The Sainte-Chapelle
Be dazzled by the 1,113 stained glass windows at this jewel of the Rayonnant Gothic period.
The first of the Holy Chapels to be decorated with exceptional stained-glass windows.
Known for having housed Christ’s Crown of Thorns, it has spectacular stained-glass windows. Veritable walls of light that make the Sainte-Chapelle the jewel of French Gothic.
The Conciergerie
Discover this Medieval royal palace that became a revolutionary tribunal and Marie-Antoinette’s prison.
Discover on the Île de la Cité, the exceptional Gothic rooms of the first royal palace of Paris and the reproduction of the prison cells of the revolutionary tribunal. At the end of the 17th century, numerous people were imprisoned in the prison of the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette.
The Conciergerie is also listed as a historical building by the Unesco.
Pantheon
On Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, visit the Panthéon, masterpiece of the architect Soufflot.
Come and learn all about the Pantheon, this incredible building by Soufflot who's ambition was to outdo the churches of St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
Observe the style of this building, inspired by the Pantheon commissioned by Agrippa in Rome.
From 1874 onwards, the sanctuary was decorated with paintings on canvas illustrating the life of Saint Geneviève and the epic story of the beginnings of both Christianity and the monarchy in France.
Make the most of the Pantheon with a visit into the Crypt, get to see the tombs of the eminent personalities who shaped France's national identity. A permanent exhibition gives details about the lives and works of those who are buried here, from Voltaire and Rousseau to Alexandre Dumas.
You'll also have the chance to see the Foucault’s pendulum*, first installed in 1851 and removed then reinstalled in 1995, this device demonstrated the Earth's rotation.
The rocks of Montserrat were formed by natural cement of sand during the centuries. The wind and rain shaped the mountain with strange and varied forms. The popular imagination has seen human or animal shape in some of these peaks, giving those names and inventing legends to explain their fantastic origins. This trip to Montserrat will give you the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful and breath-taking views of the Montserrat Mountain, one of nature’s special creations.
You will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Verge Moreneta (the Black Madonna). You will be able to see this famous statue of the Black Madonna from a distance. The Benedict sanctuary of Montserrat has been founded in 1025 and provides a mystical backdrop for the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia who is enshrined in the monastery's Royal Basilica. The little monastery soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin. Today, Montserrat has been modernized to continue attending to the needs to pilgrims, one thousand years after it was originally founded.
You will be given some free time to visit the audio visual exhibition about the history and creation of Montserrat. And taste typical liquors of Montserrat.
The Escolania of Montserrat is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe (XIV Century). On some days the children's choir sings in the monastery and so you may be fortunate enough to catch one of their delightful performances. Their timeframe is subjected to the school calendar and special events of the choir and monastery.
We invite you to visit the Casa Batlló which has transcended the concept of a building to become a legendary icon of art, architecture and art nouveau. Here, light, colour and shapes interact with wood, glass, ceramics and quarried stone in Gaudí's characteristic fantastic and breathtaking style.
Pick up your audioguide and begin your tour of 20 different points. You'll discover a whole host of details that are hard to spot at first glance, with metaphors and depictions of nature, particularly the undersea world, which will inspire and stimulate your senses and emotions. And if you prefer, you can hire the innovative augmented reality video guide which will take you to a magical world that is normally hidden from view. Both guides are available in 10 languages.
You'll visit the legendary mezzanine, where the Batlló family once lived; the attic, where the storerooms and laundries were located; the rooftop, with its iconic chimneys and the amazing light well which houses the staircase once used by the privileged neighbours. And you can't leave without seeing the magnificent hall and main staircase. You're sure to be impressed!
Your next stop will be at the village of Prades and here you will have 1 hour 15 minutes to stroll around the village and take a break for lunch. You can bring your own packed lunch and have a picnic or you can buy a menu of 3 courses and a drink for just 12 euros, 2 euros less than the normal price. You will notice you are surrounded by the red colour of the sharp stones used to build the walls, the church and many of the houses. In the Plaza Mayor, you will see the Spherical renaissance fountain, where once a year it is filled with cava and the locals spend the day and night drinking from it. You can also see the Gothic Church of Santa Maria.
Then onto another picturesque village, Siurana, where you will be taken back in time as you walk on the cobbled streets and pass the old stone houses. Here there is a small shop where you can but local produce, ice creams and postcards. There are spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes and you can look down to the lake of Siurana which will be your next stop. This really is one of the most beautiful villages you could hope to visit. Your last stop will be to the water for another dip or swim and a good chance to cool off. Then, after a great day out you will be taken back to your hotel and you will be given a present of a bottle of wine to take back with the rest of the lovely memories you will have.
Montserrat
Start your full day trip from Barcelona in a comfortable Bus to the mountain of Montserrat which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,236 meter) above sea level. The rocks of Montserrat were formed by natural cement of sand during the centuries. The wind and rain shaped the mountain with strange and varied forms. The popular imagination has seen human or animal shapes in some of these peaks, giving those names and inventing legends to explain their fantastic origins. This trip to Montserrat will give you the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful and breathtaking views of the Montserrat Mountain, one of nature’s special creations.
You will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Verge Moreneta (the Black Madonna). You will be able to see this famous statue of the Black Madonna from a distance. The Benedict sanctuary of Montserrat has been founded in 1025 and provides a mystical backdrop for the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia who is enshrined in the monastery's Royal Basilica. The little monastery soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin. Today, Montserrat has been modernized to continue attending to the needs to pilgrims, one thousand years after it was originally founded.
You will be given some free time to visit the audio visual exhibition about the history and creation of Montserrat. And taste typical liquors of Montserrat.
The Escolania of Montserrat is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe (XIV Century). On some days the children's choir sings in the monastery and so you may be fortunate enough to catch one of their delightful performances. Their timeframe is subjected to the school calendar and special events of the choir and monastery.
Our tour to Montserrat will finish in our office at Balmes 5, downtown, where the second part of the tour departs.
Artistic Barcelona*
Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the place where the famous architect Antoni Gaudí worked and lived. Gaudi, one of the greatest innovators of his time, has left behind numerous treasures for the discerning tourist to discover in Barcelona. This Artistic Tour of Barcelona starts at the Julia Travel Office (Balmes 5), we will take you to the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Basilica, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece which is Barcelona's most famous landmark. The guide will take you on a walking tour of the exterior of the Sagrada Familia, to admire the richly and symbolically decorated facades, where vaults reach up to seventy meters.
Next you will discover Gaudi's bizarre Park Güell which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be careful, it's easy to get lost in the whimsical design of this bizarre but compelling public park with a perfect integration of the architectural elements in nature.
Our tour continues to Passeig de Gràcia to see Gaudi's famous apartment buildings like Casa Mila “La Pedrera”, Casa Batlló and others modernist buildings.
Please Note: Departure at 03:30PM. Check in at 03:15PM in Julià Travel Office, c/Balmes 5
*From 1ST of November to 31st of March we will visit the Park Güell before than Sagrada Familia.
WHAT YOU GET
2-hour narrated San Diego Harbor cruises
Information about more than 50 San Diego landmarks
13 miles on the Big Bay in San Diego
Unmatched photo and video opportunities
Comfortable indoor and outdoor areas
A look at marine animals and seabirds
An introduction to local environmental efforts
Snack bar with adult beverages, soft drinks and hot and cold snacks, plus souvenirs available for purchase
*No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard the yacht. For your convenience, we have a fully stocked snack bar and full beverage bar available to purchase on board.
