Catalonia is an ancient area that has existed since the Middle Ages and now comprises parts of Spain and France. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains, Catalonia contains myriad picturesque villages and lovely seaside resorts.

Barcelona is the capital of this autonomous region and is the perfect place to start a visit to the area. With both an international airport and excellent train connections, it is an easy matter to explore the outlying regions.

Barcelona itself if a friendly city with a wealth of Gaudi architecture. For the first time visitor, the tour bus that visits many of Barcelona's best-known attractions and allows on and off privileges is a great value and efficient way to see this fine city. At the various stops, visitors may just stroll along popular streets like the Rambla or explore a variety of museums including the Picasso Museum, the City Museum or the Museum that is actually several Museums. The location offers an outstanding view of Barcelona from its lofty perch above the city. Be sure to take time out to window shop and enjoy a coffee or meal at the many eateries found in the town. The tourism office is located at the top of the Rambla and has maps and other information on the attractions of Barcelona.

A typical treat in this town is a cup of hot chocolate and churros. Don't miss this decadent treat. Tapas bars also abound and provide a great way to enjoy a glass of wine with a nice selection of snacks that are included with the purchase of a drink. Smoking is still a popular activity in Spain; so don't be surprised that the tapas bar is shrouded in a heavy fog of smoke. Barcelona is a very walkable town and easy to navigate. At the other end of the Rambla is a statue of Christopher Columbus near the port. You might catch a glimpse of cruise ships and you can't miss the many sailboats.

Catalonia beyond the big city has attracted many prominent artists including Salvador Dali who was born in the nearby town of Figueres. There he designed a museum to properly display his works. The museum attracts throngs of visitors and it is best not to go on a weekend if at all possible as the crowds can make this a very claustrophobic experience. Be sure to walk around the outside of the museum and pay attention to the quirkiness of the exterior.

True Dali fans will want to venture to his home on the coast in Port Lligat. This is near Cadaques, a charming seaside town. Unless you have a car, it is best to catch a tour from Figueres. The ride along the coastal roads is a highlight itself. The road winds over and around hills, through olive trees and with views of the sea and the mountains. More adventurous souls might enjoy hiking to Prot Lligat from Cadaques. The Dali house reflects the artist himself. Definitely not, your typical seaside villa, this house is a combination of several fishing cottages that had been added on to make a huge labyrinth. The interior while simple is not typical. The swimming pool drew laughs from our group when we realized its phallic shape. The tours through the house are limited to groups of about 10 people at a time and volunteers with a wealth of information about the artist guide them.

Catalonia is not just the area on the coast of Spain, but also heads into the mountains. Girona is an historic and pleasant town with Moorish background and a quick train ride away from Barcelona. An ancient Jewish Call (Quarter) with narrow alleyways, now bordered by antique and other interesting shops is a pleasant place for a day trip. The huge cathedral dominates the cityscape. The cobbled streets definitely define the old world charm of this city. The Arab Baths, built in 1194, show the Moorish influence on this area of Spain. They were not built by the Arabs, but rather in that style and were used by the Jews for ceremonial purposes. Like many towns in Spain, the Rambla is the place to stroll and take in daily life. A walk along the river or across its bridges is also a pleasant way to explore this ancient and off-the-beaten tourist path town. Now, although it is not yet on the tourist circuit, it is regarded by Spaniards as one of the best places to live in the country.

Girona is about 50kms from France, which is part of Catalonia. The language and the food are common threads of this region. This romance language combines French and Spanish, but was repressed during Franco's rule. The French part of Catalonia offers the same beautiful and laid back beaches and picturesque seaside town. Collioure's setting on the Vermeille Coast inspired the fauvism movement and such artists as Matisse and Derain. The colorful buildings throughout the town exude the warmth and brightness of the sun. In fact you can follow the Fauvism footpath and find reproductions of 20 paintings that were executed from these exact spots.

The town is small and very walkable. There are plenty of beaches and seaside cafes. A large fortress dominates the shore. Catalan tradition lives in local festivities and the food.  Typically in Catalonia, the Catalan flies as proudly as the locals are of their culture.

Exploring Catalonia is simple with the new France-Spain rail pass offered by Rail Europe. This pass allows unlimited travel for a certain number of days in the two countries. 4 –10 days of travel within a 2-month period are allowed. The travel days need not be consecutive, so this pass allows you to spend more than a day in the places that interest you most. If you travel with more than two people, you will benefit from additional savings. The pass can be for either first or second-class travel. Be sure to purchase it in the US and you will be ready to go.

Happy Traveling.

Girona - http://www.publintur.es/Guiacata/CBrava/Girona/Girona.htm

Barcelona Tourism -http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welcome.htm

Figueres Tourism - http://www.figueres.com/index.php?newlang=english

Collioure -http://www.collioure.com/anglais/co-001.html

Rail Europe -http://www.raileurope.com/us/index.htm