Our Trips » Spain

Departure Times

Highlights

Barcelona’s lively streets, delicious tapas, sandy beaches, and world famous nightlife are just a few reasons for why this seaside city attracts millions of visitors every year. Visit the amazing Sagrada Familia cathedral, Parc Guell, and La Pedrera (all historic landmarks of Gaudi's Barcelona). Spend the day wandering the shops and people watching on the famous pedestrian boulevard, Las Ramblas and adjacent Gothic Quarter, and for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, follow the crazy FC Barcelona fans to a football (soccer to Americans) match. As well, Barcelona contains some of Europe's best nightlife with bars & wild clubs that will keep you partying well after sunrise.

Itinerary

Thursday - Day 1 Arrival on your own, room check-in available from 3pm (you will be sent exact instructions on how to arrive). Activities start from Friday morning.

Friday - Day 2 Morning departure (approx. 10am) for guided walking tour of Barcelona's incredible Gothic Quarter and surrounding areas.. Tour will include stops such as Las Ramblas, the central Boqueria market for a great food stop, Plaza Catalunya and to the Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord) featuring Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Casa Mila as well as other highlights.  Free afternoon to explore on your own.  At night you'll meet at 8pm to head to a traditional flamenco show (although originally from southern Spain's Andalusia region, it is now recognized as the national dance & music form of the country).  Following this fiery 30 minute show of guitar & dance, you'll head through the Gothic Quarter to a favorite tapas restaurant for an included meal of at least 9 different local tapas (small dishes of meat, cheese, seafood and vegetarian options) and sangria.  Following the tapas experience you can explore the cities many nightlife spots including great bars & clubs!

Saturday - Day 3 Free day to explore Barcelona’s gothic streets, visit museums, go shopping or to the beach!  Included afternoon sunset cruise from the marina where you'll enjoy the scenic coastline of Barcelona from a catamaran (lasts 1.5 hours).  Free night to rest & relax, enjoy a tapas dinner and/or head out to experience some of Europe’s best nightlife again. 

Sunday - Day 4 Breakfast included. Free day and departure on your own (if you have a later departure you can leave your bags with reception at the accommodations

**Transportation Package - Early morning departure from Budapest back to Florence/Rome with arrival very late Sunday night/early Monday morning.

***Trip Style - This is an independent trip ideal for groups of friends, family, couples, or even for an independent-minded solo traveler. It is designed as a travel & destination package, not solely as a "group trip". You will be on group tours/activities with other travelers and in a room with other travelers if you book the "shared dorm hostel" package (if you book the "private" room package then you of course will be in your own private room). You will however, have independent time between the guided group tours/activities to explore on your own and do as you please, and will receive a detailed info packet by email with numerous recommendations for additional group activities or tours (beyond what is included), sights/museums and food/drink/nightlife info, etc. It's a great balance between guided & included tours/activities and free time so that you have plenty of time on your own to do what you want.