| The Barcelona, Spain Program
Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona has long been dubbed "La Gran Encisera" -- the Great Enchantress. Little wonder: with the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings -- including the great creations of Antonio Gaudí -- Barcelona remains one of the most eye-knocking cities in Europe. Combine your CLE study with an exhilarating tour of this magnificent city.
Please choose from the following week-long programs:
Dates:
March 16th –22nd, 2008
March 23rd – 29th, 2008
Itinerary:
Each morning, Monday through Thrusday, from 900 AM until 12:00 Noon, you will attend classes. From 1:00 PM and into each evening you will participate in a privately-guided excursion. A beautiful dinner will be included each evening.
Sunday Evening: A Welcome Reception & Dinner, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Monday afternoon: A Tour of Barcelona
During this Barcelona Private city tour we will see the most interesting sites in Barcelona. We will start the tour in Plaza de España to see the buildings built because of the World's Fair in 1929. After that we will climb up Montjuïch Mountain passing in front of the Pueblo Español to stop at the Estadi Olímpic
Next stop will be at the Mirador del Alcalde to see a nice panoramic view. After that we will drive along the most famous streets in Barcelona: Las Ramblas and The Paseo de Gracia, passing by two houses made by Gaudí. Panoramic view of the Casa Batlló and Casa Milá to go to the Sagrada Familia (the unfinished church). After seeing the fronts of the church we will go to the Barri Gótic in order to see the remains from the Roman and the Cathedral. Back to the Hotel and end of this tour of Barcelona. We will have a delicious dinner in Barcelona following the tour.
Tuesday afternoon: Wine & Topas Tour
 We will enjoy a private Wine & Tapas Tour of Barcelona. Of uncertain origin, although it is generally agreed that they originated in Andalusia, Tapas have become an important part of the gastronomic scene in Spain. Tapa is the Spanish word for lid and it is thought to describe the old custom of serving a slice of ham covering the mouth of a wineglass. In doing so, the wine was protected from the air and the ham or other tidbits made a tasty appetizer.
As it happens with Spanish traditional cooking, Tapas vary between regions reflecting not only differences in ingredients and preparations but also different lifestyles. Even the names used to describe these little dishes may be different and what is known as Tapa in one area can be called racion or pintxo in others.
There is not better way to explore the wide array of flavors of the cuisine of Spain than to participate in a Tapas route. In the company of a local foodie we will visit 3 to 4 of the most interesting Tapas bars. Our expert will help you to select different Tapas, according to the specialties of the region and bar, always accompanied by wine or another drink such as beer, if your prefer so.
But Tapas are not just a casual way of eating but also and above all, a question of having a good time, the opportunity of meeting other people and, at the same time, to indulge. yourself with good food and wine. A way of life common to.
Wednesday afternoon: Walking Tour of Gothic Quarter with the Cathedral & Picasso Museum
On this half-day private tour we will visit the Gothic quarter and Cathedral of Barcelona.
The site of the cathedral was occupied by a basilica with three naves, destroyed by Almanzor in 925, remains of which are to be found in the subsoil and can be visited, and later by the Romanesque cathedral, begun in 1046 and consecrated in 1058. The present cathedral, begun in 1298, taking advantage of elements of the previous one, consists of three naves and an apse, covered with pointed arches. Most of the church as well as the cloister was built between 1365 and 1388, under the direction of Bernat Roca, the successor to Jacobus Fabre. Although the building was completed in mid-15C, the main facade was not built till the early years of 20C. Among the areas of interest, the most noteworthy are the Romanesque door of San Ivo (Sant Iu), in the older wing, in los Condes Street and the chapel of the Cristo de Lepanto, formerly the Sala Capitular, which is the outstanding part of the whole building, covered with a stellar vault.
We will also visit the famous Museum of Picasso and have dinner in the city.
Thursday afternoon: Jean Leon Winery Tour & Dinner in the City
Jean León at the age of 19, with just a small suitcase for luggage, he embarked on a long and arduous journey that would take him to Paris, New York and finally to Hollywood. Years later, fortune would lead him to set up in partnership with James Dean to create a world-unique restaurant: ”La Scala” in Beverly Hills. Known and respected in gastronomic and oenological circles, in 1963 he decided to embark on the adventure of creating the wine that would carry his name, Jean León. The winery, situated at the heart of the Penedés region, combines tradition with the most modern winemaking techniques.It is acknowledged as having been one of the first wineries in Spain to have fermented white wines in oak casks. The new visitors centre is located at the heart of the estate and means that we can better welcome friends of Jean Leon wines. The design, by Domingo Triay, is inspired by 1960’s American architecture and is integrated naturally into the vineyard landscape following the curve of the mountainside.
Dinner in the city.
Friday Excursion: Montserat & Cava Cellars
Departure from Barcelona to the Monastery of Ntra. Sra. de Montserrat located 45 Kms. from Barcelona. Once at the Monastery, guided tour around the Monastery and free time for shopping, to see the “Moreneta” ( St. mary of Montserrat, the Black Madonna), to go to the top of the mountain, to see the Museum and to listen to the Escolanía (50 boys singing at the basilica). Lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch we will visit one of the main cellars in Cataluña: Codorniu Cellars to see how they produce the “CAVA”, the catalonian Champange. Dinner back in Barcelona.
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