15 May The Barcelona Experience with United Vacations & Marriott International
If you follow us on social media, you may have seen that our Europe travel specialist, Erin, is currently in Barcelona. She is spending 7 nights in Barcelona with United Vacations and Marriott International. Check out her full itinerary below, and be sure to follow us on Instagram (@enchantedtravel_) and Facebook (Enchanted Travel) for a full review of hotels and sites.
Day One: Travel Day – Sunday, May 12
Erin flew from Omaha to Newark, then on to Barcelona. The total travel time is about 15 hours. Her flight out of Newark left at 7:30 PM and she arrived at 9 AM Barcelona time on Monday, May 13.
Day Two: Monday, May 13
Erin arrived at BCN Airport in Barcelona at 9 AM local time. She met her group and they made their way to W Barcelona and EDITION Barcelona. They toured both hotels and Erin stayed at EDITION. Dinner the first night was at Extreme-WOW Cabana, or EWOW Cabana for short. EWOW is a private terrace at W Barcelona, pictured above. Before dinner, the group enjoyed a welcome cocktail in the W Lounge.
Day Three: Tuesday, May 14
On the first full day, the group met at W Barcelona for presentations from United Vacations, Marriott International Hotels and Apple Leisure Group. These are three of our long-time travel partners that we work with for Europe vacations for our clients.
After presentations, the group had a full site inspection of both hotels. Then they enjoyed a cocktail at The Roof at EDITION and lunch at Bar Veraz.
After a busy morning, the group had the afternoon to explore the city with the Hop on Hop off pass.
In the evening, the group had a site inspection at Le Meridien Barcelona, pictured above, and a tapas dinner at Pop Cocktail Bar.
Day Four: Wednesday, May 15
The fourth day includes a tour outside of the city. On the agenda: Montserrat, Torres Wine Cellars, and Sitges.
The tour begins in the mountains of Montserrat. This rocky mountain is located about 50 km southwest of Barcelona. It is considered to be the most significant mountain in Catalonia. This is the site of the miraculous appearance of the Madonna and Child in one of the caves, Santa Cova (Saint Cave). You’ll find a number of small churches and chapels throughout the mountains, as well as the main monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat.
Lunch on this day is at Torres Wine Cellars in the heart of Penedés, pictured above. The menu includes vegetarian croissants; flat breads with aubergine, red bell pepper and anchovy; Quiche-Lorraine with York ham; Mini ciabatta with salty ham; Homemade croquettes; Spanish omelettes with potato and veggies; Season’s cream of vegetables; tender sprout salad; and deserts. After lunch, the group visits the vineyards and winery.
After Torres Wine Cellars, the group departs for Sitges. Sitges is one of the most beautiful villages of the Catalonia Coast. The tour of Sitges includes a walking tour of sailor village, a picturesque old town with narrow streets, beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, great food and unique shops.
Day Five: Thursday, May 16
On Thursday, the group checks out of the W Barcelona and EDITION. They move to Hotel Arts Barcelona for the remainder of their stay. In the evening, the group has a site inspection and dinner at Cotton House Hotel.
Day Six: Friday, May 17
Day six begins with breakfast at Lokal restaurant at Hotel Arts Barcelona. After breakfast, the group has a tour of the hotel, followed by a group lunch at Marina Restaurant.
Day Seven: Saturday, May 18
On their last full day before heading home, the group has a city tour including Barcelona highlights. This tour includes Montjuïc Castle and cable car ride, Poble Espanyol and lunch at Restaurant La Font de Prades in Poble Espanyol.
The beginning of the tour includes a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. This includes Las Rambles, the Cathedral Square and Cathedral and the Old Jewish Quarter.
After the walking tour the group will see the rest of the city by bus. This part of the tour includes the elegant Passeig de Gracia Street, where you will find two of Gaudi’s most famous buildings: Casa Batlló, pictured above, and Casa Milà “la Pedrera”. In addition, the tour includes the Triumph Arc, the Olympic Village and the Olympic Port.
The next part of the tour includes access to Montjuïc Mountain. This is where the Olympic Games were held in 1992. Here the group will explore the Olympic stadium and ride the aerial tramway for amazing views. After the stadium and cable car, the group will head to Montjuïc Castle. This is the oldest fortress in the city.
After Montjuïc Castle, the group heads to Poble Espanyol. Poble Espanyol is located in the heart of Montjuïc Mountain. It is known as the soul of Spain and there is much to explore here.
That evening is the farewell group dinner at Arola Restaurant, located in Hotel Arts.
The whole group flies home on Sunday, May 19.
Follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook to see more from Erin’s Barcelona Experience. Interested in booking your own Barcelona trip? Call us to speak to one of our Europe travel specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here.