Spain: Barcelona and the Costa Brava
You can choose the cultural
or the painting tour to Spain:
Cultural Tour: Enchanted Spain
Discover hidden gems of Spanish history, art and culture
in Barcelona and Catalonia.
From Gaudi's masterpieces to the colorful La Boqueria market in Barcelona, from olive groves and
archaeological sites to fishing villages and vineyards on the Costa Brava, from tapas and paella to
the colorful and vibrant flamenco, let Spain seduce you!
Day 1: Welcome Reception
We will pick you up at the Barcelona airport and drive you to
our hotel located in one of the most exclusive beaches
on the Costa Brava, Palella de Palafrugel. Upon your
arrival at our hotel by the sea, take time to settle in or start
enjoying the wonderful white-washed and preserved fisherman village
on the beach.
Enjoy the beach in front of the hotel, walk along the pristine
seashore, take in the sun from the terrace or have a drink in
the Mediterranean breeze.
Before dinner, we will take an easy walk along the shore that
offers breathtaking vistas along the way.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed
by a delicious dinner. |
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Day 2: Rice, Paella and Medieval Village
Morning: Rice paddies of Pals
The expertise of local farmers for rice cultivation combined with
unique climate, sun and water have given Pals rice its well-deserved
acclaim. It is used in excellent rice dishes like paella.
After the guided visit in the rice paddles, you will be treated
a lunch in Pals, one of the best-preserved
medieval villages in all of Spain to taste the paella
of course!
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Afternoon: Back in time
in Pals!
As you walk through the narrow village streets
of Pals, next to the city walls, towers and churches, you will
feel as though you have walked into a different time altogether.
The stone archways, cobblestone streets and wrought-iron balconies
adorned with flowers create a welcoming feel in this Romanesque
village. After your stroll and shopping, we will drive
back to our hotel so you will have time to enjoy the prestine
beach and blue water right in front of our hotel before dinner.
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Photo credit:
jdombstravels.com
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Day 3: Open your Senses
The most photogenic harbour of Girona
Palamos is a cute small fishing town on the Costa
Brava, a place to enjoy with all your senses.
Fishing is still an important business in Palamos. We will start
with a guided visit at the fishing museum, a
public tribute to old-fashioned fishermen and the Mediterranean
lifestyle.
Then we will watch the arrival of the boats
coming back from their fishing day.
The visit will end with a unique experience: we will attend
the fish auction, a parade of sounds, smells
and bright reflections. This auction is usually not open to
the public but we have our ways!
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Day 4: Jewish Heritage and Surrealistic Experience!
Morning: Mikvah or Jewish ritual bathhouse
We will visit the medieval town of Besalú, a magnificent
historic artistic site, renowned for its beauty and its 11th
century Roman bridge.
A guided visit will let us discover the 9th century Jewish
quarter of Besalú and the 12th century mikvah
or Jewish ritual bathhouse, the only one of its kind discovered
in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the few known in Europe.
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Surrealistic Dali experience
Dali created the largest surrealistic object in the world, his
own museum, the Dalí Theatre-Museu
in the town of Figueres, his birthplace.
His museum is like no other. Dalí wanted visitors to see
his massive collection as a ‘whole’ work and therefore
refused to have his works placed in chronological or subject order.
Inside is a world of fantasy mixed with architecture,
paintings and sculptures. It's a completely surrealistic experience. |
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Day 5: Surreal Dali by the sea and Boat Ride
We'll head to the beautiful coastal village of Cadaqués.
Famous for its white-washed Mediterranean houses and sandy bay,
this is one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Brava.
The dramatic drive there offers some of the best views in Catalonia.
This is the perfect place for lunch.
We will visit Dali's
house, the place where he sought peace
and quiet; another surrealistic experience.
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Afternoon:
On board!
Cadaques is a cute small fishing town on the Costa Brava,
a place to enjoy with all the senses.
We will spend the afternoon sailing the Costa Brava
in old-fashioned style on a classic gullet.
The captain and his crew will sail us along the wonderful coast
while we can enjoy a sunbath on the flat or a swim in the deep
blue water. |
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Fruit stall at the Boqueria
Casa Batlló, Gaudi
Platter of Basque tapas
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Day 6: Barcelona: Market, Art and Tapas
Leaving the countryside for a more urban atmosphere, we will drive to Barcelona and settle into our new
hotel in the center of town.
Lunch: We will go to the Market of la
Boqueria with its incredible contrast between colours
and activity, an ideal place to discover why Mediterranean cuisine
is internationally known due to its ingredients.
All of the best products from Catalonia in one place: fruit,
vegetables, fish, seafood and the world famous ham de
Belota, the "pata negra".
Afternoon: Barcelona is of course famous because
of Gaudi's work. We will get up close to one of the best Gaudí's
grand designs by visiting the most impressive house in
the center, la Casa Batlló.
Casa Batlló is the most emblematic work of
the brilliant Catalan architect with a facade that is original,
fantastical and full of imagination. Gaudi redesigned the original
facade to give it a wavy shape and covered it with a mosaic
of coloured glass and ceramic discs. Just amazing!
Evening: We will take a tapas tour
in the Gothic quarter: we'll walk from the colorful
Ramblas, one of the most famous boulevards in the world,
to Roman ruins and medieval catles and stop in two different
tapas bars. You will enjoy not only the Catalan tapas
but the basque tapas as well. Not less than
20 different tapas for you to try. Bon appetit!
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Day 7: Gaudi's Art with Sagrada Familia and Flamenco Show
| Morning: Guided visit
of Barcelona
Barcelona is such a rich city: art, shops, museums, food, architecture,...
We will start the day with a guided visit (either
walking or
biking): the visit will include the Sagrada Familia,
the giant Basilica, one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona.
It has been under construction since 1882!
Afternoon: Free time in Barcelona
You will have plenty of choices for your free time:
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Park Guell,
one of the most famous legacies Gaudi left to this world.
Park Guell is one of the most beautiful and innovative
parks in the world. The whole park
is sprinkled with
twisting pathways and some private residences.
- Follow in the footsteps of the artistic genius Picasso by
visiting the Museu Picasso, a gallery
that records his formative years.
- Head to the Fundació Joan Miró,
one of the greatest museums in the world about his art.
- Ramble down the colorful Ramblas, one of
the most famous boulevards in the world. It bustles with artists,
musicians, vibrant flower stalls, newspaper kiosks and cafés.
- Do some great shopping: Style comes with
all
kinds of price tags in Barcelona. High street shoppers will
easily recognise the Spanish labels Mango and Zara, but fashionistas
should check out the colorful Desigual.
- Lay on the beach by the harbor in the center
of town.
Evening: Flamenco
In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner
together followed by a wonderful and unforgettable Flamenco
show. Flamenco singers, dancers and guitar players will
be offering a powerful staging and musical event. |
Sagrada Familia, Gaudi
View of Barcelona from Park Guell, Gaudi
Flamenco night
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Day 8: Departure
It is time to say Hasta Luego! But don't worry - you'll be back.
We just know it!
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the
Barcelona airport or you can decide to extend your stay in Barcelona
for a few days.
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Accommodations
For the hotel on the Costa Brava, we have chosen a friendly
and peaceful hotel overlooking the coves of
a hidden and preserved beach.
Come and let yourself be carried away by emotions!
The village's steep winding streets and picturesque fishermen's
cottages form an idyllic backdrop to the stunning Mediterranean
coast.
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Village view from the hotel
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Enjoy exceptional views of the white-washed fishing
village and the blue sea in a comfortable, intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
All rooms have TV, satellite, air conditioning, heating, hairdryer and
safety deposit box.
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Bedroom with sea view |
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View from the terrace |
Dates & Rates 2013 and 2014:
Women-only tours
May 26-June 2, 2013 SOLD OUT
July 4-11, 2013 SOLD OUT
July 1-8, 2014: OPEN
US $3,290 (+ $550 for single suppl.)
Only a few rooms have a sea view, so
sign up early to get one.
Includes
- Trip starts and ends at a specific hotel downtown Barcelona
- A welcome reception
- 5 nights at the hotel by the beach and 2 nights at the hotel
in Barcelona
- All breakfasts
- 5 dinners (incl drinks and wine)
- A Flamenco show
- 1 paella lunch
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- A personal chauffeur/guide throughout the week
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
Excludes
- Flights to and from Barcelona
- 6 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Optional activities (those not described in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses and tipping
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