5. Barcelona: 2.5-Hour Gaudí Segway Tour
This Gaudí-inspired Segway tour takes you on a trip through the more recent history of Barcelona, leading through two of the city's central districts: Eixample and Vila de Gràcia. Starting at the famous Arc de Triomf on the Lluís Companys avenue, this itinerary introduces many of Barcelona's main attractions. It includes the famous architecture created by Anonti Gaudí: the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) on Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona's most celebrated boulevards.
You will also visit lesser-known modernist icons designed by great architects like Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Among them are buildings like the Casa Fuster, Casa de les Punxes or the Casa Amattler, a luxurious property in Eixample commissioned by a wealthy chocolate tycoon in 1898. Another highlight of the tour is La Monumental, the last bullfighting arena where bullfights were held before being banned by the Catalonian parliament.
Additionally to the Eixample district, this tour also takes you on a quick escape to the main square of the Gràcia district, the Plaza de la Vila de Gràcia. Interestingly, the district originally was not connected to Barcelona's old town, La Ciutat Vella, which is comprised of the Gothic quarter, the Born, the Raval and the neighbourhood next to the beach, La Barceloneta. It was established in the 17th century and remained an independent municipality until being formally annexed by Barcelona in 1897. On the square you will witness the distinctive bell tower and the former city hall, La casa de la Vila de Gràcia. Being one of Barcelona's most picturesque and cosmopolitan districts, Gràcia is home to the city's young bohemian scene. It consists of low buildings and small alleys full of local shops, restaurants and small art galleries, the type of vibrant local infrastucture Barcelona has become famous for.