Cruise Passenger Shores

Gothic Quarter at dusk

Long before many cities were founded, the kingdom of Aragon and Catalonia was a bastion of art and architecture. Barcelona's early city centre - which was surrounded by walls during Roman times - makes up what is today the Gothic Quarter.

Surrounding Barcelona's impressive cathedral, medieval palaces emerge such as Casa dels Canonges, La Pia Almoina, and Casa de l'Ardiaca.

Whether the Gothic Quarter (or Barri Gòtic as it's called in Catalan) is truly Gothic is the subject of endless debate, but it is one of the most evocative neighborhoods in Spain and hides lots of bewitching places with many stories to tell - especially at night. Its richly textured streets, quiet squares, attractive corners, gurgling fountains, vintage stores and ancient fortifications inspired such artists as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró (who was born in this neighborhood).

The group will enjoy a walking tour around the Gothic Quarter and its religious centre, having the chance to admire all the details of the Cathedral during a visit in its interior. They will also be able to discover the politic and administrative centre in Sant Jaume Square, Plaza Real and, at the end, the charming and famous promenade Las Ramblas, with all its anecdotes and history. A visit to La Boqueria, Barcelona's most famous and colourful outdoor market located along Las Ramblas, is included.

Foto: Carrer del Bisbe. © Turisme de Barcelona / Espai d'Imatge

Barcelona in a flash: Barcelona Highlights

Home to the 1992 Olympic games, Barcelona is a mix of modern and traditional Spain. The city has often been at odds (sometimes even at war) with the rest of Spain. It is this divergent history that makes Barcelona so distinct from other Spanish towns and its people so fiercely independent. There is a youthful sense of joie de vivre and rebellion that permeates the ancient streets.

Our panoramic city tour is a smattering of old and new and combines the main historical and cultural points of the city. Mostly enjoyed by bus but with opportunities to stop for picture-taking and leisure walking, we visit the Old Harbor, Montjuïc (for beautiful views and picture opportunities) Olympic Stadium, Cathedral of Barcelona and its beautiful cloister, Las Ramblas (Barcelona's most famous street filled with shops, cafes and plenty of ambience), Paseo de Gracia where some of the most important modernista facades are located, including la Gaudí's Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Familia. The tour concludes at the Sagrada Familia.

This tour provides for a great introduction to the city. After understanding the lay of the land and absorbing a general overall view of the sights, you'll be in good shape to revisit and explore all of Barcelona on your own and at your own pace.

Designs and Art Nouveau Colours

No architect in Europe was as fantastical as Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, the foremost proponent of Catalan Modernisme (Art Nouveau). Barcelona is studded with the works of this extraordinary artist, all of which UNESCO now lists as World Heritage Sites. A recluse and a celibate bachelor as well as a fervent Catalan nationalist, he lived out his own fantasy in his work.

Nothing is more stunning than his Sagrada Família, Barcelona's best-known landmark, a cathedral which Gaudí worked on for the last 43 years of his life. Work to complete the landmark cathedral still continues today, and when finished, 'The Sacred Family' will be Europe's largest cathedral.

This guided walking lecture tour concentrates on his other three most well-known works in Barcelona including La Pedrera (Casa Milá), Casa Batlló, and Park Güell. We are introduced to the genius - including his historical and artistic influences, his social life and his mentality. Time permitting, we may visit Casa Lleó i Morera of Domenech i Montaner, Casa Amatller of Puig i Cadafalch, Palau Güell. Although the tour includes only outside guided viewing, you will have the opportunity to visit the interiors at your own leisure, e.g. Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.