By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Barcelona, the Mediterranean city, tells its own story with its whimsical architecture, its medieval alleyways, world-class art and mouthwatering cuisine. Allen Batista Travel’s Barcelona Spain sightseeing tour provides visitors with an insider’s view into the Catalan capital.

Gaudí’s Dreamscapes: Where Architecture Becomes Poetry

The Sagrada Famiglia, the masterpiece of Gaudí, is a stunning architectural attraction. You will experience a stunning display of light—sunbeams that pass through stained windows are in varying colors as the hours change. In place of stone walls, there are trees of concrete, roots that turn heavenwards.

When you believe that imagination can reach its limit, Park Güell invites you to enter the fairytale. The serpent-shaped bench made out of mosaic resembles a dragon on guard, and the houses look like gingerbread houses glittering with ceramic tiles. You are on top of the world; kids are smiling, music is going on in the streets, and the city is spread below you in a cake pan. Gaudí does not create only buildings but teaches to dream with eyes open.

Passeig de Gràcia: A Catwalk Of Modernism

Strolling down Passeig de Gràcia is similar to visiting a fashion show; only the models consist of buildings. The buildings known as Apples of Discord, that is, Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, and Casa Morera, are all vying with each other to get attention with flashy facades. The gleaming blues of Casa Batlló are believed to be fish scales in the sun, and Casa Amatller is similar to a Gothic fairy tale. It is a rivalry in architecture that creates wonder even a hundred years later.

You will stroll in and out of luxury shops, but the real gems are the details above windows twisting around kinds of vines, stained glasses that shine in the early evening, and bone-shaped balconies. Passeig de Gràcia is evidence that a city street can serve as an art gallery and runway as well.

Plaza España And Montjuïc: Grand Avenues And Skyward Views

Here, the tour takes a broad turn into Plaza Espana, where fountains spurt into the air, and boulevards go to the grand National Palace. On its steps, you are filled with history and with a grandiosity that makes the photos you take of it more than a representation of a place but something indicative of size.

Rising upwards, Montjuïc presents a hill in a mix of culture, sport, and nature. The Olympic Rings remain a memory of the 1992 Olympic Games, whereas Montjuïc Castle is the tale of many centuries of vigilant protection. There are scattered gardens filled with pines and vistas where the city sparkles like a jeweled box; Montjuïc keeps reminding you that beauty is not always made; it can also be nurtured.

Where Sea Meets Legacy: Columbus Monument And Plaza Cataluña

The Columbus Monument, which rises at the base of La Rambla, celebrates the journey of a man and the timeless, constant connection of a city with the water. Here, the air smells of salt, and it is mixed with the smell of roasted chestnuts sold by a vendor.

The Plaza Cataluña is only a few steps down the street. It is the heartbeat of the city—the cross of derelict neighborhoods and action boulevards, the point where all travels seem to start and end.

Escaping To Montserrat: A Sacred Mountain Retreat

On the outskirts of the city is Montserrat, a mountain shaped by deities. Sharp mountains stab the clouds, and in their midst rests the Benedictine monastery. Pilgrims visit to gaze upon the Black Madonna, but those who come by chance or circumstance are also struck into silence by the very presence of nature.

You can enjoy trails that wind through rugged cliffs, which give one view that goes on to infinity. You can also take the funicular. a ride up a hill. Either way, Montserrat is not something you look at; it is something you explore during a visit.

The tour ventures to a Cava vineyard to experience Catalan culture and sip local wines in the region.

Girona And Dalí: A Walk Through Time And Imagination

Girona, a medieval town, transports you to another century. Narrow lanes lead past Romanesque churches, and the city walls have a tale to tell of survival. The Jewish Museum provides a poignant insight into the past life of a community that once flourished here and enhances the cobbled charm of the city.

Then, you will visit the Dalí Museum. Here, melted clocks, dreamscapes, and impossible visions sprang into being. You don’t just see art—you step into Dalí’s mind, where the ordinary dissolves into the extraordinary. It is the complete opposite of the historical heaviness of Girona.

Why This Tour Feels Different

What makes Allen Batista Travel, Inc.’s Barcelona sightseeing tour extraordinary is not just the landmarks: it is the intimacy. Designed to accommodate groups of up to ten people, it gives room to expression and interactions. Engaging guides who speak both English and Spanish offer depths of history that guidebooks can overlook, and uncomplicated ground transport means the tour never degenerates into taxi-taking.

​Contact us today for your Barcelona adventure.

Guest Post: Sanjay Poddar, founder, India Wonderland

Kerala, also referred to as God's Own Country, is a land bursting with green backwaters, bountiful tea gardens, golden sand beaches, and opulent cultural heritage. India Wonderland’s 10-day, 9-night Kerala and Ooty package tour is not only a kind of vacation but also a sensory experience to visit one of the most diverse and peaceful areas in India.

Our Kerala and Ooty travel package highlights the historic streets of Cochin, the misty hills of Munnar, the wild beauty of Thekkady, the serene houseboat cruises in Alleppey, and the breezy beauty of Ooty, showing a new side of South India at every encounter. India Wonderland will guarantee a smooth time for the traveler who desires comfort and adventure.

Now, let us see the memorable sightseeing adventures that turn this tour into a bucket-list journey.

Touchdown In Cochin—A Historic Coastal Welcome

Your magnificent Kerala tour starts with your landing at Cochin International Airport and making your way to your hotel in Ernakulam. Afternoon beckons to explore the colonial beauty of Fort Kochi, a mix of the popular Chinese fishing nets, the spice fragrance flying in the air of the nearby main market, and the centuries-old buildings. Among the historical attractions are the Dutch Palace, which covers the entire walls with murals; the legendary Jewish synagogue; and the St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India.

In the evening, Richmond Street and Marine Drive provide the audience with a photo-perfect vista, and the citizens acting out Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance provide you with a bit of culture on your welcome night in the “God’s Own Country.”

Munnar’s Misty Tea Plantations

Our adventure begins with a scenic tour to the tea plantations of Munnar. When you arrive, you will be checked in and ready to explore the astronomical landscapes of the days ahead. The quiet magic of a walk in the dew of tea leaves is punctuated by the tasting of newly made estate tea.

Our sightseeing tour explores the peaks and wildlife: Rajamalai and the Eravikulam National Park with unique Nilgiri tahrs to be seen, as well as the great Anamudi peak. The Madupetty Dam offers pleasures by way of boat rides and horse riding, whereas the Echo Point is full of amusing acoustics. In the evening, hill station life settles into a comfortable retreat in local cuisines and vistas of cloud-warped slopes.

Spice-Scented Thekkady & Wildlife Thrills

After breakfast, our tour takes you from Thekkady (Periyar), approximately 22 miles, to the sacred wildlife haven of Kerala. The Periyar National Park is a guided safari tour—elephants, deer, boar, and the very elusive tigers.

In the afternoon, we take a spicy plantation tour to give insight into the origins of black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon—and there are aromatic samples, generally. Afterwards, you may opt to take a bamboo rafting trip or a traditional martial arts (Kalaripayattu) performance before it gets dark.

Backwaters Bliss: Kumarakom & Alleppey

Our sightseeing tour takes you to Kumarakom, which is located on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Have a lazy afternoon between coconut trees and canals full of lotus.

We travel to Alleppey for a houseboat tour—a scenic glide on shimmering waterways, around emerald paddies, and swaying hammocks. You will savor three meals aboard the houseboat: Kerala-style fish curry, coconut-flavored rice, and slow-cooked sukham, which is the lake food experience to match the comfort of the backwater life.

Coastal Charm In Kovalam & Trivandrum

After disembarking the houseboat, we head towards Kovalam, a beach holiday paradise. Lighthouse Beach and Hawa (Eve) Beach are beckoning to afternoon waves. And you cannot leave without a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, something Kerala is famous for around the world.

There is still more beach time, followed by a brief visit to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). You will marvel at Dravidian architecture, also known as Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and visit native markets that sell spices, cashews, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Spiritual Sunset At Kanyakumari

Our adventure takes you to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India, where the sun goes down and the moon mostly comes up through the meeting seas. You will marvel at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial—a temple on an island named after the renowned spiritual figure. By sunset, the horizon explodes in vivid colors, framing an unforgettable spectacle.

Hill Station Interlude: Ooty (Optional Add-On)

Our sightseeing tour will include destinations such as the nearby Ooty (the so-called Queen of the Nilgiris), which is accessible by beautiful scenic tracks that meander through uplifting forests and enchanting valleys.

Upon arrival at Ooty, we will take a boat across the 65-acre lake. We will take a stroll in the Madras Botanical Garden (1842) and the Rosa Garden, where there are thousands of species of roses. On the side of adventure seekers, there are sparkling waterfalls at Pykara, and treks into the Mukurthi National Park, which is full of exclusive wildlife, will give memorable moments.

Returning Home: Fond Farewells

Our sightseeing tour transfers to Cochin or Trivandrum airport for your departure home. You can see the picturesque green mountains, calm waterways, roaring animals, and quiet temples in your head.

Kerala beholds an infinite diversity—misty mountains of Munnar and backwaters with their calm waters, breezy beaches, and jungles. It has a beautiful cultural heritage that is revealed to the world by means of historic Cochin, the spice villages, temple visits, and colorful Kathakali performances.

Nature enthusiasts have national parks and botanic gardens with a lot of wildlife and tropical plants. A well-balanced schedule will allow one to enjoy the beauty of the hill station, lagoons, and coastal towns without any hurry.

Journey Through Kerala And Beyond

Covering a large expanse of land—from Kerala to Ooty—this is truly a flowing itinerary. Contact India Wonderland to book your adventure.

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc

Hikers will discover a treasure trove of hiking trails—rugged mountain terrain, river vistas, peaceful woods, and rippling waterfalls—in the New York tri-state area. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. spotlights five hiking destinations ranging from the dramatic rock scrambles to serene forest hikes for the beginner and experienced hiker to enjoy during the weekend.

Breakneck Ridge And Anthony’s Nose—Hudson Valley

Breakneck Ridge provides hikers with breathtaking views of the Hudson River on a trail located between Beacon and Cold Spring. The trail is known for its challenging rocky terrain. When hikers reach the top, they will see panoramic views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and the valley.

Anthony Nose is a milder yet equally rewarding hike that is just a few miles down the road. Located near the Bear Mountain Bridge, the trail slowly rises to a point overlooking a picturesque view of the bridge and the flowing river. Anthony's Nose is a less crowded, family-friendly trail in the Breakneck Ridge area.

Both hikes in the Hudson Valley demonstrate the natural beauty of this area and are well worth a day out of New York City.

Harriman State Park—Rockland and Orange Counties, NY

Harriman State Park is popular among those who enjoy the outdoors (it is more than 47,000 acres of land, with over 200 miles of hiking trails). New York State’s second largest state park boasts of thick forests, pristine lakes, and diverse landscapes that serve the less experienced and more experienced hikers.

The popular Appalachian Trail goes through the state park. The Pine Meadow Lake Trail sends hikers through quiet woods to a gorgeous lake, a perfect setting for a picnic. The Reeves Brook Loop Trail is another popular 4.4-mile trail with moderate elevation change; there are also a few waterfalls and panoramic lookouts.

The fall foliage here is a sight to behold; photographers flock here every year. However, the park is a four-season destination, offering snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter and hiking in the spring, summer, and fall.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—New Jersey/Pennsylvania

Located at the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has more than 109 miles of wilderness—easy river strolls and challenging mountain hikes.

The Mount Tammany Trail offers steep and rough terrain rising more than 1,200 feet. Nonetheless, the sight from the top is breathtaking to re-visualize the twisting Delaware River and its framing by cliffs.

The McDade Trail has a milder trail (through the forests and meadows) for those who want a less demanding hike. There are waterfalls, including Raymondskill Falls, the tallest in Pennsylvania, and Dingman Falls, which is easily viewed through borders.

Catskill Mountains and Kaaterskill Falls—Upstate New York

The Catskills have inspired artists, writers, and outdoor enthusiasts for a long time. Nestled only two hours north of New York City, this mountain range is a rugged, wild beauty that is quite difficult to find in the tri-state region. The Catskills feature dozens of mountains over 3,000 feet and hundreds of miles of trails and are top hiking territory.

Kaaterskill Falls is a must-visit waterfall in the area. The two-level waterfalls, which consist of a 260-plus-foot total drop, are awe-inspiring as well as photogenic.

The Devil Path is a challenging multi-day hike, and the Overlook Mountain path offers panoramic views of the Catskills.

Ramapo Mountain State Forest—New Jersey

The park has been a destination for day hikers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and dog walkers, with an area of more than six miles and more than 30 miles of trails.

Ramapo Lake Loop, a renowned 3.5-mile trail leading to a serene lake fringed by trees, offers fishing, birding, and even swimming spots during warmer seasons. The Castle Point Trail will treat the hiker to the Van Slyke Castle ruin, a dose of history, and panoramic views of the Ramapo Valley.
 
The short trails have varied elevation and scenic views, and the trails are popular with hikers seeking peace and solitude.

Where The Trails Lead

Whether hikers want to reconnect with nature, these five destinations are just starting points for nature. Strap on your boots, take your backpack, and explore the natural side of the tri-state, one trail at a time.

​Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc to plan your next hiking adventure.