Barcelona & Costa Brava Sample Itinerary



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BARCELONA INTRODUCTION As a city, Barcelona stands amongst the prettiest in the Meditarranean. The heart of Catalan culture has it all - art, architecture, beaches, views, shopping and exquisite gastronomy, to name but a few of her virtues. This is a city suited to ambling, admiring and acquiring in equal measure. Gothic architecture is interspersed with contemporary sculptures; masts of vast teak sail boats vie with ancient monuments and avant garde modern buildings down at the harbour; and tiny chocolate and churros cafes hold court next to Michelin-starred tapas restaurants. For the art and architecture fiend, Gaudí, Picasso, Miro, Lichtenstein and more all have their stake in Barcelona. Towering Miro sculptures appear from nowhere; Gaudí's Park Güell offers respite from the summer sun and La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Família are more Gaudí masterpieces not to be missed. Lichtenstein graces the marina, while Picasso has his own museum. The Sagrada Família is a legendary structure that must be seen - the vast, complex structure is still being built to this day, despite construction starting all the way back in 1883! This is a city with a unique blend of culture, cuisine and aesthetics - outdoor dining is the norm in the summer months, and the locals are a sociable bunch. Entertainment here is both easy to find and easy to enjoy. DAY ONE 10.50 Depart London Heathrow 14.00 Arrive into Barcelona On arrival into the capital of Catalonia, you will be met by your driver and transferred into the heart of Barcelona, where your charming hotel is located - the Casa Fuster, famous for its character and iconic design. Check into your reserved room and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to unpack, settle into the rhythm of the city, and to explore. There are some superb restaurants in the area - and we have included some recommendations at the end of this document. Casa Fuster was created as a gift from acclaimed painter Mariano Fuster for his adored wife - he commissioned modernist architect Lluís Domènch i Montaner to design the striking building, and so a masterpiece of Catalonian architecture was born. The magnificent home was the most expensive in the city when it was completed in 1907, but the family lived there only briefly. In 2004, the building, including Café Vienés, was painstakingly restored and transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel. Decorated with Art Nouveau–inspired furnishings, the ninety-six guest rooms pay homage to the building’s original grandeur. The lobby, the alfresco terrace and the jazz club, Café Vienés, recall the heady intellectual atmosphere of early 20th-century Barcelona; once a week, the café hosts jazz concerts that have drawn everyone from Scott Robinson to Woody Allen’s New Orleans Jazz band. 1 x Junior Suite with breakfast DAY TWO Barcelona has a whole host of incredible sites to explore, and so the hardest part of the trip is often deciding where to start! You will enjoy the use of an expert guide to help, however - they will be on hand for the day so that you can explore the city at your own pace, and the day will be tailored to your preferences, requirements and interests. Pick-up time is set to be discussed the evening before, so that you can ensure you are comfortable and rested for the day ahead. All transfers and excursions are set to be discussed between you and your guide locally, so that each day is built around your preferences. With that in mind, we have put together a list of recommended highlights. CASA BATILO Casa Batilo is one of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces, this is not just a building but and artistic legend; hidden behind an exceptional facade wich reflets a tranquil sea is a world of surprises and refined archectural details. PALAU DE LA MUSICA Palau de la Musica was opened in 1908 - the outstanding concert hall was creasted by the Catalan articect Luis Domenech i Montaner and has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.  From 1982 this building has been under work and is being re-modelled and reinstalled with equipment and technology that this hall deserves. PICASSO MUSEUM Picasso Museum. Be inspired by the first steps of Pablo Picasso as an artist.  The museum is key to understanding the development of this young artist into a genius from 1887 to 1901.  You will find his life unfolding up to the Blue Period, an important representation of works from 1917, the series of Las Meninas (1957) and a comprehensive print collection. SAGRADA FAMILIA The iconic and surreal Sagrada Família is the jewel in the crown of Gaudis work the temple is a synthasis of his overal conception of architecture. The richness of detail and its significance need explaining in order to appreicate this fascinating and extraordinary building in full.  This will be the last stop, so you can take your time to explore with your guide as much as you would like before returning to the hotel! This evening, at 20:30, we have arranged a table for you at the stunning 7 Portes Restaurant. Tonight's dinner is included as part of your trip. You will also be collected and returned to and from your hotel (time to be advised locally). DAY THREE This morning you will be collected from your hotel and driven into rural Spain for a change of scenery - you will be embarking on a day filled with gorgeous scenery and excellent wine! Your guide will be able to suggest some fascinating stops en route, not least the remarkable town of Montserrat, which is home to a famous monastery, and, high in the mountains, offers breath-taking views over most of Catalonia. From here, your day continues to Oller del Mas Castle and Cellar - a medium sized family-owned winery located in the D.O. Pla del Bages. After learning about the wine-making process and exploring the insides of a medieval castle, you will next enjoy a tasting session! All of our professional guides are highly knowledgeable not only in the history of the region, but also in the art of wine-making itself. They will guide you through the tasting session, and provide you with as much information as you wish! Your wine-tasting will also include a light lunch, consisting of a set of traditional premium montaditos. Returning to your hotel this afternoon, you will have time to freshen up before being taken for dinner at Sagradi, home to what we feel is the best tapas in the entire city! Tonight's dinner is included as part of your trip, and you will be transferred back to your hotel afterwards. DAY FOUR You will be collected at your hotel in Barcelona this morning to embark on a coastal journey - heading out along the Costa Brava coast for a 1 hour 30 minutes drive to where your charming seaside property is located - the perfect base from which to explore this region of Spain! Catalunya’s only five-star Grand Luxe resort hotel, the Hostal de La Gavina sits at the heart of the Costa Brava, on a small peninsula between two secluded bays, each with a sandy beach. Classically Mediterranean, the Hostal de La Gavina blends gently into its surroundings, the aromas of pine and bougainvillea scenting the warm evening air, with the sounds of the sea drifting in from nearby. 1 x Superior room with breakfast DAY FIVE Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning, from where you will embark on an approximate 45 minutes drive inland, and up into the charming town of Girona. This stunning medieval city has one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and is well worthy of exploration - whilst nearby Figueres has its unique Dalí Theater-Museum. Figeueres was indeed Dali's home town, and is a vital stop off for any art enthusiasts. Upon arrival at Girona, you will no doubt marvel at the narrow, ancient streets and incredible architecture - and we have arranged for you to enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral in the old city center, with its well-preserved medieval walkways which lead you towards the famous pastel colored houses at the edge of the river bank. The historic center of Girona holds an important artistic heritage, and is a superb place to spent a few hours. The Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres (30km from Girona) holds the biggest collection of artworks that represent the artistic evolution of Salvador Dalí, from his first artistic experiments until his surrealist creations and the art made during the last years of his life - as well as showcasing some of his personal collection of pieces he admired by other artists. After this, we will transfer you back to your coastal hotel. DAY SIX We have left today for you to enjoy at leisure - take in the great views, the wonderful beach, or indulge in the excellent facilities at your hotel. Enjoy swimming in the stunning seawater outdoor pool or heated indoor pool, taking a lazy lunch or delectable dinner in a choice of restaurants, or sleeping late and waking up refreshed for a game of tennis! Other options for the day include an indulgent spa treatment, a little shopping or a day/afternoon trip to one of the many gorgeous villages and towns in the area where you can sample some more of Catalunya’s cultural highlights. This evening, we have arranged dinner at Massana - you will be collected from your hotel at 19:30, and returned after. Dinner is included as part of your trip. DAY SEVEN Unfortunately, as all good things must, a wonderful trip to Barcelona and the Costa Brava has drawn to an end! Leave the beach this morning and transfer by luxury vehicle to Barcelona airport for your flight back to London. 14.50 Depart Barcelona 16.10 Arrive London Heathrow