On this lovely, sunny morning, we were off the ship early, managing our own luggage (so we didn't have to pack early and leave our luggage outside our cabin door the previous evening). We were picked up around 8:30 am by our driver from Barcelona Day Tours, with a lovely van. We were booked to have a four hour (half day) Barcelona Highlights private tour, for just the four of us.
Barcelona is Spain's second city, and the capital of the Catalonia region - this region wants to be independent from Spain.
We drove towards the city, passing the Columbus Monument marking the spot where Christopher Columbus debarked and was welcomed by Ferdinand and Isabel after returning from his first trip to America.
We had some short photo stops at some memorable locations. We viewed the outside of the Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona (built in the 14th century). And then we moved on to see the exterior of the Palau de la Música Catalana (Catalan Concert Hall, built in 1908), a beautiful art nouveau building. We drove down the 'Block of Discord' viewing the modernista facades of some famous mansions built by famous architects at the end of the 19th century. The architects were trying to outdo each other, so their buildings ended up looking quite outrageous but beautiful. The buildings included Casa Batllo by Gaudi, Casa Amatller, and Casa Lleo Morera. We also passed another of Gaudi's buildings, an apartment block called Casa Mila (La Pedrera). We drove past the Plaza Catalunya, the famous plaza at the heart of Barcelona (at one end of the famous Ramblas promenade). People were gathering there for a protest! Another Plaza we drove by was Plaza d'Espanya, with a brief glimpse of the Les Arenes shopping and entertainment centre, that was originally built as a bullring.
 |
| Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona |
 |
| Palau de la Música Catalana |
 |
| 'Block of Discord' |
We also walked around the block of the amazing Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church), Gaudi's most famous work that is still being completed. It will eventually have 18 spires (it currently has four) and its facades (Passion, Nativity, and Glory) illustrate stories from Christ's life. The construction was begun in 1882, and Gaudi died in 1927, and since then this has become an amazing community project, with contributions from numerous architects, still reflecting Gaudi's vision. Completion is estimated to be in 2026, in time for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. Our driver gave us advice on how to purchase tickets online, to tour the church later, in the afternoon.
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
Next we were taken to the Park Guell. Another of Gaudi's design projects, this was originally intended to be a housing project area for Eusebi Guell (the developer); but it is now a unique park with extensive grounds. We had a pleasant time roaming around the entrance area, enjoying the amazing environment and views. It was very busy! The artistic and ornamental mosaic tiles and unusual structures were truly amazing.
 |
| Park Guell |
 |
| Park Guell |
 |
| Park Guell |
We were driven around some of the suburbs on the hills above Barcelona, and found our way to the Monastery of Pedralbes. Another gothic building, dating from the early 14th century, this beautifully restored monastery (and church) is now a museum, showing aspects of everyday life of the nuns. The courtyard was beautiful, and the displays and their descriptions were very interesting.
 |
| Monastery of Pedralbes |
 |
| Monastery of Pedralbes |
Next stop was to see a stunning gate at the entrance to the Guell Pavilions estate, again designed by Gaudi for his patron, Guell. This wrought-iron gate features an amazing mythical dragon, inspired by a Greek myth.
 |
| Guell Pavilions |
After a lovely morning, we were dropped off at our accommodation, at the Quartprimera Guest House. This was accessed via an antique lift, that could only fit one of us a time, with one or two suitcases. That was a novelty! We had lovely rooms with ensuites in what seemed to be a large apartment area on our floor, with shared lounge and kitchen facilities that were kitted out to help you relax and seem at home. The lounge had views out towards the Casa Mila, very nearby.
 |
| Quartprimera Guest House's lift |
 |
| Quartprimera Guest House |
Our lovely hostess helped us book and print tickets online for quicker entry to the Sagrada Familia in the afternoon. And then we ducked out for a bite to eat as we headed in the direction of the church.
There was still a queue, but not reaching around the block like others who had not pre-booked! And then we spent the rest of the afternoon, absolutely engrossed and soaking up the sights and atmosphere of this incredible building. There is nothing else like it in the world. Gaudi's genius in designing structures based around the structures he saw in nature, the use of lighting, the displays, the different areas to just sit and reflect. It was very crowded, but absolutely amazing. David and I spent ages just in the museum section, looking at how the designs were planned, and models and sketches of the structures. There was so much to see, and in the end we could have spent a whole day there. I've only devoted a short paragraph to this, but my photos will illustrate this best. Nevertheless, even they do not help you really appreciate the huge scale and beauty of this incredible church. This, for me, was the highlight of our trip.
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
 |
| Sagrada Familia |
I was keen to try some traditional Spanish tapas, so we went for a wander and eventually decided to try a small tapas bar. The selection was interesting, and we weren't clear how it all worked; and of course I had to determine whether things were gluten free, this always slowing us down. We chose a selection of small dishes and settled down to enjoy the chance to relax after such a big day. As it turned out, around 7pm was very early by Catalayan standards, and there were very few people about, and we were all too tired to hang around later to soak up the atmosphere. We headed home after our meal, and were treated to a wonderful view from the lounge, of the beautifully lit up Casa Mila.
 |
| View to Casa Mila |
