clay

<BR>Just back from Barcelona & Costa Brava. <BR> <BR>Thanks to all who gave us great advice on this forum! A few tidd-bits. Found "Maria Christina" restaurant downtown Barcelona. Looks like the Locals support this very good establishment, so it's not on the tourist hit-list. Very High marks! <BR> <BR>Also ate at Que Que. Long wait, but it proved worthwhile. Good food and not expensive. Looks like "Citrus" may be another good one. <BR> <BR>But the High points of the trip were <BR>"El Buli" restaurant in "Roses" and Richard Branson's "La Residencia" on Mallorca! Both worthy of true religious devotion. <BR> <BR>El Buli takes the "Art of Feeding" to it's APEX. The finest experience we've yet had! (and we're eating at restaurants most every evening here in the San Francisco area). <BR> <BR>For a truly wonderful and relaxing vacation, head straight for "La Residencia" on Mallorca. Easily a destination in itself. This place has it all! Place, Peace & Pleasure. <BR>Any questions on Barcelona, Costa Brava or Mallorca? Happy to give-back. <BR> <BR>Thanks all again! <BR> <BR>Clay

Joann

I'm going to Barcelona in mid-May. Planning to stay in the area and visit as many sites as possible - Sitges, Girona, Dali's home in figueres, Valencia, Montserrant. Any suggestions on things NOT TO MISS? I love people, architecture, museums, parks and learning! <BR> <BR>Thanks for any tips!

kavey

Joann, <BR> <BR>I have a tip... <BR> <BR>The trips you are planning sound excellent. However my advice would be not to short change Barcelona itself. <BR> <BR>I just got back (today) from a 5 day trip to Barcelona and didnt do a single trip outside the city, not because I didnt want to see the places you have listed but because there was sooo much to see in Barcelona itself. <BR> <BR>(I do plan to return some time and visit some of the places listed). <BR> <BR>I would recommend you give yourself 3 days in Barcelona itself - you will have plenty to see and do... <BR> <BR> <BR>Kavey

Cass

Where were you on Costa Brava? Did you overnight in any of the towns there? What were your impressions?

Carl

Clay and Kavey <BR> Thanks for your help.I am thinking of going to Barcelona for Davis Cup tennis US vs Spain in July of this year. <BR> My wife and I would like to make it overall worthwhile other than just good tennis.I was thinking of going early or staying afterwards.Actual tennis is three days. <BR> What about a cruise on the Med before or can you suggest a nice resort nearby that we might enjoy?I have your thoughts about local restaurants already in my file. Thanks Carl

Carolyn

Can you folks give some recommendations for budget accomodations in Barcelona and the towns along the Costa Brava? <BR>3 women travelling together, prefer to have our own single rooms, up to $50US per night. <BR>Thanks for your help - we will arrive in Barcelona June 8 and have 8 days to spend in the area.

Joann

Kavita, thanks for the tip. I'm planning 3 1/2 days in Barcelona. A day trip to Sitges & Montblanc/Poblet, day trip to Montserrat, 2 day trip to Girona/Figueres/Roses/Cadaques. <BR> <BR>If I'm thinking too ambitiously, please tell me!!! <BR> <BR>

Clay

<BR>Joann: <BR> <BR>Your plan sounds fine. You'll see all the must-see spots, you'll be busy, but it's not too agressive. We usually stay at least 2 days at each hotel. It's more relaxing and you can absorb the local texture. We stayed at Hostel de la Gavina in S'Agaro. It's a nice old hotel, but past it's prime and I think, it would be better to stay up to the north a bit more near Cadaques. Don't miss "El Bulli" if you are near Rosas and want the food experience of a lifetime. <BR> <BR>Montsarrat has a great small museum that is just the ticket for those of us who get overstuffed with cultural input & if you like to hike, there are great trails from the top!

Joann

Clay, thanks for the info. I'm really looking forward to the trip - Barcelona, Montserrat, Roses - and I do plan on saving my pesetas for El Bulli!! <BR>

Kav

Joann your plan sounds great... <BR>We had 4.5 days and built in time to rest and return to hotel and freshen up in the afternoons... <BR> <BR>We wanted to relax as well as sightsee as work has been hectic recently... <BR> <BR>But I would definitely try and put together a rough plan of what you want to see before you go so you can maximise what you see. <BR> <BR>I would recommend the Bus Turistic Blue Route on Day 1 all day (a long but pleasant day). Then do the interesting bits from the Red Route on perhaps the first half of Day 2. Maybe in the afternoon you could see the Aquarium/ walk around freely. Or see the Palau de Musica in the morning before commencing on the Red route. <BR> <BR>There is so much to see that the Bus Turistic will really help... <BR> <BR>kavey <BR> <BR>PS, I only just got back but really wish I was going back again tooo!!