At Home in Barcelona

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday April 12: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday April 13: Barcelona

Upon arrival and meeting your tour manager, you'll find Barcelona brings a wealth of possibilities: from Las Ramblas to Gaudi, an orientation to Catalunia's capital is in order. Wind down at a relaxing welcome reception and dinner. (D)

Day 3, Sunday April 14: Barcelona

Discover Barcelona's highlights on your guided tour including the Olympic Stadium and the Gothic Quarter, with its Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia. Your city tour will include an inside visit to Sagrada Familia. With nearly 900 stalls, Barcelona's main food market, La Boqueria, may seem daunting, but today's tour guides you through this culinary fortress, complete with a special selection of tapas, Spain's traditional small plates, for lunch. An informal talk and tasting on Spain's world-class wine tops off this gastronomic adventure. The rest of your afternoon is free to further delve into the culture of the city, perhaps with a visit to the Picasso Museum or a visit to Parc Guell. This evening is free; maybe pop into a neighborhood bistro and order like a local. (B,L)

Day 4, Monday April 15: Barcelona

This morning uncover the unique architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudí. Enjoy commentary via audioguide during a tour of Casa Batlló, known locally as the Casa del Ossos or House of Bones. Gaudí's skeletal but colorful façade is a whimsical example of his trencadís mosaic work. Later, enjoy a visit to Casa Milà, another Gaudí building. (B)

Day 5, Tuesday April 16: Barcelona

Discover the beauty of the Cap Creus National Park as you journey to the fishing village of Cadaques where you¿ll enjoy lunch with the group. In nearby Figueres, visit Salvador Dalí's Theatre-Museum, which he founded at the end of the Spanish Civil War. (B,L)

Day 6, Wednesday April 17: Barcelona

Experience a truly unique excursion that includes history, a feast and a journey along the Mediterranean! Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Tarragona and tour Spain's best examples of Roman ruins-its amphitheater, cathedral, aqueduct, and Archaeological Promenade. Refuel with a traditional paella lunch in coastal Sitges before the trip back to Barcelona. (B,L)

Day 7, Thursday April 18: Barcelona

Don't let last-minute souvenir shopping keep you from today's excursion to the legendary pilgrimage site of Montserrat. Its 11th century monastery sits on a 4,000-foot mountain with a funicular and inspirational views. Relax over lunch on your own in one of Spain's premier wine-growing regions, Penedes, and learn the cutting-edge techniques employed by the 300-year-old Torres family winery. During tonight's farewell dinner, reflect on the treasures of Barcelona and Cataluña. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday April 19: Barcelona

Like any cosmopolitan city, Barcelona boasts diversity and vastness. Today you're free to take off: ramble through the city's streets, shops and cafés. Look for buskers, painters and crafters along Las Ramblas. Or, check out some of Barcelona's museums; there are nearly five dozen to choose from. One of the city's most popular sites, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Cathedral has a museum devoted to its construction, which has been ongoing since 1882. Please note: dinner is not included tonight. (B)

Day 9, Saturday April 20: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)