The important thing while you’re away isn’t where you go, so much as what you do when you’re there. Vincci Hotels offers a different way of seeing the world, and so for those of you who really like to explore we’d like to recommend three tours that are anything but mundane.
A ghost tour round Madrid
Madrid is a city full of mysteries and legends. Enchanted palaces; unexplained rattling noises in museums; streets full of secrets. If you like a fright, why not dare to come on a ghost tour round Spain’s capital. You’ll discover fascinating tales like that of the ‘Crying Girl’ in Palacio de Linares, the story of the beautiful lady who appears on the balcony in the Casa de las Siete Chimeneas and the legend of the Headless Man who sits in front of the Church of San Ginés. Madrid’s spirits are the hidden side of the capital, lurking in places such as the Reina Sofia Museum, the Palacio Real and the Casa de América. Do they really exist? You’ll have to make up your own mind…
* Facade of Linare`s Palace. / Picture: Wikipedia.
In the heart of the Barrio de Las Letras (Neighbourhood of Letters), where memories of Spanish literature’s greats, such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega, abound, you can stay in the Vincci Soho 4* hotel in Madrid Center. Its unique and quite spectacular salamander, perched on the facade will protect you – it’s a good luck symbol and will prevent any of the ghosts you’ve ‘met’ during the tour following you up to your room. The hotel is right in Madrid’s ‘Art Triangle’, and despite the age and history of the building its interior has been completely remodelled with an avant-garde design.
*Vincci Soho 4* Madrid.
After the Ghost Tour, why not sample a cocktail at Terraza Prado 18! One of Madrid’s coolest hangouts, its the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Madrid’s hidden side.
Discover Planet Earth in Tenerife
The island is a perfect mix of sun and sand – but you can also enjoy science tourism, a fun way to be entertained while learning about the world around us. You can go on a voyage of discovery from the centre of the earth to the ‘infinity’ of space.
“Tenerife, Volcanoes of Life” has five itineraries that let you get to know the volcanic landscapes of the island: lava fields, craters and cliffs, along with numerous caves and underground passageways. The itineraries will take you to marvellous viewpoints with incredible vistas, and enjoy activities such as jeep tours or hiking.
* Teide´s Volcano. / Picture: canalviajes.com.
One of the best traverses an ancient massif, from Villa de Garachico to Puerto Santiago, in the northwest of the island. Our hotel in Tenerife Vincci Selección Buenavista Golf&Spa 5* Luxury is in the perfect spot for it. On the slopes of the Teno mountains you’ll be immersed in nature. It’s a luxury hotel with a colonial style of decor, as well as a golf course and incredible views. The rooms are both spacious and elegant; while the jewel in the crown is the Nammu Area Spa, where you can unwind in the hands of our professional therapists.
* Vincci Selección Buenavista Golf&Spa 5* Luxury Tenerife.
While you’re there you should also take the chance to discover the majesty of space from El Teide Observatory, recognised as one of the best in the world. On a mountaintop, just over 60km from the hotel, the stars are waiting for you.
Discover Barcelona while you run
Tourism and sport come together in Barcelona. Some travellers opt for cultural tourism, others for shopping… and now sports fanatics have the option of ‘sightrunning’ sightseeing as you run – an easy, cheap sport that’s gaining more converts every day. You can get to know the Ciudad Condal while putting in the miles on your trainers with Global Running Tours, which aims to bring together all the cities in the world where you can try this unique type of tourism.
* Global Runnings Tours in Barcelona. /Picture: Global Runnings Tours.
Instead of taking the open-topped bus, visitors run through the city streets and work out in front of the famous buildings and landmarks. It’s tourism while keeping fit, at the same time as showing you the secrets of Parque Guell, the Sagrada Familia and the Casa de Gaudi
After a lengthy session pounding the pavement you need to rest and our hotel in Barcelona Vincci Marítimo 4* is the place to do it. Located right by the sea you’ll enjoy nature up close, as well as its spacious, welcoming rooms, with beds that offer you the perfect spot to rest tired muscles after all that exercise. We know you like to take care of yourself and that you need to unwind, so we’d recommend our Japanese Garden, which is the perfect place to take the weight off your feet, along with its restaurant, Jardí de Mar, where you can enjoy Catalan cuisine and replenish all that energy you’ve used up.
* “Japanes Garden” in Vincci Marítimo 4* Barcelona.
With these tours you’ll discover a whole different kind of tourism!