Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Getting to Paris was smoother than expected! Starting our journey with a flight from Phoenix to New York, followed by a direct flight to Barcelona, was a breeze. Initially, Paris wasn’t part of our plan, but after visiting Tokyo Disney, I had to experience Disneyland Paris. After this Kyla & I would only have 1 more international park left - Shanghai.
After landing in Barcelona, we took a quick one-hour flight to Paris. Upon arrival, we picked up our pocket Wi-Fi and grabbed an Uber to our hotel. Traffic made the 45-minute ride feel longer, but the excitement kept us going. We stayed at the Ibis near the Eiffel Tower, and wow—what a view! Lying in bed, we could see the Eiffel Tower right outside our window.
After a quick freshen-up, we set off on foot to explore. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person was overwhelming. It's one of those moments you dream about but never imagine experiencing in real life. We capped off the evening with an incredible pizza dinner, before heading back for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow: Disneyland Paris!
Day 2: Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris was everything I hoped for. We began at Walt Disney Studios, tackling our must-ride attractions—Ratatouille was my favorite! After three hours, we moved on to Disneyland, where familiar rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones had surprising twists—they go upside down here!
While the rides were magical, the food didn’t quite live up to Tokyo Disney standards. A soft-serve caramel sundae was the highlight of our meals, but that didn’t dampen my spirits. Seeing the castle was everything, and yes, tears were shed!
After a day of enchantment, we took the train back to Paris and wrapped up the night with a classic steak-and-fries dinner. Tomorrow, it’s time for more Paris sightseeing before heading to Barcelona!
Day 3: Exploring Paris
Jet lag had us up early, but we made the most of our final day in Paris with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. First stop: The Louvre, a masterpiece in itself. Next, Notre Dame, where restoration efforts post-fire were fascinating to see. Finally, the Arc de Triomphe, which was even grander in person.
After some light shopping and trying the unique McChocoNut at McDonald’s (Nutella between a bun!), we returned to our hotel. A quick note for travelers: always carry coin euros—public restrooms here often require them!
With bags packed, we boarded our flight to Barcelona. Excitement levels were high for the next chapter of our adventure.
Day 4: Hello, Barcelona!
Barcelona greeted us with a delightful Spanish potato and onion omelet for breakfast before our tour of the Le Méridien Barcelona Hotel. Connecting with one of our fellow planners during the tour emphasized our motto: We know because we go.
Lunch featured delicious Catalan tapas, followed by a visit to the vibrant public market filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local treats. Afterward, we strolled through the city, soaking in its charm. Dinner was another round of tasty tapas—a perfect way to end the day.
Day 5: Sights and Scenes of Barcelona
Our first hop-on, hop-off bus day in Barcelona began with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia. Each side of the cathedral was stunning in its unique detail. A hearty brunch at Brunch and Cake kept us fueled for the day.
A two-mile uphill walk led us to the whimsical Parc Güell, where we marveled at Antoni Gaudí’s intricate designs. The day ended with room service lunch, a cozy dinner, and gelato—a sweet end to a fulfilling day.
Day 6: Luxury and Leisure in Barcelona
We started with a tour of the stunning Mandarin Oriental hotel, which left us in awe. Its rooftop terrace, indoor pool, and luxurious spa were nothing short of dreamy—ideal for future travelers!
The day continued with sightseeing via the bus, including stops at the Olympic Stadium, cruise port, and Arc de Triomf. A relaxing lunch with city views and a visit to the Bankers Bar (set in a former safety deposit room) added unique touches to the day.
Day 7: Flamenco and Farewell
Our last full day in Barcelona was a mix of shopping, walking, and soaking in the local vibes. A vibrant parade right outside our hotel window added unexpected excitement. The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Flamenco show, a perfect cultural send-off for our adventure.
As we pack up to head home, we can’t help but feel grateful for these unforgettable memories. From Parisian landmarks to the vibrant culture of Barcelona, this trip was a dream come true. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
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