Barcelona is the home of Gaudi – the grand master of Modernista architecture, the incubator of molecular gastronomy for culinary masters such as Albert Adria, and a balmy Mediterranean paradise proudly flaunting its divine geographical birthright along the northeastern coast of Spain. The 2nd-largest city by population behind Madrid, self-assured Barcelona has always been more industrious and business-minded than the rest of Spain, and deservedly so to many travellers. It is also the more easily recognisable face of the country with its unique cityscape resembling scenes straight out from a fairy-tale forest. Meet the capital of Catalonia with a customised Barcelona tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and fall under the spell of this one-of-a-kind city straight out of a wizard’s hat almost.
Hunt high and low for food
Barcelona is an internationally regarded food paradise filled to the brims with all sorts of options that you never know your belly can handle. From the narrow medieval alleyways of the Gothic Quarter and the multicultural corner bars of El Raval to the family-run casas in graceful Gracia and the no-frills seafood of the freshest kind in beachside La Barceloneta, you will be hard-pressed to stomach a bad meal throughout your visit. Then you throw in Michelin-starred chefs like Xavier Pellicer, Mey Hoffmann and the culinary maverick Albert Adria and their luxurious temples of fine dining together with down-to-earth markets dotted around town, this city will leave no stones unturned in making sure you gain a few pounds before leaving its gastronomic grounds.
Fly over Montserrat
Barcelona is full of urban pleasures to discover and revel in but after you have your fair share of the city’s temptations, nearby Montserrat beguiles with its stunning multi-peak mountainscape, fresh nature air and tranquil ambience. As for the pilgrims, the legends and stories of Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine abbey and one of Spain’s key religious sites, await with the sacred image of Black Madonna. While plenty of travellers make their own way to Montserrat by public transport links from Barcelona, we suggest forging your own path by splashing out on a hot air balloon flight and take in panoramic views of the holy mountain from above them all, then complete your experience with a Catalan meal in a traditional farm house.
Discovering Cava
Cava is not an area near Barcelona but it is Catalonia’s very proud version of a sparkling wine widely drank by all Catalans of eligible drinking age, and no visitor should ever leave the region without discovering this bubbly beverage that most often comes with much less acidity than its other sparkling peers. The wine country of Penedes, around a mere 45 minutes south of Barcelona, offers the perfect one-day excursion in which you can visit 14th-century Gothic cellars, walk through mountain vineyards, and of course get the chance to be introduced to prestigious glasses of Cava while having a splendid lunch in the rural countryside.
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Lose yourself in the spellbinding city of Barcelona and surrounds with a customised Barcelona and Spain tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, meet your driver and proceed for a 4-hour private tour of the city. Some of the highlights include the Eixample neighbourhood, recognised for its architecture, the narrow alleys of Gothic Quarter and Montjuic, site of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure to discover more of the city.
Barcelona Down Town
This morning, enjoy a 4-hour private tour to discover the brilliance of Antonio Gaudi, considered to be one of the most ingenious and innovative architects of his time. This is reflected in his impressive works such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Park Guell and many more. In the evening, enjoy a tapas and wine tour, where you will get to taste both traditional tapas and modern Spanish dishes all paired with wines. During this gastro-cultural tour, you will also learn about the unique architectural, cultural and historical curiosities of the city as you hop from one tapas bar to the next.
Sagrada Familia
This morning, proceed for your 6-hour tour to Montserrat, a must-see sight in Catalonia. Hop on a hot air balloon and admire the needle-shaped Montserrat peaks from above. Next, explore the monastery with your professional guide and learn about its interesting history.
Montserrat
After breakfast, proceed for your full-day tour to Costa Brava and Emporda, popularly known as the Tuscany of Catalonia. Start the tour with a visit to Pubol, a small village where you will find the castle that Salvador Dali built for his beloved Gala. Next, head to the region of Emporda and visit the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada. Learn more about the history of Catalonia as you stroll through the charming streets. After lunch, take a quiet walk in the villages of Calella and Begur and visit interesting shops selling ceramics and local products.
Costa Brava
Get ready for a 4-hour culinary experience this morning. Discover gourmet shops, food markets and century-old traditional stores and learn about Barcelona’s unique and excellent quality products in Gothic Quarter. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure. In the evening, get ready for a night of feasting as you discover the best of Catalan cuisine in a walking tour.
Gothic Quarter
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.