2022 Gastroenterology Update

Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain - Floating gemlike off Spain's Mediterranean Riviera, Palma offers pearls, pottery and perfectly sublime sandy beaches. The historic district of the city is a great stop for an inexpensive good meal, a visit to a wonderous cathedral (for those seeking peace, consider visiting the quiet of the Saint Francis cathedral rather than its more touristed big brother. Shopping abounds in this european vacation spot as well as a very beautiful, small modern art museum with free entrance.

Or take a day excursion to visit charming and quiet Valldemosa, where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a romantic winter in 1838.

Marseille, France - Marseille offers an unexpected view of a mosaic of buildings and National Heritage Sites from the terraces of Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica that towers above and watches over the city.

Alongside the port the towers of Saint Victor Abbey house crypts that already existed when Christianity was introduced into Provence. The columns of the Palais de la Bourse, the noble facades of the Prefecture and the fountains of the Palais Longchamp are part of the triumphant architecture from the 19th Century that is scattered throughout the city and that gave Marseille renewed splendour.

In the old quarter the houses are built on the sunny slopes ; the clock in the Accoules Bell tower, which was the old Sauveterre tower, still marks the hours of life around the Town Hall, while beyond the dome of the Vieille Charite hospice, Pierre Puget's masterpiece, stands out against the sky. The small streets of the Panier quarter lie a little further on.

La Spezia, Italy - Your overnight stay in La Spezia gives allows for unhurried adventures into the heart of Ligurian and Tuscan splendor without the usual rush. It’s your chance to craft a personal journey, whether that means a full-day immersion in Renaissance art or a leisurely two-day discovery of coastal and countryside charms.

With the luxury of time, allow the masterpieces of Florence blossom into a profound encounter. It is easily reached by direct train from La Spezia Centrale (approx. 1.5-2.5 hours) through picturesque Italian landscapes. Imagine a full day with Brunelleschi's magnificent Dome, the Uffizi's unparalleled artistic treasures, or Michelangelo's breathtaking David , perhaps even choosing an overnight stay in Florence itself for an intimate, magical experience of the city after hours. Nearby, Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower, standing sentinel in the Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the Duomo and Baptistery , offers another captivating Tuscan highlight, reachable in under an hour by train from La Spezia Centrale , perfect for a focused visit or combined with Florence for a day of iconic sights.

Alternatively, or for your second day, the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just minutes away by train from La Spezia Centrale or accessible by a scenic ferry from Molo Italia for stunning views of "vineyard terraces and charming buildings from the sea." Explore the "colorful buildings on a cliff" in ancient villages like Riomaggiore and romantic Manarola , discover the welcoming beaches of Monterosso , or fall for the charm of Vernazza, often called "the pearl of the Cinque Terre." The high-perched Corniglia offers sweeping, unforgettable panoramas. Consider dedicating your first day to Tuscany, returning to La Spezia for a delightful Ligurian dinner featuring fresh local seafood or pasta with fragrant pesto. Day two could then be devoted to the captivating Cinque Terre, followed by exploring La Spezia itself.

Don’t overlook La Spezia’s own authentic Italian charm. This "normal functioning city" invites you to wander its historic center, admiring elegant "Liberty" architecture in Piazza Verdi and browsing shops along Via del Prione. Visit the historic Castello di San Giorgio for panoramic views or the intriguing Naval Technical Museum. Immerse yourself in vibrant local life at the bustling Piazza Cavour food market (Mon-Sat), a true feast for the senses , or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined harbor promenade, the Passeggiata Costantino Morin. For a deeper dive into local culture, consider a hands-on pesto making class, learning traditional Ligurian secrets from a local chef , or an authentic cooking experience in a local's home. For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the nearby Lunigiana region of northern Tuscany offers medieval villages like Pontremoli, with their stone bridges and cobbled lanes , and unique truffle hunting excursions, a cherished "cultural ritual."

This extended stay in La Spezia is an invitation to explore iconic landmarks without haste, discover hidden gems, taste authentic flavors at their source, and create deeply personal, unforgettable memories. Embrace this unique opportunity to tailor your Italian adventure.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas are just some of the many reasons to visit Rome. Art greets you on every corner, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Stroll the ancient center and history comes to life as you explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

Naples, Italy - Capital of Southern Italy and the largest city in Campania, Naples is the third most populated city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) with over a million inhabitants. It's the most important industrial center and trading port for the South. Naples itself can provide a day's fun and entertainment, if its somewhat rundown appearance doesn't dissuade you. Or, join a tour of incredible Pompeii, frozen in time since A.D. 79 when Mt. Vesuvius brought an end to that then-thriving city. Or, take a quick ferry across the bay to the flowery Isle of Capri. Or, (yes, there's more) visit fabulous Sorrento, vacation spot for the well to do.

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