CASA BATLLO, BARCELONA
Some people are known by just one name. Think Prince, Madonna and Kylie. Gaudí is also a one-name wonder, famous around the world for his straight-line-defying architectural masterpieces. His most celebrated work is the sublime Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, but we also have a soft spot for the wonderfully curvy Casa Batlló on the Passeig de Gràcia.
Remodelled by Gaudí in 1904, from a previously built property, this brightly coloured house is both a visual and architectural masterpiece that throws out the rules of typical building construction and instead, brings fun and fluidity together to make a home you couldn’t have imagined possible. Because of its skeletal quality, the building is known locally as casa dels ossos (House of Bones), with the ground floor famed for its irregular oval windows and flowing, sculptural stonework. One of the things the house is most celebrated for is its vibrant facade, decorated with colourful broken ceramic tiles to create mosaic patterns. Whether you’re a fan of architecture or love unusual houses (or a bit of both!), a visit to this venerable building is highly recommended, as you’ll be able to see inside and around the back too. Open to the public since 1995, it has fast become one of Barcelona’s most cultural hotspots and has been awarded Unesco World Heritage site status for its dazzling display of Gaudí’s inimitable work and artistic vision.
WORDS VICKY MAYER
You can visit Casa Batlló on HAL’s seven-day Western Mediterranean cruise, departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on 26 July 2026. Other cruise lines that visit Barcelona include Princess, MSC, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and more.
+ Turn to page 24 for more thrilling destinations
RHODE ISLAND, USA
Nothing can quite prepare you for the dazzling natural colour display of the autumn (or ‘fall’, if you’re local) leaves on Rhode Island. The changing of the leaves’ colours starts in early October and typically ends in mid-November.
Throughout this two-month period, you’ll enjoy one of nature’s finest sights, with native trees – from aspen and maple to the more unusual hemlock – changing colour daily from bright yellow, through to deep orange and cool crimson. Such is their dramatic display, New Englanders have even coined a phrase for those who love to witness this vibrant display of fall foliage up close – leaf peepers.
Many cruise lines will take you on a coach tour of Rhode Island to enjoy the best natural displays. Look out for days out that feature a trip along Newport’s Ocean Drive – a 10-mile coastal stretch that will take you on a scenic journey through parks and along cliffsides. It’s also worth visiting the Vanderbilt Mansion, which boasts some of these natural displays in its fantastically manicured gardens.
And if you’re visiting in October on the runup to Halloween, you’ll see some incredible pumpkin displays too, as the locals look forward to a spooky night of celebrations.
WORDS VICKY MAYER
You can visit Rhode Island on Princess Cruises’ sixnight Canada & New England cruise, departing from New York on 10 October 2026. Other cruise lines that visit Rhode Island include Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Viking and Oceania Cruises.
+ Turn to page 63 for more seasonal sailings
A TOUR OF DISCOVERY
Vibrant cultures, voodoo and vast deserts are all part of an incredible voyage along the coast of west Africa
WORDS JEANNINE WILLIAMSON
EXHILARATING EXPEDITIONS
From witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat to kayaking in the world’s remotest corners, adventure cruises o er intrepid travellers the voyage of a lifetime
WORDS JANE ARCHER
TURKEY
AEGEAN ADVENTURES
Discover the best of Turkey and Greece on this port-packed cruise that’s filled with fun, culture and the chance to enjoy life on Marella Discovery 2, one of the friendliest ships at sea
WORDS PETRA MANLEY-LEACH