May 29 There are few words to describe the amazing Mezquita of Cordoba, Spain. We spent more than an hour wandering inside the massive structure, which is clearly visible from our luxury boutique hotel located just a half minute’s walk from the walls of the former mosque. The structure goes back to Visigothic times when […]
Category Archives: Spain Tours
Guimarães, birthplace of Portugal
August 19 – from a visit to this region in early June The city of Guimarães is historically associated with the foundation and identity of the Portuguese nationality. Guimarães, among other settlements, precedes the foundation of Portugal and because of its role in the foundation of the country it is known as the “cradle of […]
The Roman Bridge and Old Town of Chaves, Portugal
August 17 – from a trip to this region in May Signs of the extent of the Roman Empire are everywhere in Portugal. We took a daytrip from our country inn in the Douro River Valley to the pleasant little town of Chaves to find out more. The town of Chaves has been inhabited since […]
The Longest and most complete Roman walls in the world
August 16 – from a trip to this region in May You might think these are in Italy. No, they are in the small city of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. We were surprised too. How did we find out about this little treasure town? Well, it started with Jenean’s laptop needing a new power cord. We […]
The Road from Stuttgart to Lisbon – Part 3
May 27 – the end of the road, the start of another We’ve dusted ourselves off after two restful nights at a B&B tucked away in a peaceful garden below the clifftop town of Ronda, Spain. Those two nights were like medicine to our worn out souls. Once again we proved that we are […]
The Road from Stuttgart to Lisbon – Part 2
(James and Jenean Derheim are scouting new locations for future tours in southern Spain, on their way to pick up returning clients in Lisbon on May 27) May 24 Resting and recuperating with the sound of birds coming from the garden after a series of very long drives of 600, 700 and 850 kilometers on […]
The Road from Stuttgart to Lisbon – Part 1
May 21 We’re on our way to Lisbon where we’ll greet return guests Art and Carol for their sixth trip with European Focus since 2007. Along the way, we’re scouting locations for future tours and yes, even pausing to do nothing for a bit. After nine nights spent in Otlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany (a record […]
Paris, Southwestern France and Barcelona Micro-Group Tour
PARIS, SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE & BARCELONA Dates TBD on interest and group This trip starts off with three nights in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, with a guide who knows how to make the most of your time here. We then move away from the city to explore the environs o southwestern France. Carcassonne […]