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BARCELONA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL


May 15-21, 2024

p. 802-862-2200 • explore@americanexpeditions.net

Paddle in Spain!

Hosted in the Olympic park just south of Barcelona the Annual Barcelona Dragon Boat Festival in Castelldefels offers the opportunity to race in Spain against teams from across Europe. See the sights of Barcelona and Girona, meet paddlers from around the world and enjoy friendly competition on the water. The natural beauty of the shores of the coast along the Mediterranean and the splendor of Barcelona are the perfect setting for a week of traveling with like-minded friends both old and new!


Barcelona

DAY 1 | Wednesday, May 15

DEPARTURE & TRAVEL TO BARCELONA

Depart on an overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.

Select meals, snacks, and refreshments will be served on board the flight. Enjoy reading through the great tips and travel information in your American Expedition handbook!



DAY 2 | Thursday, May 16

WELCOME TO BARCELONA!

Welcome to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most diverse and historic port cities. Dramatic works of modernist architect Antoni Gaudi can be found throughout the city. Plaza Catalunya is at the top of the pedestrian zone of Las Ramblas and is the heart of the gothic quarter of Barcelona. Montjuic, a hill that rises above Barcelona with sports complexes, museums and cultural centers and looks over the harbor.

Upon arrival, your American Expeditions tour manager and local guide will greet you at the airport. For those arriving on individual flights, we will coordinate with you on how to meet up with the group. Take in highlights of exciting Barcelona on a panoramic sightseeing tour with a local guide.  Get a flavor of Gaudi architecture, beautiful seascapes, palaces and parks.

End your tour at the famous Gothic Quarter, the historic neighborhood that hosts Barcelona Cathedral, Roman remnants, and ancient cobbled streets. Stroll through the medieval streets filled with various artisans and food vendors, shops and cafes.  There will be free time for lunch before transferring to your conveniently located hotel. Check into your rooms, refresh and get settled.       

Join your tour manager on an orientation walk and gather your first impressions of the unique, rich culture, beautiful architecture and character that Barcelona has to offer! Tonight for dinner, enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. Your tour manager will make recommendations for dining options.1]



DAY 3 | Friday, May 17

PRACTICE & OPENING CEREMONY

After breakfast in the hotel dining room, take the morning to discover Barcelona independently or group outings can be arranged. You may wish to visit Parc Guell and spend time exploring its fairytale-like buildings, stone structures, and magnificent tiles. The views overlooking Barcelona city from the park are some of the best photo opportunities around! Alternatively, see the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral!

Gather in the hotel lobby and transfer together to the festival race site for practice. This afternoon, transfer to Olympic Park for your first practice together as a team on the Canal Olympic in Castelldefels just south of Barcelona. Later, celebrate with other teams from around Europe in the official Barcelona Dragon Boat festival opening ceremony.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with tapas to celebrate your team's arrival in Spain.


DAY 4 | Saturday, May 18

FESTIVAL RACE DAY

This morning, after breakfast, transfer to Castelldefels to partake in the first day of festival activities. Castelldefels is a small town, famous for its long beach and the ancient castle Fels, which gave this town its name.

The Canal Olympic de Catalunya was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and is one of the best sports venues in Europe for water sports!

Paddles up!



DAY 5 | Sunday, May 19

FESTIVAL RACE DAY

Today races continue at the Canal Olympic de Catalunya. Good luck paddlers!

Celebrate your success the festival closing ceremony.







DAY 6 | Monday, May 20

MONTSERRAT

Following breakfast, embark on a morning excursion to Montserrat. Although best known for its monastery and shrine, Montserrat also offers some of the most spectacular mountain views and unusual rock formations in all of Catalonia; its natural beauty parallels its religious importance.

While in Montserrat, learn about the Holy Grotto, where visits by the Virgin Mary were reported. The site is now a holy place that is frequently visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Visit the Santa Maria Montserrat Abbey, where you can find the famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat sitting at the top of the altar. 

Tonight, return to Barcelona, where optional activities will be offered. Choose dinner and a flamenco show at a festive venue. Optional pricing supplements will be available.




DAY 7| Tuesday, May 21

RETURN HOME OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

After breakfast, this morning, check out of the hotel and depart for the Barcelona Airport and your return flight to North America. Select meals, snacks, and refreshments will be served on board the flight.                        

If you wish to extend your stay, consider an excursion to Girona, a picturesque city set at the confluence of fourSpanish rivers. Walk along the walls of the Passeig de la Muralla and take in the incredible views of the historic city center. Discover Old Town and visit the Girona Cathedral at the top of many stairs.  See Girona’s medieval Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods in the world.  Learn about the rich history of this charming town and how multiple regions and cultures once flourished here.




Barcelona awaits....


Your Tour INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATIONS - thoughtfully selected to match group needs

6 nights in an upper-class hotel, central Barcelona, double occupancy, including all hotel service charges and taxes

MEALS - varied, flavorful, and highlighting local cuisine

Breakfast daily at your hotel

Two dinners served as follows-

  • Welcome Dinner at a restaurant
  • Farewell dinner at a restaurant in Barcelona

ACTIVITIES + TOURS + ENTRANCES - handpicked for your travelers 

Sightseeing tours with local English-speaking guides as described in the itinerary:

  • Panoramic city of Barcelona with local guide
  • Morning visit to Montserrat with local guide

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Flamenco Show


TOUR MANAGER to handle on-the-road logistics 

A full-time tour manager to accompany your group every step of the way from arrival through departure. Our beloved tour managers assist with:

    • Greeting and gathering the group upon arrival
    • Expediting hotel check-ins and check-outs
    • Liaising with reception desks, coach drivers, and guides 
    • Facilitating concerts and rehearsals
    • Directing on-site entrances and activities, handling tickets and vouchers
    • Keeping each day well-paced 
    • Sharing cultural content and interpreting local customs
    • Sending everyone home with fond memories & hopes to travel together again soon! 

TRANSPORTATION in a private, modern, climate-controlled motor coach with a professional driver for all services specified in your itinerary.





Register Now

We are excited to begin planning this tour with you!

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