Barcelona

Discover Barcelona with a licensed guide as you explore its mix of Gothic charm and modernist brilliance. Visit Plaza de España, then marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the soaring church that defines the city’s skyline. Wander through Park Güell with its colorful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.

Take an unparalleled glimpse into the development of Picasso’s genius. Bringing together the Spaniard’s early and late works, the museum traces the evolution of Picasso’s art from his realism-based schoolboy exercises of the1890s through his Blue Period in 1904, and then jumps into the artist’s remarkable late work. A series of 1950s oil paintings shows Picasso’s explorations of Velazquez’s Las Meninas, in which he transforms the original into a perspective-shifting explosion of color and line.

Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.

Travel through the rolling land of northern Catalonia to Girona, a hilly medieval town with narrow streets connected by stairways and pastel buildings lining the waterfront. Climb the 90 steps to the Baroque cathedral. Tour the antique Jewish quarter. See the Arab baths. Then continue to Figueres, a bustling village that is the hometown of Catalonian surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Stroll the Rambla de la Libertat, the road that locals amble down for their traditional midday or evening walk. Tour the Dalí Museum, located in a theatre next to the house where he lived until his death in 1989. See a great collection of works by the artist, including a Cadillac with ivy-covered passengers you can water yourself.

Originating from gypsy music and dance in Southern Spain, flamenco dancing has become a Spanish institution. Dancers use intricate footwork and elaborate arm gestures to convey the mood of the music, which can range from lamentation to celebration.

Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia guided visit, Casa Milà (La Pedrera) visit

Journey to Montserrat, a stunning mountain retreat northwest of Barcelona. Explore the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the famed statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, and admire the jagged peaks, sacred caves, and breathtaking views that have inspired pilgrims and visitors for centuries.

Travel to the coastal resort town of Sitges. Once a quiet medieval village of farmers and fishermen, Sitges blossomed into a countercultural haven in the 1960s and today ranks among Spain’s most beloved seaside destinations. Stroll its charming old streets, admire Modernist architecture, and relax on its beautiful beaches.