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Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles (150 kilometers) south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest, and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain. " You 're likely to discover his words were correct. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums, and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau decor and architecture.
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Your tour departs from the port to the Park Güell, Originally intended as an English style garden city; this enchanted world was projected by Gaudí and declared by the UNESCO in 1984 a universal monument. The undulating benches are covered with fragments of ceramic tile, all sizes, kinds, colors, and qualities, carried out by Gaudi’s disciple Josep María Jujol. The resulting mosaic will be surely the favorite subject for your camera to capture every detail and nuance, for this reason you will have some free time to stroll around.
After a brief drive, you will enter the upper Eixample area where the Sagrada Familia Temple is located. From both the interior and exterior, your guide will offer an explanation of all the details related to the Temple, followed by some free time for shopping. Continue to the Casa Mila or more generally known as “La Pedrera” (The Quarry) and Casa Batllo, an apartment block which has an unreal appearance. The façade is covered with multi-colored tiles and the roof uses glazed ceramic “scales,” following the theme of St. George and the dragon. The cross can be read as piercing the dragon’s backbone, while the series of balconies are the victims' bones. Finished with your visit, return to the ship passing through the bustling streets towards Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city, and the Columbus Monument. If time permits, proceed through the Montjuich Hill to admire the 1992 Olympic Stadium.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.75 miles of walking over even and cobblestone surfaces with 20 steps. The tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion at the venues. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 20 minutes for shopping.
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At first glimpse, you will notice that Barcelona is a city with charming streets, busy with people, and full of life. The old town, comprising the Gothic Quarter, the Ribera and Raval districts are famed for its historical monument, narrow streets and Bohemian atmosphere, is a perfect place for a stroll. The city also has the biggest selection of modernist architecture: a genuine open-air museum. Barcelona is the only European capital with over four kilometers of beaches where you can enjoy the most modern amenities.
As your tour departs from the port, the coach will take you to the Sagrada Familia (exterior views only), through some of the main streets of Barcelona to reach the Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. From there, you will continue on a panoramic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best known boulevard in town, where guides will point out one of the masterpieces of Gaudi's architecture: the Casa Mila or known by Barcelonans "La Pedrera House" and Casa Batlle. Once reaching Diagonal Avenue, you will drive to Montserrat, the mountain and the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded there in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 60 km to the west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patroness of Catalonia, The virgin of Montserrat that is worshipped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some eighty monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer, and culture. Besides the monks, escolars (students) also live in Montserrat, which form the oldest boys' choir in Europe. You will attend a choral concert given by the escolans. Finished the visit, you will have lunch in the Montserrat Restaurant before reboarding the coach and returning to Barcelona. En route to the port, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over even cobblestone surfaces with numerous inclines and 45 - 50 steps. Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 35 minutes for shopping and browsing. The Cathedral is closed to tour groups every Saturday afternoon, Sundays, and during mass services. Should this occur during your visit, guides will give an explanation outside and guests will then enter on their own. Respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in order to enter the Cathedral. The Boy's Choir is not in attendance on Saturdays and during the month of July due to annual holiday. Also, this year due to holidays they will not be in attendance from April 9th to 14th and June 21st to 23rd. The touring in Barcelona will consist of a panoramic drive through the city centre with an exterior photo stop at Sagrada Familia.
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Your tour departs from the port en route to the Sagrada Familia, passing through the Barceloneta Quarter or Fisherman Area, by the Columbus Monument, and the main streets of Barcelona to reach the Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. Continue your touring with a panoramic drive along Passeig de Grcia, a well-known boulevard in town. Guides will point out one of Gaudi's masterpieces of architecture, the Casa Milá or La Pedrera House and Casa Batllo. Once the coach reaches Diagonal Avenue, you will enter the upper Eixample area where the Sagrada Familia Cathedral is located. From the outside, guides will provide a descriptive narration of its features such as the magnificent nativity facade complete with its flamboyant spires, stained glass windows and sculpted figures that make La Sagrada Familia an architectural masterpiece.
Your next stop will be the Museo Picasso. Pablo Picasso lived in Barcelona as a student, and the museum that honors him features an impressive collection of works donated by Picasso himself as well as by Jaime Sabartes, the artist's friend and a Barcelona native. Your guided tour will include some of the more than 3000 pieces by Picasso, including paintings, drawings, engravings, and ceramics. You will be introduced to the beautiful Palau Aguilar, the building that houses the museum. A work of art itself, the structure features a lovely Gothic Renaissance courtyard surrounded by tiers of arcaded galleries.
Visit the 13th century Cathedral begun by Jaume II in 1298. Centrally located in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's imposing cathedral is an excellent example of Catalan Gothic architecture. As you view the cathedrals interior, a sense of grandeur overtakes you with its three aisles, cloister, stained glass windows, and beautiful choir screen. The High Altar holds the marble crypt of St. Eulalia, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. Finish your tour with a walk through the Gothic Quarter before returning to the bus for the transfer back to the vessel.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with a few steps at the Picasso Museum. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 15 minutes for shopping at either the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or Gothic Cathedral. The Cathedral is closed to tour groups every Saturday afternoon, Sundays, and during mass services. Should this occur during your visit, guides will give an explanation outside and guests will then enter on their own. Flash photography is not permitted in the Picasso Museum. Please note the Picasso Museum is closed on Mondays.
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This tour offers you an attractive way to discover Barcelona, by bicycle, which will take you to the different areas of the city only accessible on foot (pedestrian zones) and over some of the 100 km of cycling lanes found throughout the city. Places you will see include Parc de la Ciutadella, the Cathedral, Las Ramblas, Columbus monument, Port Vell, Barceloneta (the beach) and Olympic Villa, among other emblematic places in Barcelona. Your group will be accompanied by a monitor-guide and a monitor-mechanic to ensure that you have a safe and fun outing. The tour goes through the old town and along the sea front, with stops for drinks in the Gothic Quarter (evening tour) and in front of the harbor (day tour). If you don't have much time, the bicycle tour is one of the best ways to discover the city and certainly the most intimate and original.
Note: Guests must be able to cycle approximately 7.5 miles over flat surfaces (approximately 1.5 hours) on this tour. Guests should be comfortable using hand brakes and be confident on a bicycle. Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks involved with any cycling excursion. A parent must accompany children under the age of 16. Parents are advised that a limited number of smaller, junior bikes and child carrier seats are available with advance notification to the Explorations! Desk. Low heeled, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable, loose clothing are recommended. This tour will operate in all weather conditions so participants should take appropriate weather gear with them, carry a backpack for belongings, and take extra bottled water to stay hydrated during the ride. Itinerary and route subject to change due to local traffic and weather conditions.
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The sparkling wines or "cava champagnes" of Spain are internationally renowned. It has long been believed that great wines are born in the vineyards, and the Macabeu, Perellada, and the Xerel.lo grapes there are superb. Your visit to the cellars will introduce you to the fascinating wine production process and the delightful taste of champagne from the Sant Sadurni region.
Undulating vineyards surround the vast underground cellars that produce the well-known Spanish sparkling "cava" wines at the Codorniu cellars. Your visit will include a brief introduction of the history and a complete overview of the production process that has been the work of these cellars for centuries. You will follow the process from the fermentation through to the labeling and corking of the final product. The highlight of your visit will be the opportunity to taste the delicious champagne.
Venture next to the Torres Cellars where tradition and quality are the essence of Bodegas Torres. In 1870, the Torres family founded its winery and export company and today they still understand and value the importance of both respecting traditions and maintaining the utmost quality of their products. Once inside the cellars, you will tour the facility and observe how this family wine is produced and bottled - from planting vineyards to winemaking, from the ageing of wine in cellars to the design and marketing of the Torres products. A wine tasting (white, rosé and black) will be done before guests will have the opportunity to purchase the wines of their choice. Return to Barcelona and the vessel.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over even and uneven surfaces with numerous steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The drive to/from Barcelona is approximately 1.25 hours, depending on traffic conditions. In the event that either the Codorniu or Torres cellars are closed, another cellar of same quality will be substituted. Time permitting; free time will be provided for browsing and purchasing from the selected labels of each cellar.
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Flamenco is not just a dance style but an art form with a history often debated. It is known that in the 18th century the Gypsies used Flamenco as an expression of oppression, sometimes even without music. Some theories state the melodies are from Northern African Arabic roots while others say there are Indian influences. One certainty is that Flamenco was developed in a type of underground environment, and in the early 1900s, became popular throughout Spain. However, it was not until 1956 that the first formal competition and festival of song in Cordoba took place, and in 1957, the Chair of Flamencology was created at the University of Jerez.
This is the opportunity to experience this beautiful display of colorful costumes, intriguing music, and a unique dance style. The heel stamping (Taconeo), the hand clapping (Palmas Sordas), and the finger snapping (Pitos) are what most people associate with the sounds of Flamenco. The unique Flamenco guitar is the most common accompanying instrument, and some of the guitarists play so vividly that they do not even have to sing, as their guitar speaks for them.
You will have a 45-minute panoramic drive to Patio Andaluz, where your 2-hour show will be performed. One drink is included, and usually at the end of the show, the guests are invited to join the dancers on the floor for a final performance.
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Tapas, small bite-sized dishes, are a popular alternative to full meals in Spain. This tour will enable you to experience a major part of the Spanish culinary and social culture.
Your tour departs from the port en route to the upper Eixample area where you'll stop for photographs of one of the city's best-known landmarks, Sagrada Familia, also known as the Church of the Sacred Family. Construction on this multi-spired sanctuary began over 100 years ago and today it stands not quite half-complete. Since the 1992 Olympics, the church has become a city hallmark and is a lasting tribute to the ecclesiastical work of its designer Antoni Gaudí. From the outside, guides will provide a descriptive narration of its features such as the magnificent Nativity facade complete with its flamboyant spires, stained glass windows and sculpted figures that make La Sagrada Familia an architectural masterpiece. Your guide will introduce you to local history and architecture prior to introducing you to the local cuisine.
Generally eaten with drinks or as a mid-morning or evening snack, tapas range in size and content and every component of Spanish cuisine makes an appearance in some type of tapa form. Their name comes from the verb tapar - to cover. It is hypothesized that they started out in the mid 18th century as simple ham and cheese "finger sandwiches " used to cover wineglasses. Tapas have come along way from their humble beginnings! During your outing, you will visit 3 different "tascas " or restaurants to taste these Spanish delights. Hopping from locale to locale, gobbling tapas is a great alternative to a full sit-down meal and a fun way to sample food that you might never dream of trying.
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Before returning home from your cruise vacation, a tour of this lively Mediterranean city should not be missed! You'll see Barcelona's highlights, explore the Gothic Quarter, and spend some shopping time gathering those last minute souvenirs and gifts. You'll stop for photographs at one of the city's best-known landmarks, Sagrada Familia, also known as the Church of the Sacred Family. Construction on this multi-spire sanctuary began over 100 years ago and today it stands not quite half-complete. Since the 1992 Olympics, the church has become a city hallmark and is a lasting tribute to the ecclesiastical work of its designer Antoni Gaudi.
On foot, you'll travel through the winding narrow streets of the Medieval Gothic Quarter, unrivaled for its medieval atmosphere and wealth of historic buildings. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, built from 1298 to 1450 on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules, with its interior adorned with tall columns, and ancient stained glass from the Middle Ages.
Enroute to your final destination, you'll pass some of the city's Modernist architecture along Paseo de Gracia, circle the Columbus Monument and Plaza Catalunya, and then along Avenida Diagonal and Infanta Carlota. Your coach will climb to the top of Montjuic Hill, passing the 1992 Olympic Ring and Stadium. At the tours conclusion, guests will be taken to the airport, post-cruise hotel, or ship. Independent guests will be taken to a central Barcelona drop-off location.
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This excursion gives you the opportunity to see the legendary Black Madonna, and enjoy the beautiful countryside of Catalunya before returning to your final destination. You'll pass through the center of Barcelona and north through villages and beautiful countryside to the sacred saw-toothed Montserrat Mountain Range. Your guide will take you through the Monastery and 16th century Renaissance Basilica where you will view La Moreneta, also known as the Black Madonna, the Patron Saint of Cataluna. The Monastery sits spectacularly atop a projecting spur of rock and is considered one of Spain's most significant places of pilgrimage. You will have some free time for browsing and shopping prior to departing.
Enroute to your final destination, you will return to the city via the same route. Guests will be taken either to the airport, post-cruise hotel, or ship. Independent guests will be taken to a central Barcelona drop-off location.
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View sample shore and land excursions:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Kusadasi, Turkey
- Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
- Mykonos, Greece
- Naples, Capri, Italy
- Piraeus, Greece
- Rome, Italy
- Santorini, Greece
- Split, Croatia
- Southampton, England
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Vigo, Spain
- Villefranche (Nice), France
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