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Social Events

  • An opening reception with a special Spanish Mediterranean flavor (9/15)
  • A banquet gala dinner on Tuesday (9/16) - 65.00 per person
  • Keep the 2001 tradition going with the memorable karaoke buffet dinner and dance on the evening of the last day of the Congress on Wednesday September 17. Just ask folks who attended it in Stresa before you. You will not want to miss it! (60.00 per person)

Organized Tours

Half Day Tours

Tour A
Half Day Panoramic Barcelona

This is a general tour of the city which gives an orientation without specific visits. Starting at the hotel the coach drives up into the Olympic Ring Area of Montjuich from where participants can enjoy a good view over the city. From there, return to the central area to drive along the principal boulevards, such as the Passeig de Gracia along which many of the more impressive buildings are located. A short stop is made at Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece the temple of the Sagrada Familia before returning to Plaza Catalunya and the Ramblas which borders the Gothic Quarter. Here there will be a chance to see the Cathedral and some time at leisure to wander in the myriad narrow shopping streets of the old town.

Price per person in Euros including English speaking guide and taxes: 65,00 Euro (minimum 20 participants)

Tour B
"World of Gaudi"

This would be a "themed" tour based on the masterpieces of the renowned Barcelona based architect Antoni Gaudi.

The following is just an example of one possible itinerary, including Gaudi's most emblematic buildings in Barcelona. The programme outlined probably represents a minimum of four hours and we would therefore suggest including just three of the four locations mentioned. The order in which the tour is done is flexible but reservations need to be made in advance.

Palau Güell is at the bottom of the world famous Ramblas near the landmark Columbus column. The interior can be visited to enjoy details of one of Gaudi's first commissions from his leading patron, the industrialist Eusebi Guell. Driving up Las Ramblas,the bus passes through Plaça Catalunya (the nerve centre of Barcelona ) and from there up the Passeig de Gràcia (one of the most sophisticated boulevards in Barcelona, with the most luxurious shops). Here the fantastic Casa Batlló stands as a homage to the legend of St. George and the Dragon, with roof tiles reminiscent of the shiny scales of the dragon's back and the balconies reflecting the skulls and bones of the knights killed in their attempt to save the princess. As we drive further up the Passeig de Gràcia, we find another marvellous example of Gaudi's unusual architecture, La Pedrera (Casa Milà), where straight lines do not exist. Here the group will be invited to come in and admire the interior of this fascinating building. Leaving the Passeig de Gràciaand turning right, we will be heading for the most famous of Gaudi's works (even though it has remained unfinished). This is the remarkable temple La Sagrada Familia, where a full visit will be carried out. Last, but not least, we will carry on to Park Güell, with its almost fairy-tale quality. The strange structures mixed with the natural vegetation conjure up a world of fantasy and fairy tales with overtones of Grimm's tale "Hansel and Gretel" or Alice's "Wonderland." Some time at leisure will be left here, to enjoy and admire the endless imagination of this genius' creativity as well as panoramic views over the whole city.

Entrance fees to:
Palau Güell: 3,00 Euros per person
Casa Milà/Pedrera: 7,80 Euros per person
Sagrada Família: 8,00 Euros per person

Price per person in Euros including English speaking guide and taxes (does not include entrance fees mentioned above): 65,00 Euro (minimum 20 participants)

Full Day Tours

Tour A
Full Day Panoramic Barcelona

This is a general tour of the city which gives an orientation of the principal sights. Starting from the hotel, drive past the Old Port and the monument to Christopher Columbus before proceeding up Las Ramblas (Barcelona's most famous avenue) to Plaza Catalunya and along the Passeig de Gracia to view the extraordinary Art Nouveau buildings of the "modernist" architects of the late 19th and early 20th century. On then to see the Park Guell, a feat of imagination created by Gaudi and now declared a world monument by UNESCO. Gaudi's other unfinished masterpiece, the awe-inspiring church of the Sagrada Familia is also visited. Next is the hill of Montjuïc where the principal Stadia of the '92 Olympics are to be found along with the National Palace and spectacular views over the city. A stop is made at the Spanish Village, a complex built to reflect architectural styles from all over Spain.

Here a lunch is taken at the restaurant Font de Prades which is built in the style of an old Catalan house. A good three course lunch including wine, water and coffee from 32,10 Euro per person (tax included).

After lunch time is free to explore the craft shops of the village before returning to the hotel.

Price per person including English speaking guide: 70,00 Euro (minimum 20 participants)

Remarks: Please note that if lunch is not taken inside the Spanish Village the entrance fee is compulsory. Entrance fee per person: 8,00 Euro

Tour B
Full Day Barcelona

Transfer from the hotel first to see Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, the Temple of The Sagrada Familia. More Gaudi works can be seen on the stylish boulevard Passeig de Gracia en route to Plaza Catalunya from where the old town of Barcelona stretches down to the sea. The next part of the tour is primarily on foot through the oldest areas of the city. A walled city until the expansion of the mid 19th century, many of the buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries and an impression of stepping back in time is almost unavoidable. The interior of the Cathedral is particularly spectacular with its high vaulted ceiling and 29 ornately decorated chapels while outside the leafy cloisters have their tranquillity disturbed by the resident geese on the quest for bread from visitors. The famous Ramblas is also visited with its constant bustle of flower shops, newspaper stands, pet stalls and street theatre.

On then to the Restaurant La Font De Prades which is located in the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) on the hill of Montjuich. Built for the 1929 International Exhibition as a permanent example of Spanish popular architecture and handicrafts, it entered a new phase in 1988 when cultural, gastronomic, leisure and entertainment features where added to its traditional attractions. La Font de Prades is a replica of a typical Catalan country house with excellent food and service.

Cost of lunch menus at Font de Prades (3 courses including wine, water and coffee) from 35,45 Euros tax included.

After lunch and some time at leisure to explore the village continue to the Olympic Ring which is also located on Montjuich. Here it will be possible to take some photographs of the Palau Sant Jordi and the Olympic Stadium.

Return to the hotel circa 17.00 hours.

Price per person including English speaking guide: 70,00 Euro (minimum 20 participants)