Explore Barcelona and Girona in depth by visiting their architectural landmarks, often on guided walking tours and on your own with a liberating Hop On Hop Off bus voucher in the capital of Catalonia.
Note: Due to the amount of walking, this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.
Day 1:
After disembarking the ship in Barcelona, you will begin a guided tour of the city. You will pass the Columbus monument and the waterfront on the way to Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary still-unfinished church that famed architect Antoni Gaudí worked on until his death in 1926. The guide will explain the history of the church and its lengthy ongoing construction during your outside visit.
Continuing on, you will begin a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, passing landmarks such as the La Seu Cathedral and city hall. A more sweeping view of Barcelona awaits you upon reaching Mount Juic hill, where you may pause for photos. You will then visit Spanish Village, an open-air museum with replicas of characteristic houses from throughout Spain. As you meander the grounds, you may observe artists such as glassblowers demonstrating their talents.
A tapas-style lunch follows, after which you will check into your hotel to spend the first of three nights. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
Day 2:
After breakfast, you will settle in for a direct transfer to Girona, accompanied by a guide. Northern Catalonia’s largest city, Girona is full of museums, galleries and Gothic churches, strung around a tangle of cobbled lanes and medieval walls. Reflections of modernist mansions shimmer in the river that divides the historic center from the gleaming commercial center.
During the comprehensive walking tour of the city center, you will enjoy an inside visit of the 12th-century Arab baths and see the remains of Girona’s historical Jewish community. During free time that follows, you might savor lunch on your own before transferring back to Barcelona to spend the evening at the hotel.
Day 3:
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will receive a Hop On Hop Off bus voucher that will allow you to explore the attractions that interest you the most. Simply hop on the buses and hop off whenever you wish. The buses travel in a continuous loop between attractions that include the Picasso Museum, the Gaudí-designed houses Casa Battló and Casa Mila, and various shopping areas.
The entire day will be yours to spend as you please, with all meals on your own before retiring to the hotel for the evening.
Day 4:
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will check out by noon (subject to change). Transfers to the airport will be based on flight times. See your Welcome Letter for details. For guests with late-departing flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark the ship, meet your guide
9:00am Panoramic drive to Sagrada Familia and outside visit
10:30am Drive to Gothic Quarter and walking tour
12:30pm Panoramic drive to Mont Juic and walking tour
1:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
3:00pm Transfer to your hotel and check in
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Sofia Hotel or similar
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Begin transfer to Girona
10:30am Walking tour of Girona
12:30pm Free time for lunch and further exploration
3:30pm Return to Barcelona
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Sofia Hotel or similar
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
The day is at your leisure to use the complimentary Hop On Hop Off bus ticket
Lunch and dinner are on your own
Overnight at the Sofia Hotel or similar
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out from the hotel
Transfer to the airport based on the time of your flight. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer time.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Weather
Average monthly temperatures in Barcelona:
April – 17C or 63F
May – 23C or 73F
June – 25C or 77F
July – 29C or 84F
August – 30C or 86F
September – 26C or 78F
October – 24C or 75F
November – 14C or57F
What to Bring
Dress is casual throughout the program. Bring comfortable clothes including a warm waterproof jacket for cooler months and in case of rain, waterproof walking shoes, a hat, sun protection, umbrella and camera.
Currency
Euro
USD are not accepted
Electricity
220 volts. Bring a travel adaptor if you have electrical devices, as converters aren’t typically available at the hotels.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel
Sofia Hotel Barcelona
Plaça de Pius XII, 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 935 08 10 00
Program includes:
•3-nights at the Sofia Hotel Barcelona– Harmony Room (or similar hotel) with buffet breakfast daily including juice, tea or coffee and water
•English-speaking official guides on Day 1 and Day 2
•Lunch on Day 1 including water and 1 glass wine, beer or a soft drink
•1-day voucher for the Hop On Hop Off bus
•Luggage handling at the hotel for up to 2 suitcases per person
•VAT and city taxes
Program does not include:
•Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
•Gratuities to drivers and guides or at restaurants
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their situation
Please note: Land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
