Spain: Barcelona and the Costa Brava

Cultural Tour to Spain

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 the Costa Brava. 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, one of the most beautiful of the Costa Brava. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 2: On board! Morning: Sailing Palamós is a cute small fishing town on the Costa Brava, a place to enjoy with all the senses. We will start the day by 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, open deck.

Afternoon: Palamos, the most photogenic harbour of Girona 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.

Day 3: Jewish Heritage 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.

		Romantic medieval Girona After lunch, we will drive to the medieval city of Girona. The medieval quarter has remained amazingly intact over the centuries. In the famous old Jewish Quarter, you will find the Jewish History Museum that contains one of the finest Hebrew lapidary (tombstone) collections in the world. Winding through the narrow streets of the old Gothic Quarter, encountering the magnificent Cathedral with a great view of the area, discovering the little shops and medieval homes; the many delights of Girona await you.

Day 4: Surrealistic Dali experience Morning: Largest surrealistic object 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.

Afternoon: Dali by the sea 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 travel just a few minutes to visit Dali's house, the place where he sought peace and quiet; another surrealistic experience.

Day 5: Back to our Ancestors Morning: Greek and Roman ruins One does not have to be particularly interested in history to succumb to the charm of the excavations of Empúries. The Greek (6th BC.) and Roman (1st BC) ruins of Empuries lie seconds away from waves crashing onto its beautiful beach. The remains of temples, houses, cemeteries, city forums and more are outside to tour. In Empúries, several intricate mosaic floors lie in the same halls in which they laid more than 2,000 years ago.

Afternoon: Costa Brava's jewels Back at our hotel located in one of the most exclusive beaches on the Costa Brava, you will have ample opportunities to walk along the pristine seashore, take in the sun from a patio, or have a drink in the Mediterranean breeze. The easy walk along the shore offers breathtaking vistas along the way.

Day 6: Rice, Olive Oil and Paella 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. We will take a tour of the rice mill facilities at one of Europe’s oldest rice mills. We will then walk along the rice fields to a protected natural area of beach dunes forming a striking contrast between the marshlands and the beach which is home to over 300 species of wild birds.

Afternoon: Back in time! We will have lunch in Pals, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in all of Spain! As you walk through the narrow village streets, 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.

Late afternoon: Leaving the countryside for a more urban atmosphere, we will drive to Barcelona and settle into our new hotel in the center of town.

Park Guell, Gaudi Roof of Palau Guell, Gaudi

Day 7: Barcelona: Gaudi, Sagrada Familia and Tapas We will start our day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Park Guell, one of the most famous legacies Antonio Gaudi left to this world. Park Guell is one of the most beautiful and innovative parks in the world. The imagination and personality of Gaudi surpass time and come to life through the different stone structures and fascinating buildings. The whole park is sprinkled with twisting pathways and some private residences. We will then continue our day with a visit to the giant Basilica, the Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona. It has been under construction since 1882! You can't fail to be humbled by such an imposing and ambitious project; the detail on the exterior walls is just staggering. It is revered by the World of Architecture as one of the most original and ambitious modern buildings.

Fruit stall at the Boqueria

Lunch: Enjoy 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 tapas bars. Just perfect!

Afternoon: Free time in Barcelona Barcelona is such a rich city. You will have plenty of choices for your free afternoon: - 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. - Get up close to another of Gaudí's grand designs and visit the most famous and impressive house in the center, la Casa Batlló. - Follow in the footsteps of the artistic genius Picasso by visiting the landmarks that shaped his youth and the Museu Picasso, a gallery that records his formative years. - Savor a platter of Basque tapas at a pintxo bar. - Head to the Fundació Joan Miró, one of the greatest museums in the world or lay on the beach by the harbor in the center of town. Evening: Flamenco In the evening, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable Flamenco night. Flamenco singers, dancers and guitar players will be offering a powerful staging and musical event.

Casa Batlló, Gaudi Flamenco night

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.

Accommodations We have chosen a friendly and peaceful hotel located in the heart of the Costa Brava. Come and let yourself be carried away by emotions! The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking the coves of a hidden, preserved beach of the Costa Brava. Besides magnificent views, the hotel grounds boast a shaded terrace and beautifully wooded gardens. The village's steep winding streets and picturesque fishermen's cottages form an idyllic backdrop to the stunning Mediterranean coast.

Village view from the hotel

The hotel has boat, bicycle and kayak rentals available.

	Bedroom with sea view		View from the terrace

Dates & Rates

Spring or Fall 2013 (exact dates to be determined).

US $3,290 (+ $550 for single suppl.)

Includes