Spain and Croatia: A Journey of History, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences

My sixth AmFund trip took me to Spain and Croatia, combining the rich history of both countries with an unforgettable adventure. One thing I learned is how interconnected the world is—many people, including my own ancestors, emigrated from Spain to Ireland. Traveling has a way of revealing these fascinating pieces of history.

Day 1: Arrival in Seville, Spain

For our first four days in Spain, we stayed at the magnificent Hotel Alfonso XIII. Located centrally in Seville, the hotel is an architectural masterpiece designed by José Espiau y Muñoz, built between 1916 and 1928. It was created to host royals, and you can feel that majesty in every room. Walking around, it’s easy to get lost admiring the grandeur of the place—it’s as if every corner has a story to tell.

Day 2: Granada and the Alhambra

An early morning start took us on a day trip to Granada. The city’s name comes from the Spanish word for pomegranate, and it’s fitting because Granada is bursting with rich history and culture. Our day centered around a tour of the Alhambra, a stunning example of Moorish architecture and the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in ancient times. As we explored the gardens and palaces, I found myself imagining life centuries ago in this vibrant city.

Did you know Spain is home to over 450,000 olive trees and produces 37% of the world’s olive oil? The scenic drive from Seville to Granada, lined with endless rows of olive trees, made that fact even more impressive.

Day 3: Discovering Seville’s Craftsmanship and Culinary Delights

Our third day in Seville was all about exploring the local arts and crafts. We visited charming ceramic shops and leather artisans, marveling at their handmade creations. The scent of fine leather greeted us as we browsed through wallets, bags, and even saddles.

The highlight of the day was a walking food tour. We indulged in local delicacies like ham, fish, and a variety of cheeses, paired with the finest wine and beer—a true feast for the senses.

Day 4: Castles, Boats, and Flamenco

Another busy day kicked off with a visit to the Alcázar, followed by a relaxing 1.5-hour boat ride along the river. It was the perfect way to take in the city from a new perspective. Seville’s riverbanks were full of life, with kayakers, bikers, and joggers reminding me of Riversport in Oklahoma City. Fun fact: Oklahoma City will host part of the 2028 Olympics!

Our day ended with a captivating flamenco performance in the square—an iconic experience that felt like the perfect ending to our time in Seville.

Day 5: From Spain to Croatia

On our last morning in Seville, we took a leisurely stroll to see the architectural marvel known as “The Mushroom,” followed by a visit to the historic Jewish District for some final shopping. Then, it was off to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Arriving in Dubrovnik at night felt magical. We entered through the western gate to the Hotel Pucic Palace, a beautiful hotel nestled in the heart of Old Town. The walk through the lively streets, full of people enjoying dinner and laughter, set the perfect tone for our time in Croatia.

Day 6: The History of Dubrovnik

Our exploration of Dubrovnik began with a chef-prepared breakfast before setting out on a city tour. One of the most entertaining stories I heard was about how the town dealt with corrupt politicians: they would mask the offender, put them face down on a donkey, and parade them through town while people threw food at them. After this public humiliation, the politician’s identity would be revealed in the square—justice served!

Later, we took a cable car to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the city. Dubrovnik’s history is rich and complex, and its 450,000 steps make sure you see it all!

Day 7: Bosnia and Herzegovina Adventure

Our final day was a full-day excursion to Bosnia and Herzegovina, starting with a visit to the town of Počitelj. Along the way, our driver shared stories about the region’s turbulent history. We climbed up to an ancient mosque, taking in views that felt timeless.

Next, we visited the stunning Kravice Waterfalls, a unique landscape with multiple cascading falls—a sharp contrast to the singular grandeur of Niagara Falls. From there, we headed to Medjugorje, a significant religious site known for the visions of Mary witnessed by local children. The Risen Christ Bronze Statue, weeping since 2001, added a spiritual weight to the visit.

Our final stop was Mostar, where we watched daring divers leap from the famous Old Bridge, a tradition dating back centuries. The lively market streets and Mediterranean cuisine reminded me of Istanbul—a perfect end to the day.

A Perfect Blend

This AmFund trip to Spain and Croatia was a perfect blend of history, culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. From the majestic Alhambra to the vibrant streets of Dubrovnik, every moment felt like stepping into another world. If you love history, great food, and breathtaking scenery, this is the kind of trip you’ll never forget.