GAUDÍ TOUR: SAGRADA FAMILIA & PARK GÜELL
If you have time for only one sightseeing outing, this should be it. La Sagrada Família inspires awe by its sheer verticality, and in the manner of the medieval cathedrals it emulates, it’s still under construction after more than 100 years. When completed, the highest tower will be more than half as high again as those that stand today. Unfinished it may be, but it attracts around 2.8 million visitors a year and is the most visited monument in Spain. The most important recent tourist was Pope Benedict XVI, who consecrated the church in a huge ceremony in November 2010. This Temple was Antoni Gaudí’s all-consuming obsession. Given the commission by a conservative society that wished to build a temple as atonement for the city’s sins of modernity, Gaudí saw its completion as his holy mission. As funds dried up, he contributed his own, and in the last years of his life he was never shy of pleading with anyone he thought a likely donor. North of Gràcia and about 4km from Plaça de Catalunya, Park Güell is where Gaudí turned his hand to landscape gardening. It’s a strange, enchanting place where his passion for natural forms really took flight – to the point where the artificial almost seems more natural than the natural. Park Güell originated in 1900, when Count Eusebi Güell bought a tree-covered hillside (then outside Barcelona) and hired Gaudí to create a miniature city of houses for the wealthy in landscaped grounds. The project was a commercial flop and was abandoned in 1914 – but not before Gaudí had created 3km of roads and walks, steps, a plaza and two gatehouses in his inimitable manner. In 1922 the city bought the estate for use as a public park.
Meeting point
Sagrada Familia
Park Guell
End
JEWISH QUARTER
Before the Spanish Inquisition and the Edict of Expulsion of the Jews in the 15th Century, Spain had one of the largest and most prosperous Jewish populations the world had ever known. Medieval Barcelona was approximately 15% Jewish, with most living in the ‘Call’, or historic Jewish quarter. This once thriving community, unfortunately, left behind little tangible evidence of their existence after their annihilation with the decisive “pogrom” of 1391. Those few remnants that survive – some having been uncovered only recently – and the historical anecdotes that surround them, provide clues and insights into a fascinating past. However, without the help of an expert, most of these stories will likely elude you as you stroll through the medieval alleyways of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. In Barcelona today, with four active synagogues, the opening of the odd kosher store, and the gradual influx of foreign Jews, Judaism is more present now than it has been in over 500 years. Some modern-day Spaniards have investigated their families’ pasts only to discover their own Sephardic roots! We start the tour in the old center of the Jewish quarter, which is also the oldest part of Barcelona still in use. You will get to see the house of Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet as well as the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, the oldest synagogue in Europe! Then we ‘ll pass where the old gates and the wall of the Jewish quarter once were. Continuing, we’ll show you Synagogue Poca that has been converted into a church. Then we’ll visit the Plaza del Rey, where Christopher Columbus came to announce the news of the continent he found. You’ll be seeing stones with Hebrew inscriptions in surprising locations together with the locations of where 3 other synagogues once stood. You’ll observe the famous dedication to Samuel Hasefardi and finish with a visit in the medieval mikve, which was only recently rediscovered Meeting point
Call Jueu
Carrer Ferran
Pl. del Rei
Carrer dels Comtes
End
ROMAN TOUR BARCELONA
Having begun life as a colony established by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 15-10 BC on the small hillock of Mons Taber, Barcelona continued to be part of the Roman Empire for over 400 years. An impressive smattering of Roman landmarks and artifacts can still be viewed today, though many have been absorbed into the framework of later buildings and structures. Barcelona's Roman sights are centred upon the Barrio Gòtico. In particular, the area around the La Seu Cathedral and along the edge of Via Laietana, where part of the city walls ran. Any Roman-themed trail should culminate in a visit to the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat (Barcelona City History Museum), which contains a wealth of artifacts from the period. Below is a brief guide to the city's chief Roman remains. Meeting point
Roman city Wallls
Aqueduct
Temple
Roman Cemetery
Domus and Silos
City History Museum
End
GOTHIC QUARTER WALKING TOUR
The oldest district of Barcelona is Barri Gotic (the gothic quarter). Its oldest parts on a small hill have already been settled during the reign of Roman emperor Augustus two thousand years ago. Those days, the Forum Romanum was at the actual location of Plaça de Sant Jaume. It marked the centre of the Roman colony of Barcino. Today, Barcelona’s most powerful institutions are still residing on the same square in Barri Gotic: the municipality of Barcelona (in the Ajuntament de Barcelona) and the government of Catalonia (in the Palau de la Generalitat). Most buildings in Barri Gotic date back to the 13th and 14th century. The prevalent gothic style gave the district its name. Barcelona developed to the most important harbour in the western Mediterranean. The gothic cathedral of La Seu is the greatest example for the architecture of that era. The actual Barri Gotic stretches from Placa Catalunya to Port Vell (the old port). Its most famous boulevard is La Rambla, which also marks the border to the district of El Raval. Wandering through the narrow lanes of Barri Gotic you will find a lot of picturesque plazas that offer some shade and rest. Probably the most beautiful of these is Placa Reial. Like all over the Barri Gotic there are little cafes and bars which invite you to take a rest from sightseeing and shopping in Barcelona’s oldest district. This tour will include a pinchos tasting in a very typical pintxos bar. Meeting point
Murallas Romanas
Catedral
Pl. Sant Felip Neri
Call
Santa Maria Ramblas del Pi
Pl. Reial
Pl. Sant Jaume
Pl. del Rei
Pintxos tasting
End
WALKING TOUR: BARCELONA FROM THE SEA
100 pax Walking tour + Boat tour Duration: 3h aprox
A route wit the aim to show Barcelona from a different point of view: from the sea. As a starter, we will walk in the seafront and visit the Drassanes from its exterior, a building used as a shipyard that was built in the13th Century. After visiting the Royal Drassanes we will approach to The Pailebot of Sta Eulalia, a boat launched at 1919 and that nowadays we can visit its interior. Then, we will embark in Las Golondrinas from where we will enjoy a coast tour to the Forum through the more than 4 km of beaches, the Olympic Port, Olympic Village (1 hour 30 minutes).
Meeting point
Drassanes
The Pailebot of Sta EulĂ lia
Golondrinas Boat
End
*Exclusive product of ICONO serveis culturals
DISCOVER A NEW CITY:
BARCELONA FROM THE HEIGHTS*
It is always amazing to look at things from a different point of view, especially if we are referring to a city. This sightseeing tour lets us see Barcelona from a bird’s eye view, moving around terrace roofs and high points of the city from where we can admire Barcelona. The activity will start with the breathtaking views from the top of the Park Güell. Then, from the MNAC terrace and Montjuïc you will be able to admire the urban and the maritime façade. Also, you will be a spectator of Spanish culture and tradition in the Spanish village. You will have a panoramic view of Barceloneta and Port Olympic.
Meeting point
Park Güell
Casa Milà
MNAC
Montjuïc
Castillo de Montjuic
Barceloneta
Port Olympic
End
MONTJUÏC: HISTORY, CULTURE AND EMOTION
It is ideal to start the route by Square Spain that was built for the International Exhibition of 1929 . Here again we see the Avenida Maria Cristina , chaired by the Venetian towers . During our tour we will have the opportunity to stop at the Poble Espanyol (optional visit ), an artificial town created for the Universal Exposition of Barcelona in 1929 and whose main attraction is to offer the possibility of being able to stroll along the streets from different regions of Spain . Then we will walk around the Olympic Zone . Here we can see the various sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympic Games . We will see the Joan Miró Foundation in where is much of the work of this great painter from Barcelona (optional visit ) . Following the route we will go to Montjuïc Castle . This fort was established in 1751 and has had many roles throughout history. Finally , the tour will run down the mountain of Montjuic to Barceloneta port by cable car. Excitement guaranteed ! (optional ) .
Meeting point
Plaza España
Poble Espanyol
Zona Olímpica
F. Miró
Castillo de Montjuic
End
MODERNIST DESIGNS AND COLORS
No architect in Europe was as fantastical as Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, the foremost proponent of Catalan modernism. Barcelona is home to many works of this extraordinary artist, all of which UNESCO now lists as World Trust Properties. A recluse and a celibate bachelor as well as a fervent Catalan nationalist he lived out his own fantasy in his work. This guided tour concentrates on some of his most well-known works in Barcelona including La Pedrera (Casa Milá), and Casa Batlló. We are introduced to the genius - including his historical and artistic influences, his social life and his mentality. Time permitting, we may visit Casa Lleó i Morera of Domenech i Montaner, Casa Amatller of Puig i Cadafalch and the Casa Calvet. The tour includes outside guided viewing.
Meeting point
Casa Calvet
Casa Lleó Morera
Casa Amatller
Casa Batlló
Casa Milà
Casa Fuster
End
PICTURESQUE COSTA BRAVA
350 pax It combines bus and walking tour Duration: No one ever seems to give Catalunya credit for possessing some of the most stunning coastal settings on the Mediterranean. Though it doesn’t receive the worldwide press of the French and Italian Rivieras, the Greek Isles, Corsica and Mallorca, Catalunya Costa Brava is every bit as glamorous, and by many counts, more beautiful; it’s certainly more undiscovered. Just over an hour away from Barcelona by car, and spanning 130 miles to the French border, the “Brave Coast” is speckled throughout with tiny picture-perfect towns and charming fishing villages, jagged rocky cliffs which look down over secluded beaches and hidden coves, with a sparkling sea that ranges in color from deep aqua-blue to emerald green.
Obviously, one could spend multiple days on the Costa Brava, soaking in the ambience of several towns along the way, each more remarkable than the last. We’d love to take you up there for one special day to give you a memorable taste of what it’s all about. We’ll take you to a few whitewashed villages, each a precious gem, with its own seductive qualities; one with a medieval castle right on the water! Specific towns visited may vary, but will likely include some of the following: Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Begur, with possible additional stops for unforgettable, off-the-beaten-track bathing opportunities, or to explore nearby medieval villages and little-known mountaintop sanctuaries. We will always do our best to avoid the most touristy spots.
Meeting point
Tossa
Calella de Palafrugell
Pals
Begur
End
GIRONA AND DALI MUSEUM
With views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance, and a river running through its historic core, Girona is picturesque and seductive. It’s also one of Spain’s oldest cities, proudly flaunting architecture from the Roman, Moorish, Romanesque and Gothic periods, all within walking distance of one another. And, don’t forget the significance of Judaism in Girona, possessor of Spain’s second-ever Jewish History Museum and most well preserved medieval Jewish quarter, not to mention the birthplace of Nahmanides – perhaps the most revered Talmudic scholar of the ancient world. The nearby town of Figueres was the childhood home of Salvador Dalí, the most zanily original artist of all time. Dalí was a bizarre and loveable genius, famous not only for his surrealist paintings and sculptures, but also for his eccentric personality and avant-garde technical contributions to the world of art. After achieving international success, the artist returned to his hometown, where he designed and built a museum dedicated to his life and works. The Teatre Museu Dalí itself is a masterpiece as shocking and impressive as the unique collection displayed within and arranged by Dalí himself. We’ll start your day in Figueres, with an unforgettable private tour through the fantastical museum, where we hope to help you understand the multiple facets, mindsets, and artistic styles of the Surrealist pioneer. We’ll then whisk you off to historic Girona, where you’ll stroll through ancient archways and down narrow alleyways, en route to unlocking the secrets of each of the city’s golden eras. Along the way, you’ll visit the ‘Call’ (historic Jewish quarter), the Gothic cathedral and Arab baths, and – time permitting – will have the chance to amble along the Roman wall, or make a stop at the Jewish Museum.
Meeting point
Figueres
Dalí Museum
Girona
Call
Jewish Museum
Cathedral
Arabs Bath
Return to Barcelona
MONTSERRAT TOUR
Montserrat is a mountain, a unique Natural Park, and a massive rock over 4000 feet high, visible for miles, with weird shapes and rounded peaks that jut into the sky; there are paths, stairs, caves, chapels and hermitages scattered over the mountain, extraordinary landscapes and wonderful views. Montserrat is a Benedictine monastery nearly 1000 years old, perched half way up the mountain and sheltered by its peaks. There is a basilica with the Chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat known as La Moreneta, the patron saint of Catalonia, and a presence strongly felt and revered. The community of monks also runs a boys' school devoted to the study of music. Montserrat is culture: a library of nearly 300,000 volumes; the oldest boys' choir in Europe; a basilica full of paintings, gold lamps and decorated chapels, a museum with paintings by El Greco, Picasso and DalĂ among many others and treasures from ancient Egypt. Meeting point
Parc Natural de Montserrat
Sanctuary
Escolania
Return to Barcelona
A VISIT TO SITGES
“Sitges es una villa clara y pequeña. Pero limita al Este con las Indias de los virreyes, Al Oeste con las costas romanas y las islas Griegas, al Sur con Andalucía y Marruecos, al Norte con la Mairie de Montmartre.”
Libro Huésped del mar. 1945 César González - Ruano
SITGES. The group will be able to walk through the streets of the town and enjoy the wind that comes from the gold coast of the Mediterranean sea. Sitges has preserved important medieval references and livelihoods of the fishing village that once it was, giving visitors an important architectural, artistic cultural and gastronomic heritage. Meeting point
Sitges
End
CAVAS AND WINE (OPTIONAL MONTSERRAT)
On this wine-tasting tour from Barcelona, spend a relaxing day in the countryside as you sample wine and learn about cava (Catalan sparkling wine). Learn how different varieties of wine are produced and, of course, taste them! Your local guide will lead you from one winery to another, entertaining you with interesting facts about Catalonia, wine and cava-making. In one day you will experience cava and wine tasting in this unforgettable tour.
Visit Segura Viudas Cava and Oller del Mas winery with an optional stop in Montserrat Highlights: * The historic Segura Viudas wine cellar * Learn how some of the best cava in Catalonia is made * Enjoy tasting of cava * Enjoy a Catalan lunch with locally produced products and wines * Visit the beautiful Spanish countryside and explore the traditions and history of the area with a guided tour through an ancient castle * Discover the vineyards and how the ecological wines are made * Taste of 3 different premium wines and local cheese
Meeting point
Segura Viudas
Oller de Mas
Return to Barcelona
CODORNIU WINE CELLARS AND A VISIT TO SITGES
CODORNIU. An exclusive guided tour of the winery and a tasting of Cava , led by a team member, who will present the basics of tasting wine cellar. During the tour of the cellars and underground cellars, the group will have the opportunity to admire the splendid architectural modernist building built by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, while enjoying the garden and learning about the process of digging. The visit ends with a special tasting, in which the participants will appreciate the qualities and special features of each type of Cava.
SITGES. The group will be able to walk through the streets of the town and enjoy the wind that comes from the gold coast of the Mediterranean sea. Sitges has preserved important medieval references and livelihoods of the fishing village that once it was, giving visitors an important architectural, artistic cultural and gastronomic heritage. Meeting point
Cavas Codorniu
Sitges
End
PRIORAT
The remote, rocky hills of the Priorat wine region are the birthplace of intense, minerally reds that many wine writers and collectors consider to be Spain's most elite wines. The distinctive slate-and-quartzite soil (locally called llicorella), an abundance of sunshine and an energetic group of young winemakers have earned the region a reputation as one of Spain's most innovative, while the area's pristine natural beauty and long history make it a fascinating place to explore. Priorat's best wines are concentrated and full of character thanks to the very low yields produced by the region's harsh conditions. Those low yields, in addition to the intense manual labor required to make wines here, mean that Priorat wines are some of the most expensive in Spain. They are also, in the eyes of many, among the best wines produced in the country. The rich reds made by the likes of Alvaro Palacios (best known as the man behind L'Ermita wine) and Carles Pastrana (the head of the famed Clos de L'Obac winery) have appeared on the international wine radar only in the past decade, but more than marking Priorat's wine debut, these wines mark its Renaissance. The region has a winemaking history stretching back to the middle ages, when monks of the La Cartoixa D’Escaladei (the "Staircase to God" Carthusian monastery) began making wine for Mass. This was the first Carthusian order founded in Spain, and Priorat owes its name to the monastery. The leader of the monastery, called a prior, ruled over his territory (his priorat) with absolute control. These days the monastery is in ruins, although it is still a favorite destination for visitors to the area. Arrive to Bellmut of Priorat, which is home to the winery Mas d’En Gil, a family run winery for many generations. You visit the Area and of course a private special tasting of their high quality wines like Coma Bella and Clos Fonta. Try a surprisingly delicious red wine vinegar, as well. Carry on to lunch in the neighboring village of Falset. After lunch, you’ll transfer to the little wine hamlet of Gratallops. You will be visiting the Costers del Siurana estate. This mythical small winery, run by the charismatic Carles Pastrana makes the Clos de l'Obac wine. Before returning to your hotel you can stop in Scala Dei to see the remains of the ancient Priory. Your driver will drop you back off in the evening, passing lovely terraced vineyards as you travel out the of the Montsant national park.
Meeting point
Bellmunt
Falset
Gratallops
Scala Dei
Return to Barcelona
The Great Tarraco
Two-thousand years ago, the city of Tarragona – known then as ‘Tarraco’ – was one of the most important in the Roman Empire. Located an hour and a half south of Barcelona, and built on a terraced slope, ascending upward from the Mediterranean coast, Tarragona is not only rich in history but also breathtakingly beautiful. With waves that crashed upon its mighty walls, and its main temple, the city must have been quite a sight for those arriving by sea. Due to Tarraco’s abundance of ruins – all pointing to a triumphant past – many have deemed it the “Mini Rome”. In fact, Emperor Augustus considered it the most spectacular city in his empire after Rome, and lived there himself for three years. On this excursion, you will meander leisurely through the cobblestoned streets and picturesque ‘plazas’ to unearth the relics of Tarraco’s venerable past, while soaking up the delectable charm of modern-day Tarragona. We will illuminate, for you, its most fascinating historical monuments, including the stunning Romanesqueturned-Gothic Cathedral, built on the former site of the temple to the Emperor; the Circus Maximus, around which four-horsed chariots once skidded dangerously; and the amphitheater, where the roars of thousands once provided the only glint of hope for scantily-armed gladiators forced to compete with bloodthirsty beasts. The Great Tarraco is a full-day experience, which includes approximately 5 hours to explore the city on foot, discover its many monuments, and have lunch, plus 2-3 hours of travel time.
Meeting point
Tarragona
Walls
Provincial Forum
Roman Circus
Amphitheatre
Pla de la Seu
Cathedral
Call
Return to Barcelona