Barcelona/Rome 2012: Index
Europe! More specificially, since Europe is a big place, Spain and Italy. Barcelona and Rome, with a bit of time in Naples/Pompeii tossed in as well.
Spring is a nice time to go, as it's lacking the crowds and hot weather of summer, plus off-season travel is cheaper. Sadly, this also means there were some additional constraints such as available vacation time and scheduling, but hell, it's not enough to be worth complaining about!
The most painful part was the schedule, which lead to only a day and a skosh more in Barcelona, plus a day trip to Pompei while in Rome. More time would've been wonderful, but when is there ever enough time?
Day 1 - Technically the evening before into that day, airplane delays and then the wake of riots (with transit strikes) in Barcelona on arrival.
Day 2 - Trying to cram as much of Barcelona as possible into a single day, including La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, and Parc Guell. Emphasis on trying.
Day 3 - Quick wander to Santa Maria del Mar, then off to Rome (with bonus delayed flight!).
Day 4 - Exploring Ancient Rome, including Trevi Fountain, the Forum and the Coliseum.
Day 5 - Galleria Borghese and Catacombs of St. Agnes in Northern Rome.
Day 6 - The Vatican, the Jewish Ghetto, and Isola Tiberina.
Day 7 - Ruins of Pompei (Pompeii), with bonus stop in Napoli (Naples).
Day 8 - Airplanes and airports back to the USA.