BARCELONA to leisurely and 'light' touring such as visits to world renowned wineries unique to the Barcelona region... to the purely leisurely activities - such as activities on the water, or bike tours - that one can enjoy in this unique city make Barcelona a 'must' when making a choice of sites for the future. Barcelona is a 'temple of culture', a large and bustling city, but with the relaxed and friendly feeling that comes from being by the sea... the Mediterranean. The city offers a wide variety of superb world class incentive quality hotels: The HOTEL ARTS, (a Ritz Carlton). Other deluxe hotels, such as the REY JUAN CARLOS I, the PALACE,..the PRINCESA SOFIA, the GRAND MARINA.. the unique 'boutique' CLARIS,...the superbly renovated and newly upgraded to 5 star MAJESTIC with a great downtown location... The stunning Gran Hotel La Florida, a very luxurious boutique hotel located on the Tibidabo Hill overlooking the city – and another very luxurious small deluxe boutique property, HOTEL MIRAMAR – the small deluxe boutique HOTEL CASA FUSTER. Coming up soon (spring 2009) is the amazing 100 room HOTEL MANDARIN ORIENTAL, and in the latter part of 2009, the W, first in Europe. Meeting facilities are second to none, with THREE convention centers, And venues for every size, taste and budget. Catalan cuisine is amongst the best in Europe, and entertainment is unique. Spain's most cosmopolitan city. The Mediterranean climate and color make one feel perfectly at home! Sightseeing in and around Barcelona is exciting and different. The variety of activities that can be offered during a program in Barcelona ranges from the purely cultural, with the city’s incredible architecture, and its long history of ancient cultures, as well as modern age events....

Wineries... some of the finest in the world...Just half an hour away are some spectacular champagne producing wineries, that not only produce some of the world’s finest wines, Touring these wineries is fun, but some are also historical landmarks and can be used for the celebration of unique social events. BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS It is a short walk to the calle Montcada, one of the loveliest streets in the old quarter of the city - where the Picasso Museum is located. Pablo Picasso spent his formative years in Barcelona. The city is fortunate to have a wonderful museum with a large collection of his early work, as well as some of Picasso's later pieces. This museum is a rare opportunity to see the development of the artist - including paintings, drawings and ceramics. Most of the works were donated by the artist himself, by his secretary and by his widow, Jacqueline. Nowhere in the world is there such a gathering of Modernist (Art Noveau) buildings and sites... as in Barcelona. The most famous of architects was Antoni Gaudi - considered the 'master' of Modernism, and his creations have become famous city landmarks. He went beyond strict academic rules to become the symbol of cosmopolitan Barcelona. Gaudi is Modernism in Barcelona and he has left his mark in every corner of the city. In addition to the mythical and famous Church of Sagrada Familia, there are many examples of his works along the Paseo de Gracia. La Pedrera, and the Casa Batllo were both built by wealthy families and are both extraordinary exponents of Gaudi's Modernism. A visit to the spectacular roof-top of La Pedrera is one of the highlights of this tour. And a visit to Parc Guell transports us to a land of fantasy. The center of Barcelona is very ancient, and it has preserved various medieval buildings, mainly from the city's greatest period - the 14th. Century. It has become popular under the name 'Barrio Gotico' - A half day tour of the city of Barcelona features the ancient city center, nowadays known as the Gothic Quarter, an area with remains that date back to Roman times... a labyrinth of narrow streets around the magnificent cathedral... where many medieval buildings, mainly from the 14th. Century - have been preserved and restored.

BARCELONA VENUES COUNTRY MANORS GAUDI BUILDINGS MAGNIFICENT MUSEUMS MANSIONS INCREDIBLE WINERIES MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS