
Barcelona
SEPTEMBER 2025

The Itinerary
Trip Overview
One Week in Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN
September 13-20, 2025
DEPARTS: USA on evening of Sat, Sep 13
ARRIVES: Barcelona on morning of Sun, Sep 14
RETURN: Barcelona to USA on Sep 20
Alternatively, extend your vacation and join us on our Mediterranean cruise September 20-27! Check it out here.
Join this small group trip as we explore one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With only one planned activity each day, our pace will be relaxed to allow for rest, self-exploration, and slow meals together while hitting some of the most important cultural highlights. There will also be optional excursions if you'd like more directed activities in your free time
-
Why Barcelona
-
Detailed Itinerary
-
Pricing & Inclusions
-
Payment Schedule
-
Inclusions & Exclusions
-
Other Trip Components
-
Flights
-
Travel Insurance
-
-
-
Registration Instructions
-
Other Common Questions
-
About Us
Detailed Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Sat, Sep 13, 2025: Fly from the US to Barcelona
Flying to Barcelona (BCN) is easy, with direct flights from several US gateways, and limitless options with a single plane change. In most cases, flights will depart America in the afternoon or evening, arriving in Europe the next morning or early afternoon.
ABOUT FLIGHTS: Your actual flight cost will depend on your departure city, airline, and routing. We will begin looking at flight schedules 6-9 months before departure.
Inclusions:
-
Flight planning and ticketing with no ticketing fee
Sun, Sep 14, 2025: Arrive in Barcelona
Today we will arrive in Barcelona, check into our hotel (once rooms are available), and rest or explore. We will begin our time together over dinner at a moderately priced restaurant for those who feel up for it.
ABOUT OUR HOTEL: We will stay in a centrally-located and highly-rated 4-star hotel. Priority will be given to walkability, local-area dining, on-site breakfast, and easy access to local transportation. We will also prioritize locations that have rooms available that have two twin beds for unrelated roommates. Once the hotel has been finalized in late 2024, based on our numbers and specific needs, all travelers will be informed of the details. ________________________
Inclusions:
-
Private airport transfer
-
6 nights shared 4-star hotel room (double occupancy)
Mon, Sep 15, 2025:
We will begin our week with an all-day ticket for the city's best hop-on hop-off bus. This type of flexible tour provides both a great overview of the urban center and transportation for the day. It will also help us plan out anything we'd like to return to later in the week during our free time.
Tonight, we will go see the beautiful Montjuïc Magic Fountain (no cost except for local transportation).
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
24-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour ticket
Tue, Sep 16, 2025:
Tuesday we only have one thing officially on the schedule. After enjoying your day exploring or relaxing, we will have a chef-led Paella experience together. Our clients have raved about activity in the past.
Excursion Description: Go beyond enjoying an authentic Spanish meal with this chef-led foodie experience—from market to plate. First, you’ll head to the famous La Boqueria market, scoping out fresh ingredients. Shopping complete, you’ll head to the classroom for tapas and sangria before fastening your apron and trying your hand at paella. Once everything's plated, sit down to your creation with your fellow chefs, toasting to your best meal in Barcelona. WHAT TO EXPECT: Your three-in-one Barcelona food experience starts at your selected time. With just your guide and a small group for company, you’ll head first to Barcelona’s iconic Boqueria food market. See how locals live, get insider tips about picking the best-quality ingredients, and immerse yourself in Spanish culinary culture. Next, return with your group to the professional kitchen and indulge in a tasting of several classic tapas dishes. You’ll have the chance to make your own traditional sangria as an accompaniment. Then, roll up your sleeves and get to work: With your guide’s one-on-one instruction and support, you’ll master the art of traditional paella, made with seafood, chicken, or vegetarian-friendly options. Prepare it together—all materials are provided—and then sit down to enjoy your meal. At the end of class, you’ll walk away with new culinary skills and a copy of the recipe, so you can recreate it after your vacation. SAMPLE MENU Starter: Selection of fresh seasonal tapas - meats, cheeses, pimientos de padron, pan con tomate and olives (selections may vary) The chef will show you how to prepare Sangria Main: Seafood Paella - Vegetarian and Chicken also available (food allergies and preferences will be collected at the start of the class) Dessert: Tarta de Santiago ________________________
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
Excursion with Dinner: Market Visit, Tapas, Sangria and Paella Class
Wed, Sep 17, 2025:
Today, the major highlight will be a tour of Gaudi's most well-known architectural works.
Excursion Description: Dive deep into the work of Gaudí with entrance to his most iconic buildings in Barcelona. Enjoy a guided tour of one of his famous houses, the colorful Park Güell, and the imposing Sagrada Família. This perfectly planned walking tour of Gaudí's most iconic buildings gets you inside each site. Highlights include: - Entrance to Casa Batlló (morning tour) or Casa Vicens, Gaudi's first house (afternoon tour) - Marvel at Park Guell with a skip-the-line tour - Visit Sagrada Família with an expert guide - Duration: 5 1/2 hours The morning tour includes entrance to Casa Battló where you'll get to explore each room ahead of the crowds. Your guide will show you the tiny details that make this house so fascinating; from breathing ‘gills’ to the clever play of light in the building’s tiles. Then it’s on to Casa Milà, where you’ll learn how this austere building came by the nickname “Stone Quarry.” If you opt for the afternoon tour, you'll begin the walking tour with stops outside the impressive Casa Battló and Casa Mila. From there, you'll ride the metro to Casa Vicens and enter the colorful first house Gaudí designed. Most tourists miss this, but you'll find out how Casa Vicens put Gaudí on the map. From there, it’s off to Park Güell. Part fanciful explosion of color, part thoughtful study of organic forms, it is a perfect reflection of the natural world. Since this became a ticketed site a few years ago, entrance lines have become extremely long – so it’s a good thing you have skip-the-line access. Finally, hop on a private minibus for a short transfer to Gaudí’s most iconic work: the one and only Sagrada Família. Enter after the daytime crowds have left and the golden hour light streams through the stained glass windows. You’ll spend a full hour exploring the church itself, then, unlike most tours, you will go down into the museum to see some of the architect's drawings, models, and calculations, plus a clear view of his tomb. As the tour draws to a close, get recommendations from your guide on where to eat the best tapas or stay a little longer to continue exploring. Includes: - Local guide - Pre-reserved Casa Batlló ticket or pre-reserved entrance to Casa Vicens - Skip-the-line Park Güell ticket - Pre-reserved La Sagrada Família ticket - Two transfers by public and private transport - Headsets ________________________
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
Guided Gaudi Tour to Sagrada, Houses & Park Guell
Thu, Sep 18, 2025:
After your day of exploring (or relaxing), we have a choice of evening activity - a sunset cruise or another tasty food activity - tapas and drinks!
Sunset Cruise Excursion Description: There’s no better way to enjoy a Barcelona sunset than on the water, as the sun sinks below the mountains behind the city. Enjoy the witching hour with a drink in hand from the open bar on this intimate cruise, with a capacity of just 10 travelers in total. You’ll glide along the coast from Port Vell, Barcelona’s old port, savoring Barcelona’s skyline—old and new—as the city lights up for the night. - Cruise the Mediterranean on a sailboat as the sun sets behind Barcelona - Get in the party spirit with cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks...plus snacks - Numbers are capped at 10 travelers for a more intimate experience - Golden sunset light makes for glorious photos and memories too What's Included: - Professional Skipper - Open Bar: Cava, Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks - Light Snacks - A swim, weather permitting ________________________
Tapas Tour Excursion Description: Experience Barcelona tapas and wine culture on a gourmet walking tour that explores Spanish cuisine, drinks, and ingredients. In a city that’s packed with tapas bars, getting beyond the tourist spots for an authentic experience can be a challenge; visiting four local spots for tapas and drinks is a great way to discover where to eat and drink in Barcelona. - Try a range of tapas with a drink to accompany each one - Learn how to enjoy tapas local-style - Go beyond the menu to experience Spain's culinary heritage - Convenient meeting point close to Las Rambas - Duration: 3 hours What's Included: - Four local stops with a variety of tapas - Drinks including wine, sangria, vermouth and cava - Professional local guide ________________________
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
Choice of Barcelona Sunset Cruise with Light Snacks and Open Bar or Barcelona Tapas Walking Tour: Food, Wine & History
Fri, Sep 19, 2025:
For our last full day in Barcelona, we will end our week with a bang! This evening, we will enjoy VIP seats at a live Flamenco show along with a multi-course gourmet Spanish dinner. What a great way to close out our Barcelona adventure!
Excursion Description: The best Tablao Flamenco in town - enjoy a wonderful performance of the pure art that is Flamenco! Dancers, Guitarist and Singers in a 17th Century Palace. The duration of the show is one hour, where you will be able to see different world class performers. The Dalmases Palace has been restored to give it a more modern and sophisticated atmosphere without losing the charm of the original construction. Drinks and dinner will be included with our VIP seats. For dinner, click below for a sample menu. ________________________
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
VIP front row seats to Flamenco show
-
Drinks & full Spanish dinner
Sat, Sep 20, 2025: Depart Barcelona
After breakfast, you may depart as your travel schedule dictates.
If you would like to extend your vacation for another week, some of us will be embarking on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise out of Barcelona, ending in Naples, Italy. Click here for more details on this cruise on the brand new Sun Princess. We'd love for you join us as we continue the fun!
Inclusions:
-
Breakfast
-
Private transfer to the airport or to the cruise ship terminal

Pricing Details & Registration
Pricing & Inclusions
STATEROOM OPTIONS
We have secured specific staterooms as part of our group, however, you any available room can be booked and then moved into the group in order to take advantage of group benefits. Click here for an overview of the staterooms available on the Zuiderdam. Click here to download the full deck plan of the ship.
Trip Inclusions
$4,436 for a solo room
$5,458 for 2 people in a stateroom ($2,729 each)
Additional $2,794 per person for guest 3 & 4 in a stateroom.
Not Included
$6,943 for a solo room
$7,538 for 2 people in a stateroom ($3,769 each)
Additional $3,004 for guest 3 in a stateroom.
Mid-Ship Ocean View Balcony (Verandah) Stateroom Category VA Group Rate
Accommodates 2-3 people, decks 4, 5, 6, 8 mid-ship, mid-fwd, mid-aft
$7,303 for a solo room
$7,898 for 2 people in a stateroom ($3,949 each)
Additional $3,004 for guest 3 in a stateroom.
Note on pricing: If Holland America's market price or sales online drop the price below our group rate at the time of your booking, we will book you the best rate automatically!
All prices are subject to change until booked with a deposit.
Pricing for Other Stateroom & Suite Options
We will gladly book you into any available room that you desire and you will be part of our group. The price will be the best possible current market rate. Please note that many of the specials and sales that HAL runs may include a non-refundable deposit.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
What is the deposit amount? The regular deposit amount is $600 per person. Occasionally, Holland America runs specials for a reduced (non-refundable) deposit, but then the pricing would be at the market rate that day. ___________________
When is the remainder due? Your remaining cruise balance is due October 19, 2025. We will remind you when your final payment is due. ___________________
Are payment arrangements / installments available? Yes, we are happy to work with you on a payment plan that fits your budget best, as long as the cruise is paid off before the final payment deadline. ___________________
Other Trip Components
TRANSFERS, FLIGHTS, AND HOTELS
Am I responsible for booking my own transfers, hotel, and flights? Since this is a group trip, we will prompt the group when it is time to book these pieces. You will not have to keep track of when this needs to happen. For hotel and transfers, we will be arranging group pricing that will be less expensive than the cruise line. For your hotel room, budget $350-500 for a solo room or $175-250 for a shared room. Transfers to the port will be less than $50 per person if you stay at the hotel we are at. For transfers to San Diego airport, we recommend a taxi, uber/lyft, or private transfer, so you can leave immediately after going through customs rather than waiting on a group. We are happy to arrange your private transfer. Budget $100-150 depending on the size of your group. For flights, we are happy to assist you. We charge a domestic ticketing fee of $30 per person. You are also free to book your own flights. This is a great option if you are using miles or points, as we do not handle those types of bookings. The important thing is that you arrive at least the night before. It is a big mistake to arrive the day of a cruise. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you could miss the ship and ruin your entire vacation! It's not worth the risk. ___________________
What airport should I fly into? You should fly into MIA (Miami International), which is 20 minutes from the port of Miami or FLL (Fort Lauderdale International), which is 45 minutes from the port of Miami. ___________________
When should I arrive in Miami? You may arrive anytime on January 30, 2026 (or earlier if you plan to explore the area). The important thing is that you arrive at least the night before. It is a big mistake to arrive the day of a cruise. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you could miss the ship and ruin your entire vacation! It's not worth the risk. ___________________
What time should I depart from San Diego? We recommend that you schedule your flight no earlier than noon on February 15 to allow plenty of time for debarkation, collecting luggage, customs/immigration, traffic from the port to the airport, and time to check in for your flight. ___________________
INSURANCE
What about travel insurance? Once you pay your deposit, we will send you a travel insurance quote within one week. Coverage cost will be from 3%-15% of your trip costs, depending on your age and level of coverage you choose. We like to sell third party insurance rather than cruise line coverage because we can include your other trip costs in the coverage. When purchased through the cruise lines, insurance only covers the parts of the trip you buy through them. Our favorite company is Chubb for the simplicity of working with them, our experience with them paying claims, and the range of coverages they offer. If you would like "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage, please alert us, and we will get you a quote for that type of coverage. Keep in mind that CFAR typically costs about double and it only returns to you 50-75% of your costs if you cancel. ___________________
Can I decline insurance? While we always recommend you protect your vacation investment, you are under no obligation to purchase the insurance we offer. Perhaps you have your own coverage or simply want to take the risk, it's no problem. You will just be required to sign a waiver form that shows we offered it to you and you declined. ___________________
Registration Process
When you register for the cruise, you will complete a secure form that will provide us with the most important information we will need. This includes:
-
Your basic information (name, date of birth, email, phone, etc.)
-
Your stateroom preferences
-
Whether or not you'd like payment arrangements
-
Any special needs or requests you have
Step 1: Click "BOOK NOW" below.
Step 2: Click on the "available package," which will only show the per person deposit amount for the cruise.
Step 3: Select the number of travelers you are paying for on one invoice.
Step 4: Add on the optional "Have It All" package, if desired (first and second guests in a stateroom). Then on the bottom right, click "Continue to traveler info."
Step 5: You will complete the primary traveler registration form followed by simplified registration forms for each additional traveler. Then on the bottom right, click "Continue to payment."
Step 6: Authorize us to charge your deposit amount.
Important: When you enter your payment details, you are only authorizing (giving us permission) to charge your card for the deposit. Nothing is charged at the moment when you click submit. Only once we review your form, clarify any details with you (if needed), and finalize your booking with Holland America will we actually charge your deposit amount.
Need Help?
For questions or help registering, contact:
Christie Costello, Owner & Travel Consultant
Toastable Travel + Events
ccostello@toastabletravel.com | 909.257.7747
Or schedule a personal appointment by clicking here.
Benefits to Booking Early
-
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a great choice of stateroom. Those who wait will have the staterooms that are in less desirable locations. In our perfect world, your cabin would have other cabins above, below, on either side, and across from you. This is the quietest type of stateroom - we call it a "sandwich" stateroom - sandwiched between other staterooms. We'd hate for you to be under the pool deck or a bar, above a music venue, or across from a busy crew door.
-
Those who select the "Have It All" package will have upgraded benefits if they book early - called "Have It All Plus." It upgrades the internet speed, the beverage package, and includes gratuities!
-
You will pay less for more, plain and simple.
-
You will have better pricing and availability for your flights and excursions.
-
You will get our entire series of communications leading up to the trip.
-
You can begin enjoying the "anticipation effect" even earlier, which actually adds happiness to your vacation investment! Click here for an article on this phenomenon.

Other Common Questions
Cancellation & Other Policy Information
-
Toastable Travel & Events cancellation fee: $100
Even if your deposit is refundable through Holland America, when you cancel, we will charge you a small cancellation fee that covers our time. When you register, you are agreeing to this cancellation fee. Review our full Terms & Conditions by clicking here.
-
Holland America's Cancellation Policy
Standard bookings within our group contract follow this standard cancellation policy. If your pricing is through a special sale or reduced deposit, those deals tend to have non-refundable deposits (as also noted in this policy).
Special Needs & Requests
Are there wheelchair accessible staterooms available? All major cruise lines have accessible staterooms on their ships, however, availability goes quickly, especially on a specialty cruise like the Panama Canal. If you require an accessible stateroom, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can check availability for you immediately. ___________________
Can the ship accommodate special dietary requests? Special Diets and Meals: Kosher, Passover Seder dinner, salt-free, fat-free, baby food, diabetic and other special dietary needs can be accommodated only with advance notification. For special meal arrangements, please let us know as early as possible, or contact the Ship Services Department at 1-800-541-1576 (or email: hal_ship_services@hollandamerica.com) at least 90 days prior to departure. For Kosher meal request, request a Kosher meal request form. While we try to fulfill all requests, it may not always be feasible. Holland America Line reserves the right to substitute products when specified brands are not available. An additional charge may be applied. Reconfirm any special requests with the Maitre d after you board. Kosher meals are prepared off the ship in a kosher kitchen, frozen and brought to the table sealed in their original containers. There is no kosher kitchen on board, nor do we have kosher dishes, utensils, pots or pans on the ship. Cooking facilities onboard are not considered kosher. ___________________
Are you able to assist me with special requests, or do I call HAL directly? We are happy to assist you with any special requests or arrangements, including but not limited to: - special dietary needs - equipment rental, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters - shower chairs - extension cords for CPAP or other powered equipment - distilled water ___________________
What about motion sickness?
Other Miscellaneous Questions & Info
-
Do I need a passport for this trip?
The short answer is yes. This is not a "closed-loop" cruise, so even if you have cruised before with just your driver's license and birth certificate, this cruise is different. For specific requirements, click here.
About
About This Group Trip
Who is organizing this trip?
Will there be a group leader traveling with the group? Yes, your travel advisor will be traveling with you! There are so many benefits to having your planner on the trip. We will keep the group coordinated and in touch with one another, make sure everyone is updated on any changes, communicate group perks, and clear up uncertainty when it arises. We are your liaison with the cruise line, which will free you up to enjoy yourself more rather than dealing with logistics. ___________________
