Did you know that Christopher Columbus chose to disembark in Barcelona harbour when he returned from his voyage to America?. To commemorate the event, we suggest you visit the Monument dedicated to this illustrious figure. You'll be able to admire the sculptural ensemble around the base of the magnificent Corinthian-style iron column which has a lift inside that takes you all the way up to the viewing gallery at the top.
When you get to the top, you'll be able to enjoy stunning 360º views. For instance, to the north, you'll see the Gothic Quarter with the bell towers of the cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar and La Mercè or the bustling Rambla. To the south, you'll see Mount Montjuïc, with the castle at the top. Montjuïc is also the site of museums, gardens, theatres and the Olympic Ring. If you look down, you'll see the Royal Shipyards, the Drassanes, which are home to the Museu Marítim.
If you look east and follow the coastline, you'll be able to make out the modern Forum area with its characteristic photovoltaic roof and skyscrapers. Closer to you, the twin towers mark the entrance to the Olympic Marina. At your feet you'll see the old harbour, the Port Vell, and the industrial port. Finally, to the west, you'll see the Parc Natural de Collserola, the vast green "lung" that surrounds the city, with the Collserola Tower and Tibidabo Amusement Park at the top.
A Magritte, a van Gogh and a Goya walk into a gallery…
If Rossini made a showreel of his best work, it would sound like Il Viaggio a Reims (The Journey to Reims). The prolific composer was unabashedly showing off when he wrote this incredible work, destined to dazzle the aristocracy at the crowning of Charles X and then disappear forever. The simple plot is a marvellous excuse for a string of fantastic arias and impressive ensemble pieces.
Because it’s so demanding and expensive to stage, it’s never been seen in Australia before. But in 2019, Rossini’s exultant opera finally makes its Australian premiere, a spectacular vehicle for some of your favourite performers.
In Damiano Michieletto’s playful take, the eccentric cast of characters find themselves in a gallery filled with the master works of art history. Velázquez’s enormous dresses jostle for space with Keith Haring’s cheerful murals. Frida Kahlo and van Gogh compare self-portraits. It’s a surreal world, where artworks step out of the frame and come to life the moment the lights go out.
Delightful, surprising, spectacular and frivolous, this co-production with Dutch National Opera and the Royal Danish Theatre is a perfect foil for Rossini’s jubilant score.
Gaze at the world’s most famous art through the magnificent (and thoroughly tongue-in-cheek) sets and costumes. Paolo Fantin and Carla Teti have recreated iconic works with remarkable fidelity.
Young Australian conductor Daniel Smith makes his long-awaited debut with Opera Australia, bringing his characteristic sparkle in the pit to a huge cast of talents.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
What is Included:
Healesville Sanctuary entry
Historic Steam train ride
Friendly & informative tour guide
Take a small group day trip from Melbourne to check out the Healesville Sanctuary and the Puffing Billy Steam Train. At Healesville Sanctuary you’ll meet Australia’s native animals including koalas, kangaroos, monitor lizards and dingos. Then head to the Puffing Billy Steam Train for a ride through the rainforest on the century-old steam train. After pickup from the centrally located meeting point on Flinders Street in Melbourne, travel by comfortable modern mini-buses about one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, known for cool-climate rainforest and extensive Eucalyptus forests. First you’ll visit the Healesville Sanctuary, one of the best places in Victoria to see and interact with native Australian wildlife. You’ll walk through a stunning bushland setting where you can see wombats, birds of prey, platypus, wallabies and other amazing animals that are native to Australia. Once you have enjoyed all Healesville Sanctuary has to offer, you’ll reboard your mini-bus and head to the Puffing Billy Steam Train in Belgrave. Climb aboard the century-old steam train, maintained in mint condition by dedicated volunteers. The Puffing Billy still runs on its own mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, through the heart of the rainforest. Travel back in time as you chug through the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest waving at friendly bystanders as you go. In the late afternoon you’ll be returned to 570 Flinders Street in Melbourne where your tour ends.
The Royal Delfín has been operating since the year 2000 in Tenerife and has specifically been built for cruises to the Whales and Dolphins. The Royal Delfín has a licence to carry 200 clients. Fabulous Luxury Cruise Aboard the Royal Delfín you have the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous 4 1/2 hour cruise to the Cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca bay the Royal way.
On board you will enjoy the space and comfort, sunbathing, observing the whales and the fantastic views. You can also relax in the shade of the elegant bar with a cool drink. They serve a nice complimentary buffet lunch and drinks by the cliffs. There will be plenty of time for a swim in the clear waters by the tall cliffs. Don't forget your swimming costume and cameras!
The Royal Delfín is ideal for everyone as you will have plenty of room to roam around the boat, whether you want to sunbathe or sit inside where there is air conditioning.
A spacious modern boat with attentive staff who will look after you on this wonderful 4.5 hour trip where you will hopefully get to see beautiful mammals, enjoy a smooth sail in glorious weather, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, enjoy good food and drink and enhance your suntan, all in one trip! A superb trip for all of the family.
Including on-board service:
- Snack on arrival at the boat.
- Drinks: beer, soft drinks, sangria and water included during the journey.
- Type of Food: Buffet with rice and peas and sweet corn, chicken meatballs in tomatoe sauce, bread and banana.
- Special menu for vegetarian people.
- Funny bath in the crystal water of our coasts and under the waterfall of our boat.
- Specialized guides on board.
- Panoramic windows with submarine vision.
- Live submarine TV.
Don't forget to bring with you bathing suit, cap, sun cream and suitable shoes!
Don't miss the Park Güell: it will really surprise you! You will not find any park like this one in the world! This architectural marvel, created in the middle of nature by Antoni Gaudí, was commissioned by Count Güell, who wanted him to design an elegant estate with family homes. Today it is a public park and it belongs to the city's heritage. It has been declared UNESCO’s World heritage site and is just another marvel that awaits you on your visit to Barcelona.
When you go to Park Güell, you should enter by the big staircase dominated by the dragon decorated with mosaic of ceramic tiles, the Catalan style known as “trencadís”. This dragon is one of the most characteristic images of Barcelona. Originally written Park Güell (using the English spelling), the park is arranged around a large central square bordered by a snaking, “trencadís”-covered bench. Below the square, the roof is supported by 86 Doric columns, like trees, with paths between them, and viaducts on sloping columns: Gaudí's work, like no other, unites nature and architecture.
Enjoy a concert with blues guitar icon Joe Bonamassa as he performs at The Colosseum for one night only October 22 with discount tickets from ShowTickets.com
