Dames at Sea, Day Eleven: Arrival in Barcelona

Sadly, our time at sea was over but we were ready for the next part of our trip, which was Barcelona. I particularly was intrigued by the influence of the architect, Antonin Gaudi (1852-1926), a practitioner of Catalan Modernism and I was eager to visit his most magnificent vision, the still incomplete Sagrada Familia cathedral.

We got settled in the beautiful Hotel Majestic, in a very affluent area of the city, surrounded by exclusive shopping.  We wasted no time getting our ticket for the hop-on/hop-off bus for the next two days. We had already caught glimpses of the whimsical Gaudi architecture.  The hotel rooftop lounge and pool area was perfect for our first lunch in Barcelona, with a glorious view of the city.

CLICK ON "NEWER POST" BELOW TO CONTINUE TO DAY 11 (CONTINUED)

Dames at Sea, Day Ten: Majorca

Majorca is the largest of the Balearic islands with a widely diverse history from traces of habitation from the Neolithic period to occupation by the Romans as well as having a Moorish influence. It is now a popular tourist destination, particularly by Germans and the British. Well known stars such as Michael Douglas, Claudia Schiffer and Andrew Lloyd Webber own villas on the island.  We visited Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century and is one of the few circular castles in Europe.

On our way back to the ship we were able to take in scenery which included the cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma and the myriad of bike paths along the sea.

CLICK ON "NEWER POST" BELOW TO CONTINUE TO DAY 11

Dames at Sea, Day Nine: Menorca

From the French Riviera, we now were in Spain.  Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands, smaller than sister island Majorca.  It's a charming little resort island and I could see myself vacationing there in one of the many vacation rentals.  We toured a site called the Taulas of Menorca, which are thought to have been created by prehistoric or astronomical purposes.  The site has been compared to Stonehenge in the British Isles.  Later, our tour took us to a lovely little church and to a very popular restaurant and club dug deep into a cliff called Cova d'en Xoroi , accessed by 165 steps.  There is a love story legend associated with these caves, related to us by our guide.  It certainly was the most unique spot for a club and I can't imagine anyone transversing these stairs after a few drinks!

CLICK ON "NEWER POST" BELOW TO CONTINUE TO DAY 10: MAJORCA