Barcelona Private Full-day City Tour – From Barcelona.

About this tour in Barcelona

• CrewSpanish, English
• Duration7 hours
• CancellationTour Cancellation Policy - Spain.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available

Itinerary

1. Sagrada Familia Basilica.

   The Sagrada Família is a large, unfinished Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882, and the project is known for its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with a heavy emphasis on natural and symbolic forms. Key features include its three facades (Nativity, Passion, and Glory), numerous towers representing the apostles, evangelists, and Virgin Mary, and a design deeply inspired by nature.

   Architectural style and design

   • Gaudí's vision: Antoni Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and infused it with his distinctive style, creating a building inspired by nature rather than straight-line structures.
   • Symbolism: The basilica is filled with symbolism. The three entrances represent the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love.
   • Facades: The Nativity Facade is dedicated to the birth of Christ. The Passion Facade is stark and dramatic, depicting the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus. The Glory Facade, still under construction, will represent the path to God and glory.
   • Towers: The basilica will have 18 towers. The completed towers include those dedicated to the apostles, the evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and eventually, the tallest one will be dedicated to Jesus Christ.

   History and construction

   • Timeline: The project began in 1882 but has been under construction for over 140 years. Gaudí dedicated the last years of his life to the project, but he only saw parts of the Nativity facade and the crypt completed.
   • Delays: The construction faced significant delays due to factors including Gaudí's death in 1926, the destruction of original plans during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, and material shortages throughout the 20th century.
   • Current status: Construction continues today, with major milestones like the inauguration of the Virgin Mary tower in 2021 and the four evangelist towers in 2023. The central tower of Jesus Christ is scheduled for completion in 2025.

2. Park Guell.

   Park Güell is a public park and garden complex in Barcelona, Spain, famous for its unique architectural elements designed by Antoni Gaudí. Originally intended as a housing development for wealthy families by industrialist Eusebi Guell, the project began in 1900 but was never completed as originally planned. It became a public park, and its unique design was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. The park is known for its organic shapes, colorful mosaic work, and iconic features like the dragon staircase and undulating benches

3. Passeig de Gracia.

   Passeig de Gràcia is a major, high-traffic avenue in Barcelona known for its high-end shopping, luxury hotels, and prominent Modernista architecture, including famous works by Antoni Gaudí like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. It is one of the city's most important business and leisure streets, stretching from Plaça Catalunya to the Gràcia district.

   Architecture and landmarks

   • Modernista masterpieces: The avenue is a showcase for Barcelona's Modernist architecture, featuring iconic buildings like Gaudí's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
   • Illa de la Discordia: A famous block of buildings that includes Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, and Casa Lleo i Morera, which were designed by rival architects and showcase the "Block of Discord" in modern architecture, according to ExperienceFirst.
   • Other notable buildings: Casa Fuster (now a hotel) and the Unio y el Fenix building with its phoenix sculpture are other architectural highlights, notes this Paseo de Gracia article.

   Shopping and dining

   • Luxury brands: Passeig de Gràcia is home to some of the world's most prestigious luxury brands.
   • Flagship stores: Many global brands have flagship stores on the avenue, including Chanel, Gucci, Zara, and Prada.
   • Restaurants and cafes: The avenue and its surrounding streets offer a wide range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to more casual cafes and bakeries.

   Atmosphere and experience

   • Historical charm: The street retains its original elegance with ornate streetlamps and benches, creating a lively and historic atmosphere that makes it a great place for a leisurely walk.
   • Expensive street: Due to its high-quality shops and luxury businesses, Passeig de Gràcia is known as the most expensive street in Barcelona.
   • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are often recommended for the most pleasant weather for exploring the avenue.

4. Columbus Monument.

   The Columbus Monument in Barcelona is a 60-meter-tall monument at the end of La Rambla, built for the 1888 Universal Exposition to honor Christopher Columbus. Visitors can take a lift to the top for panoramic views, and the statue's finger is generally believed to point toward America, though other theories exist. While a popular tourist destination, the monument has also become a focal point for discussions about colonialism and its legacy.

   History and construction

   • Purpose: The monument was built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition to commemorate Columbus's first voyage to the Americas.
   • Significance: It symbolized Catalonia's maritime history and connection to the wider world.
   • Designed by architect Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà, the structure features a bronze statue of Columbus atop a large cast-iron column and stone pedestal, decorated with reliefs and other figures.

   Features and visitor information

   • Height: The monument stands approximately 60 meters (197 feet) tall.
   • Viewing platform: An elevator inside the column takes visitors to a viewing platform at the top, offering 360-degree views of the city and port.
   • Symbolism: Columbus's finger points toward America, symbolizing exploration, although some debate it points to his hometown of Genoa.
   • Location: It is located at the foot of La Rambla, at the entrance to the port, a symbolic location since Columbus returned to Barcelona after his voyages.

5. Plaza dÉspanya.

   Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona is a large, iconic square that was built for the 1929 International Exhibition and is located at the foot of Montjuïc hill. It features a monumental central fountain, flanked by two Venetian-style towers that lead to the Palau Nacional and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The former bullring, Las Arenas de Barcelona, has been converted into a shopping center with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.

   Key features and history

   • 1929 International Exhibition: The square was built as the entrance to the fairgrounds on Montjuïc.
   • Location: It is a major transport hub where many of Barcelona's main roads converge, including the Gran Via and Paralel ·lel.
   • Architecture: The design is in a classic style with baroque influences, completed by architects Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Antoni Darder.
   • Venetian Towers: Two 47-meter-high towers, modeled after St. Mark´s Campanile in Venice, mark the entrance to the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Christina.
   • Monumental Fountain: A large, sculptural fountain in the center was designed by architect Josep Maria Jujol, who collaborated with Antoni Gaudí.
   • Las Arenas de Barcelona: The old bullring, originally built in 1900, was converted into a shopping center in 2011. It is known for its Neomudéjar exterior and modern interior.
   • Montjuïc: Plaça d'Espanya serves as the gateway to Montjuïc hill, a site for parks, museums like the  MNAC, and the Magic Fountain.

What’s included

Good to know before you go

Frequently asked questions