Barcelona, Spain - Mediterranean Cruises

Sitges, located on the Mediterranean coast, 22 miles south of Barcelona has so much to offer. This white washed village by the seaside has wonderful beaches and an abundance of shops.

After a 45 minute drive along the motorway you will arrive at Sitges. Take a stroll through the quaint, narrow streets of the old town, shop in the souvenir stores or browse the fashionable clothes and shoe boutiques.

Alternatively, simply relax with a drink or soak up the sun on one of the 17 beaches and watch the world go by. The day is yours to spend as you please. There is something for everyone in this dynamic beach town.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is non-guided and does not include any meals, refreshments or entrance fees. You are advised to carry Euros, and bring a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen. A map will be provided to help you plan your day. Please note shops are generally closed on Sundays and in the afternoon for siesta. Prior to booking an excursion, passengers must refer to the Guide to Symbols and Excursion Terms and Conditions sections of ‘Your Holiday Information / Shore Excursions’ brochure. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel and sunscreen. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that may offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

During your drive to Montserrat, you will see the scenery change from beautiful countryside to the rugged Montserrat mountain range, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet.

The 1,000-year-old Monastery of Montserrat is nestled at the foot of the eroded mountain crags of Montserrat. Like jagged teeth, the rocky formations soar skywards creating unparalleled natural beauty. The famous Monastery, founded as a Benedictine Abbey during the 11th century, is firmly perched on a ledge hanging 2,400 feet above the River Llobregat and is home to the 12th century Black Virgin of Montserrat.

Transfer to the top of the mountain by rack-railway, which provides exceptional views of the mountain's spectacular environment.


This excursion will operate by coach and rack-railway. Spaces are limited, therefore early booking is recommended. The drive between Barcelona and Montserrat takes approximately 1 1/2 hours each way. The rack-railway ride is approximately 15 minutes and can be very busy; on occasion you may be required to stand. There is approximately 1 1/2 hours of walking during this tour including some uphill/downhill paths and steps into the Basilica. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. If mass is taking place, guests will not be able to enter the Basilica. As a courtesy, ladies are requested to cover their shoulders when visiting the Basilica. A warm jacket is recommended.

A short panoramic drive will take you past Via Layetana, Passeig Gracia and the Diagonal area. Heading into the Montjuic Mountain, you will be able to see the Olympic Ring, Olympic Stadium and a short photograph stop will be made at the mirador.

Known locally as the Barca, Camp Nou is home to the city's famous football club, F.C. Barcelona. This is one of the world's richest football clubs and has more than 100,000 members. On arrival, you will go through the visiting team's changing room, and continue along the corridor where players enter onto the ground. Afterwards, the guide will show you the press room and interview room.

Football fans will enjoy a visit to the Barca Museum, which displays memorabilia and trophies. You will have an exterior view of the impressive stadium, built in 1957 and extended in 1982 to accommodate 98,000 seated fans. A guided tour will be followed by free time to explore independently. As you exit the ground, there will be an opportunity for souvenir shopping.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves a lot of standing, and there are many steps to be negotiated. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Due to strict pre-match security procedures, this tour is subject to late cancellation. The management may also close parts of the stadium without notice. Crowds are to be expected. Guests are not permitted to touch the pitch.

Take a short transfer to the harbour where you will reach the helipad and your waiting helicopter.

Hold tight for an exciting ten minute ride over the colourful city of Barcelona. Fly over some of the significant sites including the Forum, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and the Tibidabo hills. You will also fly over FC Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, the Olympic grounds and facilities at Montjuic.

Your panoramic helicopter will be flying 1,500 feet over the city to provide you with a true bird's eye view of Barcelona.


This excursion will operate by coach and helicopter. This tour will operate subject to local weather conditions and may be cancelled at short notice. Each helicopter seats a maximum of six. Not all guests will have a window seat, but there is good visibility from all seats. If the ship is berthed in Terminal A, you may transfer to the heliport on foot (approximately ten minutes walk each way).

There’s water action everywhere with 21 different attractions at Fantasy Island, including Torpedo Slides, Grand Rapids, Aquamania, Double Spiral, Foams, Kamakazes, Superslides and a children’s pool with a set of mini slides in the shape of different animals. Hurtle down the rapids before encountering an exhilarating splashdown - soak up the excitement and shoot into mid-air reaching mind blowing speeds. Feel the sensation as you slide up and down in a spinning giant tube, and hang on tight in your boat as you tumble down to a splash pond below.

To give you flexibility during your day, lunch has not been included in the fare and can be purchased from the variety of cafés within the Park.

With so much to do, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and is not guided, but will be escorted by a hostess. Sun-loungers and umbrellas are available for hire and are payable direct. Please ensure that you take adequate sun-protection with you. Guests are advised that, for safety reasons, t-shirts and inflatable armbands should not be worn whilst using the water slides. The journey to the Waterpark takes approximately 45 minutes.

With your fellow cyclists, your guided bike ride will begin in the popular Ciutadella Park. Originally a fortress designed for King Felipe V, the Park now offers a small boating lake with stunning orange groves and a variety of parrots that live in the palm trees.

During the two and half hour bike ride, you will pass by the Zoological Museum, Parliament, Arc del Triumph and Palau de la Musica until you reach the Old Town's Gothic Cathedral. Here you will have some free time for shopping or to explore the Cathedral independently.

The tour continues through the famous and colourful avenue of Las Ramblas, passing through historic squares. Soak up the history and admire the beautiful old buildings as you cycle through the very narrow streets lined with unusual shops. From Columbus Square, the route will take you back to the Ciutadella Park, passing through the Moll de la Fusta, Passeig Maritim and Port Olimpic.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and bike. You will transfer by coach to Citadel Park to prepare for your cycling tour and by coach back to the ship at the end of your tour. A safety briefing will be given and cycle helmets are compulsory. The cycle ride is mostly through pedestrian areas along cycle paths and is approximately five miles in distance, at an intermediate level of activity. The minimum age for participation on this tour is eight years old.

Journey from the pier to the city centre harbour to board your catamaran for a relaxing cruise along Barcelona’s coastline, taking in some of the city’s most famous sights.

Sit back and relax with a glass of Sangria and some light snacks as you enjoy first class views of the city and the stunning coastline. During your cruise you will see some of the city’s most well-known icons including the Agbar and Maphre Towers, Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece; the Sagrada Familia and the old harbour, to name a few.

You may also choose to make the most of the weather and use this wonderful opportunity to sunbathe.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and catamaran. This tour may be cancelled in poor weather conditions. Guests are reminded to wear sunscreen. There are approximately five steps to board the boat. Please wear your swimwear and bring a towel if you wish to sunbathe.

From the Monument of Columbus, enter the colourful boulevard known as La Rambla. The walking tour then begins from the oldest part of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by the remains of Roman walls. This is an 'island' within the urban metropolis with narrow, tortuous streets of ancient stone and magnificent historical buildings.

Moving into the Gothic Quarter, you will cross Placa Reial to arrive at the site of the Palau de la Generalitat, a 15th century Gothic structure with a renaissance facade. After visiting Placa Nova with its twin semi-circular towers of the well-preserved Roman Walls, and following the remaining ruins, you will arrive at the Cathedral, a Gothic structure dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

At the Boqueria Food Market, you will have a chance to browse the many food stalls and soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Following the visit, there will be some free time for independent sightseeing and shopping before rejoining your coach back to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves a substantial amount of walking over some cobbled surfaces and steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. On festive days, a guided visit inside the Cathedral is not permitted, however there will be time to explore independently. Modest dress is required inside the Cathedral; shoulders should be covered and no shorts or mini-skirts are allowed. Boqueria Food Market is closed on Sundays; you will have free time to explore the Gothic Quarter instead. The order of highlights may vary.

One of Barcelona's famous landmarks is the 600-year-old Catalan Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. View the exterior of this marvellous building as well as absorbing the other sights of the Gothic Quarter.

Your tour continues to the huge Catalunya Square - the main square of the city - before taking the Passeig de Gracia to the city's most unique attraction, the Church of Sagrada Familia (photograph stop only). Started in 1882 and still unfinished, this church with its profuse decoration is a sight that should not be missed.

Visit the Spanish Village at Montjuic, built for the 1929 Universal Exposition. Stroll through the Andalusian or Castilian streets in the 'Village', where free time will be given for you to browse independently and shop for souvenirs.

Leaving the Spanish Village, and time permitting, enjoy a panoramic view of the Olympic Ring surrounding the Olympic Stadium.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours' total walking involved on this tour, including steps. Due to parking restrictions there is a 15 minute walk each way to the Sagrada Familia.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head through contrasting landscape dotted with vineyards and old Catalan houses, towards Freixenet Cellars.

The Cellars are located in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, a town situated in the heart of the Penedes region.

The constant efforts made by the company since the 1970's have led to continuous expansion in world markets and made the Freixenet Group the world leader in its sparkling wines produced by the traditional method.

Your next visit is to Torres Wine Cellars, which is a modern, open winery standing alongside ageing cellars. Once inside the cellars, you will tour the facility and observe how this family wine is produced and bottled. The entire visit will be enjoyed in comfort on a car-train.

At the end of your visits to both Cellars, you will enjoy a glass of Cava at Freixenet and a glass of wine at Torres where you will have the opportunity to purchase wines of your choice.


This excursion will operated by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 1/4 hours' total walking during this tour including more than 150 steps, which may be slippery when wet. Cava and wine is available to purchase at each winery. This tour may operate in reverse. This tour is not recommended for anyone who may be claustrophobic as visits will be made to cellars four floors below ground level. The tour at the Torres Cellars is conducted by car-train.

Your tour begins with a drive towards the Olympic Village passing by the Citadel Park, the Arch of Triumph. Your informative guide will point out all the highlights and give explanations along the way.

You will arrive at the Olympic Village where you will be given some free time to enjoy the beautifully renovated marina, with shops and restaurants and promenade.

You will continue along the marina avenue towards Passeig de Gracia, a wide boulevard lined with lovely Art Nouveau buildings that connects the Gothic Quarter to the village of Gracia.

On your way to Montjuic you will pass by Placa Espanya, the Fair and Congress Palace and Maria Cristina Avenue.

Before returning to your ship, enjoy a panoramic photograph stop from scenic Montjuic's mirador with some of the best views over the city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a ten minute walk at the viewpoint at Montjuic. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach.

On a short panoramic tour of the city, you will pass through the Paseo de Gracia, the widest avenue in town. Here, you will see plenty of Modernist houses designed by Gaudi; including the unusual La Pedrera House and other important architects of the period.

Designed by Gaudi; in 1882 and never completed, the Church of Sagrada Familia stands as witness to Gaud's creative, although controversial genius. Construction began again in 1939, but faltered due to confusion over Gaudi's plans. Join your guide for an interior visit and learn about Gaudi's vision for the Church. The final construction is meant to include 18 towers in total and is based on the 12 apostles, four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Park Guell was designed by Gaudi in the early part of the 20th century. Take a leisurely stroll through this hillside garden suburb of Barcelona, fashioned after the English model of a 'Garden City'.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some walking, including steps uneven surfaces and cobblestones throughout Park Guell. Due to parking restrictions there is a 15 minute walk each way to the Sagrada Familia. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.