Spain’s residents and conquerors have created the characteristics of the land over the past centuries. The famous cave paintings from Altamira, the Roman temple and aqueducts, the baths built by the Moors, mosques and fortresses, medieval castles and cathedrals, baroque town squares, the modern architecture by Gaudi or the modern art collection the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao are just some of the traces which time has left in Spain.

The Costa Brava or, “The Wild Coast”.

Very individual forces seem to have been at work in the development of this countryside: the crystal clear blue and green tones of the sea which is wonderfully silhouetted against the rich vegetation fascinate the onlooker. Over the steep cliffs down to the sea shore there are green patches running through the golden coloured, fine sand. This creates a lovely contrast to the ochre tones of the earth. Famous towns such as S’Agaro, Tossa del Mar, Begur, Cadaques and Port Lligat find themselves tucked away between the beaches, the cliffs and the woods.

The Costa Dorado - deeply ingrained fishing traditions.

Broad, soft and clean beaches with clear shallow water are ideal for the children and the elder generations. Between the sea and the chain of mountains lie quiet villages and cultivated fields, on which there are grapevines, olive groves and carob trees with hazelnut bushes, almond trees alternating with fruit and vegetable cultivation. Inland one can visit interesting places and villages such as Reus, Valls, Montblanc and Tortosa, investigate large medieval convents - Poblet, Santes Creus and Scala Dei - as well as explore picturesque landscapes (Prades, Siurana); or the steeply falling mountain ranges with hunting grounds such as Tivissa, Cardo and Ports de Tortosa or travel along the unique wide Ebro Delta with its labyrinth of canals and lagoons.

The Costa Blanca- a typically Mediterranen landscape.

This part of the shore is famous for its contrasting characteristics: there are lively and cosmopolitan towns and villages not far from the sea with rural atmospheres indelibly apparent. It is definitely worthwhile for you to drive to the neighbouring area of the Costa Blanca and explore what is commonly known as the Mediterranean landscape. Almond tree fields, grapevines, fruit and vegetable gardens and beautiful palm groves create one of the unique vegetation in Europe.

Portugal - from seafarers to a refreshing friendliness.

Once one of the leading seafaring nations, today glittering with cultural treasures, great scenic beauty and a delightful tradition, which really has something special: The regional kitchen of the Costa Verde is known as one of the best in Portugal.

In the “green-region” of northern Portugal the intense rain has a magical effect, producing the most diverse green shades on the mountain sides and in the fruitful valleys. The visitor not only anticipates a beautiful Atlantic coast with clean beaches, but also a gorgeous backdrop, characterised by small farmyards and traditional country estates with stylish mansions which have often been the property of the same family for centuries. This wonderful region is littered with dream like vineyards and umbrella pines and oak woods.

One of the largest and most charming cities in Portugal is the unofficial capital Porto where the atmosphere is influenced by its 19th century architecture. This trading city with its cool moods and its republican passion lies on the west edge of the vineyard landscape, the home of port wine.

The mountain provinces of east Portugal have unspoilt landscapes – such as the remote area of “Trajos-on-Montes”, small medieval towns with traditional customs of the “Beiras” and the craggy beauty of the “Serra da Estrela”, the highest mountain range in Portugal at almost 2,000 metres in height. This is where friends of nature trek the lonely rivers and mountain valleys, snow covered mountain peaks or wild growing woods and nature parks with interesting flora and fauna.

Naturally a detour to Lisbon, the pulsating, all imposing metropolis, should not be left out of your programme.You want to go to sunny Spain or to Portugal? Then travel with DB Autozug relaxed and rested to the terminal at Narbonne, from there you can continue in your own car.