Spain - Madrid and the Paradores

This week on the Travel Show - Madrid, one of the world's great regions - and the Paradores. Experience Spain in a very special way by staying at the Paradores. These luxury state-run hotels are not conventional hotels. The Paradores are in old castles, palaces and buildings with centuries of history ... but with all the comforts of the twenty-first century. They are the ideal base to get to know Spain.

Our lucky Prizewinner this week will get a taste of the Paradores as part of their fabulous prize.They will enjoy one night at the Parador de Chinchon, with breakfast included and one night at the Parador de Alcala, with breakfast included.

Parador de Chinchon

Founded by the Lords of Chinchon in the 17th century, this former Augustinian convent exudes character. It is set in Chinchon old town, with its distinctive main square - Plaza Mayor. Cypress trees, roses and wild privets in the garden give the Parador a beautiful appearance, finished by the marvellous cloister and softened by the blue water in the pool.

Large windows and vaults, classical Castilian furnishing and the pretty, spacious rooms make up the hotel interior, which has a peaceful serene atmosphere. The dining rooms offers garlic soup, suckling pig, roast lamb and typical Madrid stew.

Parador de Alcala

The Parador de Alcala de Henares is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomas Dominican Convent and School. It is one of the city's landmarks that together were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Around the cloisters at the Santo Tomas School-Convent are the restaurant, the bar, the breakfast room, the guests' lounge, and the night bar. The Parador also has a swimming pool, which is open in the summer. The restaurant in the Hosteria del Estudiante serves Cervantine food and the well-known traditional "costradas".

Madrid - one of the world's great cities

If you are planning your next trip to Europe, don't think it twice. Start your European adventure in Madrid. Right in the heart of Spain, Madrid combines tradition with the latest trends. Its history, museums, food and people make it a unique destination. Europe begins in Madrid! And now you can fly direct to Madrid with Air Transat and enjoy their new, enhanced onboard service.

A cosmopolitan European centre with a unique culture, Madrid has distinctive, succulent gastronomy - and great nightlife. The Region blends history with modern innovation, a relaxed pace of life, warm people and several nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites including the University at Cervantes home town and the Gardens of the Summer Royal Palace at Aranjuez.

The City of Madrid is the capital of Spain (one of the two most popular vacation countries in the world). Founded in 1202 it was in 1561 that Philip II changed the Imperial Court from Toledo to Madrid, creating it as the capital city of Spain. Phillip II ruled over an empire "where the sun never set" - and in honour of the glory of God and the dynasty of the Habsburgs, Phillip commenced the construction of the monastery of El Escorial.

On the 13th of September 1584, Philip II saw his greatest dream fulfilled - a building that, besides being a monastery, was a church, a royal palace, a library, a pantheon for the kings of Spain and a seminary. A world renowned architectural and cultural wonder, the Escorial is a must see on your visit to Madrid.

Madrid today is a vibrant European centre with fascinating history blended with the most modern amenities. Its great transportation network makes getting around quick and easy. There is also an excellent range of hotel accommodation. And now you can fly direct to Madrid from Toronto with Air Transat.

Tune in Saturday to win a trip for two to Spain with Air Transat flights to Madrid, two nights in the Paradores, plus five nights in Madrid, and a Madrid Card for free entry to over forty museums!

For your chance to win, phone into the show at 416-872-1010, 1-877-518-5151 or *TALK on your cell, or send your question any time this week by entering the contest here online by clicking on the Yellow "Enter Contest" button.