The Gothic Quarter and Olimpic Marina by land, sea and air 27/08/2018

The Gothic Quarter is full of contrasts. People fall in love with its atmosphere and maze of narrow streets with their lively shops, cafés and hidden corners brimming with charm. When you explore it on foot you'll immerse yourself fully in the history of Barcelona: wrought iron street lamps, Roman archaeological remains, Gothic buildings, cobbled streets and squares...

Plaça del Rei and the MUHBA-Museu d'Història de Barcelona, the cathedral and the Museu Frederic Marès, housed inside part of the medieval palace of the Counts of Barcelona, the Palau Reial Major, and with a delightful garden, give the oldest part of the city's its own special magic.

If you lose yourself in its streets, you'll find a surprise around every corner and, before you know it, you'll find yourself by the sea. Barcelona's 5 kilometres of beaches are one of the city's main attractions, where, along with the sunshine and swimming, you can also enjoy a wide range of activities for everyone. The Olympic Marina is the perfect place for water-based activities to suit all tastes: sea tours and boat hire, sailing boats, catamarans and motor-powered water sports, or without a motor, such as paddle surfing, kayaking, parasailing...

Combining water-based and cultural activities will ensure you experience the essential side of Barcelona and get every last drop out of your visit.

FROM THE HEART OF BARCELONA TO THE OPEN SEAS

If you like travelling back in time in order to understand the present, the Barcelona Walking Tours Gòtic is tailor made for you: this guided tour will take you back in time to discover the history of Barcelona from Roman to medieval times. The tour begins in Plaça de Sant Jaume, the very spot where the main arteries of Roman Barcelona – the Cardo and Decumanus – converged. Today it is the site of the Catalan Government building and City Hall. Your official guide will take you through the unique streets of the Gothic Quarter until you reach Barcelona Cathedral, an imposing building that is a compendium of architectural styles, although predominantly Gothic. Then you'll continue as far as Plaça del Rei, the Gothic square that best embodies Barcelona's medieval past. The remains of the Roman city of Barcino lie under the square.

After you have discovered all the secrets of the Gothic Quarter and lost yourself in its streets, squares and hidden corners, you may want to admire the beauty of Barcelona from a stunning vantage point. If this is the case, let yourself be captivated by a magical trip on a along the Barcelona coast, while you enjoy the best views of the city from out at sea, with a swim and sunset included!

You'll set sail from the Olympic Marina on an unforgettable experience: you'll be able to take part in hoisting the sails or just enjoy the ride while your skipper tells you about the history and secrets of maritime Barcelona. You'll sail offshore and relax in total silence, swim in the Mediterranean and enjoy a glass of cava while you enjoy amazing of views of the city as the sun sets. Can you think of a better way to round off the day?

BARCELONA FROM THE SKY AND A DINNER STEEPED IN HISTORY

Would you like the see how far Barcelona stretches from the sky? With Parasailing Barcelona you'll start off the day with a thrilling adventure while you enjoy spectacular views of the city's skyline.

Parasailing combines the thrills of a parachute flight with a water sport: get ready to experience the feeling of flying and release all your adrenaline as you enjoy Barcelona in a way you would never have imagined. You'll be fitted with a harness and parachute and a motorboat will tow you out to sea where you'll be lifted into the air, and soar above the waters of the Mediterranean.

And after an intense morning, it'll be time for a relaxing afternoon and evening. We suggest you indulge in an experience for the senses: a Dinner with Opera at The Palau de la Balmesiana, An architectural, culinary and musical soirée that will begin with a guided tour of the mansion, its spectacular chapel and sculptures by Josep Llimona. Afterwards, taste the opera-inspired menu created specially for the occasion, while you enjoy the arias performed by professional singers who will put the outstanding acoustics to the test.