Barcelona and the Gaudi Centenary

Step into a world of imagination in Barcelona where spiralling towers and glinting mosaics celebrate one of Spain’s greatest visionaries – discover the beauty, brilliance and eccentric genius that shaped the city’s soul. Marvel at the completed Sagrada Família and the soaring Torre de la Pasión. Explore the Modernista masterpieces of Park Güell and Casa Batlló, uncover Gaudí’s playful designs at Torre Bellesguard, and follow his legacy beyond the city, to Reus.

YOUR EXPERT TOUR LECTURER

Professor Anne Anderson

Professor Anne Anderson is an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and expert in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the Arts and Crafts movement. A former senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, she has spoken internationally and appeared as an expert on the BBC. Anne leads popular UK and overseas tours for Travel Editions, where she shares her passion and extensive knowledge for architecture and decorative arts.

Anne has received a rapturous response from our travellers at the UK lectures and tours, as well as a host of tours overseas, and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.

ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Barcelona
Fly from London Gatwick to Barcelona and transfer to the hotel. En route visit Cripta de la Colonia Guell with commentary from Professor Anne Anderson. Gaudí used experimental techniques here that he later applied to the Sagrada Familia, with the crypt featuring a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Tonight we enjoy a welcome drink, talk from Anne: 'Modernism: Gaudi in Context', followed by dinner at the hotel. 

Day 2: Sagrada Familia
Morning visit to the Sagrada Familia with a guided visit covering the exterior and interior of the building. Torre de la Pasion is the tallest tower of the cathedral at a height of 75 metres; optional walk up a spiral staircase to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city. Gaudí devoted the last 12 years of his life to the Sagrada Familia project, and it is seen as his defining work. Originally the Basilica was designed in a neo-Gothic style, but Gaudí transformed the design into a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The Catalan Modernist architecture includes ornate facades, mosaics, sculptures and stained glass. Evening talk from Anne: 'Speaking Stones: Gaudi's Symbolism'.

Day 3: More Gaudi sites
Today we explore more of Gaudi's work, starting with a guided tour of Palau Guell, which was one of Gaudí’s earliest masterpieces. Originally designed in 1900, the project was inspired by British garden cities and was intended to be a luxury housing development, before transforming into a park in 1926. Boasting panoramic views of Barcelona, Park Güell is known for its vibrant mosaics covering stairways, benches and columns. After free time for lunch (not included) we visit Palau de la Musica Catalan, a concert hall decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass. 

Day 4: Free day in Barcelona
Full day at leisure to explore independently.

Day 5: Full day in Reus
Today we take a day trip to Reus for a guided tour of Casa Navas with its original Modernist interiors. We also visit the Pere Mata Institute, an example of Catalan Modernist architecture, designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1897 and 1919. The complex of 11 pavilions are each separated by lush gardens. Afternoon guided walking tour of the Modernist Route with an external view of Gaudí's birthplace. Return to Barcelona for evening at leisure.

Day 6: Iconic Gaudi
We cover more of Gaudí’s iconic works including Torre Bellesguard with its dragon shaped roof; and Casa Vicens - his first major project, and inspired by Islamic architecture in Spain with Moorish arches, iron balconies, and bright tilework.

Day 7: Two Casas
Morning visit to Casa Batlló, located in the heart of Barcelona and often known as the "House of Bones" due to its skeletal appearance with balconies resembling skulls. Originally built in 1877, Gaudi transformed the building to maximize natural light. The interiors features curved woodwork and stained glass, and the facade is covered in broken ceramic mosaic. Our final guided tour today is of Casa Mila, one of Gaudí’s most innovative works. It features two large interior courtyards, a rooftop terrace, and was one of the first residential buildings in the city to include a lift and a garage.

Day 8: Depart Barcelona
We have free time today then transfer to the airport after lunch for our return flight back to London Gatwick. 

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 23 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of walking at and between each site, with lots of standing for viewing. Some paving may be cobbled, and uneven underfoot. On Day 2, there is an optional walk up a steep spiral staircase at Sagrada Familia. 
Please visit the mobility page of our website for more information, or contact our team with any questions prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Barcelona
• Seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Evenia Rosello, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome drinks reception
• Two dinners 
• Two lectures by Professor Anne Anderson
• Coach transfers, tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Accompanied by Professor Anne Anderson throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £770
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Hotel Evenia Rossello

This modern 4-star hotel is nestled in Barcelona’s elegant Eixample district, just a short walk from Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló, providing easy access to the city's renowned art and architecture. The hotel features a restaurant with terrace, bar, gym, and contemporary rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, mini bar, safe, kettle, bath or shower, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. 

Hotel Evenia Rossello Website