Official guides can be hired from the Barcelona Guide Bureau, Via Laietana 54, 6e, 5a (tel: (93) 268 2422 or 667 419 140 (mobile); fax: (93) 268 2211; website: www.bgb.es). Guides charge Pta22,500-Pta30,500 (depending on the language required) for up to 4 hours.

Walking Tours
La Ruta del Modernismo links 50 key Art Nouveau buildings in the city including La Sagrada Família and sites not usually open to the general public. The self-guided tour departs from Palau Güell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5. Tickets for admission to the sights (Pta600) are available from Casa Lleó Morera, Passeig de Gràcia 35.

Bus Tours
Two companies run identical tours of the city: Julià Tours (tel: (93) 317 6454; website: www.julia-tours.com), departs from Ronda Universitat 5; Pullmantur (tel: (93) 318 0241), from Gran Viá de les Corts Catalanes 65. A morning tour concentrates on the Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc, while an afternoon tour includes visits to key examples of Barcelona's architectural heritage and the Picasso Museum. Half day tours cost around Pta4,895. A TMB (see passes section), allows visitors to hop on and off designated tourist buses at sites of their choice. The buses ply two routes and the first bus leaves Plaça de Catalunya at daily 0900. Tickets cost Pta2000 for 1 day and Pta2,500 for two days.

Boat Tours
There are trips around the harbour departing from the Portal de la Pau near the Columbus Monument at the bottom of La Rambla in summer daily 1100-2030 or in winter on Saturday and Sunday only. Energetic visitors can opt for a one-way ticket and then walk back the four kilometres (two-and-a-half miles) to Barceloneta from the breakwater.

Toledo Full Day  1 Day
Introducing one of the Spain's greatest national monuments for art, history and spirituality - the glorious city of Toledo! See its many beautiful sites including the amazing Thirteenth Century Cathedral, medieval castle, synagogue and of course its stunning El Greco masterpieces. Book this tour and allow this mesmerizing city to capture your soul!

Avila and Segovia  9 hours
Join the pilgrimage to the ancient city of Avila, known for being the birthplace of the mystic writer, St Teresa, as well as its ninety semicircular towers dating back to the eleventh century. The magic of this tour continues with a tour of Segovia, most renowned for its famous Alcazar, an eleventh century Medieval Castle, believed to be the inspiration for Disney Castle. Book now for to experience a step back in time that you'll never forget!

Toledo, El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen  9 hours
Journey south of Madrid into a long forgotten world as you discover the ancient city of Toledo, once the medieval capital of Spain. Become familiar with the life of a monk as you tour El Escorial Monastery, and spare some thought for the dead of the Spanish Civil War in the Valley of the Fallen - the history of this country will simply amaze you.

Historic Toledo Privately Guided Tour  8 hours
Spend a day admiring historical Toledo! This ancient city offers one of the most genuine collections of the richest artistic samples in Spain (Arabian, Jew, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque). Toledo was and continues now-a-days to be the religious capital of Spain and it is also regarded as the city of three cultures (Christian, Jew and Islamic). A day not to be missed!

Avila and Segovia Privately Guided Tour  8 hours
Come and discover beautiful Avila and Segovia on this privately guided tour. The city of Avila, source of the Spanish mysticism, is the birthplace of Santa Teresa and well known-in the world because of its treasures in art and tradition with its medieval walls and its Cathedral. Then onto Segovia - this old town is rich in historical monuments. Ancient Roman city, it has the Aqueduct built in time of Augustus. A trip not to be missed!

Salamanca Historic Walking Tour (Privately Guided Tour)   10 hours
Are you a history buff? Then this privately guided tour is for you! Salamanca - the Romans called it Helmantica. At the beginning Salamanca grew up all around its Cathedral and then its University, one of the oldest and most prestigious one in Europe, with Oxford, Paris and Bologne. Visit the old and new Cathedrals, the University and the Plaza Mayor. Come see for yourself…