Barcelona – The jewel of Catalonia

Today’s tour includes Barcelona’s iconic and imposing church and Antonio Gaudí’s most significant work, the Sagrada Familia, which we will view from the outside. On our bus ride, we’ll pass along the famous Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s “Elysian Fields,” renowned for its striking modernist buildings and upscale shops. Here, we’ll admire Gaudí’s two most famous architectural masterpieces, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to see other iconic buildings of the era, works by important architects such as Lluis Domenech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch, and Enric Sagnier.

As we make our way up Montjuic Hill (the Jewish Hill), we’ll enjoy the view of the city and see the magical fountain, the famous Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe, as well as the Olympic facilities from the 1992 Games, including the impressive Olympic Stadium. Our tour continues along the city’s waterfront, passing through the Olympic Village and the Olympic Port, and ending in Barceloneta, the old fishing village that is now one of the most charming destinations for dining by the sea. Here, in your free time, you can enjoy the famous paella at one of the many seaside restaurants.

The tour concludes with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), the city’s most historic and atmospheric neighborhood. Walking along the famous La Rambla, we’ll visit the Boqueria, Barcelona’s renowned market, as well as the Cathedral, one of Catalonia’s most important Gothic cathedrals. Finally, our walking tour will end at Plaza Real, an impressive stately square with beautifully lit buildings and a unique atmosphere. Here, you can relax while enjoying your meal or a refreshing drink before we return to our hotel filled with images and impressions. In the evening, we recommend enjoying a traditional Flamenco show, a dance full of intensity and passion.

After breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. We recommend visiting the Barcelona Aquarium, one of the most impressive in Europe, or the Parc de la Ciutadella, the city’s largest park. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Museum are must-see stops. For sports fans, Camp Nou, the legendary home stadium of FC Barcelona, is a destination you won’t want to miss. Alternatively, join us if you prefer a more “historical” experience: Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a must-see with its unique architectural features and stunning views of the city. Our next stop is the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, waiting to reveal its secrets to us.

Today, you have the option to explore the city on your own or join us on an optional excursion to Girona and Figueres. Our tour begins in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, where we will visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of his works, as well as his jewelry collection. Next, we’ll head to Girona, a charming city on the banks of the Onyar River. We will stroll through its picturesque alleys, admire the colorful houses, and visit the imposing Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu), one of the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Europe. Return to Barcelona in the late afternoon.

Your last day in wonderful Barcelona. Since your Aegean flight is in the afternoon, you’ll have time for one last visit to the famous La Boqueria market. There, you can sample famous Spanish cured meats, such as the exceptional Jamón Pata Negra, and round out your culinary experience with the famous churros and hot chocolate. Next is the transfer to the airport for your return flight.