June 16-28. 2011 Barcelona is a complex city that has something for every taste. It rises from the
Mediterranean Sea to a range of wooded peaks. Between the harbor and the hills, you will find remnants of an ancient Roman wall in the Barri Gotic, which contains one of the greatest concentration of Gothic architecture in Europe, and the famously surreal Modernista buildings of the great Antoni Gaudi. A perfect mix of ancient and modern, Barcelona also offers fabulous shopping, fine dining, and an energetic night life. A small, select group of artisans will have the opportunity to explore all of this and more with me this June 16-28, 2011. Our adventure will begin in the Eixample district of Barcelona, in the heart of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, where we will stay (and play) for the first part of our trip. Day trips out of the city to the seaside town of Tarragona and nearby Montserrat will provide a more well-rounded experience of this region in Catalonia. Our painting class will begin when we transfer to the peaceful and inspiring Monastery Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, just outside of Barcelona and overlooking the sea. Here, we will work on guided painting projects for several days as well as enjoy some solitude and hiking in the surrounding hills. Our time here will be creatively fulfilling yet relaxed; our accommodations rustic but very comfortable. I hope that you consider joining me on my first painting adventure to Barcelona! This will be a very intimate tour, with a limit of only 7 guests. There are just a few spots open, so please act fast!
Melanie Royals
Our Itinerary
(subject to minor changes)
Friday 6/17/2011 Arrive by late afternoon to the hotel “Next To” in the Eixample district of Barcelona. The hotel is called “Next To” because it is next to Antoni Gaudi’s famous Casa Mila (La Padrera). Group Dinner at Pla.
Saturday 6/18/2011 Breakfast included at Next To Hotel. Get acquainted with Barcelona at a leisurely pace. Walk down La Rambla to Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). Group Paella lunch on the waterfront at my friend Paul’s favorite Paella place. Free evening! Sunday 6/19/2011 Breakfast included at Next To Hotel. Day “tripping” via train to Tarragona on the Mediterranean Sea. (train ride approx. 1hr., included) Leave Barcelona late morning and return at night.
Monday 6/20/2011 Breakfast included at Next To Hotel. We will have a special private local guide for a walking/taxi tour of amazing Gaudi architecture in our neighborhood. We will visit La Padrera, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia. Private guide, transportation and entrance tickets all inclusive in your tour. Free evening! Tuesday 6/21/2011 Breakfast included at Next To Hotel. Day trip via private minibus to Montserrat and Cava tasting. Free evening! This will be a night of great celebration in Barcelona as they celebrate the “shortest night of the year” with fireworks and more. Party time!
Wednesday 6/22/2011 Breakfast included at Next To Hotel. Free day to sleep in and roam Barcelona as you wish. Flamenco dinner show at El de Tablao Carmen in the Spanish Village on Montjuic.
Thursday 6/23/2011 Breakfast at Next To Hotel. Transfer to Monastery around noon. Free afternoon for hiking, reading, relaxing, and getting acquainted with our new space. Dinner at the Monastery. Friday 6/24/2011 Class and group project. We will each complete multiple hands on decorative finish samples on individual tapestry-style canvases. We’ll use patterns and techniques that will be developed especially for this trip. We will also create one as a group as a “gift” to leave to the monastery. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at the Monastery.
Saturday 6/25/2011 Continue class and group project at the Monastery. Breakfast/Lunch at the Monastery. Barcelona in the evening for Tapas bar hopping in the El Born district (included).
Sunday 6/26/2011 Continue class and group project at the Monastery. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at the Monastery.
Monday 6/27/2011 Continue class and group project at the Monastery. Breakfast/Lunch at the Monastery. Group dinner at Can Travi Nou. Tuesday 6/28/2011 Free day at the Monastery or in Barcelona. All meals included at the Monastery if you stay around.
Wednesday 6/29/2011 Adios! Depart Monastery and Barcelona for United States. www.modellodesigns.com
800.663.3860
This Trip Includes:
Not Included:
• All lodging
• Airfare*
• Breakfast daily, and all meals while at the Monastery
• Flamenco dinner show
• Transportation from airport to hotel in Barcelona. We will be arriving at different times but can arrange meet-ups at the airport to share cab fare once everyone’s flight schedule is set.
• 1 group lunch and 3 more fabulous group dinners in Barcelona
• Meals where not indicated
• Class and materials (you may need to bring minimal tools)
*You will need to make your own flight arrangements. I suggest that you fly from JFK evening of June 16, 2011
• Two guided tours with transportation and entrance fees • Train fare to Tarragona
• Transportation to Monastery and to airport on departure
Note: I have done quite a bit of searching and have found that JFK has the largest amount of flights at the best prices (currently about $1000 round trip). Unfortunately, I haven’t found any direct flights to Barcelona from there but there, are multiple options with just one stop. You will need to book your own flight to Barcelona to arrive sometime on Friday the 17th. As people will probably be arriving at different times, you will need to take a taxi to the hotel. Hint: If you search on Kayak.com you can set up a travel alert for your city/dates to get updates on airfares weekly or daily.
About our Accomodations
Rooms at the Hotel Next To will be double occupancy. Rooms at the Monastery will be single occupancy and each room has a twin bed and full bathroom. These were formerly the monk’s quarters, so the decoration is minimal but the rooms are a comfortable size. There is also a nice kitchen area, which we will all share.
Cost
$3395 ($3295 if you pay in full) Payment Plan: $1000 to secure your spot $1197 due by March 18, 2011
$1198 due by April 22, 2011
*I will waive additional surcharges for credit card payments. All payments are non-refundable unless we can find someone to fill your spot, less a $500 processing fee.
For more information: melanie@modellodesigns.com To register, please contact Danelle at 800.663.3860 or email danelle@modellodesigns.com
June 16-28. 2011