This tour will give you a basic overview of the city of Barcelona including the following sights: Montjuic Hill with principal visits to the Olympic Ring and Stadium and spectacular views of the city, then onto the Gothic Quarter, the oldest area of the city which was entirely walled until the expansion of the mid XIXth century, where you will take a short walking tour and visit the interior of the XIVth century Gothic Cathedral with its high vaulted ceiling and 29 ornately decorated chapels. Continue down the main avenue Passeig de Gràcia with all the famous modernist buildings, among them Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Batlló, now listed on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. The tour ends with the unfinished Gaudí Cathedral, The Sagrada Familia, the best known work by this architect and probably one of the most well known symbols of Barcelona.

Antoni Gaudí was the most famous of the Modernist architects and his heavy use of bright ceramics and unusual shapes brought the word “gaudy” into the English language. Amongst his leading patrons were the Güell who wanted Park Güell designed as a suburb for 60 new houses. Only two were ever completed but in its place is a spectacular insight into the mind of this most individual of architects. Sinuous lines, natural forms, broken marble, spiral shaped towers, giant lizards, bright ceramic decoration all combine to create a surreal setting in which one can relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi´s unfinished masterpiece - a Cathedral that consumed all his time and money in his later years until his death in 1926. This construction has created controversy and debate until the present day. Dominating the skyline, this Barcelona attraction should not be missed.

This is a guided tour primarily on foot through the oldest areas of the city. A walled city until the expansion of the mid XIXth century, many of the buildings date from the XIIIth and XIVth centuries. The feeling of stepping back in time is unavoidable. In this area are some of the most significant historical palaces and museums and also the Plaza Sant Jaume where the local government buildings face each other across a square which is the traditional Catalan gathering point for both celebration and demonstration. The tour includes a stroll down the Rambles Boulevard, a visit of the Gothic Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Call Street (medieval Jewish Quarter), Argenteria Street and Montcada Street.

The first stop in this tour is the Miró Foundation, situated on of Montjuic Hill. This museum contains most of the paintings of this famous artist born in Barcelona, complemented by extensive collections of works by contemporary artists. Following the visit of the museum, proceed down the hill to Poble Espanyol ( Spanish Village). Built for the 1929 International Exhibition as a permanent example of Spanish popular architecture and handicrafts, it entered a new phase in 1988 when cultural, gastronomic, leisure and entertainment features were added to its traditional attractions. Free time until the return to the hotel.

All tours include entrance fees where mentioned, an air-conditioned de-luxe bus and English speaking official guide.

For more details, please contact:
ITB dmc
Rambles, 113
08002 Barcelona
SPAIN
Phone: +34 93 481 58 58
Fax: +34 93 481 58 59
Email: marta@bcn.viajesitb.com
Website: http://www.viajesitb.com/

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