Roadtrip In Spain: First Stop, Barcelona

A Rediscovery of Barcelona

For my second visit to Barcelona, ​​the city still seems so huge! But this time, I also explored it by bike which makes a big difference! In two days, we also walked a L-O-T, especially in less touristy neighborhoods like the very pleasant Gracia (photo montage below “Day 1”). It’s hard not to be attracted and caught up in the rhythm of Barcelona, ​​the first stop on our rail roadtrip in Spain.

Is it still necessary to mention the genius of Antoni Gaudi, the super famous Catalan architect? During my previous visit (of a few hours) to Barcelona, ​​I had only seen his magnificent masterpieces from the outside. So, this time, we visited the emblematic ones at length: La Pedrera – Casa Milà and at night, Casa Batlló. Two absolut wonders (pictures below in “Day 2” and “Day 3” sections)! We were less lucky with Park Güell (we arrived at closing time) and the Sagrada Familia (my advice, buy your ticket well in advance).

I appreciated that the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower was not in the center of Barcelona, ​​which allowed us to avoid the crowds, pickpockets and traffic jam of this touristic area. The hotel is close to a metro line that reaches the city center in about twenty minutes max. What a lovely surprise when entering our duplex suite! The view, space, welcome gifts (like the assortment of homemade cakes), kindness of the staff, quality of the bedding and delicious Sunday brunch!

Next stop: Madrid! To be continued

                            The visit in Pictures

The Hotel

Day 1: From Gracia To The Sagrada Familia

Day 2 : Bike & Visiting The Casa Batlló

Day 3 : La Pedrera – Casa Milà and The Palau de la Música Catalana 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations

Spanish Tourism Board, Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower

Many thanks to the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower and the Spanish Tourism Board. As always, these are my opinions.

Roadtrip en Espagne: premier arrêt, Barcelone

Une redécouverte de Barcelone

Pour ma seconde visite de Barcelone, cette ville me paraît toujours aussi immense. Mais cette fois, je l’ai aussi explorée à vélo : cela fait une grande différence différence! En deux jours, nous avons aussi énormément marché, notamment dans des quartiers moins touristiques, comme le très agréable Gracia (photo montage ci-dessous “Jour 1”). Difficile de ne pas être attiré et happé par le rythme de Barcelone, première escale de notre roadtrip ferroviaire en Espagne.

Est-il encore besoin de mentionné le génie d’Antoni Gaudi, le célébrissime architecte catalan? Lors de ma précédente visite (de quelques heures) dans Barcelone, je n’avais vu ses magnifiques chefs d’oeuvres que depuis l’extérieur. Aussi, cette fois, nous avons longuement visité, les emblématiques : La Pedrera – Casa Milà et en nocturne, la Casa Batlló. Deux merveilles! Nous avons eu moins de chance avec le parc Park Güell (nous sommes arrivés à l’heure de la fermeture) et la Sagrada Familia (prenez votre ticket longtemps à l’avance).

J’ai apprécié le fait que notre hôtel, le Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, ne soit pas au centre de Barcelone, ce qui nous a permis d’éviter la foule, les pickpockets et le rythme effervescent du centre-ville. L’hôtel est à proximité d’une ligne de métro qui rejoint le centre-ville en une vingtaine de minute maxi. Quelle jolie surprise en entrant dans notre suite en duplex! La vue, l’espace, les attentions (dont un assortiment de petits gâteaux faits maison), la gentillesse du personnel, la qualité de la literie et le superbe brunch dominical!

Prochaine escale : Madrid. A suivre

                            La visite en images

L’hôtel

Jour 1: de Gracia à la Sagrada Familia

Jour 2 : tour en vélo et visite de la Casa Batlló

Jour 3 : La Pedrera – Casa Milà et le Palau de la Música Catalana 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations

Office du tourisme espagnol, Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower

Un tout grand merci au Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower et à l’Office du tourisme espagnol. Comme toujours, ce sont mes opinions.

Croatia : My Second Cruise In The Islands

A Cruise On a Nice Yacht

It’s always a pleasure to go to Croatia! After two flights with a change in Zagreb, I arrive in Dubrovnik where I join the yacht privatized by the French tour operator Rivages du Monde for about twenty clients. The boat is large and well maintained; its crew is young and dynamic. The next day, after a short morning in Dubrovnik (still as superb): I visit with a friend Cavtat, a charming seaside town and its surroundings with beautiful vineyards, 20 km south of Dubrovnik. This little getaway is not included in the cruise program.

The cruise starts the next day, heading for the small island of Korcula that I already know. I am also very excited to see Split again, even if the weather will not be great all week: torrential rain, turbulence and even a storm that will prevent us from going to Hvar. It happens. Fortunately for my seasickness, our cabin is comfortable. We will also have some beautiful clearings that will allow me to discover Trogir, Sibenik and Zadar. And to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, at sea as on land. Photo above, the impeccable upper deck, my favorite place on the entire yacht, to appreciate the grandiose landscapes.

The week goes by quickly, full of discoveries and if you are independent and a gourmet by nature: take advantage of each stopover to follow your own program, at your own pace, by choosing your activities and restaurants. Rivages du Monde also offers excursions. In any case, I recommend that you prepare your cruise in advance, in order to make the most of it. And if you can, leave off-season. Don’t waste time doing your research on site. As the return flight is from Zagreb, we leave the yacht in Krk early in the morning and spend the day in Zagreb. I particularly like the historic city centre, with the funicular (on Tomić Street), its museums, terraces and gardens. It is a vibrant young city, with many students.

                            The cruise in pictures 

1. Dubrovnik & Cavtat

2. Korcula & Split

3. Split, Trogir & Sibenik

4. Zadar & Krk

5. Zagreb

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations

Rivages du Monde, Croatia

Many thanks to Rivages du Monde and the Croatian National Tourist Board for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.