What do we imagine when we think of taking a 2016 Spain Tour? Travel to Spain has not in any way, shape, or form fallen in popularity. Whether you're reading New York Times 52 Places to Go, Lonely Planet, Budget Travel, Mashable, or Business Insider, Spain continues to make it on all their lists! One of my favorite movie scenes has Tom Cruise and Thandie Newton standing on each side of a Bon Fire in Seville during Dia de Todos Los Santos or All Saints Day, which actually takes place November 1^st. Can you guess the movie I'm referring to? In that scene, you hear this crazy Spanish guitar playing during which time two women furiously dancing flamenco are on a stage feverishly tapping their heals against the floor. This is just one of the many things to watch in Spain, but far from the only one!

The architecture alone is hypnotic beginning with Gaudi's famous La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Did you know Antoni Gaudi never worked with Blue Prints of any kind? Every detail of his projects were in his head where he referred to. When Gaudi was struck by a bus, and eventually died in 1926, no one knew what to do when it came time to continue working on the cathedral.  Almost a century later, the cathedral is still filled with scaffolds.

Ranked number 1 of 30 famous attractions in Madrid, the Retiro Park is not just one, but the most frequented attraction in all of Madrid! Retiro, which means Retreat in English was built for the Real Sitio del Buen Retiro Palace. The palace was built as a retreat for the Royal Family in 1632 by King Phillips IV.

One of Spain's biggest tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Alhambra, which is located in Granada where it was originally built to be a fortress in 889. Subsequent to centuries of neglecting, the small fortress was converted into a Royal Palace in the mid-thirteenth century by Moorish emir, Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar. Following many more centuries of neglect, The Alhambra was once again rediscovered in the 19^th century, at which time was restored and serves today as one of Spain's major tourist attractions.

Located at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea lies Gibraltar also known as the Rock of Gibraltar. Even though the Rock is located in Spain, it is in fact the crown property of the United Kingdom not to mention once considered being one of the two Pillars of Hercules. The rock has been in existence since Jurassic times and Gorham's Cave, which stretches approximately 100 meters into the rock is considered to be home to the last known Neanderthals.

In addition to all the sites and attractions, Spain is also known for incredible Spanish gastronomy One of its most famous are Tapas, which are considered to be several appetizers served in one sitting. Ordering Tapas and wine is a must when visiting Spain. The experience stretches throughout hours of great conversation, eats, and drinks. Some of the most popular meat tapas include Chorizo and Serrano Ham, which are both dry-cured and salty. Jamon serrano (Serrano Ham) is cured for 12 months before it is either sold or served. Seafood Tapas are equally popular, which include squid, shrimp, and lobster.

Another one of Spain's popular Spanish gastronomical dishes, which is regarded as Spain's National Dish is Paella! Paella is a dish comprised mostly of seafood, chicken, and rice. Even though Paella has been said to be from Valencia, there are several different renditions of the original recipe throughout Spain. Valencian Paella is well known for including white rice, white beans, chicken, rabbit, green beans, snails, saffron, and rosemary, which is considered the Mixed Paella. Other renditions include just seafood and rice. Here in the states, big names like Martha Stewart and Tyler Florence have centered the Spanish dish on one or two of their shows.

Spain is a HOT SPOT for many a travelers, and big tour operators such as Globus, Cosmos, Trafalgar, and Insight have made it their business to provide some of the best escorted Spain tour itineraries throughout this beautiful country. There are tours that feature less than a week in Madrid or Barcelona to weeks in length touring its entirety. Spain has what you want from History, Art, Architecture, and Culture. Why visit Spain? See for yourself at: http://www.escortedspaintours.com.