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)
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