Guy Ballard

  Valencia Sights We drove along the  Avenida Baleares , past the bullring and central station to take in the main landmarks of Valencia. The museum campus was quite impressive. At the  Square Central Market , we explored the market. Then we Continued to the  Carmen Quarter . Near the City of Arts & Science, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, you will visit the  Fallas Museum .  Nearby, the Torres de Serrano tower on the old City Wall offers a view the Plaza of the Virgin of the Forsaken Basilica. We visitef the  cathedral  and enjoy an outside view of the Miguelete Tower before returning to the ship.

  Today we took a bus a from the the port of Palma to the city center. Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island, is a city open to the sea and the bay that takes its name. Our tour started with a  panoramic drive  along the Maritime Promenade en route to Bellver Castle. This is one of the most important examples of Gothic civil architecture in Mallorca. Dubbed 'the castle of beautiful views', its imposing form watches over the port.  It was built by Jaume II at the beginning of the 14th century, originally conceived as a defensive stronghold and a royal residence. But it became an infamous prison between the Middle Ages and the Civil War. Among many others, the Enlightenment encyclopedist Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was a prisoner here for six years. The young French Physicist François Arago, who played a role in measuring the Paris Meridian, was also a 'guest' of the castle. Next stop -- the Mallorca Cathedral, which presides...