Itinerary - The Heartful Travellers

COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29th APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
9 days twin share land only $6345
Itinerary
The Kingdom of Spain is not only colourful - it's spirited! From the
buzzing energy of contemporary Barcelona to the calm, meditative
atmosphere of Moorish Granada, this country is inspirational.
Our tour will cover many aspects of Spanish art and design, from
Gaudi’s Modernist architecture in Barcelona to the ancient Alhambra
Palace in Granada and the shiny new Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,
near San Sebastian.
Spanish design is making great headway internationally, which will be
evident in our private tour of the new Barcelona Design Museum, the
contemporary showrooms of En Linea and Azul Tierra.
Other special activities include a market visit and class with the
Barcelona Cooking School, a relaxing train trip through the beautiful
Basque and Catalonian countryside and an evening in the Sacramento
Caves where flamenco dance and music originated.
A lively artistic tradition and the Spaniards' love of the good life
contribute to this tour being perfect for everyone interested in culture,
design, art, music, food, wine and having fun with like-minded people.
COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
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BARCELONA
Located on the Costa Maresme, the north-eastern
Mediterranean coast of Spain, Barcelona is one of
the world's most beautiful and exciting cities. Its rich
history, strong creative arts culture and unique,
cosmopolitan atmosphere make it the perfect place
to start our tour. Drawing on its tradition of creative
art and craftsmanship, Barcelona is known for its
award-winning architecture and industrial design as
well as its contemporary furniture, interior design
and fashion. From its beautiful beachside marina and
contemporary restaurant scene to its medieval
Gothic Quarter, countless museums and tapas bars,
this is a city that knows how to enjoy the good life.
DAY 1 BARCELONA Friday 29 April
Arrive in Barcelona and settle into your hotel room or stroll around the neighbourhood before our Welcome Dinner.
HOTEL PULITZER
Our home in Barcelona is a beautiful
boutique hotel located in the heart of the
city centre at Plaza Catalunya. Its
amazing location is very appealing, as it
is surrounded by the best cultural
attractions, the most exclusive shopping,
and the hub of the entire urban
transport network.
The Pulitzer’s restaurant offers healthy,
locally sourced cuisine that is deeply
rooted in the concept of slow food. A
patio overflowing with plants and an
impressive roof terrace and bar area
offer the perfect atmosphere to relax
and enjoy spectacular views of the city.
A heated pool and gym nearby the hotel
are also available to guests.
Hotel Pulitzer is a design-conscious
delight typical of the Regina Group of
European Design Hotels. From the
ornate front desk, made from gilt-edged
panels taken from a Sicilian church,
through to the Asian-inspired themes in
the communal areas and the tastefully
decorated bedrooms; a laid-back, arty
style pervades throughout.
COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
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DAY 1 BARCELONA Friday 29 April (cont’d)
WELCOME DINNER: ARTE RESTAURANT
This restaurant is a new gastronomy and
cultural hot spot in down town Barcelona.
The owner supports local young artists who
exhibit here. The Cuisine includes modern
Catalonian fare served by waitresses in linen
aprons. ArtTe is a funky design space with a
specialist tea trade feature and live music.
DAY 2 BARCELONA Saturday 30 April
Breakfast at leisure in the Hotel
Today we start our tour with an architecture,
design and art experience.
BARCELONA DESIGN MUSEUM
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona is the Catalan
capital’s centre devoted to the arts of the object
and design. The new museum was created as a
result of merging the collections from four of the
city’s museums that contained decorative arts,
textiles, ceramics, graphic art and fashion.
Designer: MBM Architecture
Lunch will be at the Museum Café at own
Expense.
ELS ENCANTS VELLS
After lunch we will visit the city's oldest flea
market nearby, known as the "Els Encants Vells".
In 2013 it was moved to a triangular site housed
under a giant aluminium and zinc pergola with a
mirrored ceiling that provides shelter for the
hundreds of stalls and reflects the kaleidoscope
of goods for sale and curious shoppers below.
Treasures may be found as we scavenge the stalls.
Designer: B720 Fermin Vasquez Arquitectos
COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 2 BARCELONA Saturday 30 April (cont’d)
TORRE AGBAR
During our day, we will see this amazing building designed by French architect, Jean
Nouvel, who has made quite an impact in Barcelona. The Torre Agbar, is known for
its extraordinary LED changing lights and moving glass façade. Well known for his
vertical gardens (eg Central Park Sydney) Nouvel’s use of technology balanced with
natural features makes him a standout contemporary designer.
MIRO DESIGN MUSEUM
We continue our day of art and design with a
trip up to Parc de Montjuïc, a hilltop area above
the city where the Miro Museum offers a vast
collection of his work as well as amazing views
of the city.
We will use our audio guides to discover this
artist’s work, which is often described as
fantasy surrealism. Miro is well loved by his
country and this museum is a tribute to his work.
After a browse around the gallery shop, we will
head back to our Hotel. The rest of the
afternoon is yours to explore the city, prior to
departing the Hotel for dinner.
Juan Miro
DINNER AT CAN TRAVI NOU
Can Travi Nou is housed in an authentic 17th
century Catalan farmhouse. Known for its
traditional Catalan menu and its charming
rustic ambience Can Travi Nou is often
featured in movies such as ‘Vicky, Christina,
Barcelona’ by Woody Allen.
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COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 3 BARCELONA Sunday 1 May Breakfast at leisure in the Hotel
ANTONIO GAUDI TOUR
Our private tour of Gaudi’s ingenious and whimsical
structures will include Park Guell, Casa Mila and the
famous unfinished Sagrada Familia.
Gaudí's work is admired by architects around the
world as being one of the most unique and
distinctive architectural styles. His combination of
original design, often based on natural forms,
interesting shaped stonework, and vibrant colours
give the viewer a truly breathtaking visual
experience.
Mosaic tiled wall at Park Guell
LUNCH AT RESTAURANT TRANSGALUZ
The owners of Transgaluz describe their food as a
modern alternative to traditional cuisine, but it is so
much more! Their exquisite tapas are artworks in
themselves and taste even better than they look.
Enjoy modern Catalan cuisine at its best in the
industrial chic interior under a huge glass skylight
roof.
After lunch we will take a 5-minute walk into the
Gracia district to visit the
showrooms of Azul Tierra and En Linea.
DESIGN SHOWROOMS IN GRACIA
AZUL TIERRA, EN LINEA
Gracia has always been seen as having a local
bohemian vibe, reflected in the number of its
interesting and unique shops owned by Catalan
locals. As well as showcasing some of the most
beautifully hand crafted objects, the stores
themselves also offer something to be marvelled at,
both inside and out.
Azul Tierra – Tony Espuch
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COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 3 BARCELONA Sunday 1 May (cont’d)
Here we will see two contrasting showrooms.
En Linea with its crisp design and contemporary
products and Azul Tierra, a new home wares
store full of amazing old and new treasures,
developed by stylist Toni Espuch.
Following this visit, you are welcome to explore
this wonderful city at leisure, where shops stay
open late!
DINNER At your leisure. There are many tapas
bars and restaurants nearby our Hotel that are
well worth a visit.
DAY 4 GRANADA Monday 2 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel.
FLY TO GRANADA
Today we continue our journey to discover
another beautiful city. On arrival we will tour
the local area and make our way to our Hotel.
The afternoon and lunch is at your leisure. A
stroll around this charming township is
recommended
to
view
the
Moorish
architecture of the old houses and gardens
before our evening in Sacromonte.
GRANADA
Granada was the last Arabic redoubt in Spain
to be converted back to Christianity and its
soul plays an important role in the architecture
of its palaces and homes. Referred to by the
Muslims as the Pearl of Islam, Granada
welcomes its visitors with snow-capped Sierra
Nevada mountains and the Moorish Palace, the
Alhambra, built on three hills at the centre of a
wide plain which has made Granada famous.
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COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 4 GRANADA Monday 2 May (cont’d)
HOTEL CASA 1800
Hotel Casa 1800 is a boutique hotel in a
grand 17th century house in the heart of
Granada, at Albaicin, right at the foot of
the Alhambra. Traditional Spanish
design elements of dark polished wood,
warm terracotta tiles and white washed
stucco can be found in this enchanting
and welcoming hotel set in the medieval
centre of town.
SACROMENTE CAVES
Built on the slopes of Cerro de San Miguel, the
Sacromonte caves were originally lived in by Spanish
gypsies and the area became a popular one for the
community to meet up, dine and dance flamenco.
Now a sought-after residential neighbourhood,
Sacromonte still retains its old-world charm and appeal,
representing the heart of Granada’s flamenco dancing
scene.
DIINER AT VENTA EL GALLO
Located in one of these caves is Venta El Gallo,
a unique restaurant where we will enjoy fine
Andalusian cuisine.
The view of the magnificent illuminated
Alhambra Palace complex set against the Sierra
Nevada mountain range at night is beautiful.
We will experience the passion of guitar, song
and dance in the zmabra (gypsy) way.
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COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 5 GRANADA/SAN SEBASTIAN Tuesday 3 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel
MORNING TOUR OF THE ALHAMBRA
The Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates
Andalusian history. It is known as one of the great architectural
sites of Europe with an irresistible lure that has fascinated
architects, writers, mathematicians and artists for centuries.
Part fortress, part palace, part water garden, this magical place
consists of a cluster of buildings created at different times by
different people of different faiths. This history has created an
interesting mix of design features including reflecting pools,
gentle fountains and immaculate gardens. Interior features
include interlocking glazed tiles, decorative lines of Arabic
script, creamy plaster reliefs with geometric patterns and
inlaid cedar ceilings. The sheer complexity of the famous
stalactite dome of the Abencerrages Hall, opposite, has
astounded modern architects for its intricate detail and beauty.
After our tour you are free to wander the town of Granada,
check out the local stores (for wonderful incense) and enjoy
lunch at your expense.
After lunch we fly to San Sebastian.
SAN SEBASTIAN
Superbly situated on the Bay of Biscay,
San Sebastian has been a high-class
tourist destination since the mid-19th
century. A beautiful historic town, San
Sebastian is encircled by La Concha
Playa (The Shell Beach) and offers the
visitor an interesting contrast between
the Parte Viega (Old Town) and the
hip pintox bars and designer
boutiques. Its proximity to Bilbao and
the Guggenheim Museum makes it an
ideal destination for our tour.
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COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
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DAY 5 GRANADA/SAN SEBASTIAN Tuesday 3 May (cont’d)
HOTEL ZENIT
Since opening in 2014, this urban design hotel
has been described as the most on-trend hotel
in San Sebastian.
Combining simple, modern lines with
interesting lighting and Sancal furniture, the
designers have reflected the new international
hotel style that combines comfort with
contemporary features. It’s simplicity and
pleasant atmosphere offers us the perfect
place to stay.
After settling in to your room, the evening is
free for you to enjoy this lovey town and all it
has to offer.
DINNER is at your leisure. There are many
delightful restaurants and tapas bars in the old
town.
Hotel Zenit Designer:
DAY 6 SAN SEBASTIAN Wednesday 4 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel followed by an interesting trip through Basque country to Bilbao.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Frank Gehry’s iconic structure is renowned for its
complexity and form. Constructed of titanium,
limestone and glass, the seemingly random
curves of the exterior are designed to catch the
light and react to the sun and the weather.
Because of their mathematical intricacy, the
twisting curves were designed using 3-D software,
allowing for complex designs and calculations
that would not have been possible in the past.
The Museum’s collection spans from the mid-20th
century to the present day, concentrating on
post war paintings and sculpture from America
and Europe.
Frank Ghery
COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
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DAY 6 SAN SEBASTIAN Wednesday 4 May (cont’d)
LUNCH AT THE MUSEUM
After lunch, at your own expense, we will return to
San Sebastian when the rest of the afternoon is at
your leisure until we meet up for our Pintxos Dinner
Tour!
PINTXOS TOUR OF SAN SEBASTIAN
Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas and San
Sebastian is known for its many pinxtos bars and
restaurants. The perfect pinxtos, described as
culinary treasures on a stick, are meant to be
savoured in 2 bites. Typically pinxtos are made from
seafood, given the historical seafaring and fishing
history of the Basque country, however in San
Sebastian, they have become an art form!
We will enjoy a private guided tour around this
lovely old town to discover the art of eating pintxos
with local wine.
Artwork: Flamingo Capsule by James Rosenquist
DAY 7 SAN SEBASTIAN/BARCELONA Thursday 5 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel
TRAVEL THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE
Today we will enjoy a relaxing First Class train
journey from San Sebastian to Barcelona, a lovely
way to see the changing countryside across the
north-eastern region of Spain.
Lunch is available for purchase on the train.
Once we arrive back in Barcelona, at our Hotel the
afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
COLOURS OF SPAIN DESIGN TOUR
29TH APRIL to 7th MAY 2016
DAY 8 BARCELONA Friday 6 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel
BARCELONA COOKING SCHOOL
This four-hour tour starts in the world famous La
Boqueria market, near our hotel, with a 'behind the
scenes' guided tour by professionally trained,
bilingual Spanish chefs. Here we will meet many
long standing vendors and learn about their locally
grown products. After selecting the market
ingredients for our class, we walk to the kitchen
nearby to learn how to prepare and cook our four
course menu of appetizer, starter soup, classic
paella and dessert, all of which we will enjoy for
lunch. Private label premium Rioja red and Galician
white wines are served with lunch that can be
designed for all types of eating requirements.
After enjoying our home cooked lunch, you are free
to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in Barcelona.
FAREWELL DINNER AT PEZ VELA CHIRINGUITO
A new concept in dining, right on the beachside
promenade, La Pez Vela (The Sailfish) is new beach
bar/restaurant with stunning views over the
Barceloneta, one of Barcelona's best-loved beaches
in the traditional fishing area. With its wonderful
terrace overlooking the setting sun and its fresh
seafood menu, Pez Vela is the perfect place for our
farewell dinner.
Designer: Sandra Tarruella
DAY 9 BARCELONA Saturday 7 May
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel
Departures from the hotel to return home, or continue with
your travels.
Please note: This Itinerary is our proposed plan for the
April-May 2016 Tour, however, as tour time comes closer
some details may change.
For further information and booking please contact
Renee Mackin at World Travel Professionals on 93020700
or Prue Royle of The Heartful Travellers on 0404 888 087.
Sancal Furniture
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