Art & History Abroad Tours
Modernisme & Gaudí in Barcelona
We explore Barcelona through Gaudí and the wider Modernisme movement, with visits ranging from the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Professor Anne Anderson’s lectures place Gaudí among his contemporaries and within the cultural world that shaped Catalan Modernism.
Marking the 175th anniversary of Gaudí’s birth, this tour considers the architecture and ideas that shaped his work across Barcelona.
Carefully paced sightseeing and time to absorb the city’s atmosphere help place individual buildings within a wider artistic moment. The result is a rewarding introduction to one of Europe’s most imaginative architects and to the city that gave his work its setting.
From
£3,895
per person
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Professor Anne Anderson
Anne is an author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, with a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History for fourteen years, specialising in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism.
An experienced international speaker and published author, Anne has inspired Travel Editions travellers for more than fifteen years with her wit, wisdom and enthusiasm. Her tours reveal the connections between architecture, interiors and design, bringing the artistic revolutions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries vividly to life.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
Fly from London to Barcelona and transfer to the hotel. En route, visit Cripta de la Colonia Guell with commentary from Professor Anne Anderson. Gaudí used experimental techniques here that he later applied to the Sagrada Familia, with the crypt blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Tonight we enjoy a welcome drink, talk from Anne: ‘Modernism: Gaudí in Context’, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Sagrada Família
Morning visit to the Sagrada Família with a guided visit covering the exterior and interior of the building. Torre de la Pasión is the tallest tower of the cathedral at a height of 75 metres; optional walk up a spiral staircase to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city. Gaudí devoted the last 12 years of his life to the Sagrada Família project, and it is seen as his defining work. Originally the Basilica was designed in a neo-Gothic style, but Gaudí transformed the design into a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.
The Catalan Modernist architecture includes ornate facades, mosaics, sculptures and stained glass. In the afternoon we visit Hospital de Sant Pau, designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1901 and 1930. Originally a functioning hospital, it now serves as a cultural centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing stunning Art Nouveau architecture across its interconnected pavilions and gardens. Evening talk from Anne: ‘Speaking Stones: Gaudí’s Symbolism’.
Day 3: Gaudí Sites
Today we explore more of Gaudí’s work, starting with a guided tour of Palau Guell, which was one of Gaudí’s earliest masterpieces. Originally designed in 1900, the project was inspired by British garden cities and was intended to be a luxury housing development, before transforming into a park in 1926. Boasting panoramic views of Barcelona, Park Güell is known for its vibrant mosaics covering stairways, benches and columns.
After free time for lunch (not included), we visit Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass. Here we enjoy a live organ experience at the end of our visit (subject to museum scheduling).
Day 4: Iconic Gaudi
We cover more of Gaudí’s iconic works including Torre Bellesguard with its dragon shaped roof; and Casa Vicens – his first major project, and inspired by Islamic architecture in Spain with Moorish arches, iron balconies, and bright tilework.
Day 5: Two Casas
Morning visit to Casa Batlló, located in the heart of Barcelona and often known as the “House of Bones” due to its skeletal appearance with balconies resembling skulls. Originally built in 1877, Gaudí transformed the building to maximise natural light. The interiors feature curved woodwork and stained glass, and the facade is covered in broken ceramic mosaic.
Our final guided tour today is of Casa Mila, one of Gaudí’s most innovative works. It features two large interior courtyards, a rooftop terrace, and was one of the first residential buildings in the city to include a lift and a garage. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 6: Depart Barcelona
We have free time today, then transfer to the airport after lunch for our return flight back to London Gatwick.
Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Balmoral
This well-located 4-star hotel offers a calm setting in the elegant Sarrià–Sant Gervasi district, close to Avinguda Diagonal, providing easy access to the city’s renowned art and architecture. The hotel features a restaurant, terrace, bar, gym, and comfortable, modern rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, mini bar, safe, kettle, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied.
These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary.
Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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