Art & Architecture in Spain

From Valencia to Barcelona

Please note that this is a "suggested" private group tour itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, travel dates, type of hotels, etc.

The northern Mediterranean coast of Spain (Costa del Azahar, Costa Dorada and Costa Brava at the north end) gives an appreciation of a range of cultures dating from the Phoenicians and the Romans to modern times. Along this beautiful sunny coastline you can tour a variety of Spanish cities, large and small, enjoy picture-perfect scenery and learn to understand a variety of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and "futuristic" modern - some of it still under construction.

Read our article on this subject.

At the southern end of the itinerary, Valencia - selected to host the prestigious 2007 Cup of the Americas - is a progressive city and one with much charm and character. One of the most stunning sights is the City of Arts and Sciences - a modern architecture complex including a museum, a planetarium and a concert hall, all designed by world-renowned Spanish architect (and native son) Santiago Calatrava, the creator of the 2004 Olympic Stadium in Athens. This is an absolute delight of the most modern and avant-garde design!

Further up along the coast is Roman Tarragona, just south of Barcelona in the province of Catalonia. This seaside town is the home of the National Archeological Museum, with its magnificent mosaic collection and the archaeological site that includes a Pretoria and a Roman circus linked by domed tunnels, and an ancient amphitheater near the beach.

In Poblet, take a tour of Santa María de Poblet, a 12th century Cistercian monastery and an impressive complex of medieval architecture. Of notable interest in this compound are: the Sant Jordi Chapel, with a magnificent star-shaped dome, the cloister, the chapter house and the main church with an alabaster sarcophagus and a Renaissance marble altar. Poblet monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

All the different sites you can visit on this custom tour route are of unique cultural interest, but the most notable is "La Sagrada Familia," a modern cathedral with a blend of Gothic, modern and futuristic architecture like no other in the world (and a UNESCO World Heritage site). It is the masterpiece of famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the signature building of Barcelona, the centerpiece of this tour itinerary.

The best art museums also await you in Barcelona: Some of Picasso's early works are at the Picasso Museum, Juan Miró's modern paintings and sculptures are at his foundation in Montjuic Park and the Salvador Dalí Museum is only a day trip away in Figueres. Sometimes called "Paris on the Mediterranean," Barcelona, with its rich history, art, architecture and pervasive vibrant activity, will surely make you want to return again some day.

And, don't forget! The Spanish region of Catalonia is also known for its wine production. Valencia is surrounded by vineyards and, the regions of Penedés, Montsant and Priorat, located south of Barcelona, are world famous. So, vineyards are never far away on this custom tour route. Wine tours and wine tasting escapes are always an easy possibility.

There are many more possibilities on this tour route: Peñíscola, Girona, Port Lligat, etc. Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom program that fits your interests and requirements.

    

Places on this route we have personally visited: Valencia, Peñíscola, Costa del Azahar, Barcelona, Figueres and Girona. See pictures from our trips:

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