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Intergenerational: ¿Qué tal, Barcelona?

Program Number: 19637RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/12/2013 - 7/20/2013; 7/19/2013 - 7/27/2013; 6/27/2014 - 7/5/2014; 7/4/2014 - 7/12/2014; 7/11/2014 - 7/19/2014;
Duration: 8 nights
Location: Spain
Price starting at: $2,325.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 18; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 10 - 13 years of age.

Experience Barcelona like the locals do as you and your grandchild explore museums, swim in the Mediterranean, and dine at eateries favored by the city’s residents. Walk along cobbled streets to take in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, view masterpieces by Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum, and experience the fever of Spain’s national sport and favorite pastime — football.




Highlights

• Visit Camp Nou — Europe’s largest stadium — and experience Spain’s enthusiasm for football.
• Meet a local youth and older adult who will share insight into growing up in Barcelona and on daily life in the city.
• Learn how to make Catalan dishes during a traditional cooking class.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two hours at a time on cobblestone paths, gravel, unpaved lanes and city streets. This program will make extensive use of the Barcelona metro and public bus, involving a number of stairs.



Appropriate ages for young learners vary by date. See date-specific information. One youth per adult in shared accommodations. Two adults and one child can enroll as three doubles (accommodated in triple) or as two doubles and one single (double room and single room adjoined; child cannot occupy single room).




Date Specific Information

7-12-2013

This program date is for adults and youth age 14-17.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-19-2013

This program date is for adults and young learners age 10-13.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



6-27-2014, 7-11-2014

This program date is designed for young learners 14 to 17. No triples are available but we can arrange for rooms next to each other.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



7-4-2014

This program date is designed for young learners 10 to 13. No triples are available but we can arrange for rooms next to each other.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Barcelona, 7 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Barcelona
7 nights
Departure

Get a welcoming introduction to Barcelona — and your group — as you walk through the Paseo de Gracia neighborhood, stop for ice cream and take part in an introductory language lesson that will aid you in your exploration of Barcelona. Immerse yourself in the fantastic art and architecture of Antoni Gaudí during a scavenger hunt and field trip to the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. Journey to the mountain of Montserrat and visit a 10th-century Benedictine monastery with connections to the Holy Grail, and later attend an evening concert. Delve into the artworks of Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum and then take a swim in the Mediterranean. Discover Barcelona's fishing "village" — La Barceloneta — where you might see local fisherman haul in their morning catch. Experience football fever as you visit Camp Nou stadium and FC Barcelona Museum and meet members of a local youth football team.






Spain

With the ascension of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, the Kingdom of Spain took on a shape similar to today’s nation. Ruling a culture born of Roman, Visigoth and Moorish invasions, Spain’s Catholic monarchy threw open the door to the Age of Discovery at the turn of the 16th century, importing goods and ideas from around the world while exporting their cultural fusion throughout the first empire on which the sun never set.
Accommodations
Four-star hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Catalonia Berna
  Barcelona, Spain 7 nights
 Hotel Catalonia Berna
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in a fully restored historical building, central position just two blocks from "La Pedrera" (Gaudi - Casa Mila) and four blocks from Plaza Catalunya.
  Contact info: Roger de Lluria, 60
Barcelona 08009,   Spain
phone: +34 93 272 00 50
web: www.hoteles-catalonia.com/en/our_hotels/europa/spain/catalunya/barcelona/hotel_catalonia_berna/index.jsp
  Room amenities: Private facilities, hair dryer, a/c & heating, telephone, satellite TV, minibar, safe deposit box, Wi-fi
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, bar, lounge and a spacious lobby, lift to all floors. Internet and wi-fi in public areas.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBA Please contact RS travel services for details.
  Check in time: 1:00 PM
  Additional nights after: TBA Please contact RS travel services for details.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins in the early evening on Day 2 with orientation at the hotel in Barcelona. You will be staying at Hotel Catalonia Berna that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends on Day 9 after breakfast at the program hotel in Barcelona. You will be staying at Hotel Catalonia Berna the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: There is public transportation available from the airport to the hotel in Barcelona, although most participants find it more convenient to take a taxi or shuttle.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Barcelona
  Nearest airport:  Barcelona Airport
  Transportation to site: A taxi from the Barcelona airport to the hotel costs around 35 euros and will take about 30 minutes. The taxi ranks are just outside the arrival terminal and rates are displayed inside the taxi.
  From End of Program
  Location:  N/A
  Transportation from site: A taxi from the hotel to the airport is about 35 Euros and takes about 30 minutes. The group leader can help you arrange this in advance if you need help.
Elevation Note: The summit of Montserrat is a little over 4,000 feet high.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart the USA.
(Friday, July 19)
   
 In Transit:

Day 2: Arrival and Orientation in Barcelona
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the hotel. After checking in take some time to unpack and relax. In the early evening meet for an orientation walk around the Paseo de Gracia neighborhood. Stop for a taste of Barcelona's best ice cream at Farggis, and then return to the hotel for an orientation meeting. Your Group Leader will talk about this week's itinerary and also provide some helpful information on getting around in Barcelona.
 Dinner: Enjoy a festive welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow participants. Meet fellow children and teens from all parts of the U.S. and share your excitement for this week's discoveries! Your Group Leader will give an introduction to tapas & various other local specialties. Sometimes called pinchos, tapas are a wide variety of small dishes which originated in southern Spain (Andalusia).
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Getting to Know Barcelona: Language Lesson / City Discovery / Talk with Local Residents
(Sunday, July 21)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Begin your morning with a language lesson, and learn a few common phrases that you can use during the week. Learn how to order food, ask for directions, and above all introduce yourself to new friends! Following this your instructor and guide will introduce you to the city as you drive past Gaudí's famous - and still unfinished - church, Sagrada Familia, and more of the city's greatest sites. Stop for an exploration of the Barrio Gótico, or Gothic Quarter, and watch traditional Sardana dancing in Cathedral square.
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Barcelona: scroll down the menus and practice your new Spanish and Catalan vocabulary!
 Afternoon: This afternoon you can choose to relax at a cafe or in the park on your own, or join your Group Leader for an optional leisurely walking exploration on a Sunday afternoon as he points out where the locals like to eat, relax and spend their free time, including the Parc de la Ciutadella. Get the "inside scoop" on the city!
 Dinner: Meet at the hotel for a talk with a local teenager and adult about daily life in Barcelona and Catalan culture, then continue your informal discussion during dinner with your guests. Ask questions about school, sports, family life and more and learn what it's like to grow up in Barcelona.
 Evening: Attend a concert this evening at the ornate Palau de la Musica Catalana (depending on schedule).
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Catalan Art: The Fantastic World of Antoni Gaudí / Folk Dancing
(Monday, July 22)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: This morning begin with a lesson and discussion with your study leader at the hotel. Your expert instructor will introduce you to the colorful and fantastic art and architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Learn about the eccentric artistic genius who led a fascinating life and designed many of Barcelona's most famous buildings.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Barceloneta.
 Afternoon: This afternoon you will see two of Gaudí's most well-known projects. Begin with his architectural masterpiece, La Pedrera (also known as Casa Milà), a wonderful example of his commitment to echoing nature through local materials, curved lines and unique details. Stand on the roof amidst the ornate and colorful chimneys and enjoy an incredible view over the city. Then transfer to Parc Güell, Gaudí's outdoor residential project which is now a municipal garden.
 Dinner: Enjoy a group dinner at your Barcelona hotel
 Evening: After dinner transfer to a local community center for an exclusive viewing of Esbart San Martí's dress rehearsal featuring traditional Catalan folk song and dances, and a chance to meet the performers afterwards.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Catalan Culinary Adventure: A Fisherman's Life, La Boqueria Market and Cooking Class
(Tuesday, July 23)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: This morning you can rise early for an optional excursion to discover Barcelona's fishing "village" - La Barceloneta. Watch local fisherman haul in their morning catch from the Mediterranean as you expert instructor talks about the importance of fishing and seafood to the area, and the life of a typical fisherman. Take a few minutes to imagine your life fishing the waters off the Spanish coast (and many meals of truly delicious seafood!). Later, all the group will join your instructor for a walk along Barcelona's most well-known street, Las Ramblas, past the Plaça Reial and Gaudí's Palau Güell. Finish the morning with a discovery of the bustling and colorful Boqueria Market and watch local residents shop for produce and go about their day.
 Lunch: Lunch today is a special experience: learn how to make traditional Catalan dishes during a cooking class. Now that you have earned your Michelin stars, sit down for a lunch consisting of your delicious creations. Make sure to jot down a recipe or two so you can impress your parents and friends with your culinary skills!
 Afternoon: Take some time to relax and discover Barcelona at your own pace this afternoon.
 Dinner: Tonight you dine at legendary 4 Gats (Cats) Restaurant. This historic restaurant, which translates to "Just a Few People" in Catalan slang, was established in 1897 and was a favorite haunt of Pablo Picasso and other great modernist thinkers and artists. You can tell your friends back home that you truly walked in Picasso's footsteps!
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Catalan History and Picasso in Barcelona
(Wednesday, July 24)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: This morning you will discover the treasures and secrets of Catalonia's history during a scavenger hunt through the collections of the Museu d'Història de Catalunya with your expert instructor. After sharing your discoveries (and declaring this morning's "winner"!) your instructor will present a short lesson on the life and art of Pablo Picasso.
 Lunch: Transfer to the Picasso Museum and enjoy a group lunch at the museum's cafe.
 Afternoon: Learn more about Picasso as you take a firsthand look at of some of the artist's masterpieces. Later, transfer to Barceloneta to enjoy time at the beach and perhaps take a swim. Your week wouldn't be complete without dipping a toe in the Mediterranean!
 Dinner: This evening dinner is on your own; choose to sample some more traditional Catalan dishes, or perhaps expand your taste buds with some of Barcelona's world-renowned nouvelle cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Medieval History & Legends - The Mountain of Montserrat / Montjuïc
(Thursday, July 25)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Journey through the plains of Catalonia to the jagged mountain of Montserrat, and travel up its winding roads to the 10th century Benedictine monastery. Montserrat has been a pilgrimage site for almost a thousand years and houses the Black Virgin, or La Moreneta, which is said to have been carved by St. Luke around 50 AD. Legend also links the mountain to the quest for the Holy Grail, and according to some accounts the monks of Montserrat were once the protectors of the grail. The Museum of Montserrat contains an important art collection with works by Picasso, Dalí and others. Those of you who are more adventurous can ride the funicular to the mountain's peak for an unparalleled view of Catalonia, and may even catch a glimpse of the island of Majorca in the distance!
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the mountain with a panoramic view of Catalonia.
 Afternoon: After returning to Barcelona you will have a few hours of free time to relax or explore the city.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Enjoy a visit to the Magical Fountains of Montjuïc; enjoy the illuminated fountains and music as you look out over the city.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Spain's National Sport: Fútbol and Camp Nou
(Friday, July 26)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Enjoy free time to visit one of the city's neighborhoods or sites on your own, or to prepare for departure.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Barcelona.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an expert led visit to Gaudí's architectural masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Then after, learn about fútbol (football) in Spain at the largest stadium in Europe, Camp Nou. As you gaze down at the enormous field and rows upon rows of seating you can almost hear the roars of the crowd as Giovani dos Santos scores a winning goal. Then discover the FC Barcelona Museum where you will find jerseys and cleats worn by some of the sport's greatest players, and trace the history of the club and its values. Later in the morning you will have the opportunity to meet with members of a local youth football team as they share their enthusiasm for Spain's national sport.
 Dinner: Gather with your group for a celebratory farewell dinner. Talk about all your discoveries this week and share your favorite experience of Catalan culture and history. Share contact information with your new found friends so you can send each other notes in Spanish and reminisce!
 Evening: Evening at leisure, or time to prepare for flights home.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Berna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Departures from Barcelona
(Saturday, July 27)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel (if your departure time allows)
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for flights back to the U.S.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Traveller's History of Spain


Author: Juan Lalaguna


Description: A swift survey from prehistory through the Romans, Goths and Moors to the present.



Barcelona


Author: Robert Hughes


Description: A Longitude favorite, this big, thoroughly enjoyable cultural history of the city touches on architecture, art, religion and literature from Roman outpost to the present.



Barcelona Map


Author: Borch Maps


Description: A detailed city map, laminated and folded for easy reference.



Eyewitness Guide Barcelona & Catalonia


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this superbly illustrated guide features color photography, dozens of local maps and detailed information on the region's attractions.



Ghosts of Spain


Author: Giles Tremlett


Description: Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interview, anecdote and observation.



Homage to Catalonia


Author: George Orwell


Description: Orwell's portrait of the Barcelona uprising and the spirit of a city at war is a classic, an observant and heartfelt report from the streets.



Shadow of a Bull


Author: Maia Wojciechowska


Description: In this compelling award-winning, young-adult novel, everyone expects Manolo to become a bullfighter like his father. Not surprisingly, it features vivid descriptions of bullfights.



Spain, A Traveler's Literary Companion


Author: Peter R. Bush (Editor)


Description: These 30 short stories form a who's who of contemporary Spanish literature, including writers from Galicia, Leon, the Basque Country, Madrid and Barcelona.



Teach Yourself Catalan


Author: Alan Yates


Description: A basic course in Catalan, in the Teach Yourself series, this book is divided into 30 lessons. Each incorporates key grammar, vocabulary and phrases.



The Shadow of the Wind


Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon


Description: Set in the brooding atmosphere of post-WW II Barcelona, this gripping story-within-a-story has it all: murder, doomed love and a mysterious book which draws the young hero, Daniel Sempere, into the city’s dangerous underworld.





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