Volendam 2026, Barcelona, Spain...

I was up dark and early for sail in to Barcelona this morning. Our guide Christine and her husband Peter picked us up at the World Trade Cruise Terminal in Barcelona and off we headed to Girona, a new adventure for us. (Good planning as Barcelona would have been a mad house today with 7 ships in port.) Girona is known locally as the Barri Vell perched on a hill along the banks of the Onyar River. This remarkably preserved medieval quarter seamlessly layers over 2,000 years of history, blending Roman foundations, a storied Jewish heritage, and soaring Gothic and Baroque architecture. It is a labyrinth of steep cobblestone alleys, secret courtyards, and ancient stone ramparts that feels like stepping directly back in time which is precisely why it served very well for the King's Landing and Braavos in Game of Thrones. Our first stop on today’s journey was Saint Feliu Basilica, one of Girona's oldest churches, known for its distinct Gothic/Romanesque style and a prominent 14th-century bell tower. From here we visited Jurats Square surrounded by ancient walls and located on the Roman Wall. We then toured the Arab Baths, a Romanesque structure modeled after ancient Roman and Islamic bathhouses, featuring a central octagonal pool surrounded by slender columns. Next, we made our way to the Girona Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona) the most prominent Roman Catholic church in Girona and located at the highest point of the old city and definitely stands out for its 90-step monumental staircase This cathedral led a colorful life… Having been built and altered over a period spanning from the 11th to the 18th centuries, Girona Cathedral blends a variety of styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and, of course, Gothic. The church’s inside is impressive with its size, dramatic arches, carvings and bold stained glass. It’s also home to some great art pieces and Tapestry. We left the church and walked along a portion of the medieval walls of Girona, with some good panoramic views. Next, we walked through the Jewish Quarter…One of the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Europe, made up of a maze of steep stone staircases and hidden courtyards. We walked through the Jewish area to the Peixateries Velles Bridge, a red iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877 that crosses the Onyar River and links the old town with the newer commercial center. The iconic, brightly painted historic houses lining the edge of the Onyar River made a great photo opportunity. From here we walked to meet our driver Peter and we returned to Barcelona. It was a great day and another off-the-beaten-path experience beyond Barcelona…the day was also made special for us to share this experience with Diah a crew member from the Front Office. Our docking location today was a very nice vantage point for sail way from Barcelona.