After driving through picturesque little villages you will arrive at the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters). Next you will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. On some days the children's choir sings in the monastery at midday, and so you may be fortunate enough to catch one of their delightful performances.
Back in Barcelona we start our tour with a drive to the famous hill of Montjuic, which offers excellent views over the city and was the site of the 1992 Olympic games.
After a brief stop at the Catalunya National Art Museum (MNAC) we will make our way down to Placa Espanya and on past the Modernist buildings of the Eixample area.
Our drive to the iconic Sagrada Familia will take us up Passeig de Gracia, home to the famous designer stores, and the setting for two of Barcelonas most talked about Gauda buildings: La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.
Before arriving at the Sagrada Familia, we will stop at the Hospital de Sant pau I de Santes Creus, built between 1901 and 1930. Well away from the tourist route, this hospital has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the greatest symbols of the Modernist Architecture in Barcelona.
Finally, we will arrive at Sagrada Familia, stopping there for 20 minutes - more than enough time for you to admire this Gaudi masterpiece and soak up the atmosphere.
For many, this is the highlight of their Barcelona experience.
The group will then head to the oldest part of Barcelona, the Barrio Gotico, which as late the mid 19th century was still surrounded by the Medieval walls.
At this point, we will leave the bus enjoy a stroll through narrow winding streets of medieval Barcelona. We will travel back in time, going from the Roman era through to the early Middle Ages, when the Catalan counts were controlling the Mediterranean sea and Barcelona was the capital of an empire.
During this part of the tour, we will also visit the Jewish Quarter, the Royal palace, the original 2000 year old Roman Temple and part of Cathedral.
Your guide will be more than happy to make some recommendations for lunch or dinner in the area, or for further sightseeing or shopping trips.
This amount is for the whole party, not per person and includes: vat (taxes), private transport with minivan or minibus and an official licensed guide of Barcelona.
Pick-up and drop off at the time and place of your choice in Barcelona, including the Port.
It does not include your entrance fees at optional interior visits (not requested on our itinerary)and meals and drinks.
Extra charges for the Airport or hotels out of town according to distance.
