19/09/2026
What a fabulous time we all had in Zaragoza.
Day one - We headed off at 7:30am for a leisurely drive, stopping off for a coffee about an hour after we left. Followed on by lunch in Teruel, a further coffee stop and then arriving at our hotel, Hotel Inca Boutique Zaragoza. Giving every one time to unpack and head off for their evening meal.
Day Two- We had a whole day to ourselves to explore this beautiful city. Taking the opportunity to visit the many different places of interest from La Sea Catherdral of El Salvador, The Basilica de La Pillar, Museo Rosario de Cristal and so many more. And of course sampling the Gastronomy delights in the evening.
Day 3- We started our journey at 9:00am and headed north to Belchite, a ghost town left untouched since the Spanish civil war. We had a guide who took us around the remains of this once thriving village. Between 24 August and 7 September 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, loyalist Spanish Republican forces fought Francisco Franco's rebel forces in the Battle of Belchite in and around the town.
During the Battle of Belchite in 1937, approximately 5,000 people died, including both civilians and military personnel. The battle was part of the larger conflict during the Spanish Civil War, and the town suffered significant destruction and loss of life.
After 1939, a new town was built near the ruins of the old one, which remains a ghost town as a memorial to the war. Franco passed a law that the derelict town was to remain untouched as a constant reminder of the loss of life. Unfortunately, the buildings are rapidly decaying and are in need of government funding. But until the old law is changed, nothing can be done. Which is why families and other residents of the new village decided to open its doors and educate people on what happened there and at the same time raise desperately needed funds to make essential repairs.
After our 2 hour guide, we headed down to the new village for a coffee before heading back to Zaragoza for more free time to enjoy the city.
Day four - We headed off to visit the Monasterio de Piedra. Dedicated to Santa María la Blanca , it was founded in 1194 by thirteen Cistercian monks from the Poblet Monastery , in the old Piedra Vieja Castle and next to the Piedra River . It was abandoned in 1835 due to the Mendizábal confiscations , purchased by a private individual five years later, and converted into a tourist establishment. It was listed as a National Monument on February 16, 1983. Ecclesiastically, it belongs to the archpriestship of Alto Jalón , Diocese of Tarazona . It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Aragon. With its beautiful waterfalls and gardens. A good day was had by all.
Day Five- We left the hotel at 9;00am homeward bound. Stopping off for coffee 2 hours after we departed Zaragoza. Followed by a stop off for lunch at Port Saplaya known as Little Venice, Valencia. Arriving back in Lo Crispin at 17:30pm
A huge thank you to all that joined us on this trip and of course to Jessica and David from EuroTourGuide Costa Blanca South for planning the trip.
