Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya, a region of Northern Spain that has its own unique culture, traditions and personality. Few European cities can offer you the wide diversity of cultural experience that you’ll find here in Barcelona. Many great painters and artists worked here at some time and their influence is still evident throughout the city, including Picasso and Miró. There are also dozens of museums and art galleries dotted all around the city so you’ll always have plenty of art to experience here. You can also spend the day on one of Barcelona’s sandy beaches only a short stroll from the city centre. Order a sangria at one of the bars and kick off your shoes, sit back and soak up the sun, sea and the view!
Day 1 Arrival and sightseeing
Arrival at Barcelona airport, where you are transferred to the 4 star Catalonia Barcelona Plaza (or similar) with accommodation in superior room including breakfast daily.
Simply hop aboard the open-top, double-decker City Sightseeing bus and set off to explore the ancient, medieval and modern sights of Barcelona. Weave your way through Barcelona’s elegant avenues, pretty squares, medieval lanes and palm-lined waterfronts. Switch between the three different bus routes as you wish to explore different areas and aspects of the city, and stay aboard for each full 2-hour or 40-minute loop to gain an overview of the city’s sights and landmarks. Perhaps meander around the medieval alleys of the Gothic Quarter; stop off to visit the extraordinary UNESCO-World Heritage-listed La Sagrada Familia church designed by the late, great architect Antoni Gaudi; or soak up the lively atmosphere, shops and street theater along the vibrant Las Ramblas. Alternatively, hop off to visit some of Barcelona’s cultural hotspots, such as the Picasso Museum, or to take a stroll around Port Olímpic, the picturesque palm-dotted marina crowned by giant copper fish sculpture by Frank Gehry.
Day 2 Barcelona Day Tour
First head off to Passeig de Gràcia, where you can admire the Catalan architecture. There you will find the most striking façades of modernist buildings, including Gaudi´s La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó – Morera or Casa Ametller. Then you will head off to Gràcia district, until you reach the amazing Park Güell. You will enjoy walking through this amazing park that will help you understand the wonderful work of Gaudí. You will then follow the footsteps of the architect, by entering to the Eixample, projected by Ildefons Cerdà. You will drive through its regular streets to reach Gaudí’s masterpiece – La Sagrada Familia. Visit the jewel of modernism with skip the line access. You will then head off to the Mediterranean sea, passing by the Plaza de Toros and Agbar Tower. You will reach Bogatell beach through Port Vell, the Gothic Drassanes and Columbus Monument. You will then climb the Montjuïc, from where you can enjoy the most spectacular panoramic views over Barcelona’s skyline. Then descend to the centre of Old Town, finishing the day by a relaxed walking tour through the charming corners of the Gothic Quarter.