Barcelona

was founded by the Romans, who set up a colony  called Barcino at the end of the 1st century.

It has been voted the "Best Beach City" in the world. By the way, all beaches are artificial.

Today Barcelona is known for its art and architecture.It is home to nine UNESCO world heritage sites.

The longest street is Gran Via, 13.1 km, but the most famous is La Rambla, it is pedestrian free and  runs for 1.2 km.

My favourite, however, is the elegant boulevard Passeig De Gracia, it is adorned by 32 lamposts, built in 1906. They feature a bench structure at their base made out of mosaic ceramic tiles, they glisten in the sun and at night when the lamps above are lit.

ARVIA, Cabin 8302,

Suite on the 8th floor, cost £4,112 for 13 nights.

Am travelling alone.

ARVIA, 13 night cruise to Spain and France.La Coruna, our first port of call.

La Coruna.

I have been several times and clearly remember the very first visit. We docked in the heart of the city, two ugly buildings greeted us, the port reeked with urine, condoms strewn everywhere.

It could only get better, I thought, and it did, even if not cleaner.

The street running alongside the port is lovely, lined with coffee shops and little boutiques.

When we were asked to rate the ports we had visited, I, and many others wrote the port needs a big clean up. And the town's council listened.

But covid affected La Coruna as it affected most towns, many establishments have closed and only time will tell if they are going to re - open. Still, I found a lovely coffee shop, had excellent orange juice and latte, a rather disappointing croissant, walked a lot and content returned to the ship.

ARVIA. My first time on this latest P & O cruise ship.

I love  this little sitting area separated from the sleeping area.

And  yes, it is a  box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne on the table, a welcome present from Arvia.

Suite 8302 is going to be my home for the next 13 nights, sailing to Spain and France.