Fun Corporate And Group Activities In Barcelona Gaudí & Gràcia Tapas Tour

BCN Internet presents this activity in conjunction with its sister company CorporActivity.com.

Although many people think of tapas as a purely Andalusian thing, Catalonia has a long and rich tradition of its own when it comes to these delicious, bite-size treats. In Barcelona it is often referred to as “fer el vermut” or “do the vermut” since tapas were traditionally accompanied by a glass of vermouth. Nowadays, you'll find all sorts of tapas in Barcelona, from Basque pinxos at Sagardi and traditional Catalan tapas at Quimet Quimet to creative variations at Inopia (run by superchef Ferran Adrià's brother). It therefore comes as no surprise that tapas tours abound in this city, and you might feel a tad overwhelmed trying to pick one. Well, we're here to lend a helping hand...and tempt you with a tour that is a little different from the rest. Because we believe that nothing beats the real thing: tapas done local-style.

Whereas most tours take you through the tourist traps of the Gothic Quarter, the Gaudí & Gràcia Tapas Tour serves up something a little more authentic. This tasty tour takes you around the charming Gràcia district and to some of Antoni Gaudí's landmark buildings. The tour begins at the Hotel Casa Fuster, famous for its legendary intellectual gatherings at the turn of the last century. The hotel is a five star luxury hotel and historical monument originally designed by Lluís Doménech i Montaner, one of the key representatives of Catalan modernism.

In Gràcia, which still has a quaint village feel, you’ll eat at some wonderful, down-to-earth tapas bars. Gràcia is both unique and rich in local culture: here the celebrated Antonio González “El Pescadilla" invented the Rumba Catalana, and its groups of Castellers or human towers are famous throughout Catalunya. And our staff can tell you a thing or two about the best local tapas. If you like, we can even stop at a traditional ham shop to buy some truly exquisite Spanish ham or try one of the local cheeses at the Gràcia Market.

The tour continues along Passeig de Gràcia, once the main country road connecting the old medieval city of Barcelona with the village of Gràcia. While ambling down this famous avenue, you'll get a chance to admire three landmark modernist buildings: La Pedrera (Casa Milá) and Casa Batlló – both by Antoni Gaudí – and the Casa Lleó Morera by architect Lluís Domenech i Montaner. As you head up Rambla de Catalunya – a charming, tree-lined avenue with several well-known tapas restaurants – our reps can fill you in on the radically innovative concept that inspired the modernist Eixample district and marked a turning point in Barcelona's urban history.

The tour also includes a short rest at the Palau Robert Gardens, a lush, quiet spot right in the heart of the bustling city centre. The Palau Robert is also the main tourist information office in Barcelona, making this a particularly useful stop.

Gràcia squares and modernist gems aren’t, of course, the only protagonists: the food is an equally stellar component. We’ll take you to three thoroughly local tapas bars that are a far cry from the touristy restaurants in the Gothic Quarter. These tapas bars are the real thing, where locals gather after work to enjoy a bite and a beer or glass of wine. We have selected some of the most popular tapas to delight your palate. Each tapa is accompanied by beer, wine or cava (Catalan sparkling wine).

By the time you're done with our Tapas Tour you will have discovered some of the city's hidden corners, seen some of its most famous buildings and eaten tapas like a local. If you're looking for something off the beaten tourist track then join us for this relaxed, insider tour of Barcelona.

DETAILS:

Price (includes tour, tapas and drinks): 60€ + VAT per person
Duration: 3.0 hours
Starting time: the tour times are flexible.
Starting point: Top of Salvador Espriu Gardens (where Passeig de Gràcia turns into Gran de Gràcia), across from the Casa Fuster Hotel.
Closest metro stop: L3, L5 Diagonal

Minimum Group Size: 10 ppl.
Maximum Group Size: 25 ppl.
(The group is divided into smaller groups per guide to make the tour a more personal and enjoyable experience.)

Tour Highlights: Casa Fuster Hotel (Domenech i Montaner), Plaça Rius i Taulet, La Pedrera/Casa Milá (Gaudí), Casa Batlló (Gaudí), Casa Lleó Morera ( Domenech i Montaner), Palau Robert, Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, Fundación Antoni Tápies.

Extras: Depending on the starting time of the tour, a visit to the local Gràcia market can be arranged. This wonderfully traditional market has a great local atmosphere, full of stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, hams, fish and other typical products. The market is a great place to sample some of the delicious local cheeses.