A couple of months ago I posted that my next vacation was going to be a transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Epic. I leave today for Barcelona and wanted to share what my traveling partner, Sister T. and I have planned.
Barcelona
I have three nights and two full pre-cruise days in Barcelona. We spend the same amount of time there before our first Epic cruise in 2017. This time, we’re hitting new sights.
We pre-purchased tickets for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour along with tickets for Park Guell. After touring Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia (above), I want to see more of his work.
The second day we are booked for a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. I’m hoping the weather cooperates and the rain holds off (forecast for Friday).
Friday, we board the Epic for our 16 night adventure across the pond.
Ports
The itinerary has eight ports not including our embarkation and debarkation cities. The number of ports is what drew us to this sailing.
Palma, Spain
We were so exhausted by the time our ship ported at Palma last time (it was the fifth straight day of port stops) that we didn’t get off. That’s changing this time!
We have booked an all day tour that will include a walking tour of Palma before heading to the mountain town of Valldemossa and it’s Carthusian Monastery.
Malaga, Spain
We’ve booked a free walking tour of Malaga and look forward to seeing the city of Picasso (and Antonio Banderas!).
Cadiz, Spain
This is the one port where we booked a ship’s excursion. It’s called “White villages and countryside”. The name comes because the villages have lots of white-washed buildings.
We first visit the village of Vejer de la Frontera, perched high above the steep gorge of the river Barbate and squeezed between the sierra and the sea. We then pass through the Natural Park of La Brena before enjoying free time at the seaside village of Conil de la Frontera.
Funchal, Portugal
This will be my first time visiting Portugal and the only port where I organized a group tour. We have 10 of us hitting four sights including the famous tobaggan ride and/or cable car; both are optional. After this, we’ll head out to see the famous nun’s valley and view points.
Arrifece, Canary Islands
Here we booked a four stop tour including a wine tasting, the Timanfaya National Park and an opportunity to ride camels. I think I’ll just watch but haven’t 100% decided.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
We booked a full day tour with Spain Day Tours (same vendor as in Palma) that includes a visit to the world heritage site of La Laguna along with amazing scenery from ocean to mountain tops.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
After five sea days, we arrive in Tortola where we’ll take a taxi to Cane Garden Bay and enjoy a beach day. Last time we were here, we did the Baths which are beautiful but been there, done that!
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Last, but not least, we visit St. Thomas where we’ve stopped on many cruises. I think we’ll go to Coki Beach for another beach day and our last day before heading home.
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