Description
- Air-conditioned, insurance motor coach transportation!
- All fees and taxes included!
- English speaking, trained Barcelona Shore Excursion guides!
- Scenic drive past several of the major sites in Barcelona, Spain!
- Fast track entrance to the Sagrada Familia and museum!
- Visit Gaudi's unique Torre Bellesguard!
- Complimentary brunch at Torre Bellesguard garden or porch!
Come and enjoy being part of a small and elite group that will visit the magnificent Sagrada Familia basilica before the crowds appear. This privileged visit to the breathtaking basilica will include information given to you by your own knowledgeable guide and will then be followed by an unforgettable visit and brunch to the Gaudi's hidden treasure, the Torre Bellesguard, which is a lovely mixture of medieval, art nouveaux and gothic styles and certainly not typical of Gaudi's work.
This special day begins with a 15-20-minute taxi ride. You will be introduced to your knowledgeable, bilingual guide who will then accompany you the entire time. You'll board a comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicle and you're off to see some lovely locations in Barcelona designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi was considered one of the greatest innovators of his time, combining styles and creating unique treasures that can be found throughout Barcelona.
You will arrive at the basilica before the crowds and enjoy the opportunity to be fast-tracked for your visit. The Sagrada Familia Basilica is one of the most visited buildings in the world and you'll immediately appreciate why. It is a marvel with the astonishing interior of this church, where vaults reach seventy meters. Antoni Gaudi designed a Latin cross plan with five aisles, extremely rich in ornamentation, symbolism, and opulence. The structure is still a work in progress as workers continue on with Gaudi's plan. The estimated completion date is 2026 - a full 100 years after Gaudi's death.
The construction itself has quite the history. Gaudi wasn't the original architect hired for the project, but he stepped in after just one year of work and continue to create the basilica until his death. Further construction was then interrupted by the Spanish Civil War and the finished basilica is based on interpretations of Gaudi's drawings, many of which had been burned during the war.
You will also visit the Sagrada Familia museum, where you will see drawings, plaster models, and pictures about both the history and development of this basilica from its early beginnings to the present day. You'll be able to appreciate the time and dedication that was required for completion. The museum will give further unusual and valuable information about both Antoni Gaudi's life and career.
After the visit to the Sagrada Familia, we will take you to the Gaudi's Torre Bellesguard, in the upper part of the city near Tibidabo Mountain. Built on the same location as the medieval castle that was home to King Aragon in the 15th century, it had passed through many hands and had become almost devastated. But the couple that bought it in 1900 immediately hired Gaudi to renovate and rebuild. Wanting to keep the history in mind, Gaudi renovated the structure with a medieval facade, but inside there are many other influences such as art nouveaux, gothic, along with the numerous mosaics for which Gaudi became famous.
Still, somehow, this architectural wonder remains peaceful and without the many visitors, the other Gaudi works entertain. Perhaps that is due to the fact that the family didn't open the home until the 1990s for interior visitation. That was due, frankly, to the need and expense of repairs. The family is now dedicated to preserving the home in its original state with all the details. Located in the exclusive upper part of Barcelona, you will also enjoy a delicious brunch on the patio, or in the carefully landscaped gardens. Your surroundings are beautiful and serene, your group is small and select, and the foods are delicious, all of which makes dining quite delightful.
Your brunch will include a selection of local cheeses (cow, sheep, and goat) that will be paired with a cup of white wine known as Jardins de Peralada. This will be followed by a selection of Catalan cold meats (jamon, fuet, and butifarra), again paired with a red wine that is also part of the Jardins de Peralada wine collection. Finally, you will enjoy Catalan cream or chocolate product with a sweet carquinyolis that will be accompanied by a sweet wine known as Cresta Azul. This will all be enjoyed by your small group in lovely surroundings making this visit memorable. Just enjoy the beautiful ambiance and the delicious food along with the knowledge you have just visited two of the most unique Gaudi structures in Barcelona.
After the leisurely brunch, you will be returned to the city center, near Plaza Catalunya, which is located near your Barcelona cruise ship pier.
Where we meet
For the Barcelona Sagrada Familia and Torres Bellesguard Excursion with Brunch, you will meet your local shore excursion guide at Plaza Sagrada Familia, a 15-20 minute taxi ride from your cruise pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket. Taxi fare is not included in your tour.
Cancellation
For the Barcelona Sagrada Familia and Torres Bellesguard Small Group Excursion with Brunch,we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if:
- You want to cancel at any time, for any reason, before or after your arrival. Simply contact us via email reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com within 14 days of your missed excursion date for a deposit refund.
- Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location.
- Your ship misses/skips the port.
- Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator to run the excursion.
- A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the tour operator or guest may send doctor's note).
- Cancellations that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund. Guests must notify us within 14 days after their excursion date via email for requesting a refund of booking payment made to Shore Excursioneer.
- Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
