G Adventures: Spain Family Journey: Vibrant Cities and Artistic Icons
Day 1: Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Day 2: Barcelona
After breakfast, set off to discover the city on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt through the Gothic Quarter. Beginning in Mercat del Born, families are tasked with solving puzzles and uncovering secrets related to Columbus and the city's incredibly rich heritage–an exciting way for kids to learn about history. In the afternoon, set out to discover the intricate details of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece, the iconic Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Your guide will lead you through the awe-inspiring interiors as you marvel at the stained glass, casting colorful patterns across the stone floors. A site that National Geographic’s documentary series Megastructures described as ‘’one of Europe’s most clever and inspiring structures,’ learn of Gaudi’s unique vision and keep an eye out for symbolism embedded in every corner. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Explore more of the city, grab some tasty local treats and have fun with your family.
Day 3: Barcelona
Enjoy some free time in Barcelona with your family discovering the city’s vibrant energy and iconic landmarks at your own pace. Options could include a visit to the spectacular gardens and architectural marvels of Parque Güell, another masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí. Or perhaps head down to the beach to enjoy the magnificent coastal views. Later in the day, don a chef’s hat and take part in a cooking class at a G Adventures-supported migrant training kitchen. Meet some of the students and learn from the resident chef how to make one of Spain’s most iconic dishes–paella, aptly labelled a “Spanish culinary institution” in a National Geographic article. Afterward, get a true taste of Spain as you devour your culinary creation.
Day 4: Barcelona
Travel to the city of Figueres, the birthplace of famed surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, and get acquainted with the important sites on a guided walking tour. Marvel at the vibrant and eclectic architecture, narrow, winding streets and traditional Catalan buildings before finishing the walk at the Dalí Theatre and Museum. Designed by Dalí himself, the building is itself a work of art and almost perfectly represents the artist’s life and work. Topped with giant eggs, the museum draws you into Dalí’s fantastical imagination as if you are wandering through a theatrical dream, surrounded by the massive collection of his intriguing works of art. Then enjoy some free time before returning to Barcelona for a free evening.
Day 5: Barcelona/Madrid
Hop on board a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, taking in the beautiful Spanish countryside. After a tasty lunch, set off on a visit to the world class Prado Museum for an experience like no other. Discover the museum’s masterpieces through scavenger hunts, games and interactive activities while learning fascinating tidbits along the way. The remainder of the day and evening are free to explore on your own. Grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s many great restaurants.
Day 6: Madrid
Wake up in vibrant Madrid and set off with your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) to visit one of the city’s bustling local markets. Meander past piles of colourful vegetables, produce stands and meat vendors, brushing shoulders with locals going about their daily routine. Stop to sample some tasty products like cured meats, cheeses, pastries and the deliciously crunchy, sugar-coated churro. The rest of the day is free to discover one of Madrid’s many world-class sites such as the Reina Sofia Museum, the Royal Palace or take in a Flamenco show.
Day 7: Madrid
Set off on a day trip to the ancient city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site-set on top of a hill in the plains south of Madrid. Explore the city on foot with a local guide, wandering the labyrinth of streets lined with tall stone walls. Learn about the city’s history and hear captivating stories that will fascinate visitors of all ages. After the walk, enjoy some free time to continue exploring some of Toledo’s iconic sites like the Alcazar fortress, the Cathedral or the El Greco Museum. Return to Madrid in the afternoon for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.
Day 8: Madrid
Soccer lovers unite, with an exciting visit to Real Madrid’s home stadium, Santiago Bernabéu. See the massive pitch up close and imagine all your favorite players scoring the game-winning goal. Take a journey through the club’s legendary past and vibrant present and get a glimpse into the deep passion of the team’s fans. Feel the thrill of fútbol in this iconic place and leave chanting the fan’s anthem “¡Hala Madrid!...y nada más.” This afternoon, you are free to explore Spain’s capital city on your own. Visit the amazing museums or stroll the city streets, lined with shops and cafés. Later, meet up with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Madrid
Depart at any time.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.
Excursions
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Your chauffeur and your guide will
be waiting for you at the port. They will be at disposal for 8 hours. Your chauffeur will drive you to the city center of Barcelona.
A Walk Through Barcelona
You will start your day by an exciting 2-hour walking tour of the oldest parts of Barcelona: the Barri Gothic and Born neighborhoods. You will follow your guide as he/she leads you into the small, narrow streets to discover the vibrant, trendy ambiance of Born and the historical atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter. You will see the Santa Maria Del Mar church, the Royal Palace and the world famous “Las Ramblas” avenue. The fun facts and stories
told by our guide will keep your children highly engaged. The children will each get a game booklet to keep them engaged and entertained. After this tour, you will enjoy a
lunch break. Your guide will be there to give recommendations depending on your taste.
Included:
- A Walk Through Barcelona:
- Private certified guide
- 2 hour walking tour
- Game booklet for
- each child
- 2-hour experience
The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 3-hour tour inside the two iconic Gaudi sites in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell. You will follow your guide inside the
jaw-dropping and daring church and listen to the stories about its architecture, construction and future. After 1,5 hours spent in the Sagrada Familia, you will head out to
Park Güell. There you will witness the beauty of Gaudí’s mosaics as well as enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Barcelona. To keep the children entertained during this 3-hour tour, they will all get their own fun-filled game booklet. A perfect way to combine both educational discovery and fun!
The Sagrada Familia and
- Park Güell:
- Private certified guide
- Skip-the-line tickets to
- Sagrada Familia and
- Park Güell
- Transfer in a private
- mini van
- Game booklet for
- each child
- 3-hour experience
At the end of the tour, depending on your cruise departure time, your chauffeur will drive you back to the port.
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Highlights:
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028!
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.
- Walk the labyrinthine alleys of the medieval Gothic Quarter to find architectural gems like the Church of Santa Maria del Mar
- Admire the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, where some of the artist's earliest works are housed.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Gaudi’s Barcelona (4 hours)
Gaudi’s Barcelona (4 hours)
Highlights:
Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!
Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.
- Visit the impressive, but still unfinished Sagrada Familia, masterpiece of the Catalan architect
- Wander through Parc Guell, the UNESCO World Heritage Site considered Gaudi's most colourful creation
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Authentic Barcelona by Bike
Authentic Barcelona by Bike
Overview: Uncover the most authentic side of Barcelona riding the world's best folding bike, a Brompton. Be led by an expert bike guide and venture into a unique and exclusive experience. Connect with your local guide by sharing and listening to trivia stories about Barcelona. Embark on a ride to explore the least touristy Eixample and Gracia districts. Glimpse the Plaça d'Espanya, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, Sant Pau, and modernist estates.
Duration: 3 Hours
Barcelona Sailing Journey
Barcelona Sailing Journey
Overview: Experience the thrill of sailing the Barcelona Coastline. Glimpse the Barcelona skyline from a different perspective and spot some landmarks, including Frank Gehry Golf Fish Sculpture and the Twin Towers", Torres Venecianas. Immerse yourself in the serene deep blue while seeping your glass of wine. Weather permitting, anchor and venture in a short swim.
Duration: 4 Hours
Exploring Cavas' Origin
Exploring Cavas' Origin
Overview: Uncover the dedication of a biodynamic winegrowers family committed to excellence in long-aged wines. Venture on a stroll around the winery's iconic vineyards to discover the distinctive features of a unique spot in the Penedès region. Sheltered by the woods, taste a base wine paired with a light snack. Elevate your experience by savoring three long-aged sparkling wines, a limited-edition white wine, and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Duration: 4 Hours
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Overview: Led by a top Chef who graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris, embark on an exclusive gourmet journey at her private penthouse. Head to a 19th-century local market and thoroughly select the finest ingredients for your recipe. Dare to partake in the cooking process while you uncover some secrets of high-end cuisine. Savor the combination of flavors paired with a premium selection of Spanish Wines.
Duration: 4 Hours
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Overview: Step away from the bustling Barcelona and embrace Catalonia's unique landscape with La Garrotxa and Fageda d'en jordà. Venture into an exciting 7,5 miles hike through the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Engage in a circular route through La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ascend to the inside of Santa Margarita volcano and discover a chapel lying on its crater. Dive into Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on the lava flow of Croscat Volcano. Finalize your trail with a stop at the Croscat Volcano grederes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Overview: Ancient Wonders and hidden gems await you on the famous needles of Montserrat Mountain. Venture into an exciting and intimate hike connecting you to Montserrat's outlandish and most authentic elements. Uncover the region of Agulles and the north face of Montserrat, passing between the needles, having to take some steps climbing ropes, and ending up visiting emblematic places such as Cadireta or Foradada.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat from the Skies
Montserrat from the Skies
Overview: Marvel at Montserrat Mountain's impressive scenic views. With a bird' s-eye view, witness these massive conglomerates, which form unexpectedly imposing sculptures due to their geological evolution. They all have names related to their shapes, and we find caves, chasms, and torrents in their shelter.
Flying over the Montserrat mountain, the spiritual Center of Catalonia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising and impressive experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour