Barcelona: Gaudí, Picasso and Exploring Art
Looking at Spanish Artists
When you think of Barcelona, you immediately think of Gaudí’s remarkable influence on this city. Barcelona is creative, inspirational and indeed a city full of art. Other famous Spanish artists like Picasso, Joan Miró, Dalí and Velazquez, known for their contributions to various art movements – Cubism, Impressionism, Modernism – have collections here too. This art lovers tour is designed to enhance and support the education of Art students.
“The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.” Antoni Gaudí
Allow students to see art from different perspectives by looking at the architecture and design of the city’s buildings and parks as well as the more traditional artwork in museums. Explore Gaudí’s iconic buildings such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, Güell Pavilions, Park Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. We can arrange an art specialist guide, to add vibrancy and colour to the tour. Explore Cubism and the works of Picasso in the Museum named after the artist himself. This is a perfect opportunity for students to actively participate in the learning process through observation and discussion. The museums moderators guide students in deepening their knowledge and coming to new and enriching conclusions. Other Spanish art galleries that may be of interest include Fundacio Joan Miro, Museum d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
To get the full Barcelona experience combine this art trip with a stroll along Las Ramblas, a visit to the Mercat de la Boqueria, perhaps taking in a Flamenco Show whilst eating paella or tapas. Furthermore, spend a day visiting PortAventura for some thrills and exhilaration. This is a fantastic, relaxing addition to the trip. Your students will thoroughly enjoy this truly memorable experience. See below for a suggested itinerary, however all our tours are completely flexible and can be tailored to your requirements.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Arriving in Barcelona
Depart from the UK, travel to Barcelona and check-in to your accommodation in Barcelona, your base for the next three nights.
Start with a stroll along Las Ramblas, taking in the famous Mercat de la Boqueria. A popular food market with fruits, vegetables, meats and cheese, it displays the best of local produce, with stunning displays and is a great place for a bite to eat! In the afternoon, why not visit the Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona? One of the most visited exhibition and arts centres in the heart of the Raval district, the centre, the modern building stands out in the heart of the historic quarter. Students can take a self-guided tour of the exhibition centre and even do a bit of pencil sketching, as long as they remember to bring their own paper.
In the evening, why not head out to a traditional Spanish restaurant for dinner? A flamenco show is a great way to round off your first day in Spain!
Day 2
Gaudí’s Barcelona
Meet for breakfast but make sure you all have comfortable shoes for walking. Today, enjoy visits to some of Gaudí’s most famous projects. Explore the famous Park Güell and admire the views over the city from the hillside park whilst studying his amazing artwork and design. Head down to the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral and perhaps take a guided tour where you will learn about the design and on-going construction of Barcelona’s most famous landmark.
Passeig de Gracia boasts a wealth of treats for Gaudí fans – his two famous houses Casa Milà and Casa Batlló lie just a short walk away from each other and both afford visitors a fascinating experience. The two differing designs and architecture show the evolution and changes in his style and approach. What’s more, whilst walking along the paving of Passeig de Gracia, admire Gaudí’s nature designs imprinted on the stone!
If free time allows, there is a host of other museums to explore in Barcelona, showcasing the city’s artistic past and present. The Caixa Forum, Palau Nacional and Fundacion Miro are all located in the Montjuic area, whereas the Museu del Modernisme is located near Placa Catalunya. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional tapas or paella meal, tasting the flavours of regional Spain.
Day 3
PortAventura
Allow some time for all that art to sink in and visit PortAventura for a day of adrenaline and fun! The park features five themed areas which draw on inspiration from around the globe. The main path through China looks like the Great Wall and you can discover a world of cowboys in Far West. There’s a mixture of thrill rides and water rides, as well as a range of shops and restaurants. Perhaps enjoy a 4D experience in Polynesia or a show in Mexico to enjoy the full range this park has to offer. There’s an abundance of entertainment to enjoy at PortAventura.
Day 4
Picasso & Departure
Check out after breakfast before heading to the Museu Picasso, home to 4,251 works of the Spanish master. A key reference for understanding his formative years, you can wander through the masterpieces of Pablo Picasso independently, or enjoy a guided tour through the artworks to get a better understanding of his style and progression as an artist and some of Picasso’s best loved art work. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Suggested Hotels/Hostels
We have a range of hotels and hostels within Barcelona and the surrounding area. Please contact us for further details.
Pricing Information
All our quotations are tailor-made to your school’s specific requirements. Our quotes are based on your group’s preferred dates of travel, the number and age range of students, the number of staff you are looking to accompany the group, your preferred means of travel, the specific elements you would like to include in your package and most importantly, your budget.
Please contact us with your group’s requirements and we will gladly piece your individual quotation together.
Barcelona City Tax
A city tax may be applicable and must be paid locally. The tourist tax is charged per person, per night for the first seven nights of your stay. Guests aged aged 16 and younger are not charged tourist tax. The tax is currently applicable at a the following rates – €0.75 per person per night for 3 star hotels, €1.25 per person per night for 4 star hotels and €2.50 per person per night for 5 star hotels