PAST TOURS
Barcelona Art/Design Tour
8 days and 6 nights • March 2002
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| Day 1 |
- Depart U.S. on your overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.
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| Day 2 |
- Upon our arrival, experience the exquisite comfort and elegance of the Hotel Arts Barcelona, a member of the Ritz Carlton family of hotels. Enjoy the spectacular vistas - the sparkling beaches, promenades and open-air cafes. This hotel is a striking example of Barcelona's most contemporary architectural style, and an optional tour is available. Come with us to Gothic Barcelona, passing the Arch of Triumph, the Medieval Walls and Colon Avenue. On the famous tree-shaded promenade Las Ramblas, enjoy the spectacle of street performers, colorful pageantry, flower stalls, and bird sellers. Along Passeig de Gracia Avenue, view the stunning examples of Modernism. Diagonal Avenue takes us to Sagrada Familia Church, with its ornate decoration and originality. Our panoramic tour takes us by Moontjüic, the Spanish Village, the Olympic Ring and Miramar - for a majestic view over Barcelona.
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- A day of unlimited opportunity as our knowledgeable, English-speaking guide presents the very best of Barcelona's Modernist and Gothic architecture. An extensive part of this itinerary is on foot, as we walk through the Gothic Quarter: the Cathedral, Plaza Real, Bishop's Palace, and the narrow, winding lanes. We will visit Gaudi's master works, including a return to Sagrada Familia, and Casa Milà, Parc Güell, and a few of the renowned houses along Passeig de Gracia.
- Scrumptious lunch at a tapas bar in Maremagnum.
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| Day 4 |
- Another morning set aside to tour the architectural wonders of exquisite courtyards in Barcelona. Every housing block looks in on a small interior space transformed into breathtaking gardens. The Eixample district planned by engineer Idelfons Cerdà, beginning in 1860, is one of the most unusual urban areas in the world. Quadrat d'Or makes this privileged area the focus of Modernist Barcelona. Watch for the many works of art, sculptures, statues, spires, and mosaics, dotting the landscape.
- Lunch again at another tapas bar - Qu-Qu, where you can meet and mingle with the sophisticated and cultured local residents of this inspirational city.
- Tea at the Ritz Carlton with tour of hotel is optional at the end of the day.
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| Day 5 |
- Take the day to rest and enjoy the beautiful city OR join us on an optional tour of Girona, an old Roman town with notable places to visit including The Church of Sant Nicolau, the Arab Baths, the Jewish Quarter, and tower of Carlomagno. Nearby, we will visit Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. The museum here is the second most visited in Spain, and contains a remarkable Dalí collection.
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| Day 6 |
- Full day gallery and museum visits and a tour and tea at Hotel Claris. This may be the day set aside to meet with leading design professionals - where we will learn their secrets, inspirations, and practical advice!
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| Day 7 |
- The day set aside for our optional Urban Planning tour. Barcelona is an incredible city where preservation and renewal have succeeded in bringing together the very best of both worlds - Gothic and Modern. This tour will widen our knowledge of the imaginative scope of Barcelona's best architects.
- Farewell dinner at Restaurant Tragaluz in the Eixample quarter.
- The day is free for others to explore on their own.
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| Day 8 |
- Leave Hotel Arts Barcelona behind as we take our air-conditioned coach to the airport for our journey back to the U.S. All transfers are included.
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