Barcelona, Gaudí & Catalan Modernism

Fly to Barcelona and transfer to Hotel Barcelona Center (or similar) for 4 nights. Afternoon at leisure followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

 

Travel to Montjuïc and visit the National Museum of Catalan Art, notable for an outstanding collection of modernist paintings, furniture, glass and ceramics. Continue to Palau de la Música, Barcelona’s opera house, where intelligent interplays of open space and natural light combine with astonishingly detailed traditional Catalan mosaics, stained glass and sculpture. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

 

Visit the hillside garden complex of Park Güell, designed by Gaudí. Continue to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, designed by Domènech i Montaner, with floral decoration and abundant use of sculpture. Afternoon walking tour of the Eixample district of Barcelona, concentrating on the Passeig de Gracia, famous for its contrasting modernist buildings. Visit La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.(B)

 

Stroll through Las Ramblas district, an important centre of modernist architecture with bustling streets. Visit the Gaudí-designed Güell Palace, followed by a stop at the Plaza Real and La Boqueria market. Continue to the Monastery of Pedralbes, one of the finest examples of Catalan gothic in Barcelona. Spend the afternoon at Sagrada Familia church, Gaudí’s magnum opus, which remains unfinished to this day. See the unique mix of gothic and art nouveau styles, and explore the crypt containing Gaudí’s remains, as well as the transept and central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. It is also possible to ascend one of the church’s many towers for panoramic views over the city. Evening farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

 

Day at leisure for independent exploration of Barcelona. Airport transfer for a flight to your next destination. (B)