Spain’s official language is Spanish. Also, there are some major languages spoken such as Catalan, Basque and Galician. As for the population, there are estimated 46528944 people in 2017. The major ethnic groups are Basque, Galician, Castilian and Catalan. The percentages of their religions are respectively Roman Catholic (68.5%), Irreligious (16.8%) and Atheist (9.6%).

Spain has a long history. It was ruled by the Roman for 500 years, then the Visigodo ruled for another 300 years. Final, the Islam ruled for 800 years. In Middle Ages some Catholicism countries, ex. Reino de Navarra, Reino de León, Castilla and Aragón merged into 2 large kingdom: Castilla and Aragón. 1469 Castilla and Aragón's heirs married. The two countries then became more united. In 1474 princess Isabel became the queen of Castilla. 1479 the Prince of Aragón— Fernando inherit the king. They come together to recapture the lost land. In 1492 Queen Isabel and King Fernando slumped. Iberian Peninsula regain possession of lost territory and became Spain. Paper money of both sides publisheed in all countries are the same. There are main shapes of buildings including window, arch, bridge and so on. The map and 12- star flag of EU supplemented.

The back side is a disign of the bridge, which represents having communication with other countries.

 There are seven different kinds of paper money. (1) Be aware of the security and thieves. Basically, you can be less aware of the security in Spain. Except for or these kind of tourist spots, many normal cities are usually safe. However, in Madrid and Barcelona, you should be highly aware to your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or with only one person.

(2) Be aware of the opening time Almost every shop or company or even a town’s museum has nearly two hour break time, which may be very different from many countries.

(3) Get used to the eating habits Being affected by the meal time, restaurant’s opening time is usually later. In addition, the time Spanish eat is postponed two to three hours. They like to drink and chat while eating.

(4) How to give tips? Like most of the countries in Europe, Spain also has the habit of tipping; hotels generally provide luggage carrying and room services which normally costs one . The situation in the restaurants depends: if it mentioned “service included” on the bill, then you don’t have to pay it; otherwise, you have to pay 10%~15% as tips. While if it’s a regular café, just leave your change. Additionally, taking taxis also need tips, usually keep the change or 10% extra fee to the driver. (5) Attention to the signs of floors In Spain, the expression of floors is similar to French and British, their first floor is usually called the “ground floor.” The statement “Planta Baja” in Spanish stands for the same thing as “Grand Floor” in English, as for their second floor is called “Primer Planta,” etc. Therefore, notice this when looking for a certain floor, in case something awkward happened. To provide convenient to the readers who are going to Spain, the floors in this bool are shown in the same way there, where they start from the “ground floor.”

(6) Blend into Latino’s enthusiasm Spanish is an enthusiastic ethnic, but Spanish boys won’t grab girls’ butts like Italian boys. For foreigners they meet at the first time, they won’t aggressively kiss cheeks as French do, but they are definitely chatty people. Don’t be “frightened” when they occasionally speak quickly and loudly, especially after they start a conversation and never stop talking. You can just smile and be a quiet audience, or you can join the “discussion” with gestures, then feel the enthusiastic atmosphere of Latins.

(7) Remember your manners when visiting scenes Suitable manner is very vital when visiting each scenes, from no touching to appropriate clothes must be noticed, especially museums and churches, keep quiet when visiting these places. In addition, follow the photograph restriction; normally flashlight is not allowed to use in museums and churches, some of them even prohibit taking pictures. The rules are usually labeled at the entrance, and the churches are usually closed during a ceremony, even they’re open at that time, photographing is not allowed to avoid interference to the ceremony. Please check at the service desk so as not to be rude. 500 - The Visigoths take over much of Spain.

Christopher Columbus

711 - The Moors invade Spain and name it al-Andalus.

718 - The begins by the Christians to retake Spain.

1094 - El Cid conquers the city of Valencia from the Moors.

1137 - The Kingdom of Aragon is formed.

1139 - The Kingdom of is first established on the west coast of the Iberian

Peninsula

1469 - Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon are married.

1478 - The Spanish Inquisitions begins.

1479 - The Kingdom of Spain is formed when Isabella and Ferdinand are made King and Queen uniting Aragon and Castile. 1492 - The Reconquista ends with the conquest of Grenada. The Jews are expelled from Spain. Queen Isabella I

1492 - Queen Isabella sponsors the expedition of explorer Christopher Columbus. He discovers the New World. 1520 - Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes conquers the Aztecs Empire in Mexico. 1532 - Explorer Francisco Pizarro conquers the Incan Empire and establishes the city of Lima. 1556 - Philip II becomes King of Spain.

1588 - The English fleet led by Sir Francis Drake defeat the Spanish Armada. 1605 - Miguel de Cervantes publishes the first part of this epic novel Don Quixote. 1618 - The Thirty Years' War begins.

1701 - The War of the Spanish Succession begins.

1761 - Spain joins the Seven Years' War against Great Britain.

1808 - The Peninsular War is fought against the French Empire led by Napoleon. 1814 - The Allies win the Peninsular War and Spain is free of French rule. 1881 - Artist Pablo Picasso is born in Malaga, Spain.

1883 - Architect Antoni Gaudi begins work on the Sagrada Familia Roman Catholic church in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia

1898 - The Spanish-American War is fought. Spain gives up Cuba, the , Puerto Rico, and Guam to the . 1914 - Spain remains neutral as World War I begins.

1931 - Spain becomes a republic.

1936 - The begins between the Republicans and the Nationalists led by . Nazi and Fascist support the Nationalists.

1939 - The Nationalists win the civil war and Francisco Franco becomes dictator of Spain. He will remain dictator for 36 years. 1939 - World War II begins. Spain remains neutral in battle, but supports the Axis Powers and Germany. 1959 - The "Spanish miracle", a period of economic growth and prosperity in the country, begins. 1975 - Dictator Francisco Franco dies. Juan Carlos I becomes king.

1976 - Spain begins a transition to a democracy.

1978 - The Spanish Constitution is issued granting freedom of speech, press, religion, and association. 1982 - Spain joins NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

1986 - Spain joins the . Jose Maria Aznar

1992 - The Summer Olympics is held in Barcelona.

1996 - Jose Maria Aznar becomes .

2004 - Terrorists bomb trains in Madrid killing 199 people and injuring thousands. 2009 - Spain enters economic crisis. Unemployment will rise to over 27% by 2013. 2010 - Spain wins the FIFA World Cup in soccer. The economy of Spain is the EUR=35.52 NTD world's fourteenth-largest by =1.1821 USD nominal GDP, and it is also =1.5483 AUD one of the largest in the =130.1575 JPY world by purchasing power =7.519 CNY parity. The country is a member of the European Union, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the . Spain has a capitalist . (From ) The euro was launched on 1 January 1999, when it became the currency of more than 300 million people in Europe. For the first three years it was an invisible currency, only used for accounting purposes, e.g. in electronic payments. Euro cash was not introduced until 1 January 2002, when it replaced, at fixed conversion rates, the banknotes and coins of the national currencies like the Belgian franc and the Deutsche Mark. Today, euro banknotes and coins are legal tender in 19 of the 28 Member States of the European Union, including the overseas departments, territories and islands which are either part of, or associated with, euro area countries. These countries form the euro area. The micro-states of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City also use the euro, on the basis of a formal arrangement with the European Community. Montenegro and Kosovo likewise use the euro, but without a formal arrangement. Cash payments are now made in the same currency by 340 million people — euro banknotes and coins have become a tangible symbol of European integration. All EU countries, except and the , which have an opt-out, are expected to join the monetary union and to introduce the euro as soon as they fulfil the convergence criteria.

Sant Pau Hospital Plaça Reial

On a visit to the Art Nouveau Site, This square is so beautiful, it's no you’ll be able to appreciate the wonder it was named "royal" foremost work of Lluís Domènech (reial Catalan for royal). The I Montaner. It is one of the most elegant ambiance of the Plaça important architect of the Catalan Reial is accentuated by the Art Nouveau, and also one of the fountain, streetlamps and palm most outstanding rehabilitation trees, and it is one of Barcelona's processes of recent years. Visit busiest, most vibrant spots, the Art Nouveau complex on your particularly at night. This is own or in the company of a guide. Barcelona's best-loved porticoed square. Picasso Museum La Barceloneta Beach

Opening time: Located in the traditional fishing March-June: open daily 10am- district, this is one of Barcelona's 7pm oldest and best-loved beaches. It July-August: open daily 10am-8pm is thought to have inspired Miguel September-October: open daily de Cervantes as the setting for 10am-7pm the fight between Don Quixote November-February: open daily and the Knight of the White 10am-6pm Moon. It was here that the knight Tickets are on sale up to 30 errant was finally defeated and minutes before closing time. abandoned his quest. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Park Güell

The Casa Milà is a marvel of both Located in the city of Barcelona, art and architecture. Its famous the ​​Park Guell is one of the most facade is carved from plain brown beautiful icons of the city. stone, but its wavy, undulating It's a work of Antoni Gaudí surface gives it a soft, quasi- located in the upper part of organic feel – as if it were a living Barcelona, which has wonderful creature. views of the city. You can enjoy a It has two inner patios that act as fantastic green walk surrounded light wells, letting natural light by a modernist works. flow in from the roof all the way down to the ground floor.. Las Ramblas Estadi Camp Nou

Nearly everyone who visits For Barcelona this is already 7th Barcelona walks along it. The venue in history, so no wonder locals took it to their hearts people were calling it simply „new straightaway. In Barcelona, a city stadium” - Camp Nou - prior of narrow, winding streets, the construction and after its opening. Rambla was the only space where The nickname became so strong everyone could stroll and spend that in 2000 it was officialy their leisure time. And we mean declared as the ground's name. everyone. Because of its central Construction started in 1954 and location, the Rambla became a lasted three years. meeting place for all the social classes.

Foods It is the appetizer and also a kind of drunk food. Spanish made it a kind of snack between the meals. By the time it evolved, it becomes a kind of main meal already. It transferred into putting some cheese or olive, then to putting some ham, meatballs, some seafood, and other kinds of cold dishes. Gazpacho It is a very ancient country food, different form Asian people eat soup after meal, is it more proper to serve as an appetizing cold soup. Its taste is pretty good, which contains many ingredients, including bread, olive oil, garlic and water. It was added tomato to the later version.

Paella Olive, rice, orange, almond, and saffron combining with seafood is a common way to cook in a meal in Spain. It cooked with a double handle griddle, and Spanish rice, and saffron to season. In addition, it can also add seafood, chicken, tomato and so on to stew the dish. Rabo de Toro Because of the prevalent bullfight in Spain, it turns out to be Rabo de being a well-known food in Andalusia. Someone said that it’s a great sacrifice for that strong bull. Its tail becomes a precious dish on the dining table. Add vegetables and red wine, stew it with long time, then it becomes a delicious and famous dish in Spain. Spanish Morcilla Has many variants. It contains mainly pork blood and fat, rice, onions, and , and is produced in two varieties. In Albacete and La Mancha, the morcilla is filled with onions instead of rice, which completely changes the texture. In Extremadura the creamy morcilla patatera includes roughly mashed potatoes. Churros It is also called Jena. It’s a kind of bar-shaped bread that was originated from Spanish. Additionally, it is well known in Latin America, French, Portugal, and America. It’s often served during breakfast.

Best places to visit in Spain

Rating: 9/10 Only You Hotel Atocha ￡127per night

Dazzling design and a clubby vibe combine to make the Only YOU Atocha the new fashionable place to stay in Madrid. Nice rooms, delicious food and a sense of space create a contemporary luxe environment. People might just forget to leave the hotel.

MADRID The centre of the city is smartening up with new boutiques, delis, cafés and gastrobars opening up every week. It’s perfect for a culture-rich long weekend or city break, with great food and a lively atmosphere at night. Madrid may be cold in winter – it is one of Europe’s highest capital cities, after all – but the sky is usually blue and the sunshine strong enough to allow visitors to sit at a pavement café sipping a vermut. and where to stay when there

Top 5 cities to visit 1. Barcelona 2. 3. Madrid 4. 5. Valencia

Rating: 8/10 URSO Hotel & Spa ￡178per night

The Urso is a smart five-star boutique hotel in a chic, non-touristy area of Madrid. The location of the hotel is quiet strategic. You may have your shopping and barhopping around here. The hotel is a quietly fashionable haven with an in-the-know clientele. BARCELONA Barcelona is a patchwork of architectural styles, displaying dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas and the skyline-piercing constructions of Jean Nouvel or Herzog and de Meuron.

Rating: 9/10 Aiguaclara ￡82per night

A converted nobleman’s house in the heart of medieval Begur, offering colonial grandeur and an excellent Catalan restaurant. The town’s main plaza, restaurants, shops and bars are a stroll away. Rooms are simple, elegant and airy, with large windows and balconies. Excellent value for money, and families are welcome. COSTA BRAVA Gloriously wild in parts and tastefully manicured in others, the Costa has some of the finest Blue Flag beaches in Europe, broad and sandy stretches to elegant horseshoe bays and secluded smugglers’ coves.

Rating: 9/10 Hotel Pulitzer ￡85per night

You'll struggle to find a hotel much more central than the Pulitzer, sitting as it does just off the Plaça Catalunya. Its large lobby and bar area, with its white leather sofas and red lacquered cabinets, makes for a cool meeting place away from the hubbub, but better yet is the roof terrace and cocktail bar. Rating: 8/10 Hospes Palau de La Mar ￡115per night

This chic boutique hotel set within a grand nobleman's mansion is a reflection of Valencia itself, where tradition and innovation combine. Contrasting with the busy city, this peaceful oasis near the Turia gardens has a spa and delightful hidden garden where the horses used to live. Rating: 8/10 Hotel Balandret ￡54per night

The new Balandret is a stylish boutique hotel right on the beach in Valencia. You can amble out onto the promenade for a walk or bike ride or just run into the sea. If you can’t be bothered to move, the restaurant terrace is ideal for a cold beer or two or a leisurely paella at lunchtime

VALENCIA Spain’s third-largest city some of the most striking architecture in the country, adding to the wealth of elegant Art Nouveau buildings that line the streets, as well as Gothic and Renaisssance monuments. With dynamic museums, a flourishing restaurant scene, lively nightlife, great shops and miles of beach, Valencia is bursting with Mediterranean exuberance. Rating: 9/10 La Casa de las Chimeneas ￡47per night

This fabulously converted village farmstead is hands down one of the finest places to stay in the Picos de Europa. Its family-friendly self-catering apartments are beautifully original, the views are sensational and the welcoming Spanish-English owners have absolutely everything covered.

CANTABRIA It’s has an unique combination of landscapes and lifestyles – of breathtaking coast, quiet country, deep valleys, majestic mountains and characterful seaside towns – fused with fantastically fresh food and tremendous historical riches. And yet, by Spanish standards, Cantabria remains relatively undeveloped, apart from the odd minor resort area here and there. Rating: 8/10 Posada San Pelayo ￡54per night

Hidden in crinkled mountain foothills, this superb family-run country hotel blends beautifully traditional Cantabrian style with contemporary comforts, glorious views, warm personal service and easy access to some of the Picos de Europa’s outstanding scenery and activities. ANDALUCIA Divided from the rest of the country by the natural boundary of the Sierra Morena, Spain's southernmost region is larger in area than the , stretching from the Atlantic in the west to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the arid landscape of Almería in the east.

Rating: 9/10 Molino del Santo ￡120per night

Going strong since 1987, this delightful, British- owned rural retreat and long-time riverside walkers’ favourite is idyllically positioned just outside dramatic Ronda. Enjoy the relaxed ambience, rustic-style rooms and outstanding restaurant, and head out on a multitude of wonderful walking trails. Rating: 8/10 Chillout Hotel Tres Mares ￡54per night

This elegant hotel blends Asian and Moroccan design motifs, standing in lush gardens with weeping willows, bamboo and palms trees. The vibe is tranquil and intimate. The roof-top hot tub is an indulgent spot for sundowners with gorgeous views across the Straights of Gibraltar. Rating: 9/10 Corral Del Rey ￡156per night

A 17th-century palacio in the heart of Seville’s old town has been reinvented as a deluxe boutique hotel by English brothers Anthony and Patrick Reid. It’s a classy affair with fine art on the walls amidst marble, Romanesque pillars, wooden beams and state-of-the-art lighting.. SEVILLE The influence of the city's Moorish past and Catholic present is visible everywhere, most strikingly in the world's largest cathedral and the Giralda minaret, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture.

Rating: 8/10 Hotel Sacristía de Santa Ana ￡54per night

Boutique hotel in a converted 18th-century mansion with traditional arcade patio, delightfully relaxed considering Seville's hottest restaurant and bar scene is on its doorstep. Quirky furniture, period details and great value make this family-owned spot the top choice in the Alameda district. Rating: 8/10 Room Mate Valeria ￡82per night

One of Malaga's coolest hotels. The central location is handy for everything this laidback city has to offer. Guests tend to spend a lot of time up on the roof working on their tans during the day and sipping cocktails late into the night. Rates are pretty reasonable for a ‘design’ hotel too.

MALAGA Unlike some Spanish cities, it does not wind down in summer, and is particularly lively during the Malaga Fair in mid-August, when even the most reserved visitors might find themselves joining the locals for a twirl in the streets. Although there is plenty to see and do, Malaga is really a place to kick back and just enjoy the laidback Mediterranean vibe. Rating: 8/10 Hotel Molina Lario ￡105per night

A glossy, contemporary hotel in the centre of Malaga that smoothly caters to jet-setting couples. Grab a poolside to sip mojitos at the buzzy 8th-floor rooftop bar, with beautiful views of Malaga’s 16th-century cathedral and the sparkling Mediterranean below. Recommended Schedule

Day 1 Taipei - Dubai

 Taoyuan International Airport and check for your flight. (The best wat of getting to Spain may first land on Dubai, then to Spain.)

Day 2 Dubai – Madrid

 Arrive at Dubai in the morning, then, you can have your transfer to Madrid.  Another famous square is the Piazza di Spagna, however, it is located at Rome. At the square, it stands a Spanish well-known writer’s monument, called Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Later on you may head to Columbus square, and Plaza de Cibeles as well.

About Madrid 1. Madrid is also called “The door of Europe” 2. There are more than 300 public squares in Madrid. Puerta del Sol is the center of the whole city. Day 3 Madrid – Segovia – Toledo – Madrid

 After your breakfast, you can go visit the ancient city, Segovia. Then, you can head to the Segovia Castle.  Toledo ancient town.  Head to the Toledo cathedral, which took 300 years to build. It is three of the Spanish great cathedral.

About the Toledo Cathedral The internal gothic decoration in the main chapel is extraordinary. The divertive building yet gives the tourists a brand new feeling towards the culture. San Martin Bridge is a bridge which can head to the very city. Alcazar castle is the highest place in Toledo. In the ancient Rome, it is the judging place. In 1936, because of affected by the Spanish civil war, it is renovated into a solitary museum. Day 4 Madrid – Consuegra – Cordoba

 Take the shuttle bus and head south  Visit the Consuegra.

About Consuegra There are several white wind mails situated on the hill, which made up a typical country scenario in La Mancha.

Day 5 Cordoba – Savia

 Jewish Quarter and the Callja de las Flores  Go to the Andalusia capital Savia  Visit the Metrol Parasol.

In Andalusia A place which is nearly 5000 square meter and full with the passion of the citizens. The Savia Square took 8 years to build, a square with an oval square, painted tiles, elaborate red buildings, and the scenario of the beautiful river. About the Jewish Quarter and the Calleja de las Flores The Jewish Quarter and the Calleja de las Flores is like a maze. The white houses with the decorations of pretty vases standing line by line on the windows show a featured Andalusian style in it. Not only the places mentioned above but also looking into the Andalusia arts like Puente Romsno.

Day6 Savia – Ronda – Mijas – Granada

 Forward to the small white town, Ronda.  The car would pass through Mijas.

About Mijas The twisted mountain road appeared a white town. The view is so beautiful that you may question yourself whether you are looking at a picture. It is the seminary of the Spanish bull fight as well, which has the oldest bullring in Spain. About Rondo This little but gorgeous town is located above sea level 428 meters. There are only about 7500 people living in this little town.

Day7 Granada – Barcelona

 Go to the Granada Cathedral on this day.

About the Granada Cathedral This cathedral started building since 1523, and completed in 1704. At the beginning, it was planned to build as a gothic cathedral; however, it then turned into a Renaissance style cathedral. Day8 Barcelona - LA ROCA VILLAGE OUTLET – Barcelona

 Visit Park Güell. complete due to the interruption of the Spain civil war.  Sagrada Família  In the afternoon, you may shop around La Roca Village Outlet..

About Park Güell It was built more than a hundred years ago, and was the art of Antoni Gaudi.

About Sagrada Família In 1882, construction of Sagrada Família started under architect called Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, Villar resigned, Gaudi took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudídevoted the remainder of his life to the project, and at the time of his death at age 73 in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete due to the interruption of the Spain civil war. Day9 Barcelona – Dubai

For last day of this trip, approach for Casa Milà of Passeig de Gràcia. Then just make yourself into Barcelona. Wander around the paths, walk into the department stores, and take a look at the street artists, just relax for the very last day of this amazing trip.

Day10 Dubai – Taipei

Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport on the last day, and back to your lovely home.

Day Airline Flight Unstick Departu Arrival Arrival re time time

1 Emirates EK367 TPE 23:35 Dubayy 05:05+1

2 Emirates EK141 Dubayy 07:35 Madrid 13:25

3 VY VY2015 Granada 19:15 Barcelon 20:40 a

4 Emirates EK186 Barcelon 15:30 Dubayy 00:25+1 a 5 Emirates EK366 Dubayy 04:35 TPE 16:50