If you plan to take the cruise that leaves from Galveston, Texas on April 27th and departs for 13 nights to Barcelona, Spain then take this to heart. When you get to Barcelona, don't just get on the plane and head home. Please don't leave this beautiful city without visiting some of the sights such as the Sagrada Familia, the quirky buildings in Park Guell and the site of the Olympics game.

Being in Barcelona for three days last December, I can tell you that the city has a lot to offer. Don't plan to see it all in less than two days because you won't enjoy it. Staying three days was not enough but we managed to get around the city and take in most of the sights. The best way to see Barcelona is by bus. I recommend the Bus Turista, a double decker bus that circles the city, covering all points of interest including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila (or La Pedrera), Casa Battlo, the Olympics site, Montjuic and the Gothic Quarter. Along the route, the bus passes by the University, Barcelona Cathedral and La Ramblas. You can get on and off at any Bus Turista stop with a valid ticket. Tickets may be purchased on board or in advance from tour companies such as the tour company that we are affiliated with.

The bus circles the entire (red) route in an hour but will take longer during busier traffic hours. On the first time around, we decided to stay on board and take in the audio program. When the bus circled around, we decided to get off at the Sagrada Familia for a closer look. Inside, Gaudi wanted the church to resemble a forest of trees, reaching towards the heavens. He was a genius, creating plaster models and leaving drawings behind for today's builders to finish his work. It truly looks like a forest inside, with the columns made out of different materials. A lift is available to take you high into one of the pinnacles, which has been dedicated to one of twelve apostles. The view from up top is spectacular.

The other architectural wonders of Gaudi are equally impressive. The man was certainly ahead of his time when he had designed La Pedrera, Casa Battlo and Park Guell. Be sure to give yourself ample time to visit each of his work which can be found throughout Barcelona.