Arrive Barcelona & Walking Tour

Upon arrival at the Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), transfer to the 5-star Le Méridien Barcelona Hotel, located in the very center of Barcelona on the world-famous Las Ramblas. The hotel is within walking distance to all of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a market-to-table Spanish restaurant, café, and inviting cocktail lounge, as well as a spa and fitness center.

Deluxe rooms have a bustling city or charming courtyard view and are artfully furnished with one king or two twin plush beds, working area, armchair, flat-screen TV, personal electronic safe, coffee machine with complimentary coffee and tea, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

After checking into the hotel and settling in, head out on a small group walking tour to discover some of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Along the way, our guide will point out the best places for dining, nightlife, and shopping.

While walking through the labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets, we stop outside Palau Güell. This curious late 1800’s mansion is one of many architectural wonders in the city designed by Antoni Gaudí. Just a few steps away is Plaza Reial, a popular square accentuated with a grand fountain and palm trees, exuding a Mediterranean feel. The plaza is now home to many bars and clubs that come alive at night with music and dance.

Continue to the colorful La Boqueria Market. The historic indoor market is one of the largest and most famous in Europe. Find a variety of gastronomic delights, including fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, and meats. Explore on your own or return to the hotel where the remainder of the evening and dinner is at leisure.

Overnight Le Méridien Barcelona

Gaudi Architectural Tour & Optional Flamenco Show

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart on our private guided tour to experience architect Antoni Gaudí’s most renowned masterpieces.

Begin at the imaginative Parc Güell. Created by Antoni Gaudí in 1900, the park is eccentric, dream-like, and undeniably beautiful. This popular UNESCO-listed attraction offers gardens, mosaic-covered buildings, and a sweeping view of the city.

Stop for an included typical tapas lunch, Spain’s most iconic contribution to world cuisine, featuring tasty bites such as cheese, olives, fried potatoes, cured ham, calamari, or paella.

Continue to La Sagrada Família, indisputably Antoni Gaudí’s most famous work, that began construction in 1882 and continues today. Enjoy a guided tour inside the basilica, which is intricately decorated with incredible stone columns, vaulted ceilings, and prismatic stained glass windows. Return to the hotel.

Optional Flamenco Performance ($)
Tonight, experience a beautiful and passionate flamenco performance. The dance, accompanied by a singer and guitar player, is characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements. More details to be provided closer to arrival in Barcelona.

Overnight Le Méridien Barcelona (B, L)

Optional Wine Tour & Embark Crystal Symphony

Today, you have the choice of an optional exclusive Sigma Chi tour to the Catalan Wine Country, or you can choose to enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the Crystal Symphony for embarkation.

Optional Catalan Wine Country Tour ($)
Escape to the Spanish wine country with fellow Sigma Chi friends and family and savor the sweeping vineyard views along with a glass of cava or two. Visit a local chateau and hear about the winemaking process while touring the cellars and vineyards and indulge in an expert-led wine tasting. A tapas lunch is included.

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