The Sagrada Familia is a huge Christian church dedicated to the Holy Family in Barcelona. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, and consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI himself in an elaborate ceremony - despite the fact that it is still unfinished.
Building began in the 1880s and has been carried out intermittently since, as its construction relied heavily on private donations and was also interrupted by various cultural and political events throughout the years; a couple of inconvenient world wars and the Spanish Civil War were chief among the disturbances.
The lead architect on the project was Antoni Gaudí, who combined the drama of Gothic and Byzantine architecture with the fluidity of Art Nouveau in his ambitious designs. The result is an otherworldly Basilica that looks like a hybrid of Christian cathedral and fairytale palace.
The three façades, representing the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, are peopled by extraordinary angular figures. Its eighteen lofty towers represent the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the Four Evangelists, and, tallest of all, a central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. Their hierarchy and symbolism emphasise elevation towards God; expressive form is married to divine function. While Gaudí wished to make an impact on the Barcelona skyline, he believed that the work of man should never supercede the work of God - so despite an impressive 172.5m, the building is just shy of the height of Montjuïc, the highest point in the municipality of Barcelona.
Gaudí took his time over the building - stating that his client, God, was in no rush - and left it roughly 25% complete on his death in 1926. It is now not expected to be finished until 2026, which would total 144 years of construction. Since 2010 the nave of the church has been available for use in religious services, though visitors today will probably still see cranes and scaffolding around the outer façade of the huge Basilica. The Sagrada Familia has a remarkable story, and will only increase in grandeur over the coming years: it is truly an extraordinary sight.
Discover the best of Barcelona, from its famous Ramblas to the iconic Sagrada Familia, and explore its most famous highlights, panoramas and some well-hidden gems in a day!
On your private tour, you will:
Barcelona has become a popular tourist destination for visitors around the world as it is home to some of the world’s most unique and beautiful historical buildings and sites, delicious food, and vibrant culture, not to mention the amazing 4km of beaches. Its’ warm and sunny climate also makes Barcelona a hugely popular place to visit!
This tour is ideal for those who would like a taste of what Barcelona has to offer in a day. Whether you’re interested in history, taking a walk through the vibrant streets of the Gothic Quarter, indulging in various delicious cuisines, or soaking in the city’s uniquely designed buildings, you will experience a bit of everything through this tour.
Start your tour wandering the beautiful streets of downtown Barcelona. Take a walk to the heart of the city at Plaza Catalonia, the bustling street of Las Ramblas, the unforgettable Gothic Quarter, and to the magnificent Church of Santa Maria del Mar.
After a lunch break, a private car will drive your group and guide you towards a panoramic city tour to Montjüic to admire the city from above! On your way down back to the city you will enjoy a brief photo stop at iconic Gaudi houses before arriving at Park Güell, a prime example of Barcelona’s modernism, and one of the highest points of the city to enjoy amazing panoramic views.
Your tour ends with a privately guided tour of Barcelona’s crowning glory, designed by Antonio Gaudi, one of the greatest and most unique architects of all time: the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with tickets included.
Please note: Your clothing must be appropriate to enter the Sagrada Familia. Your knees and shoulders, back, and stomach must be covered. See-through clothing and swimwear are forbidden.
Discover several incredible panoramic views over the city of Barcelona on this half-day private driving tour around the city's most amazing viewpoints, including a visit to the amazing Glòries Tower skyscraper.
On your private tour, you will:
Discover some of the most astounding panoramic views high above Barcelona, kept secret by the locals, on this fabulous private driving tour to the best viewing points over this stunning city! Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and whisk you off in search of some of the finest panoramic views, not just of Barcelona but all of Europe!
Enjoy a relaxing and thoroughly scenic drive out of the city centre, while your guide will share lots of fascinating history and stories of Barcelona with you as you head up the hill, towards your first stop: the Carmel Bunkers. Rather than bunkers, this place was used during the Spanish Civil War to store firearms - specifically anti-aircraft weapons.
Afterwards, the area became a shanty town; the residents were rehoused during the Olympic Games in 1992 and today the site is still a well-kept secret by the locals and provides a breathtaking view over Barcelona - with the city and her grand monuments stretched out beneath you.
Next drive to Tibidabo, which at 512 meters it is the highest hill overlooking Barcelona. It rises sharply in the northwest and enjoys panoramic views of both the city and the coastline. Perched on the summit is the astonishingly beautiful Sagrat Cor Church (Sacred Heart), which was begun in 1902 and completed 60 years later. It is a vast neo-gothic church with a massive statue of the sacred heart of Jesus on top: a truly spectacular sight to behold.
Then drive to beautiful Montjuic - the most famous hill in Barcelona, filled with pavillions, temples, palaces, parks, botanical gardens, and other monuments from when Barcelona hosted the World's Fair in 1920. It means Jewish Mountain, named for the medieval Jewish cemetery there, and has glorious views over the city.
For years it was an important defence outpost of the city, with a wooded valley and fort. Today, there are many castles and museums to see and admire on Montjuic, including the Magic Fountain - and of course wonderful views over the city!
Then it's time to drive back into the city where you will be dropped off at the Glòries Tower, your guide will give you your tickets and guide you to the entrance. Then you have free time to head up to the Observation Deck of this grand glass skyscraper - with, yes, some of the greatest views over the city!
Please note:
- This tour runs rain or shine, and on a rainy day, the visibility of the city skyline might be affected. Your guide will be happy to change the stops to offer the best experience.
- Access to the Carmel Bunkers implies a walking part to get to the top of the hill from the parking area.
Explore the best of Barcelona on a private tour of Gaudi’s imprint on the city, with tickets to La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell.
On this walking and driving combined private tour, you will:
A trip to Barcelona would be incomplete without exploring Gaudí's imprint on the city. Not only was he one of the most influential architects of Barcelona’s modern and art nouveau period in the late 19th and early 20th century, but in history.
His architectural masterpieces helped transform the city of Barcelona into the thriving, bustling, historical and cultural metropolitan city it is today.
In Dreta de l'Eixample view the world-renowned Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, and Casa Vicens Gaudí. You will get a sense of Gaudí’s innovative and eccentric mind as you walk into the various edifices designed by him, from the cathedral spires at La Sagrada Familia to the gingerbread gatehouses, grottos and ceramic animals in Park Güell.
Enjoy two hassle-free private transfers to Park Güell and Sagrada Familia and admire the city from the comfort of your car. Your tour ends with a guided tour inside the Sagrada Familia where you will then be free to stay at your leisure.
Join us on the tour and you will be transformed into another world as you enter the intricately designed spaces.
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without visiting La Sagrada Familia, the unique basilica designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudi. Begun back in 1882, this incredible monument has become the city’s most emblematic landmark and construction continues to this day, with the building scheduled for completion in 2026. The extraordinary structure is infused with a long and complex history and contains a wealth of intricate details, the brainchild of a deeply pious architect who used innovative techniques to mimic shapes and structures found in nature. With so many nuances to discover, taking a private tour of the Sagrada Familia with an experienced professional guide is the best way to make the most of your visit, and reveal details that many travellers miss.
On this 1.5-hour private tour, you will:
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Gaudí’s genius, this intimate private tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated landmarks, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty and complexity of la Sagrada Familia. Your Barlceona bucket-list adventure will begin at our conveniently located meeting point just across from the basilica, a breathtaking Barcelona icon and UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will be waiting with timed-entry tickets procured ahead of time to allow seamless entry into the city’s most sought-after attraction.
As you approach the site of the world’s most famous unfinished building, your guide will provide an engaging introduction to the Sagrada Familia’s history and plans for its completion. Throughout your time together, you will gain a deeper understanding of Gaudí’s extraordinary vision and how his groundbreaking techniques shaped this ever-evolving structure.
You will soon get to know Gaudi’s magnum opus inside and out, starting with its complex and fascinating exterior. Passing by the Nativity, Passion, and Glory Façades, your guide can point out how each one tells a unique story through carefully crafted carvings that represent the joyful birth of Christ, his crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. As you compare and contrast the different architectural styles, from Gothic to Art Nouveau, your guide can also explain the building’s 18 towers, each dedicated to biblical figures, and reveal which of these towers are yet to be completed and how they will shape the final silhouette of the basilica.
You will then have the privileged opportunity to enter the awe-inspiring interior, where towering tree-like columns rise to meet the vaulted ceiling, creating a sense of walking through a sacred forest. Thanks to to insights of your passionate expert guide, you will dive into the mind of Antoni Gaudí and discover how his innovative use of natural forms, light, and geometry revolutionized architecture. You will bask in the colourful glow of stained-glass windows, designed to fill the space with a kaleidoscope of light and colour, admire the elaborate mosaics and marvel at the spiritual and artistic details surrounding you.
As your time with the guide comes to an end, you are free to remain on site to explore further, equipped with access to the Basilica Museum where you can find Gaudí’s models, sketches, and intriguing details of the Sagrada Familia’s construction. Your guide can assist with further recommendations on other Gaudí sites to visit and other things to do during your trip to Barcelona. Whatever you decide to do next, your experience of the magnificence of the Sagrada Familia will leave a lasting impression and deep appreciation for Gaudí and his legacy.
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