Art Travel with the BFAC

October, 2024 - barcelona

sketching in the footsteps of Picasso, Gaudi, and Dali

This incredible Travel Opportunity is one you will never forget. Whether you are going alone, with your partner, or with friends, this trip has something for everyone.

barcelona, spain

highlights

  • See Barcelona through the eyes of a local

  • taste local spanish and catalan cuisine

  • captivating sketching sessions in unique locations

  • Visit the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s Parc Guell

  • Get to know Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso through guided tours

  • Visit the Costa Brava and enjoy the beautiful mediterranean coast

Day 1:

 ¡Bienvenidos a Barcelona! Upon your arrival, we'll check in at the hotel and drop off luggage. Following that, you'll have the chance to join our group leader for a casual coffee session at a nearby cafe, where we'll introduce you to your sketchbooks and go over the itinerary. Our day will continue with lunch at a charming spot, and then we'll embark on a brief walking tour exploring the downtown highlights of this vibrant city. The introductory day will conclude at dinner in a cozy, traditional restaurant, treating you to authentic Catalan and Spanish cuisine.

Day 2:

Hola and welcome to the beginning of your art journey in this enriching city! The day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for an exploration of the stunning Park Güell, one of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Engage in your first sketching class with instructor Damon Lehrer, drawing inspiration from the captivating architecture. For those not inclined to sketch, an alternative adventure awaits at La Boqueria, a diverse market brimming with Spanish produce and traditional tapas restaurants. After the sketching session, lunch suggestions will be provided, giving you free time to roam and indulge in the local atmosphere. The afternoon unfolds with a tour of the renowned Picasso Museum, offering a glimpse into the formative years of Pablo Picasso as an artist. The day concludes with a free evening, accompanied by dinner suggestions and optional evening activities, culminating in drinks at a city rooftop where you can share and celebrate your artistic endeavors with fellow travelers.


day 3:

Get ready for an action-packed day! Morning kicks off with a scenic bus ride to Montserrat, a captivating mountain range home to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Hiking boots are recommended for those eager to explore the natural beauty. In Montserrat, a sketching class amidst the picturesque surroundings awaits, with instructors offering both individual and group assistance. For those less inclined towards sketching, partners or interested individuals can partake in wine and cava tasting at a local winery, indulging in the flavors of the region. After an active day, dinner with the group awaits at a charming waterfront restaurant in Barcelona, providing a perfect setting to share your artistic creations from the day if you wish. It's a day of adventure, art, and camaraderie against the stunning backdrop of Montserrat.

day 4:


Meet Gaudi! You will be visiting the renowned Sagrada Familia, possibly the most notable location in Barcelona. Explore the architectural wonder and delve into the museum, where Gaudi's visionary designs are showcased through blueprints and structures. A light lunch at a hotel terrace with panoramic views of the Sagrada Familia follows, offering a moment to take everything in. The sketching session will be at La Pedrera roof top surrounded by the Gaudi chimneys. Take part in a classic siesta back at the hotel before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. As the day winds down, regroup for a tapas food tour, immersing yourself in the flavors of Spanish cuisine. ¡Salud!

day 5

Hola Dali! A bus will pick you up at the hotel and whisk you away to Girona, a Catalan city renowned for its medieval allure. Traverse its enchanting streets during a short walking tour, unveiling Game of Thrones filming locations, an ancient monastery, cathedrals, and captivating streets. Set the stage for inspiration with a sketching session featuring breathtaking views, followed by a light, traditional lunch in the charming locale. Your artistic exploration continues in Figueres, the birthplace of the legendary Salvador Dali, where the Dali Theatre and Museum beckon. Designed by the surrealist master himself, the museum showcases an eclectic collection of his artworks and houses the crypt where Dali rests. Immerse yourself in the surreal world of Dali, blending art, history, and the cultural richness of Catalonia. 

day 6

Bon dia Costa Brava! Your morning kicks off with a scenic bus journey to Cadaques, a picturesque beach town nestled near a small fishing village, home to the legendary Salvador Dali's house and other coastal gems. Explore Casa Dali, which unveils the private realms, art studios, and studies of Salvador Dali and his wife, offering a detailed insight into the creative mind and thought processes behind his iconic artworks. Following this artistic immersion, indulge in a delightful coastal lunch in Cadaques, and then enjoy some siesta time for rejuvenation. As the day progresses, reconvene with the group for a scenic sketching session with a view that captures the essence of the coastal beauty. Conclude the day with a convivial dinner, providing an opportunity to share sketchbooks and delve into the inspirations drawn from the enigmatic world of Dali.



day 7:

Adios Barcelona! You will be taking the bus back to Barcelona in the morning. Next, you will be given until evening to do some shopping or check off items from your Barcelona bucket list! Whether it's indulging in local markets, visiting additional iconic landmarks, or savoring the city's unique atmosphere, the time is yours to make the most of. Later in the evening, the group will convene at the hotel reception for engaging sketchbook contests and awards, providing an opportunity to celebrate artistic achievements and reflect on the day's experiences and drawings. The night culminates with a special dinner at a unique and memorable venue, creating the perfect finale to your artistic and cultural journey in Barcelona.

day 8:

Good morning! As your art-filled adventure in Barcelona comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell. Whether you're taking a transfer to the airport for your designated flight or embarking on further travels in the area, we wish you the best of luck. May your experiences continue to be filled with creativity, inspiration, and memorable moments. Safe travels, and until we meet again on your next journey!

Included

($2950.00 per person)

  • Accommodation 4 Star Hotel (or equivalent) each night of trip

  • Luxury coach buses

  • shuttle transportation

  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners

  • Experiences and activities for partners

  • ***Airfare not included***

  • ***

Deposits are refundable . For more information contact draw@bostonfac.com