I’m leaving Saturday May 3, 2025 for a 15 day transatlantic cruise on Virgin Cruise Lines . It leaves from Miami and ends in Barcelona. We will spend 8 consecutive days at sea and then we will stop at various ports including Casa Blanca, Morocco, 2 stops in the Canary Islands, 2 stops in Portugal, and end Barcelona.
My nephew is getting married in Toledo, Spain the 3rd week in May. The transatlantic cruise was an add-on for us to get to Europe for the wedding. Believe it or not, it was about the same price as flying economy plus.
Our 15 day transatlantic cruise ends in beautiful Barcelona. From there we’ll hop on a scenic 2.5-hour train ride to Girona, Spain, where we’ll be spending three nights in a lovely Air BnB equipped with a washer and dryer, because I will need to do wash.
Girona is a captivating medieval town, known for its enchanting architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and postcard-worthy views. The historic Jewish Quarter, El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe, and the Girona Cathedral—with its dramatic Gothic design—is an absolute must-see. Fun fact: several scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed in Girona!
The city also boasts a fantastic food scene, from traditional tapas to gourmet experiences. With my limited diet, I hope I’ll be able to find something to eat (gluten-free and vegan). I’m especially looking forward to strolling along the colorful houses lining the Onyar River and walking the ancient medieval walls. It’s the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm.
Next stop: Madrid!
From Girona, we’ll head to Madrid by train to explore Spain’s vibrant capital. My kids and grandkids visited last summer and couldn’t stop raving about it. We plan to dive into some of the city’s world-class art and history, starting with the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and the Royal Palace. And of course—plenty of amazing food to enjoy along the way.
I’ve been flipping through the Bucket List of Europe book for inspiration—it’s full of great ideas for things to see and do in each city. I highly recommend getting it if you plan to go to Europe.
The grand finale: the family wedding in Toledo!
After five nights in Madrid, we’ll take a short train ride to Toledo for the highlight of our trip—our nephew’s wedding! We’ll be staying on a beautiful country estate for three days while celebrating with family who will be joining us from multiple countries.
I’ll be off the grid and soaking it all in until mid-June, so I won’t be visiting your blogs and commenting until I’m back. I do have a few blog posts scheduled while I’m away.
See you on your blogs in mid June! 💛
