Rick Steves Pocket Barcelona works best for people taking a short trip, or perhaps a return trip, to Barcelona. I do not know if the Easter weekend was different than normal weeks, but being in a busy city was a new experience.". In Madrid David was funny, engaging, informative. Federico was always feeding us! Also a good mix of fellow travelers. All of the other members of the tour were pleasant. Sleep in Madrid. Our day trip to Toledo was great, too. Amazon.com: rick steves barcelona guidebook. I felt like I had stepped back into to the 1500s. And you could tell how much Amanda loves it. Our guide James was informative, very smart, engaging and had a measured personality that was very reassuring. The entire tour was outstanding. Javier was an amazing guide, his ability to work under pressure and remain calm as he tried to navigate unforeseen circumstances was impressive. The panorama was so beautiful and the town looked so peaceful and quiet in the early morning.". The building of such breathtaking structures by human hands without power tools and often in difficult lighting just does something to my awareness.. Toledo was another fabulous place to visit. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour was really great! "Sagrada Familia with a very knowledgeable and passionate guide.". The hotels were good & well located. Fun packed , effortless travel, that's what I like! ▲ Barcelona Cathedral Colossal Gothic cathedral ringed by distinctive chapels. It made it a lot more fun!". Nygil was also particularly attuned to the needs of our group and exceptionally responsive and helpful. ), "The architecture of Barcelona -- modernism and Gaudí!". Very good tour of Barcelona and Madrid. The guides were all very professional, helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour. Accommodations were comfortable and nicely appointed. We spent additional time before the tour in Barcelona which allowed us to do a private one day wine tour in the Penedes region. "The "wow" that comes to mind is seeing La Sagrada Familia. A warm, friendly & knowledgeable guide sets the tone from the start. All transportation was arranged and ran smoothly. "Seeing all the old architecture in Barcelona.". We'll stroll through the Eixample neighborhood, home to the Block of Discord, on our way to tour the greatest work of Barcelona's master builder — the towering, dizzying Sagrada Família. David did a great job of teaching us how to become locals. The local guides were very good. Excellent tour, this was our second tour with RS. Our hotels were very nice and located in the heart of Barcelona and Madrid. Barcelona was easy to explore because of the central location of our hotel. I was not able to experience grandeur of the space that unfolded before me when viewing the space firsthand fifty years after those student years.". This trip had more free time than other Rick Steves tours I've taken and we enjoyed exploring Madrid and Barcelona on our own once Javier had made us feel comfortable in the cities. Augustin was fantastic. The meals and wines were outstanding. We were definitely not disappointed! We particularly enjoyed the paella cooking class the first night. "My favorite wow moment happened in the Reina Sofia art museum in Madrid while viewing Guernica by Picasso. Our RS guide and the local guides were outstanding. This morning is devoted to the swirling architecture of Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona's Modernisme movement. The Rick Steves Best of Barcelona & Madrid tour combines Spain's top cities to create a sparkling, full-bodied eight-day adventure. Having our guide, Amanda, guide us through the metro, buses and train decreased any anxiety about associated with being in a foreign country. A second Wow goes to the stark realization that all the Jewish people really did have to leave Spain during the Spanish Inqusition. Any old city with such interesting "old town" areas are a plus for me to visit. with the Whispers. Barcelona and Madrid are beautiful cities full of wonderful art and architecture, good food, and we enjoyed the energy of the Spaniards. Although we arrived 2 days in advance, I needed to take some of the free time for siesta. Madrid was very stately. the Roman ruins of Barcino that lay under the present city of Barcelona, Everything was my favorite and "wow" for me.". Wow.". Frederico is "magnifico"!!! We particularly liked the hotel in Barcelona. We love traveling independently. Special guides also very informative. The meals were good. "The museums, the Bascilica designed by Gaudi, and the Spanish palace were my favorites. Barcelona's engaging culture is on an unstoppable roll in Spain's most cosmopolitan and European corner. Javier, our tour guide, did an outstanding job teaching us about Barcelona, Madrid, and the overall Spanish experience. We've done several tours with Rick Steves and this was one of my favorites! "The high speed train! THE CATHEDRAL IN SEVILLA. Then pointed out key points for our own time were recognized, remembered so we were not really lost in these new places. Our overall experience was fantastic. We find the museum strategies to be optimum - tour with a guide for about 1.5 hours, examine a smaller set of art in more depth, then move on. It was a completely enjoyable experience.". I would highly recommend this tour for anyone considering a great vacation in Spain. ▲▲▲ Picasso Museum Extensive collection offering insight into the brilliant Spanish artist's early years. Frederico our guide led us into a very crowded room walked up tp the side of the painting while we took positions in the crowd to see the painting. We were expecting a lot from our first Rick Steves' tour and we were definitely not disappointed. "We went "off tour" for one night and attended a concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana. "My wow moment was in Barcelona, exploring the Gaude architecture. The light, the stone and the space. It was a fantastic experience from beginning to end, thanks to great organization, useful and timely tour preparation, varied experiences expertly guided, an excellent tour guide, enough free time to pursue our own interests, great food and convivial travelling companions. duty for the first few days but I never felt cheated or that the group was missing anything. Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. In particular, the visit to the Sinagoga de Transito was inspiring - I felt an affinity with the medieval community as they worshiped, gathered, and lived in cooperation with the Muslim residents.". The museums, palaces, and cathedrals were so interesting and unique. "Gaudi - Sangrada Familia & La Pedrera "Viewing Toledo from across the river. ▲ Maritime Museum A sailor's delight, housed in a medieval shipyard. Appreciated the assistance given regarding travel arrangements following the tour. The other WOW moment was when we were on top of the La Pedrera Casa Mila.". We got to see the highlights of so many places and a nice balance of free time. You didn't need to be an expert to be moved by the suffering shown in these paintings.". The early life and history of Picasso was a highlight. After the tour we knew enough to spend 2 days exploring on our own, using high speed train and other local transportation. My family enjoyed all of the activities and often used the book as well to find restaurant suggestions. The palace in Madrid, the castle and aqueduct in Segovia, and the running of the sheep through the streets of Madrid! The tour insured you got to see the main sites yet left you In retrospect, when describing Barcelona and Madrid, I would say we were constantly surrounded by incredible art! "Wow! Also the Picasso Museum was very impressive.". Impressed with the organization, acommadations. "Top of the Arc de Triomphe views of Paris.". Agustin Ciriza was wonderful as our guide. Agustin was outstanding! There were far more people waiting than could fit on one bus. "1. Two "wow" moments--Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and International Women's Day march in Madrid. He also surprised us with a stop at a tapas bar, and other small surprises like marzapan! Our trip was wonderful. Barcelona was just a magical city, I loved the architecture. I liked the balance between tour and free time. "The Picasso Museum was a highlight along with the Sagrada Familia. Nygil was the best, his insights (& wine recs!) It gave us way more chance to mingle instead of a regular sit down dinner. Then we all turned around at the same time to see the huge church rising . I'm 65 now. Most tour members arrange to fly into Barcelona (BCN) and out of Madrid (MAD) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. The hotel was fantastic in accommodations, food, services, afternoon tea and location. We loved the tour. This was an exceptional trip for me... a solo traveler in a group of mostly couples and a family pair... a terrific bunch of travel companions. The tour guides and our Tour Manager were fabulous. We enjoyed every moment and will definitely book another tour and highly recommend a Rick Steve's tour. No bus. ▲ La Boqueria Market Colorful but touristy produce market, just off the Ramblas. We met our guide, Amanda, in our hotel, the Gran Villa in Barcelona and she was very friendly, organized and informative. The experience of traveling on the bullet train. Our tour was excellent. The art, architecture, history and people of Spain were a daily delight and oh, the food and wine! ▲ Fundació Joan Miró World's best collection of works by Catalan modern artist Joan Miró and his contemporaries. Everything about the tour was amazing. Having a group of only 12 was perfect.". Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. The two main cities we visited were quite different from each other, yet each was memorable and unique in its own way. Great group leader. We'll end our tour in Barcelona's maze-like Gothic Quarter, exploring from its Roman foundations to the spires of its candle-, relic- (and geese-!) After it was over we both agreed we would do another R S tour with no hesitation! Our RS guide and the local guides were all excellent! Everyone got along and enjoyed each others company. "There were so many "wow" moments that it's hard to pick a favorite. Javier communicated clearly and honestly with the group what was happening. Would love to travel with him again as a guide. This was our first Rick Steves' tour and we loved it! Once we've settled into our hotel in the heart of Madrid, we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk, ending with a tapas-style dinner together. The walking tours in Barcelona were enjoyable and informative - I had been to Barcelona before but it was very nice to visit again and have a guide to show me around. see our FAQ. "Seeing Gaudi's Familia Sagrada was a wow moment for us.It's hard to describe the feeling you when you first see it up close and personal.". I liked that we had time each day to do what we chose to do. Everything was well organized from start to end. Then, before we went in to see the painting, Federico did a fantastic job of painting a picture of what was happening at the time it was painted. Our guide Nygil was the best RS guide we have had. As always, the tour was well designed and presented a nice balance of key landmarks with plenty of free time and suggestions. The creative spirit of Spain's Catalunya — the land of Picasso, Gaudí, and Salvador Dalí — is on a roll. The tour itinerary was good although Toledo was too crowded on a Saturday. An excellent value and a must for those visiting Barcelona even for a couple of days. Amanda was very helpful with all questions and suggestions for our free time. I'm excited to choose our next trip in Europe. ▲ Barcelona's beaches Fun-filled, man-made beach reaching from the harbor to the Fòrum. "Evening! "The Sagrada Família, without question, hands down.". Javier managed the group very well and handled all the important details to insure our trip was flawless. The cafe's were open and we went right in. Whatever he and the rest of the company are doing to make these tours comfortable and enjoyable experiences, please continue... we'll be coming back for another tour next year! "The day spent in Toledo with Adolpho.....especially his presentation of two of El Greco's paintings....fascinating. In both cases, our local guides gave us plenty of background and context so that we could fully appreciate the beauty we witnessed. We're not novices, so will be careful. In Barcelona it was Sagrada Familia. The tour guide was friendly and went out of his way to help. Madrid is a great city with great art and interesting neighborhoods, and Toledo is an amazing peek into life 500 years in the past, but Barcelona captured my heart on this trip. The main guide was was great. It was such a great introductory activity that really helped all of us interact and get to know each other. "I had a list going in, and top pick Sagrada Familia didn't disappoint. It is definitely unlike any other cathedral.". Agustin was an excellent guide. "When Fredirico told the story of Picasso's painting Guernia. We'll send the notification email when a tour opens within a season (spring, summer, fall, winter) or region. ", We covered the art, architecture and history of Barcelona and Madrid. "Sagrada Família was a definite wow moment! The Royal Palace in Madrid was spectacular and the stop on the hill with the view of Toledo was definitely up there in the "wow" moments.". It was a great experience. I was astounded by the quality and efficiency of the logistics, the itinerary, and the hotels (which were less "rustic" than I expected. This was my first time in Spain so I gained a wealth of knowledge about the history, culture, food and traditions. Our lead guide, James Scanlan and the local guides were all excellent. Overall, the tour was very good. Impressive attention to every detail. The others on the tour were friendly and made the trip more enjoyable. All "An unexpected "Wow" was the Palace of Catalan Music in Barcelona! We loved some of the "tasting" opportunities such as the wine tasting and tapas tasting. Very pleased with the tour and my experience! I'm not sure if it was that we just walked that far for a really average churo or wow imagine that the people who arranged the tour are surprised the Royal Palace is not available to tour on one of the biggest national holidays of the year.". The building as many of the modernist houses in Barcelona, is a must see and definitely a famous landmark you cannot miss. First and foremost- Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo are fantastic cities with so much to see and experience. First, The weather was perfect, not too cold and not too hot. We must return! When we were first married we lived across the street from the current office, so we were familiar with Rick Steves and I am also a Edmonds High Alum. We all had a hand in preparing the meal from gazpacho to crema catalana.". I am so glad I made the decision to take my first trip to Spain this way. He was entertaining, funny, and very informative!". "My favorite 'wow' moment was standing across the river gazing on Toledo in the morning sun. "Touring the Sagrada Familia and learning about Gaudi and his architecture . "It's a tie for me. In spite of the demonstrations,it was very easy to get around Barcelona with the guide book. Though the trip was labeled as strenuous, there was only one day in Madrid that seemed that way. The stained glass made the light look beautiful inside.". Loved the quality of the hotels. The food at every restaurant we tried was very good. It is so beautiful, so well thought out, so ahead of it's time, every element has a purpose. My wife (Rosa Kim) and I are writing this joint evaluation. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable, and generally I had the feeling that our group was "VIP." I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a … His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. 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