Enrich your experience in Spain with exciting tours during the pre-and post-Congress time. Professional escorted tour packages are available. All tours are arranged by Viajes Berga (email: yolanda@viatgesberga.com) with a multi-year reputation for high quality touristic support in a country known for its tourism.
Full itineraries and descriptions are available by following the links below. Registration is made separately through the tour agency and fees are not included in your Congress fee.
CONGRESS PRE TOURS
PRE TOUR: Barcelona – Tarragona – Congress . October 1 – 4
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Day 1Arrival at Barcelona Airport transfer to the Hotel
Optional Dinner with entertainment (Tapas Dinner and Flamenco Show)
Day 2Barcelona
Visit one of the most typical markets in Barcelona, continue walking on Las Ramblas. In the end, you will find a monument of Christopher Columbus pointing towards America. In this area is where the Port of Barcelona begins, where the Aquarium of Barcelona is located, a perfect attraction to go with children. Back towards Las Ramblas, there is an entrance on the right that connects to the Gothic Quarter. Back in the Gothic Quarter are the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona. Then you will visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and another amazing place: the Sagrada Familia, which from the outside you can appreciate some of its beauty, and the interior is very beautiful, it is really worth entering there. Nearby is the Palacio de la Música Catalana, another beautiful work by Gaudi. At dusk, pass the arc of Barcelona’s triumph and get to know the Parc de la Ciutadella. To finish the day, head to passeig de Gracia, where two other must-see works by Gaudí are: Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera.
Day 3Barcelona
Start at Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium,if you like football and even if you’re not very much a fan, visit at least the FC Barcelona Museum, which is a place full of history and that suprises anyone who visits it, with so many trophies and an interactive exhibition with lots of details and information. Then you go to Plaza España, where you will find the Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya, a fantastic and different museum, because it tells the story of the art of the region of Catalonia.
The last day is when most people take advantage of shopping in the city, mainly souvenirs. If you want to shop in Barcelona, take advantage of the hours you have left in the city and know the main shops, streets and shopping centers to buy in the city. Once you are in the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, take advantage and get to know the Arena Shopping Center of Barcelona, which is next door and thus saves you time on transfers. After shopping, if you continue along Avenida de La Reina Maria Cristina, you will arrive at Montjuic, where the castle is located in which the Barcelona Olympics were held in 1992. Also located is the Joan Miró Foundation, which is worth the visit. Although it is located on the other side of the city, try to make some time to visit the Parc Guell. Se trata de otra obra magnífica de Gaudí, es considerada una de las obras más coloridas, además de poseer un excelente espacio y mucha flora, fuera de las vistas deslumbrantes de toda la ciudad.
Departure from Barcelona bus to Tarragona, arrival check in at the hotel H10 Imperial. Walking Tour of Tarragona and Dinner.
Day 4Tarragona
A city full of surprises with thousands of years of civilization just waiting to be discovered. Dine under the vaults of the Roman circus, lose yourself in the charming, narrow alleys of the historic quarter, where the essence of the medieval city remains untouched by time, or enjoy a glass of local vermouth surrounded by over 2,000 years of history. This is the true World Heritage of Tarragona! It is a heritage made up of monuments that transcend time, of spots that take us back to Roman, medieval, modern and modernist eras; but it is also a heritage made of people, of human stories and histories, of small moments, of emotions and feelings…
Tarragona, Living History.
Bus to Portaventura , check in hotel and register to ICC Congress . Dinner and Welcome Party.
CONGRESS POST TOURs
POST TOUR A: Zaragoza- Madrid- Toledo-Barcelona. October 8-12
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Day 1Arrival at Zaragoza and panoramic city tour by bus
Departure in the early morning from Tarragona.
After lunch, walking tour of Zaragoza:
After meeting in the Plaza de España in the heart of the city, you’ll begin your private guided tour of Zaragoza’s historic centre.
The Aragonese capital is filled with reminders of its incredible past. Appreciate its Roman heritage by visiting the ruins of the ancient walled city. Caesaraugusta, as the Romans named it, became a wealthy city thanks to trade via the Ebra River and the legacy of its historic affluence can still be seen today in the archaeological remains of the Roman Theatre.
Admire the majestic architecture of the Cathedral of the Saviour and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, both iconic symbols of Zaragoza and of Christian rule over the city.
Visit the Aljafería de Zaragoza and learn all about the Muslim city of Saraqusta, as it was known in that era. This imposing mediaeval Islamic palace-fortress was built in the 11th century, but is still to this day used as the seat of the autonomous Aragonese parliament.
End your private guided tour of Zaragoza returning to your original meeting point.
Dinner (not included) and accommodation
Day 2Breakfast and departure to Madrid
Check in at the hotel and lunch.
In the early evening walking tour of Madrid
We’ll meet up next to the Equestrian Statue of Carlos III in Puerta del Sol. As we stroll through the mediaeval part of the city and El Madrid de los Asturias, you’ll discover how Madrid was established and delve into its most significant periods up to the present day.
During our tour, which will last 2 hours 30 minutes, you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic streets, squares and landmarks. These include Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor (the scene of spine chilling events during the Spanish Inquisition), the Royal Palace (which is the largest functioning Royal Palace in Europe) and its statue-filled gardens in Plaza de Oriente.
The tour will also take us to Plaza de la Villa, which is one of Mediaeval Madrid’s main centres, the Opera House and the Mercado de San Miguel (a delightful wrought iron covered market) and much more.
While you wander through Madrid’s fascinating historic centre, you’ll be regaled with interesting anecdotes about the capital’s past, traditions and folklore that live on in the palaces, convents, boulevards and squares
Afterwards we can suggest you some typical “Tablaos” to enjoy flamenco while dining
Day 3Toledo & Segovia day trip
After having breakfast at 7:45 am head on a 10-hour trip to Toledo and Segovia, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
The first stop of the journey will be Toledo, commonly known as the “City of the Three Cultures”, famous for its Muslim, Jewish and Christian landmarks when the three communities lived together for centuries.
Guided by your expert English-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy visiting its millenary architectural, artistic and urban heritage while you wander through its narrow and steep streets, gardens and squares. You’ll come to the Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s most prominent Gothic buildings and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, where the Catholic Monarchs were buried. Before heading onto the next stop, you’ll also enjoy the most impressive panoramic views of Toledo from the Puente de San Martín (St Martin Bridge) and the Mirador del Valle (Valle Lookout).
Upon arrival in Segovia, you’ll walk to the Roman aqueduct, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Spain. You’ll also admire the beautiful Cathedral, known as the “Dama de las Catedrales” (Lady of the Cathedrals) for its surprising Gothic and Renaissance design.
Next, you’ll follow your guide through the streets of the Canonjías neighbourhood until you get to the Alcázar, one of the country’s most-visited castles. From here, you’ll be able to see the mediaeval city walls that once surrounded the entire town.
Finally, at 5 pm, we’ll leave Segovia for the Spanish capital. Arrival at the meeting point in Madrid is scheduled at 6:45 pm.
Day 4Sevilla – Barcelona
After having breakfast, we’ll take a 2-hour walking tour through Sevilla
From Plaza del Salvador, we begin the tour, making our first stop to admire the façade of the Church of the Divine Saviour
From there, we’ll make our way to Plaza Nueva, home of the City Hall and the monument dedicated to Fernando III El Santo. As we take in the sculpture of the monarch, our guide will tell us about life in this Andalusian city during the times of Al-Andalus and the Reconquista.
A few steps away, we’ll find Plaza del Triunfo, where you’ll be left speechless by the enormous Sevilla Cathedral, the beautiful Giralda bell tower, the Royal Alcazar and the Archivo de Indias. We’ll delve into the history of these emblematic buildings as we admire their spectacular architecture.
Our next stop will be next to the Puerta de Jerez, where we’ll see the Hispalis Fountain, the Yanduri Palace and the Santa María de Jesús Chapel. Nearby we’ll find the Royal Tobacco Factory, and we’ll discover what the striking building is used for nowadays as we contemplate its combination of Renaissance and Baroque styles. It wouldn’t be a tour of Sevilla without a visit to Plaza de España, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and the perfect place to talk about the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Here ends the tour.
At 14.48h, departure of the train to Barcelona. Arrival al 20.22h
POST TOUR B: Córdoba-Sevilla-Granada-Barcelona. October 8-12
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Day 1Tarragona – Granada
At 09.05h, the train departure to Granada.
Arrival at 14.52h and transfer to the hotel, check in
In the evening, a walking tour in Granada. We’ll meet us in Plaza Bib-Rambla to begin a two hour exploration of Granada, a city with long history both Christian and Muslim, with the sweet smell of incense wafting around every corner and the sounds of flamenco drifting through the streets. From the “Fountain of the Giants” which can be found in the square, we’ll lead you round the Granada Cathedral, the old silk market (or Alcacería as it was known in the Emirate of Granada) and the Royal Chapel, where the bodies of Spanish Monarchs Isabel I and Ferdinand II still lie.
The tour will immerse you in the very soul of Granada, withs its unique atmosphere easy to feel in the streets, squares and buildings with gothic and renaissance touches. And you’ll feel transported back to the time of Muslim rule on our tour around Albaicín with its narrow winding streets dating back to the time of the Nasrid Kingdom. Our tour finally ends in Plaza Santa Ana.
Dinner
Optional “tapas” tour or Flamenco Show at Sacromonte.
Day 2Granada – Córdoba
After breakfast, Alhambra and Generalife tour (3 hours)
The Alhambra is one of the most visited monuments in Spain, and for good reason. The stunning walled palace complex dates back largely to the 13th and 14th centuries and is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. Admire the intricately carved stonework and the complex geometric designs of the numerous courtyards, labyrinthine hallways and elegant gardens. Visit Medina, the Alcazaba, the Generalife Gardens and the Palacios Nazaríes: Mexuar, the Comares Palace and the iconic Court of the Lions.
Time for lunch
At 15.40h depart of the train to Córdoba
Arrival at 17.17h and transfer to the hotel, check in
At 20.00h Cordoba Sunset Tour Itinerary
The tour leaves from Plaza de las Tendillas, in the heart of Cordoba’s historic centre, just around the corner from the magnificent Grand Mosque, one of the most important achievements in Moorish architecture. Once we’re all together, we’ll start walking as the evening lights and street lamps lights up this Andalusian city at night. During the guided walking tour, we’ll wander through the most important streets in the city, which was the capital of Muslim Spain for 300 years. We’ll wind through Flores alley, as well as Pañuelo alley and Cabezas Street until we come to Potro Plaza. You’ll see Cordoba’s most iconic places of interest, which represent the legendary history found around every corner of the Andalusian city.
Admire the Roman Bridge, which has spanned de Guadalquivir River since its construction at the beginning of the 1st Century, and stroll through the Juderia, or Jewish Quarter, where the Jewish people of Cordoba lived for five centuries. You’ll be captivated by the Mosque-Cathedral, considered to be one of the most important and impressive sights in all Spain, and the 14th century Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, the palace-fortress that served as the main residence of the Spain’s “Catholic Monarchs”, as Isabel I of Castilla and Ferdinand II of Aragon were known.
Day 3Córdoba – Sevilla
After having breakfast we’ll take a 1 hour tour of Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
While you marvel at the Prayer Hall, the Mihrab, the stunning red and white columns, the guide will many things about it to discover the largest Western Islamic Mosque, converted into a Christian church in the thirteenth century.
At 13.46h depart of the train to Sevilla
Arrival at 14.30h. transfer to the hotel and check in
Afterwards, at 17.00h, we’ll meet to enjoy a 2 hours walking tour in Triana. From Paseo Alcalde Marqués del Contadero, behind Torre del Oro we’ll walk into the neighbourhood of Triana. We’ll cross the Isabel II bridge, and once in the heart of Triana, we’ll explore its origins: did you know that it was a neighbourhood of sailors, bullfighters and flamenco dancers? As we wander through the lively, colourful streets, we’ll also see the chapel that is headquarters to the Esperanza de Triana confraternity, as well as the local craft shops. As well as stopping to admire the Royal Church of Santa Ana, dating back to 1276.
We won’t just see what the neighbourhood is like these days, but our guide will explain all about the famous Trianeros that have made history over the years. These include Rodrigo de Triana, who accompanied Colombus on his voyage to America, and bullfighter Juan Belmonte. We’ll also discover about Bartolomé de las Casas, who spent his life fighting against slavery, and Merchor Rodríguez García, who grew up in this neighbourhood before going to be the “red angel” of the Spanish Civil War.
After discovering the charm and beauty of this historic neighbourhood, we’ll finish the tour next to Isabel II bridge, one of the most identifiable points in Triana.
Day 4Tarragona
- A city full of surprises with thousands of years of civilization just waiting to be discovered.
- Dine under the vaults of the Roman circus, lose yourself in the charming, narrow alleys of the historic quarter, where the essence of the medieval city remains untouched by time, or enjoy a glass of local vermouth surrounded by over 2,000 years of history.
- This is the true World Heritage of Tarragona! It is a heritage made up of monuments that transcend time, of spots that take us back to Roman, medieval, modern and modernist eras.
- Transfer to Portaventura, check in hotel and register to ICC Congress
- Dinner and Welcome Party.