Business and Pleasure in Barcelona
Programme Overview
Duration: 6 days
A sample program for clients wishing to hold a business event in Barcelona with time for exploring the sights of this beautiful city and surrounding area (suitable for parties exceeding 100 persons)
Highlights: Picasso, Gaudi, Pedralbes Palace, Palau Nacional, Maritim Museum
Arrival Barcelona
Upon arrival, transfer privately to your luxury hotels and enjoy the remainder of the day independently.
This evening, the whole group will be transferred by private motorcoaches to Bel Réco, a stunningly beautiful country house set in its own grounds. Upon arrival you will enjoy welcome cocktails and canapés on the terrace before dining in the luxurious main house which is furnished with antiques and works of art.
Overnight: Hotel Arts
Barcelona
OPTION 1: Picasso Museum & Barri Gòtic
This morning enjoy a tour in the Old Town, the Barri Gòtic, starting at the Picasso Museum. This museum houses many works from the most prolific of all 20th-century artists, many of which were donated to the city by the painter himself. Your guides will then lead you on foot through a complex of narrow streets that follow the medieval plan. You will visit the fine gothic cathedral of Barcelona that stands at the heart of the district. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
OPTION 2: Gaudi Tour
This morning, enjoy a tour of the city that will focus on the art and architecture of the early and mid 20th century for which the city is famed. Foremost in the art nouveau (‘modernisme’) movement was Antonio Gaudí; you will visit his magnificent but as yet unfinished monumental church of the Sagrada Familia. From there to the Passeig de Gràçia to see the exterior of the amazing Casa Milá apartment building and the Casa Batlló. At the end of the morning visit the amazing Parc Guell in the north of the city. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
OPTION 3: City Tour & Palau de la Música
This morning enjoy a panoramic sightseeing city tour. Afterwards enjoy a visit to possibly the most spectacular building in Barcelona, the Palau de la Música Catalan, masterpiece of Gaudí’s contemporary Domenech i Muntaner. For nearly 100 years it has served as a concert hall and an icon of Catalan cultural life. You will then head up to the Hill of Montjuic, the location of the Olympic Stadium where the games were held in 1992. Lunch will be taken at the Restaurant Montjuic El Xalet, a relatively new establishment with spectacular views over the city. The largest dining room boasts a huge rotating floor which allows everyone to enjoy the view from time to time. After lunch visit Pueblo Español and afterwards return to the hotel.
OPTION 4: Pedralbes
This morning we drive out to edge of Barcelona to Pedralbes, which was once a foothill village and it maintains a rustic atmosphere with a cobbled street leading up to the Monastery walls. We begin with a visit to the medieval monastery which is one of Europe’s best preserved with exquisite 14th century frescos. We continue with a visit to Pedralbes Palace which was first used by King Alfonso XIII in 1926. It houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, which displays period furniture, glassware, gold work (with original ceramics by Miró and Picasso), silverwork, porcelain, enamelwork, old watches, etc. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Arts
Barcelona
Whilst the board meets, spouses enjoy a day at leisure in this beautiful city.
This evening, the whole group meets up again and will be transferred to the Museu Nacional de arte Cataluña located in the Palau Nacional, a striking neo-baroque building on the side of the Montjuic. Enjoy cocktails on the Podium with spectacular views overlooking the city followed by a fine dinner in the Cupola where you will be entertained by a spectacular flamenco performance.
Overnight: Hotel Arts
Barcelona - Serra de Montserrat
This morning we drive west of the city to the peaks of the Serra de Montserrat, which is a world-famous shrine to one of the Catalunya’s principal patron saints. During our guided tour, we visit both the monastery, rebuilt in the 19th century after the original building and the basilica where Montserrat's Black Virgin was found, were destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. There is also a museum divided into two sections, Ancient and Modern, which houses old masters such as El Greco and Caravaggio in addition to more recent Catalan artists. The crests of the mountains are dotted with hermitages, one of which can be reached by funicular giving access to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
Afterwards drive to the world famous Codorníu Winery. Codorníu is a symbol of integrity and innovation in the world of cava. The modernist cellars were designed by the distinguished architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and are classified as a National Monument of Historical and Artistic Interest. Enjoy a visit to the winery, followed by a tasting and a private lunch in one of the cellars.
Return to Barcelona at the end of the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Arts
Barcelona
The board meeting continues throughout the day, so spouses can choose from the following options:
Option 1: Cookery Class
Depart the hotel this morning for a cookery class. Begin with a guided tour of La Boquería market, famous for the vast array of produce on offer from fresh fish to the finest Jamón. Some of the ingredients for the class will be bought at the market during the tour. The chef will teach you to cook a typical 4 course Spanish meal before you enjoy lunch.
Option 2: Chocolate Demonstration
Enjoy a visit to the workshop of Oriol Balaguer, the most prestigious chocolate and pastry maker in Spain. You will enjoy a hands-on demonstration. Afterwards enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Option 3: Maritime Museum
Enjoy a visit to the Maritime Museum which is housed in the Gothic buildings of the Royal Shipyards. Afterwards enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
OPTION 4: High-end shopping tour.
Join your local guide for a shopping tour of the top boutiques in Barcelona, where you will have plenty of time to buy gifts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
This evening you have the opportunity to dine from a selection of fine restaurants in the city.
Overnight: Hotel Arts