Margie Miklas — Travelogue

Visiting Yosemite National Park

December 2, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Established in 1890 Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited of all the National parks, with over four million visitors in 2011. Covering 1169 square miles this UNESCO World Heritage site is the home of waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and elevations over 13,000 feet.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite's peaks and valleys offer very different experiences and weather patterns; Yosemite Valley is one of the most popular and most crowded areas in the park. It is considered the heart of Yosemite even though it only covers seven square miles. To make things easier with traffic flow the park has free shuttle buses that you can take from the day use parking lot near Yosemite Village. The shuttle buses are great since they are the only way to access many areas which are closed to car traffic.

With the shuttle buses you can visit the Valley Visitor Center, Lower Yosemite Falls, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, Tunnel View, and Bridalveil Fall.

High Country camping

In the higher elevations of Yosemite you can expect snow at any time, and some of the roads are closed due to weather so it is best to check ahead of time. One time on a whim we decided to drive from Las Vegas to Yosemite and camp. It is a seven hour drive and we arrived via the eastern entrance and Tioga Pass. It was late so we ended up camping in the high country. We pitched our tent and went to sleep, only to awaken in the middle of the night freezing. When we looked out it was snowing and we ended up sleeping in the car!

It was 110 degrees in Las Vegas and Death Valley and in less than 24 hours we were in freezing temperatures. Tioga Road and Glacier Road are usually closed due to snow until May or June and we were lucky the road was still open that morning. Yes the weather can change in a moment, and we were able to move to a lower elevation and enjoy the park.

Waterfalls

Yosemite has over 20 waterfalls and they are gorgeous, although not all have water flowing all year round. Yosemite Falls, the nation's highest waterfall has a drop of 2425 feet and stops flowing in late August since it is totally fed by melting snow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its peak flows are in late may, and the falls start flowing again sometime in October.

Most areas require advance reservations for camping since Yosemite is such a popular destination. Five months ahead is the suggested time to make a reservation to get the campground of your choice.

Giant Sequoias

The Mariposa Grove is home to the giant California sequoias of Yosemite and some of these trees are 3000 years old. Near the south entrance of Yosemite, this grove has over 500 of these giant trees. From the parking lot there is a tram tour you can take to see more of the trees, or you can hike the 0.8 mile uphill trail to view the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. The tram tour lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes and costs roughly $25.

Rock Climbing

Two of the other highlights in Yosemite National Park are not only beautiful but attractive to rock climbers. El Capitan or "The Chief" is considered to be the largest granite monolith in the world, and extremely challenging to mountain climbers. This is a sheer vertical wall of granite, measuring 3593 feet from its base to its summit, attracting climbers from all over the world.

The other giant rock is Half Dome, which is so huge it is larger than the Rock of Gibraltar. At 8842 feet high, the summit is typically 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. This also is quite a challenging climb.

Yosemite has much to offer and really requires several days to truly enjoy the park. It has been awhile since I have been to there and would love to go again soon, although this time probably not with a small tent.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: California, California National Parks, Featured, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, United States, Yosemite

Key West Attraction – Conch Train Tour

November 28, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

The Florida Keys are a beautiful and unique part of Florida and Key West is definitely its own experience. I have been to Key West a number of times and one of the best ways to see it especially for the first time is to take the Key West Conch Train Tour. So it's touristy but it's a great way to see the highlights and learn something at the same time.

Stations and Stops

Since 1958 15 million passengers have taken this tour which does a loop through the Old Town, passing by the major landmarks and historic places in Key West. It is a 90 minute tour with three stops, the main one being the Station Depot at Front Street. I would suggest boarding the train here to be sure to get a seat. The train stops here for a ten minute refreshment, restroom, ice cream, and souvenir break. The second stop is at Truval Village, at the corner of Duval Street and Truman Avenue. This is the stop closest to the Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse and the famous southernmost point. You can get off here and get back on after sightseeing if you like. The final stop is at Flagler Station where the tour ends at Mallory Square.

The tour was not always a Hop On Hop Off Tour, where passengers could ride it as much as they wished. Currently the train ride is a Hop On Hop Off tour, and according to the latest information with the tour desk, this may be or may not be a permanent change. They may be trying this to compete with the Key West Trolley which is a bus size vehicle that tours Key West, and it is a Hop On Hop Off tour. Prices are the same but there are more stops on the trolley and you can use the service for free if you ride it the second consecutive day.

Prices, tickets and hours

The Key West Conch Train tour is a good deal especially for families since kids 12 and under are free. An adult ticket costs $30.45, and an online ticket costs $24.57. Discounts for seniors 62 and older as well as military personnel are available also. The train operates daily from 9-4:30 but it is always closed the last Saturday in October due to the huge street celebration of Fantasy Fest. Tours leave every 30 minutes or more often if there is higher demand.

Highlights

Key West is also an easily walkable town and be sure to see the highlights and experience the atmosphere here. Sloppy Joe's Bar has been a Key West tradition and opens as early as 9am and closes late. If you want to have lunch and a Margarita at the Hog's Breath Saloon you can pose for the webcam and wave to all your friends back home.

The Key West Lighthouse Museum is open and if you are into climbing, there are 88 iron steps to get to the top for a great view. Built in 1825, this lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mallory Square is the best thing in the Key West in my opinion, and every night they celebrate the sunset there as crowds gather and enjoy the ambience. Street performers and food vendors seem to come out of the woodwork and it is a true Key West experience. Make sure to stay to be a part of this tradition.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Featured, Florida, Guest Post, Key West, Margie Miklas, United States

A Visit to Palermo, Sicily’s Capital City

November 25, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Palermo is the Sicilian capital and the city is known for its architectural masterpieces, but Palermo is also home to some very friendly local Sicilian people. Although it is a large city with a population of over 600 thousand people, travelers will find Palermo is an enjoyable place to wander on the streets and explore its neighborhoods.

With only part of a day to explore Palermo I was able to see some of the highlights and get a sense of the people here, enough for me to know that I want to return when I can spend more time. Even though the Mafia has a strong presence here despite the Italian government's efforts to defuse it, I did not feel afraid in the city because of the heavy visible police presence. Wandering around night however is a different story according an Italian friend of mine who is a police officer in Sicily.

Wandering around Palermo's historic district I immediately recognized the Teatro Massimo, in Piazza Verdi. It is Italy's largest theatre and was the filming location for the final climactic scene in the Godfather III film. Today live opera, concerts, ballet and other performances use this venue after over 20 years of restoration work. Guided tours are available Tuesdays through Sundays for eight euros.

The Church of St Ignatius of Olivella is a huge church which is a well-known landmark of Palermo in the historic area. Built between the years 1598 and 1732, this church is an amazing work of Baroque architecture. Unfortunately while I was there the church was closed so I was only able to appreciate the exterior.

The family-run shops and cobblestoned winding streets of Palermo are what excite me. A look above gives a hint to the local culture and lifestyle as the balconies are decorated with flowers and laundry is hanging out to dry.

Walking along not far from St Ignatius Church I came across the shop of a shoemaker, and the friendly owner, Gino Conciauro, welcomed me inside to watch the other shoemaker cutting the leather for a man's pair of Sicilian shoes. It was incredible and the next time I go back to Palermo I will definitely stop in to see Gino at his shop is on via Monteleone.

Another of my favorite experiences in Palermo was shopping at the outside marketplace. The locals were so friendly and not at all pushy. Anything you might need was available and the prices were reasonable. They seemed genuinely pleased that an American was shopping in Palermo.

I will be visiting Palermo again next spring and hope to see La Martorana, Palermo's famous 12th century mosaics church in Piazza Bellini. See there is always a reason to return to Sicily!

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Sicily

Spending the Day at Pier 39 in San Francisco

November 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

One of my favorite places to visit in the heart of San Francisco is Pier 39. This family-oriented shopping and entertainment complex is huge, covering 45 acres and conveniently located just two blocks Fisherman's Wharf at Beach Street and the Embarcadero.

With 110 California specialty shops and 14 restaurants, Pier 39 is a great place to spend part of the day when visiting San Francisco. It is touristy and there is plenty to do for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will love watching the sea lions as they laze about on a nearby barge built just for them.

Young children will enjoy the two-story carousel near the end of the pier, and at all hours of the day and evening there is live entertainment on the pier in the way of street performers. They regularly perform outside to enthusiastic crowds and depending on the schedule, there are magicians, jugglers, mimes, comedians, and other surprises.

Pier 39 also features live music throughout the day and evening, featuring boogie-woogie piano, guitar, dulcimer, saxophone, and singing. There is never an admission fee although the performers are happy to accept donations.

I love going to Pier 39 because there is so much outside activity there, and I also love browsing through the shops. Here I always find something unique to San Francisco that can't be bought anywhere else. The shopping complex consists of two levels so you can spend a whole day shopping here if that's what you like.

Where else can you find The Alcatraz Gift Shop with black and white striped aprons, or Le Beastro, a gift shop that specializes in doggy gifts? There is also a shop called Lefty's for anyone who is left-handed.

Most of the full-service restaurants offer a large selection of freshly prepared seafood entrees. If you dine at one of these restaurants, they will validate your parking voucher for the Pier 39 parking garage across the street, and credit you the first two hours of parking for free, after 6pm. If you are there before 6, it is worth one hour of free parking. The parking can be expensive at $8 an hour and $40 for the day.

The cool thing about the parking garage is the view. From the top deck you can have awesome views of some of San Francisco's most well-known landmarks, like Alcatraz, the Coit Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city landscape.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: California, Featured, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, San Francisco, United States

Enjoying California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

November 7, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

California is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These are two separate parks but are managed as one and named accordingly. Sequoia National Park is the second oldest national park, created in 1890 by an Act of Congress. The only national park that is older is Yellowstone. Kings Canyon National Park was originally created the same year and was called General Grant National Park. Today these two parks are managed as one entity.

Much less crowded than Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are known for giant sequoia trees, narrow winding curvy roads with plenty of S-bends, spectacular views of the Sierra Mountains and Mt Whitney, and scenic waterfalls.

Giant Forest

Ranked as the top attraction in these parks is the Giant Forest, located in Sequoia National Park. The Giant Forest contains many of the largest sequoias in the world, all in the space of approximately three square miles. This is the home to one of the most popular attractions in the park, the General Sherman tree, which is the largest tree in the world. Its height is 275 feet and the tree has a circumference which measures over 100 feet.

Moro Rock

Another popular feature in this park is Moro Rock, a large granite dome not too far away from the Giant Forest. Rock climbing enthusiasts love to climb this rock and other visitors can reach the pinnacle the easier way by climbing the 350 winding steps from the parking lot. This one-third mile ascent will definitely challenge most tourists, but the panorama views from the top are breathtaking.

Trail of 100 Giants

In Long Meadow Grove there is a one mile loop trail, which you can walk and see 125 giant sequoias that exceed ten feet in diameter. There are 700 giant sequoia trees here that have smaller diameters but nevertheless are huge trees. This grove contains a tree which is 20 feet in diameter and 220 feet tall. The oldest trees in this grove are considered to be 1500 years old. I recall it being a very humbling experience to be under these giant sequoias and looking up and all around.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

This 50 miles stretch of road is the only way to drive through Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in America. It requires nerves of steel for all the switchbacks and winding sections of road but the views along the way are totally worth it. It begins at the Hume Lake Ranger Station in Sequoia National Forest on Hwy 180, and ends at Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon. One of the waterfalls close to the road is Grizzly Falls, and there are also awesome limestone caverns near the Kings River. Boyden Cavern tours are available as well as rappelling opportunities.

The natural beauty of our national parks is all around us and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are among my favorites. I will always remember the winding drive and the awesome scenery there.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: California, California National Parks, Featured, Guest Post, Kings Canyon, Margie Miklas, North America, Sequoia, United States

Cruise Destination – Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

October 31, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Comprised of eight major islands and many smaller uninhabited keys, the Turks and Caicos have become a hot spot for cruise travel in the southern Caribbean. The capital of the country is Grand Turk, an island that is only seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with a local population of 4500 people, most of whom speak English. With 365 days of sunshine and average temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees, Grand Turk is the ideal Caribbean vacation location.

Carnival Cruise Center

The Turks and Caicos Islands, located in the Caribbean, are part of the British Overseas Territories and are approximately 500 miles southeast of Miami and 30 miles south of the Bahamas. In 2006 Carnival Cruise Lines built their own Cruise Center at the port on Grand Turk, eliminating fighting for space at busier ports. This facility can accommodate two ships at a time, handling 7000 passengers a day. At latest count 625,000 passengers a year make this a favorite cruise destination.

Just a half minute walk from the ship this 18 acre facility is sort of like one stop shopping and fun combined. Don't worry, this island is small enough that you are not missing anything by spending your time relaxing right here. There is something for everyone including a beautiful white sandy beach, a state of the art Flow-Rider Surfing attraction and even air conditioned cabanas near the pool. The Flow-Rider is offered through the cruise ship as a shore excursion and is the only one of its kind at any cruise facility.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville

The main attraction is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, the largest in the Caribbean, which is attached to the complimentary swimming pool, which is only three feet deep and has its unique swim up bar. Fifty-two Margarita flavors are available, so there is no excuse for not enjoying yourself. The 16,000 foot outdoor thatched-roof restaurant has seating for 500, and everyone, including yours truly was having a great time.

Other Features

Snorkeling and water sports activities as well as oceanside massages are just a few choices available here at the Cruise Center in Grand Turk. There is also the quiet South Beach nearby with its own Turkoise Beach Bar for those passengers who want to get away from it all. Duty-free shops and local residents with handcrafted items are close by for those who want to shop till they drop.

I only had a day at Grand Turk but would gladly return any chance I would get. I recommend this destination for a relaxing day in the southern Caribbean.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Caribbean, Featured, Grand Turk, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, Turks and Caicos

Sorrento – A Favorite on the Amalfi Coast

October 21, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Sorrento is a lovely city on the Amalfi Coast and a great place to base yourself for day trips to Pompeii, Capri, Positano or other places along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The first time I went to Italy I spent three days there and it was perfect. Aside from wandering through Sorrento's streets and enjoying the busy piazzas, there are two reasons I love Sorrento, limoncello and the craft known as intarsia.

Limoncello

Specific to Sorrento and the surrounding area, a refreshing alcoholic drink called limoncello (pronounced lee-mohn-CHEH-loh) is produced here from locally grown Sorrento lemons. Limoncello shops abound in Sorrento and you can also buy bottles of it almost every gift shop, tabacchi and groceria here. Its strong lemony sour taste is refreshing on a hot afternoon.

Limoncello is a liqueur which is best served chilled. It is frequently served as a palate cleanser between meal courses and also as an after dinner alcoholic beverage. I even know some Italofiles who have learned the recipe and now make it at home. Its ingredients consist of lemons, vodka, sugar and water, and of course the right amount of lemon zest. Every restaurant in Sorrento and every Sorrento family has its own recipe for this favorite drink.

I enjoyed tasting the limoncello while I was in Italy and naturally brought some home with me. It is a very popular liqueur throughout Italy, not just the Amalfi coast. On several different occasions Italians offered me some limoncello in their homes at various times of the day. It is so popular in Italy it is almost like stopping in to visit someone in America, and they automatically offer you a Coke.

Intarsia

What I really enjoy in Sorrento is the inlaid wood or intarsia. Skilled artisans have learned this craft from previous generations, and they create beautiful jewelry boxes, music boxes, statues and even furniture.

I was lucky enough to be able to observe first hand some of these artisans at work in their small shops. Each shop is filled with templates made from different types of wood that come from trees in the surrounding area. Olive wood was one of the most popular varieties here.

The music boxes were very reasonable priced and I was able to choose which music I liked to go inside the box mechanism. Naturally one of the favorites is the popular Italian song, "Take me back to Sorrento."

I am always ready to return to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. Time for some limoncello!

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Amalfi Coast, Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Positano, Sorrento

An Afternoon in Menaggio on Lake Como, Italy

October 15, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

With a population of 3200, Menaggio is one of the larger but less touristy towns along the shores of Lake Como. Across the lake from Varenna and Bellagio, Menaggio offers views of both of these smaller towns from its shores. I decided to check it out on my recent stay in Lake Como.

Menaggio is not that big so a walking tour is perfect to enjoy the architecture and scenery and browse the shops. Piazza Garibaldi is the main area around the ferry harbor, and from this area buses can take you to other locations on the mainland. The "old town" of Menaggio is located near here and the cobblestoned streets, ancient doors and the Baroque church of Santo Stefano all were reason enough for me to enjoy an afternoon here. Following signs to il Castello, you can walk uphill to the remnants of an ancient castle which was demolished in the 16th century. Pieces of the medieval wall still exist today near there.

Menaggio is less known for its shopping and better known for its sporting activities such as hiking. For serious hikers Menaggio is a good location to use as a base, especially since there are 12 separate trails leading into the hills above, and the lodging is much cheaper here than in Varenna or Bellagio. Hiking seems to be a major pastime here; in fact I met some Australians who were here specifically for that reason.

Other sports activities here include kayaking, cycling, and water skiing. Menaggio is one of the few towns on Lake Como with a public swimming pool. The 25 meter pool is called "Lido" and is open from Late June to mid September.

Menaggio is also famous for its annual Guitar Festival held every August since its beginning in 2005. The festival attracts famous guitarists both from Italy and across the world.

Every 2nd and 4th Friday here the markets are open in the center of town, and these are always fun events, where you can buy almost anything for a fraction of the cost that retail shops charge. Some handmade items and fresh produce and flowers are also readily available at these markets.

I stopped in at Pasticceria Manzoni for a cappuccino and to sample some of the local dolci. I tasted some type of apple and raisin cake that was delicious, and the shopkeeper informed that this was a type of sweet cake specific to this region.

For those avid golfers Menaggio is home to one of the oldest golf courses in Italy, The Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club. Established by the English in 1907this 18 hole golf club is very popular especially with the tourists from the United Kingdom and Australia.

Before I got on the ferry, I had to try some gelato from what looked like the best gelato place since there was a line. Gelateria Edo in Piazza Garibaldi certainly did not disappoint and was the perfect end to my afternoon in Menaggio.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Lake Como, Margie Miklas, Menaggio

Caffè Greco – Rome’s Oldest Coffee Bar

October 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

When you are in Rome you can't leave without stopping in at Caffè Greco, the oldest coffee bar in Rome. A fixture for over 250 years, Caffè Greco is second only to Caffè Florian in Venice as the oldest coffee bar in Italy. Always crowded, very expensive, and very classy with waiters dressed in tails, Caffè Greco is one of a kind.

It is not only a place to get a cup of cappuccino or a cannoli but a gathering place where you can actually sit and talk about current issues or your family. Italians stand and sip their espressos in the large front lobby where the table tops are made of marble and the huge wooden bar is beautiful. Tourists as well as those who wish to stay awhile head towards the back where there are several rooms, called interna sala, adorned with red velvet and rich décor. You will pay an extra ten euros for the privilege but the atmosphere alone is worth it.

Quite an impressive list of writers artists, and composers have spent time here, and there is fact an old guestbook with yellowing pages where you can check out some of their signatures. Writers Goethe, Keats, Stendhal and D'Annunzio made this a regular hangout and Hans Christian Anderson used to live upstairs in a rented room. Casanova was known to frequent this bar during lunchtime while he worked as secretary to the Spanish Ambassador.

Classical composers Richard Wagner, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and opera conductor Toscanini all spent hours at Caffè Greco drinking and discussing the issues of the day. Rossini was known to have composed in these rooms and even the American writer Mark Twain spent time here when he was in Rome. Today Caffè Greco is still a place where intellectuals like to come to have a sophisticated conversation.

Besides all the variations of coffee here there are rows of delicious sweets or dolci. When I was there recently I had a cannoli and even though it was six euros it was so worth it. It was one of the best I had tasted north of Sicily. I wish I had known at the time that I could have hung out in the front and eaten it at my leisure while people watching. I thought you had to pay the ten euro fee to sit down or else leave once I bought something. Next time I will spend more time and maybe even pay the ten euros to sit in one of the rooms in the back.

Caffè Greco is almost like an art gallery since there are so many collections of old paintings and 19th century frescoes on the walls. On the walls are also some portraits of some of the more famous patrons. There are over 300 works of art here which makes this the largest private art gallery that is open to the public.

Centrally located in the heart of the historic area of Rome, Caffè Greco is located on via Condotti not far from the Spanish Steps. Open daily from 9-7 Caffè Greco is always an interesting place full of life. The house specialty features coffee made with lemon and orange and is called "Paradiso." Don't miss a visit here on your next trip to Rome. You will not regret it.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

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Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Rome, Venice

Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

October 9, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Barcelona, Spain is a huge city, with a population of around 1.6 million and five million people live in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. The city is definitely worthy of three days or more to visit the main sights. I only had part of a day here in a recent cruise port stop, so I opted to take the Barcelona City Tour by way of a hop-on hop-off bus.

This turned out to be a very effective and economical way for me to get a glimpse of the city's highlights and learn a little about it at the same time. I definitely plan to return one day when I can spend at least several days here.

Prices

The Barcelona City Tour is one of the most practical things to do in Barcelona. You can pre-book online and the price listed is 21.60 euros, but I bought the ticket on the bus and it was 19 euros. Actually I got a discount on top of that since i had saved my ticket from a bus tour in another city. The company gives you a 10 percent discount up to a year if you keep the ticket so it is a good deal.

At any rate I rode the bus for the entire route, then got home and back on another bus for the other route. The whole tour lasted over four hours, which is not a bad deal at all.

The routes have a few overlapping stops, where you are able to switch to the other route if you like. Since Barcelona is so big there are quite a few buses which stop every ten to twenty minutes, making it easy to travel to different locations in the city. You can get off at one stop and get back on at any stop as often as you like within a 24 hour period.

Stops

On the west route stops include all the famous landmarks in Barcelona beginning with Placa Catalunya, the hub of the city and the beginning of the pedestrian walkway, La Rambla. The next stop is in the Gothic district, followed by Paseo Colon, the large avenue connecting the city to the sea. The bus heads toward the World Trade Center at the port and then to beautiful Miramar Gardens with a panorama view of the coastline.

There are 18 stops on this route including the Olympic Stadium, the MNAC, former World's Fair Pavilion, Plaza Espana, the Barcelona train station, the soccer stadium, shopping areas, and the famous Gaudi buildings, Casa Mila, and Casa Battlo.

On the eastern route the 16 stops include Placa Cataluña, the Gothic Cathedral, Port Vell and the Sea Palace, the maritime district and the beaches, the Olympic Village, Ciutadella Park, the modern glass building of the National Theatre, some of the more modern architectural sights and the technological district, the hospital, Garden City, Tibidabo, and of course the very famous unfinished work of Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia.

I would recommend the sightseeing bus as an overview for a first-time visitor to Barcelona and then you have an idea of what you would like to see in more detail. Have fun.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Guest Post, Margie Miklas, Spain

Visiting Yosemite National Park

Key West Attraction – Conch Train Tour

A Visit to Palermo, Sicily’s Capital City

Spending the Day at Pier 39 in San Francisco

Enjoying California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Cruise Destination – Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Sorrento – A Favorite on the Amalfi Coast

An Afternoon in Menaggio on Lake Como, Italy

Caffè Greco – Rome’s Oldest Coffee Bar

Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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