Simon’s Barcelona Break
Barcelona trip, 17 – 20 August 2017
£650 per person.
Introduction
Join Frui lead photography tutor Simon and his partner, Barcelona native Alba, on this summer escape to one of Europe’s best loved cities. On this four day tour we’ll take in some of the Catalan capital’s most iconic architecture, it’s vibrant backstreets and even it’s best and most colourful street festival. Along the way, Simon will be on hand to teach and inspire you to capture all of this with your camera, while Alba’s local knowledge will take us away from the tourist traps and into the backstreets, cafés and restaurants that serve the best of the region’s delicious food and drink.
Day 1 Thursday 17th
Arriving around lunchtime, we transfer to our hotel in the city centre to check in and freshen up, before heading to El Born in Barcelona’s old town.
We’ll take a seat on a terrace for a cold glass of locally produced vermut, an introduction to the holiday and a brief photography lesson. Then it’s off to wander the beautiful alleyways of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, finishing with a pre- dinner drink in Els Quatre Gats tavern, a bohemian hangout frequented by artists such as Picasso at the end of the nineteenth century.
Day 2 Friday 18th
After breakfast and a quick photography lesson, we head to Park Guell to practice our photography skills amongst of the crazy creations of Barcelona’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi.
Lunch of tasty local tapas and back to the hotel for a rest.
After a lesson on how to photograph in changing light, we head to the Gracia neighbourhood to take in the festival by day. Festa de Gracia is considered to be Barcelona’s best and most welcoming festival. The streets and plazas of the neighbourhood are a riot of colour as the residents of each street try to outdo each other with handmade decorations.
We’ll head for an early dinner nearby before walking back to the festival for dusk. This is when the streets really come alive as the decorations are lit up and visitors flock from all over the city to soak up the atmosphere. It’s also when we’ll get the best photos!
Day 3 Saturday 19th
This morning is all about street photography, and our inspiration will be the eclectic neighbourhood of Raval. This vibrant district is known for its street art and multiculturalism which, together with its enormous indoor market La Boqueria, will provide plenty of characterful subject matter.
After a delicious local lunch in another of Alba’s favourite café’s, we’ll take taxis to Montjuic Cemetery. Occupying a hillside overlooking the city, this atmospheric area consists of alleyways of tombs built into the walls.
Back in the city we’ll sit down for a look at the day’s images and another mouthwatering Spanish meal.
Depending on availability, there may be an opportunity to watch a rooftop concert.
Day 4 Sunday 20th
Saving Barcelona’s most iconic and spectacular sight for last, this morning we visit Guadi’s masterpiece, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. This towering, psychedelic cathedral is mind- blowing to look at and the multi-coloured light and twisting shapes of the interior make great subjects for photography.
We’ll have plenty of time for a final leisurely lunch and some shopping or more street photography, before transferring back to the airport for the flight home.
Hotel: Hotel Praktik Bakery.
This boutique hotel, situated above a bakery, makes a perfect base for our activities in the city. Rooms are comfortable and airy with air conditioning and windows looking over the city.
Recommended flights:
Vueling
17th August
LGW 09:45- 12:55 BCN
20th August
BCN 18:55- 20:15 LGW
