Barcelona Exclusive

Itinerary

• Spain

  Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north by France, and to the west by Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe after France. Because of its location, Spain has had an intriguing role in global history. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that the Iberian Peninsula acted as one of three major refugia from which northern Europe was repopulated following the end of the last ice age. Andalusia was the furthest reach of the great Moorish empire. And it was also the seat of a global empire that discovered the New World, and left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today. Through war and peace, under different religions, and with strong regional differences - Spain continues to be a remarkable destination with intriguing cities and natural beauty.

• Barcelona

  In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

• • Barcelona
  • Sagrada Familia
  • El Palace

  Day 1: Barcelona

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Upon your arrival, you will receive a special Welcome Gift along with your Welcome Package. Enjoy your time in Spain!

  Take a half day walking tour following the footsteps of the legendary Architect Gaudi, with your private professional English speaking Guide. Walk in Barcelona of 1900's, in the neighbourhood of " El Ensanche", discovering the temple of "La Sagrada Familia", Gracia avenue with the houses of Gaudí, and the Batlló House. Other sights to be visited are the Paseo de Gracia, and the facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. (Tickets to Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera are included).

  Accommodation: El Palace (5*)

  El Palace (5*) is a luxury hotel set in the heart of the city centre of Barcelona, close to Las Ramblas, and on the equivalent of Rodeo Drive. Nearby is some of the most prestigious shopping areas, as well as beautiful boulevards, theatres and modernist buildings. Totally refurbished and opened again in late 2009, it offers some of the most spacious rooms in the city. The works have preserved the classic spirit that has always characterised this property, distinguished as a symbol of Barcelona’s hotel tradition. 42 of the 125 rooms are suites and junior suites, all equipped with lastest-generation technology. A new room design, a soft interior re-decoration of public areas and lounges and the realignment and optimisation of the architectural infrastructure enhances the beauty and majesty of the property.

  The Caelis Restaurant, awarded with a Michelin Star is part of El Palace and offers top-class cuisine, while the emblematic bar Rien de Rien bar is themed in the the style similar to the Moulin Rouge of Paris. Enjoy an after dinner drink here and take in the live jazz ensembles that play here during weekend nights in high season.

  On the spa side of things, El Palace has launched the Mayan Luxury Spa and a Fitness Room, a unique spa with a Temazcal Sauna, exclusive in Spain.

• • Montserrat

  Day 2: Barcelona

  Following pick up from your hotel at 9am, you'll head about an hour west of Barcelona to one of Catalonia's most magnificent geological anomalies. Montserrat, which translates to Serrated Mountain, is breathtaking, and the views that you'll gain from the 11th Century Monastery, embedded midway up the mountainside at 725 meters, are not to be missed. Wind your way up to the Monastery and Basilica in the vehicle, where you will have the opportunity to explore the unbelievable feat of architecture and the incredible intricacies, plazas, vistas, chapels and sanctuaries. You will enter the Basilica to see the famed "Black Virgin", enjoying walking through the chapels along the way, and then we'll take an incredibly scenic walk along the "Rosary of Montserrat", which leads to the sacred cave of Santa Cova. (There are options for taking a cable car to reduce the walk, if some would prefer. Without taking the cable car, the walk is about 45 minutes round-trip.) After departing Montserrat, we'll have an incredible lunch of traditional Catalan food at the restaurant of a nearby winery in a village below the mountain.

  Accommodation: El Palace (5*)

• Day 3: Barcelona

  Port transfer to/from city centre accommodation with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Pablo Picasso was almost certainly the most famous artist of the 20th century. During his artistic career, which lasted more than 75 years, he created thousands of works, not only paintings but also sculptures, prints, and ceramics, using all kinds of materials. First famous for his pioneering role in Cubism, Picasso continued to develop his art with a pace and vitality comparable to the accelerated technological and cultural changes of the century whose art he dominated. Each change embodied a radical new idea, and it might be said that Picasso lived several artistic lifetimes.

• Culinary Delights

  The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas can be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village.

• Historic Moment

  The guitar was invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1870s. Spanish musicians have taken the humble guitar to dizzying heights of virtuosity and none more so than Andrés Segovia (1893-1997), who established classical guitar as a genre.

• • El Palace
  • El Palace - Standard

  El Palace (5*)

  El Palace (5*) is a luxury hotel set in the heart of the city centre of Barcelona, close to Las Ramblas, and on the equivalent of Rodeo Drive. Nearby is some of the most prestigious shopping areas, as well as beautiful boulevards, theatres and modernist buildings. Totally refurbished and opened again in late 2009, it offers some of the most spacious rooms in the city. The works have preserved the classic spirit that has always characterised this property, distinguished as a symbol of Barcelona’s hotel tradition. 42 of the 125 rooms are suites and junior suites, all equipped with lastest-generation technology. A new room design, a soft interior re-decoration of public areas and lounges and the realignment and optimisation of the architectural infrastructure enhances the beauty and majesty of the property.

  The Caelis Restaurant, awarded with a Michelin Star is part of El Palace and offers top-class cuisine, while the emblematic bar Rien de Rien bar is themed in the the style similar to the Moulin Rouge of Paris. Enjoy an after dinner drink here and take in the live jazz ensembles that play here during weekend nights in high season.

  On the spa side of things, El Palace has launched the Mayan Luxury Spa and a Fitness Room, a unique spa with a Temazcal Sauna, exclusive in Spain.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon Holidays (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon Holidays
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-holidays.com
  Web: www.horizon-holidays.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-holidays.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote