MontserratAn afternoon in the mountains
Montserrat was not technically part of this tour, but it was something we were really hoping to squeeze in somehow. The guidebook gives instructions on how to get to the monastery atop the serrated mountains, but our guide, Frederico, made it even easier. He put us in touch with a reputable bus tour that did short trips so we could get there and back in four hours. It was timed perfectly so that we could enjoy lunch after the Picasso Museum and then head to Montserrat -- returning in time for dinner in Barcelona that night. It was a gorgeous place, and the tour was well worth the 50 euros. |
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ToledoSpain's original capital
I loved Toledo! The 30-minute bus ride there was technically part of our third day in Madrid. It would have been nice to have an extra day there so as not to feel so rushed. It is a beautiful old city. We visited an historic synagogue, viewed El Greco's masterpiece, and tasted fresh, creamy marzipan. Toledo is ribboned with narrow, cobbled streets and the most fascinating history. The cathedral is absolutely stunning and a definite must-see. It features so many different types of extraordinary artwork (even the carvings in the seats of the choir section were blowing my mind) it is almost dizzying. Give yourself plenty of time to linger here. |
HorleyWait. What?
This was such a fun little excursion that it had to be mentioned should anyone ever find themselves in our position: Never having stepped foot in England and a six-hour layover at London's Gatwick Airport. It was tempting to consider getting into to London for the briefest of glimpses. Instead, we settled for lunch at Ye Olde Six Bells, a 700-year-old tavern in nearby Horley. It was a quick and easy cab ride for a fantastic lunch in a great atmosphere, followed by a stroll on the grounds of the church and dog park next door. It was a much better way to spend six hours than sitting in the airport, and now we can say we've been to England! (Many thanks to the folks on the Rick Steves forum for other suggestions and advice, but six hours was just enough time for getting through customs, catching a cab, lunch, a stroll, and getting back through security on our return to the airport. After having done it, we realized making it to the seaside town of Brighton - as many recommended - would have been impossible in that time frame.) |
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