Barcelona

Thursday, October 7th - Opulent yet edgy, a leader in modern interior design yet famous for its gothic architecture, Barcelona presents a series of contrasts. Barcelona has emerged as one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and it's not hard to see why. With a stunning diversity of architecture, from the medieval of the Barrio Gótico to the Modernism of Antonio Gaudí, works from artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg on street corners, world class museums and galleries, the city has a wealth of culture. The Barcelona is divided into different barrios, which all have a very different look and feel and are perfect to explore on foot. Barcelona is enjoying a culinary renaissance, and boasts some of the most inventive cuisine in the world, as well as lively bars and more traditional tapas restaurants, which are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere. Barcelona is a city that wakes late and parties until dawn. You can be assured that it's always a fabulous choice for a fun-filled girlfriend get-away.

Upon arrival in Barcelona you will meet your Italian/English-speaking escort who will remain with you for the remainder of your stay in Spain. You will be transferred by private deluxe motor coach to your hotel. After check-in at the hotel, you will have freshen up time before the welcome/orientation lunch followed by ample time to rest before meeting in the lobby for your Metro lesson on way to Gothic Quarter. Explore this incrediable section of Barcelona prior to boarding a private open top bus for a city night tour with stops for Tapas and wine. The tour will end at nightclub for your first taste Barcelona night life.

Friday, October 8th - Following breakfast at the hotel you are off to a special "Gaudi" tour. First stop, the Guëll park, this must see part is one of the most intriguing parks in the world. The pavilions and main staircase designed by Antoni Gaudí look like they belong in a fairy tale.

The La Familia Sagrada, La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona. It's a giant temple that has been under construction since 1882 (that's not a typing error!) and it's not expected to be completed for another 30 to 80 years.

You will also visit Casa Milà, commonly known as La Pedrera is the largest civil building designed by Antoni Gaudi. It was Gaudi's last work before devoting himself to the construction of the Sagrada Familia. The top floor, attic and the extraordinary roof are open to visitors. The roof is probably the most extraordinary of the building. It features a number of surrealistic colorful chimneys. Many of them look like warriors in a science fiction movie, others look more frivolous. The roof also features a bench similar to the one in Park Guell. From the top of Casa Milà, you have a nice view over the Eixample district. After your Gaudi tour, you are off to to lunch and shopping on your own in Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a 1.2 Km walkway through the very heart of the city centre. Here you will see all sorts of stalls, restaurants, bars and street performers along with the many thousands of people that promenade up and down the Ramblas until the early hours of the morning. Return to the hotel on your own before heading out to dinner (dinner not included) with the group and another night on the town.

Saturday, October 10th - Today you will visit El Poble Espanyol an open air museum with 40 handicraft shops and a number of excellent restaurants and bars. You have the remainer of the day to explore Barcelona on your own and visit such sites as the Museu Picasso or the Magic Fountain of Montjuic before meeting back at the hotel to change for night of partying and celebration for our birthday girls.