Pre-Cruise trip to Barcelona

To begin the trip we took an Amtrak train to Chicago because we found some great flights out of O'Hare. Our flight didn't leave until the next day so we decided to have some fun, food and drinks in Chi-town!! We had delicious deep dish pizza for lunch and then our friend Marisa picked us up and we went out for burgers and beer. It was a perfect way to begin the Honeymoon.

The next day we took our flight to Madrid, and then Madrid to Barcelona. After 10 hours we finally arrived!! So excited but so exhausted. After an afternoon nap at the hotel it was finally time to start exploring. We headed to Placa Catalunya, which is a big square surrounded by tons of shopping, restaurants and street performers. The busiest street is called Las Ramblas and it leads from Placa Catalunya all the way to the port and Mediterranean Sea. We fell in love with Barcelona immediately- beautiful statues, architecture and tons of energy.

Placa Catalunya

Looking down Las Ramblas

Relaxing with some sangria at a Tapas Bar

Street Performer on Las Ramblas

Paella for dinner!! The most delicious Paella Ever!!

Barcelona has great public transportation but we decided the easiest way to explore the entire city was to take a hop on hop off bus tour. So we spent the whole day taking the bus around the city and getting off at any of the 44 different stops. You are listening to headphones the entire time with a narrator telling you facts about the different parts of the city. Highlights- exploring FC Barcelona stadium, taking a gondola up to Montjuic mountain and seeing a great panoramic view of the city and the Barcelona Cathedral.

On the double decker bus

On top of Montjuic Mountain at the Castle

View from the field

The Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

Columbus Monument