We hired a car and driver. I forget the company and all, but it was wonderful. He arrived at our hotel and took us where we wanted, but also had plenty of suggestions. And he did not promote any shopping or coerce us into spending a lot of time shopping. We went to most of the sights Sagrada Famiglia, Parc Guile, etc. and enjoyed it all. We ate mostly a tappas bars and the food was great. Look on the internet and check with cruise critic to get some suggestions for guides. I assume you are cruising. We spent less for 3 people with a private guide than if we used the cruise line.

Incidentally, if you are using HAL, and staying extra in Barcelona, try to stay at the AC Diplomatic. It is a good location, close to some sights and good tappas streets.

Thank you for these suggestions. We will be on the Maasdam- overnight in Barcelona, Sorrento, Funchal and Lisbon... if you have any memorable experiences in those places i hope you will share. Thank you for responding,
Amy

Not sure if your time permits, but if so, a half day trip to Montserrat is worth it. We went there as an optional excursion offered by Princess. You would need to check about enough of it being wheelchair accessable to make it worthwhile for your friend. Good luck, and happy travels.

We went to Montserrat. I think that there better things to do in Barcelona than that trip. I think it would also be a challange for a wheelchair. Unless you really must see the world's largest monastic gift shop. At least it seems like it to me.

@1965 and @ Reme Montserrat is something Juli very much wants to do.
We were told Barcelona's public transit is amazingly accessible. She would like to hear the choir and the calibre of artists listed in the museum sounded wonderful as well. I will have to check more into w/c viability at Montserrat.
Thanks to you both.
Amy

Check carefully re: the choir at Montserrat. When we were there - early June, I think, they were not there. I think there is a web site that lists events. I think that much of the grounds are accessible. The big attraction - the Black Madonna is difficult for a healthy teen - long, steep, narrow steps at a very slow pace. Unless they have another means of access.

Thanks to this site I found a wonderful guide/driver in Barcelona and Parrot Pop walked with difficulty and with Aurielo and Michael we saw more in one day than most people see in several. If your interested write me and I'll give you the name of the driver (parrot mom@verizon.net) and you can ask about going to Montserrat. One thing you might love to do is walk Las Ramblas it will be easy with the wheelchair.. Also, there is a great hotel used by cruisers right on Las Ramblas. As for Lisbon.. it was one of our favorite spots we discovered.. We did meet up with some people on Cruise Critic and went to Sintra and along the way saw the most beautiful beaches and scenery. Barcelona truly was our favorite city to cruise from and visit..