Lilly2016

Hello

we are going on the viking cruise iconic medeterianian end of December..

trying to decide bw these two tours... as it will not allow me to sign up for both of them.

I'm also thinking of choosing one to do with the viking tour company and one one our own.. if so , which do you recommend with a tour and which one do you recommend we make our own arrangements? Please Let me know soon thanks so much

1. Included tour -- seems an overview---

PANORAMIC BARCELONA
DURATION: 3 HOURS
ShoppingSightseeingModerate

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY

Discover Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks on a relaxing drive and a leisurely walk around this impressive city. You will pass the Columbus Monument and Port Vell, the seaside cultural and shopping complex. Admire the Arc de Triomf, a stately remnant from the 1888 World’s Fair and take in the breathtaking Parc de la Ciutadella, once home to the garrison that protected the city. Next, you will alight your coach and walk into the historic center, stopping to view the stunning neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. This 14th-century marvel is adorned with a wide range of animal and mythical gargoyles; its interior is a wonder of vaulted ceilings buttressed by soaring columns. Later, enjoy free time in the heart of Old Barcelona browsing its shops or lingering at a café before returning to your ship.


2. I really wanted to see La Sagrada Familia as it seems the most popular site and seems very beautiful..
Gaudi architecture - Admire La Sagrada Família Cathedral and more of creative architectural genius Antoni Gaudí’s surreal works. View some of his finest work at Park Güell. Covering almost 50 acres, the park was built between 1900 and 1914 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. La Sagrada Família Cathedral is the centerpiece of your tour. You will approach it by foot and be rewarded with remarkable views of its towering, distinctive exterior. Construction began in 1882 and is scheduled for completion in 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Step inside to marvel at its breathtaking, fantastical sanctuary. Along the Passeig de Gràcia, pass the Casa Batlló, or House of Bones, and the hulking Casa Milà, two impressive Gaudí buildings featuring his characteristic curved facades and “scooped out” windows.

Christina

Neither one seems like the best you could do in 3 hrs. The first tour is just driving by that park and the Arc, which is good as seeing that park certainly wouldn't be what I would call the top site for someone who had never been to Barcelona before. So basically you are visiting the cathedral and then on your own around Las Ramblas, it sounds like. You could visit a Gaudi site right there if you choose that tour, there is one just off the Ramblas although it's not really quite the same as the apt buildings or Sagrada Familia, for sure. But it's something. Just seems like you could do a lot more in 3 hrs, I hope they aren't charging you much for that one.

I'm not crazy about a tour to only see one thing, either, like the second -- stuff by Gaudi. But only you can decide if that is of prime interest to you.

If it were me, I'd design a tour that combines the two, I don't see why you couldn't do that in 3 hrs -- Sagrada Familia, plus the cathedral and Las Ramblas.

Robert2016

If you want to do a tour and actually see something, as well as experience some of the city, then check out the follwing:

Forever Barcelona - www.foreverbarcelona.com
Spanish Trails - spanish-trails.com/home-bcn
Barcelona Sandra Tours - www.barcelonasandratours.com

Sassafrass

I would not do any of those. Barcelona is easy to get around and taxis are cheap by comparison to bus tours.
HOHO bus is a waste of time. Better to choose exactly what interests you and do it on your own.
With only a few hours, don't bother figuring out busses. Take taxis. They are not expensive and save time.

I do not have a map in front of me to suggest a good order of sightseeing, and I do not know how much time you actually have, but here is what I suggest.

Pull up the top things to see or do in Barcelona and choose two or three places which interest you the most. When you get off the ship or ship's shuttle, grab a taxi and take it to the number one choice. See that. Take all the time you need to enjoy it. If the second sight is close, walk to it. If not, take another taxi, etc.

Book tickets ahead if you can so you do not have to stand in any lines.

Certainly, the number one, "do not miss" sight is la Sagreda Familia!!!

I am a big Gaudi Fan and would choose another, very different building. I love Casa Mila, but you might like something else.

If you can get in to see Palau de Musica, It is absolutely stunning.

I also love cathedrals, but did not find it as memorable as many, many others, so with limited time, I would definitely skip that.

I love Parc Guell, but others don't, so look at some pictures and decide if it appeals to you. You probably can't work it in anyway, but if you can, it is whimsical and charming.

If you want to have lunch, choose ahead of time something near one of the sights, not on the Ramblas.

Barcelona is a great city to do on your own and make your tour about the things that interest you!

Sassafrass

OTOH, if you read about the cathedral and it interests you, then see it. I am probably getting a bit jaded about cathedrals and maybe not fair in my judgement.

Rhea58

Taxis are plentiful. I would book La Sagrada on line which
is a timed entrance so you can see the inside. Get the audio
if you want to know more.

Lilly2016

Wow this is soooooo helpful!!! Extremely helpful, can't thank you all enough!!!

@Christina I agree.. horrible tours!

from pics I def wanted to see La Sagrada .. so glad you confirmed that... my question is if I go in the AM vs PM is there a diff in the amount of time i stay in line (I do plan on buying tix ahead but still may have to stand in line).

it is going to be winter - next week is our trip - would the Park Guell be open or walkable ?

I would really like to see Palau de Musica and maybe see a show there, but not sure how to find out if anything would be playing while we are there,
we are in Barcelona 27 until 7 pm 28th of December.

Sassafrass-- you mentioned not to have lunch in Ramblas.. why? and do you suggest any particular place to grab lunch? really wanted to try the tapas style..

Rhea58 - I didn't understand what you meant by look online for timed entrance?

I was thinking of getting a guided tour to the La Sagrada ..?

Anything else you recommend to get immersed in the culture..

also does anyone know if the Christmas Markets would be still running after christmas?

thanks again sooo much

thursdaysd

http://www.palaumusica.cat/en/progra...ubset=upcoming

http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/

The audio guide should be fine.

thursdaysd

Also, you might get a copy of Rick Steves' "Guide to Mediteranean Cruise Ship Ports" which will tell you how to tour on your own in ports where it makes sense.

Oh, and the Ramblas is a nasty tourist trap these days.

You do not have time to "get immersed in the culture", whatever that is supposed to mean.