http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Mexico-RVC/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from Mexico RVC en-us Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:54:37 +0000 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:54:37 +0000 We are on our own in Barcelona for 4 nights and then we board the cruise ship on Day 12. Bailey will be flying home on Day 11 and Brian will be arriving the morning of Day 12 just in time to board the ship. http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Barcelona/blog-318609.html Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide takes us on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter with its impressive Cathedral. We also see Gaudi's 'Sagrada Familia' plus many of his other eccentric architectural masterpieces. Later we'll view Columbus' Monument and the Ramblas. After enjoy time at leisure in this sophisticated city or perhaps an optional excursion to mystical Montserrat http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Barcelona/blog-318607.html We are at sea today with lots of food sun and entertainment. http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/blog-317740.html Barcelona the capital of Catalonia is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city that incorporates in its urban street pattern Roman remains medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avantgarde art. Not for nothing were the emblematic buildings of Catalan architects Antoni Gaud and Luis Domnech i Montaner declared to be World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.To take a s http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Barcelona/blog-317732.html A short drive to 'la Croisette' in glamorous Cannes where we have time to admire the yachts in the marina and go celebrity spotting We'll see the Film Festival Centre before rejoining the highway to drive through Provenal landscapes reminiscent of Van Gogh paintings. Then on past the Camargue National Park and to the border with Spain. We cross over the foothills of the Pyrenees and are soon i http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Provence-Alpes-C-te-d-Azur/Cannes/blog-317731.html A free morning to relax and perhaps take a stroll along the Promenade or shop in the trendy boutiques Later this afternoon we will enjoy a scenic drive along the Cote d'Azur to visit Monaco and Monte Carlo. Here we'll see the beautiful Casino built by Charles Garnier in the 19th century and our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure as we explore the Principality. This evening we will enjoy http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Provence-Alpes-C-te-d-Azur/Nice/blog-317730.html Our first stop this morning is in the wine village of Chateauneuf du Pape where we stop to see the amazing vistas from the ruined fortress and visit one of the Cote du Rhone wine cellars to sample some of the delicious wine. Then on to Avignon where we see the Papal palace and famous 'Pont' bridge over the Rhone. Finally we arrive in Nice where an orientation drive shows us the Promenade des An http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Provence-Alpes-C-te-d-Azur/Nice/blog-317729.html Today's journey takes us through the very centre of France. First we stop in Bourges to see the Palais Jacques Coeur the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the delightful Archbishop's gardens. Then into the very centre of the 'hexagon' as the French often call their homeland to stop at the village of St. Amand Montrond. We continue via the volcanic hills around Clermont Ferrand and on to Lyon a go http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Centre/Bourges/blog-317728.html First we drive to Chartres famous for its mighty Cathedral with its blue stained glass windows. Built on a lay line this spot has always been said to have mystical power Then down to the valley of the quiet river Loire with its many beautiful villages and resplendent castles home to French royalty over the centuries. We'll stop at Chambord to see the impressive chateau and then visit fairyta http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Ile-de-France/blog-317727.html Today's sightseeing tour with a local guide includes the ascent of the Eiffel Tower to its second level for wonderful views over the city. Other highlights include views of Notre Dame Cathedral the Arc de Triomphe Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elyses before we enjoy a walking tour on the Left Bank that will include a visit of Les Invalides with its golden dome. As part of the Army Museum http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Ile-de-France/Paris/blog-317726.html Day 2 is the first day in Paris.On arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport we will be met and transferred to our hotel. This was a great airport. As we already checking into customs in Frankfurt during our transfer we could just head out to meet our driver. The hotlel in Paris is great. It is new but at the north end of the city so we will have to take the subway Metro to get anywhere. We d http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Ile-de-France/Paris/blog-317724.html Day 1 is travel from Calgary at 5pm on September 18th to Paris arriving the next morning September 19th.Well we have arrived in Paris. It has been a long day or two. Going through Frankfurt was difficult as we had little time to run between terminals. But we made it. From Frankfurt to Paris was a breeze as we no longer had to check in through customs. Everyone was tired when we arrived. Ou http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Ile-de-France/Paris/blog-317722.html Hi this blog is going to be a quick trip with us on our bus trip and Mediterranean cruise. Below are the bus and cruise schedules.Highlights Paris Chartres Loire Valley Bourges Lyon Chateauneuf du Pape Avignon Nice Granada Cannes Barcelona Zaragoza Toledo Madrid http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/blog-316598.html At the crossroads of Europe and Africa and of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Tangier opens the door to Morocco. There is still an air of mystery about the city going back to the time when Tangier was an international zone. Board the coach for a scenic drive along the coast to Cap Spartel. Stop to visit the legendary Hercules Caves overlooking the sea. According to Greek mythology Hercule http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Morocco/Tangier-T-touan/Tangier/blog-316632.html Board the coach for an approximate 3.5hour drive to the historic city of Marrakech. There will be a refreshment stop in transit and our guide will offer insights into the history and culture of the fascinating city. Upon arrival the first stop will be at the centerpiece of Marrakech the impressive Koutoubia Minaret and Gardens. Standing at 253 feet the square Koutoubia Minaret is easily visibl http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Morocco/Grand-Casablanca/Casablanca/blog-316631.html The Rock of Gibraltar was once one of the Pillars of Hercules and was an important military stronghold for centuries as it guarded the entrance to the Mediterranean. Traveling to the border of the Spanish Frontier we'll cross the airfield and have an excellent view of the Rock. You'll also see the Cross of Sacrifice as you drive across the airfield. We'll visit St. Michael's Cave where you'll ha http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Gibraltar/Gibraltar/blog-316629.html This walking tour introduces us to Ajaccio's Old Town landmarks including Foch Square the Cathedral and Maison Bonaparte where Napoleon lived until he was nine years old. After the tour we can travel back to the ship or meander around the town. http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Veneto/blog-316627.html See Italy as it is rarely seen with a trip to Umbria and Orvieto. The fortified medieval town is home to a 13th century cathedral and worldfamous wine. From the pier and travel north from Civitavecchia along the west flank of the Apennines to Orvieto. Umbria is a land of steep hills and deep valleys with small villages boasting medieval castles and churches.Arrive at the feet of the medieval to http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Rome/blog-316610.html After a 10minute transfer from the ship to city center we will board a local boat for a cruise along the Livorno channels. The route covers several centuries of Livorno history and it will take us through the most colorful district named New Venice which is a labyrinth of canals waterways and bridges encompassing sights that include New Fortress Republic Square Santa Caterina Church Cavour S http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Livorno/blog-316607.html Drive along the famous Grand Corniche originally built by Napoleon. Enjoy a scenic view of Roquebrune Cap Martin near the Italian border and La Turbie before reaching Monaco. Upon our arrival in Monaco your coach will drive along a portion of the Grand Prix Motor Race circuit to the jewel of Monte Carlo its Grand Casino. Visit the Rock of Monaco the walled city overlooking the sea and the mo http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/Provence-Alpes-C-te-d-Azur/Nice/blog-316606.html