Barcelona Shore Excursion

This very special Barcelona shore trip combines modernist art, history, society and stories related to 1900's Barcelona, the city that greeted Picasso when he moved here.

After meeting your guide, you drive to the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona where you enjoy a Picasso themed walking tour. Without a doubt the center of Bohemian life was Els Quatre Gats, or the Four Cats tavern, so you began your tour here. This brewery was inspired by a famous Parisian coffee house. Social gatherings, exhibitions and concerts held here drew a young student named Picasso. It was in this brewery where news was heard about the vanguard art movements that caused rage in the French capital. These movements include impressionism, symbolism, and the works of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Today, in the door of this establishment you can still see the advertising poster that Pablo Picasso designed for Els Quatre Gats. This piece is an example of the great Eastern influence in his early work (1898). In 1900 Picasso had his first independent exhibition at this brewery, yet his style was still lacking character.

Next you visit the small street called Carrer Petrixol. The street was swarming with cultural life during Picasso's time. Today it is lined with modern art galleries, boutiques, chocolatier and cafes.

Later you walk along Carrer Avinyo which was the setting for Picasso's Les Mademoiselles d'Avignon. This painting depicted five nude ladies in a brothel which was located on this street. It was Picasso's first Cubist work.

After your walking tour, you'll visit the Picasso Museum located in the Aguilar Palace. There are more than 3,600 works that make up the permanent collection which keeps the genius of the young artist alive today. The Picasso Museum is also a testimony to his bond with Barcelona. Thanks to the will of Picasso and his friend Jaume Sabartes, Barcelona had one of the most significant artistic scenes of the 20th century.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)