As a seasoned travel agent and retired Sailor, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most captivating destinations. However, nothing quite prepared me for the enchantment that awaited during our whirlwind two-day escapade in Barcelona, Spain last year prior to boarding our cruise.  From iconic architectural marvels to vibrant cultural experiences, every moment in this Mediterranean gem left an indelible mark on my travel-loving soul.

Our adventure commenced with a mid morning arrival at the airport and a very easy taxi ride to the Alexandra Hotel Barcelona.   It was too early for check-in, but they allowed us to drop off our luggage and commence our explorations.  This included utilizing pre-booked Hop on / Hop off bus tickets to do the “grand tour” and get a feel for the city layout as the bus completed a circuit.  Then it was on to a stroll along the iconic La Rambla, a bustling boulevard teeming with life and energy. From street performers to local artisans, the vibrant pulse of Barcelona was palpable at every turn.   After exploring La Rambla for several hours our first day ended early with a delicious local dinner and a strong desire to catch up on sleep as the time change and flight caught up with us.

The next morning was off to an exploration of local coffee and pastry shops and then we were headed to the magnificent La Sagrada Familia.  We took advantage of the Hop on/ Hop off which had a stop close to hotel and delivers you right to the Cathedral.

Gaudi’s magnum opus, La Sagrada Familia, transcends mere architectural splendor; it is a testament to human ingenuity and artistic brilliance. Stepping into its sacred space, I was enveloped by a kaleidoscope of colors dancing through stained glass windows, casting ethereal patterns upon the stone pillars. The interplay of light and shadow within this Gothic masterpiece is sure to stir a sense of awe and reverence within all who enter it.

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a taste of its culinary delights, we indulged in traditional Catalan cuisine at a charming local taverna, from succulent seafood paella to tantalizing tapas, each dish was a symphony of flavors that celebrated the rich culinary heritage of the region.  I would be remiss to fail and mention the wonderful dinner and drinks at Flaherty’s Irish Pub right off La Rambla.   Nothing beats a great Irish Pub in a beautiful Spanish city!

After savoring every last morsel, we embarked on a journey through time at the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinthine maze of narrow alleyways and medieval architecture. Amidst the ancient stone facades, we stumbled upon hidden squares and centuries-old cathedrals, each bearing witness to Barcelona’s storied past.

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without continuing to pay homage to its most famous son, Antoni Gaudi. Our final stop of the day on the way back to the hotel was Casa Mila’, a whimsical masterpiece that defies convention with its undulating facade. 

As we bid farewell to Barcelona, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the myriad experiences that had enriched our journey. From the awe-inspiring architecture of Gaudi to the vibrant tapestry of Catalan culture, each moment in this enchanting city had left an indelible mark.  As we boarded the beautiful Norwegian Epic on our 3rd morning, I carried with me memories that would forever inspire my wanderlust and fuel my passion for exploration. Barcelona, with its timeless allure and boundless charm, had truly captured my heart.

Barcelona left such a mark that we are doing a repeat trip again this year.  High on the list is a repeat visit to Flaherty’s Irish Pub and a trip to Park Guell, another of Guidi’s incredible designs that we did not have an opportunity to visit last year.  We are also planning a day trip to Montserrat Monastery and I can’t help but think that a return to Sagrada Familia is in order as well.

The wonderful thing about exploration is it creates the desire to return to the same place to experience additional new things and a return to places that were inspiring previously.

Travel often and travel well my friends!