Group Activity
Can Rafols del Caus
Monday, April 28 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Monday’s Group Activity will bring us an hour outside of Barcelona through Catalonia’s famous Penedès wine region to the one-of-a-kind Can Ràfols dels Caus winery. A 17th century farmhouse overlooks more than 200 acres of vineyards and belies the state-of-the-art winemaking operation carved into the stone below. The buildings and grounds are adorned with exquisite works of art — a testament to the winemaker’s commitment to beauty in all its forms.
During our time together, you will choose your own adventures: tour the winemaking facility, explore a tasting experience with Ràfols dels Caus varietals, enjoy a guided e-bike tour through the vineyards, “sip and paint” the vineyard landscape, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
We will enjoy a traditional Spanish luncheon and plenty of time to reconnect or get to know one another. With something for everyone, it promises to be a day to remember.
Individual Activities
Tuesday, April 29
- Artisan Shopping Tour
- Dali Museum & Costa Brava
- European Supercar Experience
- Gaudi’s Masterpieces
- Tapas Tour
- W Hotel Spa
Artisan Shopping Tour
Time | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Barcelona’s Old Town, or Ciutat Vella, is considered the heart of the city. With 2,000 years of history in its architecture alone, you’ll pass by major sites like the Palace and King’s Square, the Cathedral, City Hall, and the Government Palace at Plaça de Sant Jaume. But this experience is about the smaller spaces in between.
Forget the mass-produced knick-knacks — delight your friends and family with gifts rooted in the rich history of Barcelona. On this curated shopping excursion, you’ll visit historical shops, ateliers, and craft galleries. Learn about the craftsmen keeping Catalan craft traditions (from the making of leather goods to candles to espadrilles) alive. Each shop tells a story, preserves a craft technique, or highlights an artisan tradition. Our last stop will bring us to a gallery housed in a medieval structure that once produced olive oil for the city.
A light snack of tapas and traditional vermouth will be served during the tour, and you are welcome to extend your time in Old Town for a late lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants. (Those staying for lunch will return to the hotel on their own by taxi or Uber.)
Dali Theatre- Museum & Costa Brava
Time | 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience the creative eccentricity of Salvador Dalí and the Costa Brava region that shaped him. Perhaps equally well known for his painting “The Persistence of Memory” and his fantastical moustache, Dalí chose his birthplace of Figueres – 90 minutes north of Barcelona – to house his museum — a surrealistic marvel befitting the artist and his work.
On this outing, you’ll enjoy exclusive access and a guided tour of the largest collection of Dalí originals anywhere in the world and visit the artist’s final resting place in a crypt below the theater stage floor.
On the return to Barcelona, you’ll stop for a walking tour of another Costa Brava gem — the medieval town of Girona. Learn about the city’s wealth during the Middle Ages and admire the Cathedral and colorful houses huddled along the Onyar River. It may all look familiar to fans of Game of Thrones, as the town was a major filming location for the series. The day will conclude with lunch at one of the area’s most notable restaurants, Miranda, known for its historic architecture and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
European Supercar Experience
at Parc Castelloli
Time | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Are you one of the 45 million Formula 1 racing fans in the United States? Do you tune in to Grand Prix and find yourself thinking, “I could do that”? We just might have the outing for you.
Forty miles outside of Barcelona, sits Parcmotor Castellolí — a 4,000 meter speed circuit featuring marked elevation changes and two crossovers. Whether from the driver’s seat or as the passenger of an expert instructor, you’ll experience the thrill of two exhilarating laps around a professional circuit in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche.
Those who opt for the driver’s experience will being with a thorough briefing on safety procedures and driving techniques. Proof of a valid driver’s license and passport will be required — make sure to bring both to the track.
*Please note that the Supercar Driving Experience is considered a “Premium” option and will count as two activities. You may join a second activity on Wednesday at your own cost.
Gaudi’s Masterpieces
Time | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the genius of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most iconic architects in history, as you explore two of his most extraordinary creations. See how Gaudí changed the landscape of Barcelona and why his name has become synonymous with everything that makes the city unique.
Begin at the world-famous Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which has been under construction for more than 140 years. A stunning combination of Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms, Sagrada Familia became Gaudí’s life’s work — consuming him from 1883 until his death in 1926, when he was buried in the church’s crypt. Described as “The most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages,” the project has been delayed by the Spanish Civil War, by anarchistic arson, and by the COVID 19 pandemic. See this UNESCO World Heritage Site before construction is completed in 2026.
Then, explore the whimsical world of Parc Güell, a municipal garden designed by Gaudí. Wander through the kaleidoscope of vibrant mosaics, serpentine benches, and organically shaped structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This tour offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vision of Antoni Gaudí, where art, architecture, and nature come together in one vibrant, awe-inspiring journey.
Tapas Tour with Wine Tasting
Time | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Barcelona’s food scene is world-renowned, and some of the very best of it comes in small bites. Eat like a local by “tapas hopping” your way through some of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods – enjoying small portions of food and drink at each stop along the way.
Under the guidance of a local guide, you’ll enjoy a range of establishments — each with its own delectable offerings of traditional Spanish food and drink. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the history and gastronomy of the region, and enjoy festive quality time with your fellow Acadians.
Tuesday’s Tapas Tour will end with a private wine tasting at one of Barcelona’s hidden gems — a family- owned wine shop with an incredible sampling of Spain’s best cavas and wines (with an opportunity to purchase and ship wine back to the US). A delightful stop for the casual wine drinker, and an absolute “must-do” for any oenophile.
*Please note that due to local food customs, this activity may not be a good fit for attendees with strict dietary restrictions. Please contact Wendy Kewley to discuss.
W Hotel Spa
Time | Varies
Take some time to unwind from the whirlwind of Barcelona’s sights and sounds with a rejuvenating spa day designed to pamper and restore. Choose from a massage, manicure, pedicure, or facial with an expert therapists or aestheticians and premium products to ensure you leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and utterly indulged.
Individual Activities
Wednesday, April 30
Gaudi’s Masterpieces
Time | 10:15 am – 4:00 pm
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the genius of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most iconic architects in history, as you explore two of his most extraordinary creations. See how Gaudí changed the landscape of Barcelona and why his name has become synonymous with everything that makes the city unique.
Begin at the world-famous Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which has been under construction for more than 140 years. A stunning combination of Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms, Sagrada Familia became Gaudí’s life’s work — consuming him from 1883 until his death in 1926, when he was buried in the church’s crypt. Described as “The most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages,” the project has been delayed by the Spanish Civil War, by anarchistic arson, and by the COVID 19 pandemic. See this UNESCO World Heritage Site before construction is completed in 2026.
Then, explore the whimsical world of Parc Güell, a municipal garden designed by Gaudí. Wander through the kaleidoscope of vibrant mosaics, serpentine benches, and organically shaped structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This tour offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vision of Antoni Gaudí, where art, architecture, and nature come together in one vibrant, awe-inspiring journey.
Picasso’s Barcelona
Time | 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Pablo Picasso may have spent most of his adult life in France, but it was undeniably Barcelona that shaped him as an artist. Spend the day immersed in the sights and sounds of Picasso’s formative years. The day will start with private access to the Picasso Museum, where you will explore some of the more than 4,000 works hand-selected by Picasso for the museum. An expert guide will lead you through the five adjoining medieval palaces that make up the museum and share insights into Picasso’s early years in Spain, his evolving style, and his profound influence on modern art.
Following the museum, walk in Picasso’s footprints through the Gothic Quarter — a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that reveal the neighborhood’s rich history dating back to Roman times. Stop for lunch at Els Quatre Gats, a popular haunt for important modernist and bohemian artists in the late 1800s, and the site of Picasso’s first solo exhibit. Discover the hidden squares, ancient churches, and medieval landmarks of the neighborhood and absorb its legacy. Once you’ve seen Barcelona through Picasso’s eyes, you’ll view his work in a whole new light.
Paella Cooking Class
Time | 9:45 am – 3:15 pm
Just as the culture of Spain is born of the melding of Arab and Roman traditions, so it the country’s most famous dish — paella. Since the fifteenth century, Spaniards have gathered around open fires to prepare celebratory meals in a wide, flat-bottom pans. Preparing the rich layered flavors of rice, olive oil, saffron, vegetables, and seafood or meat is a labor of love, best enjoyed with friends and a beverage in hand.
Your culinary adventure will begin with a visit to the iconic Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona’s most famous and picturesque market, to select the freshest local ingredients. Along the way, you’ll learn about regional produce, traditional Spanish flavors, and the market’s rich history. Then, head to a nearby teaching kitchen to get to work mastering the art of paella. Then, you’ll gather around the table to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Traditional paella is gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian variations are available. This activity may be a good option for attendees with some dietary restrictions. Please contact Wendy Kewley to discuss.
Tapas Tour
Time | 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Barcelona’s food scene is world-renowned, and some of the very best of it comes in small bites. Eat like a local by “tapas hopping” your way through some of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods – enjoying small portions of food and drink at each stop along the way.
Under the guidance of a local guide, you’ll enjoy a range of establishments — each with its own delectable offerings of traditional Spanish food and drink. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the history and gastronomy of the region, and enjoy festive quality time with your fellow Acadians.
Wednesday’s Tapas Tour will feature an additional restaurant stop in lieu of the wine shop featured on Tuesday’s tour (see above).
*Please note that due to local food customs, this activity may not be a good fit for attendees with strict dietary restrictions. Please contact Wendy Kewley to discuss.
W Spa
Time | Varies
Take some time to unwind from the whirlwind of Barcelona’s sites and sounds with a rejuvenating spa day designed to pamper and restore. Choose from a massage, manicure, pedicure, or facial with an expert therapists or aestheticians and premium products to ensure you leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and utterly indulged.