area of Puerta del Sol, Alcala, Gran Via, Carretas and Arsenal, a place also to find major Department stores. A must is the Sunday flea market of El Rastro, where you can find anything from a hatpin to a masterpiece. In Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia and Diagonal for elegant shopping; the Ramblas and Plaza de Catalunya for almost anything; and the area around the church of Sta. Maria de los Reyes for antique galleries. Other excellent areas for shopping are tourist centres, such as Torremolinos and Marbella in Costa del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, Playa de Aro in the Costa Brava, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands (mainly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) specially, since they are duty-free ports. Shopping Hours: Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday. Museums: The standard hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check with the Tourist Office in Spain nearest you for hours of specific museums. For further information click here . Books and maps on Spain: The Tourist Office of Spain supplies maps, brochures and information circulars free of charge. Persons wishing further information may obtain additional guides and maps at retail stores or, in Spain, from local tourist offices. Travelling with children: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, although there are not official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management. Baby food and disposable diapers are available at most resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and pharmacies. Baby-sitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and cost should be checked with the establishment directly or through the booking agent. Health Service: Only members of the European Union enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available at your local bank or from most tour operators and travel agents. Although there are multilingual doctors in the tourist areas, those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. Telephoning Home: Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Spain is 9000-99-0015 where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or on the Internet: ( www.canada-direct.com ) Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International ( RCI ) broadcasts on short-wave in Spain. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI web site ( www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at rci@montreal.radio-canada.ca or call ( 514 ) 597 7555 Casinos: Gambling is legal in Spain. There are 22 casinos in operation. Lists are available upon request. Public Holidays: January 1, New Years Day January 6 Good Friday March 19 May 1, Labour Day August 15, Feast of the Assumption October 12, Spains National Day November 1, All Saints December 6, Constitution Day December 25, Christmas day Each of the 17 Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in Spain has extra official public holidays celebrated only within its boundaries. Important Web site address: (in English) General information: www.tourspain.es IBERIA: www.iberia.com/ibusa RENFE: www.renfe.es PARADORES: www.parador.es SPANISH EMBASSY IN CANADA: www.docuweb.ca/SpainInCanada/ Information on Commercial matters: Please contact the Commercial Office of Spain at: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Tel.. (416) 967-0488. e-mail: buzon.oficial@toronto.ofcomes.mcx.es THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN SPRING is an ideal time to visit the central regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean Coast and the Balearic Islands. The climate is generally very good, but expect occasional rain. SUMMER is a good season to visit the northern regions, especially the resorts along the Cantabrian Coast, from Hondarribia on the French-Spanish border to La Guardia at the Portuguese-Spanish frontier. FALL is perhaps the best season of the year to visit the entire country. The climate is excellent, with sunny days and blue skies. WINTER is a good season for the Mediterranean regions, particularly the Costa del Sol, Alicante (Costa Blanca) and the Balearic Islands. The high mountain ranges offer excellent conditions for winter sports. The Canary Islands have an even and pleasant climate all year round. For further information click here . Site Content Our Office Useful addresses Travel Bulletin Travel Tips Activities Tour operators index How to get there Information request Home page ACTIVITIES Cultural: Spain has a very intense cultural life; opera, ballet and concerts can be enjoyed in the major cities - Madrid and Barcelona have their opera, ballet and concert season. Spanish theatre is very popular with more than 30 theatres in Madrid playing daily. There are also the famous "Fiestas". Every city, town and village has its own, usually commemorating their patron saint, including bullfighting, folklore dances, outdoors fairs and events. Larger cities often include ballets, plays and flamenco spectacles. For dates and information please contact our Office. For further information click here . Gastronomy and Restaurants: Food in Spain is taken very seriously. Dining is an indispensable ingredient, in the countrys ebullient social lifestyle. Meals are long and leisurely, providing an opportunity to enjoy good company freshly prepared dishes, and fine wines, such as the world-famous Riojas. Lunch is the big meal of the day and is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is traditionally served between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Vertical forks (from one to five) rate restaurants on a plaque outside the entrance. Prices must be listed both inside and outside the establishment. Ask for the tourist menu, usually an all- included meal very reasonably priced according to the category of the restaurant. Spanish cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Prized Spanish olive oil, garlic, fresh daily produce and wine are the staples. The striking cultural contrasts between regions in Spain are reflected in the tremendous variety of cooking styles. The central plateau of Castile is known for its delicious roasts: lamb, kid, suckling pig, and game such as partridge. Try the garlic soup, hearty bean stews, and famous Manchego cheeses. Valdepeas and Ribera del Duero make exceptional red wines. Catalans are very inventive cooks, combining game and poultry with seafood, and savoury meats with sweet sauces of dried fruits and nuts. Basque cooking is considered the most sophisticated and innovative in Spain. The city of San Sebastian is exemplary, with many restaurants serving some of the finest food in Europe. Traditional cuisine is at its best in fish and shellfish. The north-western region of Galicia is Spains source of a wide variety of fresh shellfish, and delicacies such as barnacles and spider crab. Try the octopus accompanied by the famous Albario and Ribeiro wines. Andalusia is home to the refreshing gazpacho and garlic-almond soup, delicious olives, and world-famous Sherries. The rice fields of Valencia gave birth to the paella as well as a wide variety of excellent rice dishes. Spains greatest contribution to gastronomy may well be the tapas. These little portions of regional specialities are served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain and are generally accompanied by wine, beer or sangria. 2004 Tourist Office of Spain in Canada 2 Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 Tel.: (416) 961-3131, Fax.: (416) 961-1992 E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es Developed by DesignByBaxter This web page last updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005