We just got back from a trip to Barcelona, then a cruise, and ending in Lisbon. In Barcelona, we took the Aerobus to town from the airport which was easy and quick- plus you can buy tickets with debit cards now. Staying for three nights at the Hotel Granvia was a great decision. Initially I had asked for a street view room, for the scenery, but that was unavailable so we were given a courtyard window instead. Great!! It was just the right size, had a nice bath, and was extremely quiet. We booked two months ahead, so our rate was 109 Euro including a great breakfast. Day 1 was arrival in Barcelona, but we got in at 8:30 so were able to walk around the Bari Gotic, see the Cathedral and the Ramblas, plus have lunch at Maremagnum. Dinner was at the OUTSTANDING recommendation from Paul, Bar Candanchu at Plaça de Rius i Taulet, 9 in the Gracia neighborhood. Paella was the best that I had ever eaten. Day 2 we went to Montserrat. I really enjoyed this day and had a great time hiking around the mountain. We brought a picnic lunch from the city and purchased some amazing cheese from the vendors on the mountain. Dinner at Espai Sucre in Barcelona. Day 3- Gaudi Day! Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Casa Mila, and Block of Discord. Ended with a 30 minute Flamenco show at Taranto which was a pleasant surprise- reasonable, nice, and intimate.
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OP
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
Day 4- Today we got on the ship, but made time in the morning for the Picasso Museum. Skip to Lisbon. We had to adjust our plans here and get off the boat in Lisbon due to a death in my family, so we changed our plans to stay here instead of continue with the chip to France. First day we did the three walking tours in Rick's book and loved them all. Second day we did Belem and the sights there, plus found a hotel for the next two nights (day 1 was on the boat) Settled on the Ibis hotel (after checking around for several hours and getting no where)which was reasonable but far from the center of town. But they had rooms! We ate dinner at Porto Brandao which was absolutely fantastic!!!! Highly recommend taking the ferry over from Belem and eating there. Third day we day tripped to Sintra and enjoyed the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. The National Palace was closed. I do not recommend the hike back into town from the Moorish Castle. It was very long and somewhat dangerous once we were on the roads. I am very fit (adventure racing, run, swim, etc) and found it more than I cared to do on vacation. Take the bus back to town from the Castle parking lot. Rick's 2011 book has a lot of errors in it, mainly schedules and pricing, probably due to the tanking of the Portuguese economy. The metro map is also incorrect omitting several stops that were added in 2009, and one that is much older on Praca do Comercio. I'm going to submit them on the website shortly. I'm happy to answer any questions!