Lyon and Barcelona
Lyon, france to Barcelona, Spain
September 26- October 9, 2022
September 26:
Jamey’s Departure
Today Jamey will depart SFO and travel to Lyon, France for work.
You will arrive on September 27th.
This portion of your trip has been arranged by your client, We-ef lighting.
Enjoy your time in Lyon, and let us know if you need any assistance!
October 1:
Charles’ FLIGHT Departure
This morning, Charles will depart SFO for Barcelona!
While this is self arranged airfare, you can certainly reach out to me if you need any assistance at all!
October 1:
Jamey’s TRAIN Departure/
Arrival
2:35pm- Depart from Lyon Part Dieu Train Station
The easiest, most affordable (most authentic) and most scenic way to travel from Lyon, France to Barcelona, Spain is via the train.
It’s about a 5hr ride (it would be just as long if you flew, but you’d have a layover and with the airlines making changes these days, it’s best to travel this way instead).
The schedule would allow for a departure and arrival on the 2nd, but you would arrive after Charles, and the hotel room wouldn’t quite be ready just yet.
By Jamey leaving on October 1st, you can take your time traveling to Barcelona, arrive in the evening around dinner time, check into your hotel and grab a bite to eat.
This will also allow for Charles to rest and relax with you in the hotel room right away when he arrives on the 2nd.
7:32pm- Arrive at Barcelona Sants Train station
Jamey will take a taxi to the hotel when he arrives in Barcelona.
**Note: Since cars are almost completely banned in the Gothic Quarter (not even taxis get ahead well), expect walking to get to your hotel, at least for a few yards/feet/meters.
Hotel: (8nt) Hotel Colonial Barcelona
Confirmation #: 17J91605-510
Hotel Colonial Barcelona address:
Via Laietana, 3, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
October 2:
Together at last!
Charles will travel overnight and arrive on Sunday, October 2nd.
Charles will take a taxi to the hotel when he arrives in Barcelona.
**Note: Since cars are almost completely banned in the Gothic Quarter (not even taxis get ahead well), expect walking to get to your hotel, at least for a few yards/feet/meters.
Take today to relax and catch up on your travels to Barcelona.
(We would be glad to arrange dinner reservations for you, if you’d like, so you don’t have to think about where to go to eat this evening!)
Hotel Colonial Barcelona address:
Via Laietana, 3, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
October 3:
Gothic Quarter
Spend today discovering the historical districts of Barcelona...where all started!!
Be sure to visit the square where Gaudí did his first work, the two lamps placed on Plaza Real next to Ramblas. A place that through the decades has become an artistic and social meeting point for everyone who wants to discover the heart and the soul of Barcelona deeply. .
Then check out St. Jaume square, the political city center with its the palaces and, among other sites, you will find the magnificent Cathedral.
At the Born, you will be touched by the austere splendor of the one of the most beautiful churches of Europe: Santa Maria del Mar.
And, no doubt. . . you will find secret places waiting on every narrow street of these magical historical spots.
Like many other cities on the Mediterranean, Barcelona was founded by the Romans.
The original settlement, called Barcino, was a small port located on the same spot as today’s cathedral.
The town was overshadowed by Tarragona, the capital of the province. Both the Visigoths and the Moors invaded Barcelona; however, their influence was not as important to the future of the city as the arrival of the Franks in the late 9th century.
It was at that point that Barcelona and Catalonia started shaping their own identity, different from the rest of Spain.
Barcelona’s history is seen everywhere in the city.
The oldest areas are located by the sea, including the shopping enclave Barri Gotic.
On the other side of the main boulevard, La Rambla, lies the legendary Raval district. Until the 1980’s this was the slum area, home to the city’s own Chinatown (Barrio Chino) and the red light district.
Today, designer shops and cafés have moved in. Further north is fashionable Eixample, the area created as a result of the 19th century expansion of the city.
October 4:
Gaudi’s works
Barcelona wouldn't be the same without Gaudi's buildings.
Today, walk and discover Gaudi's personality and his key buildings.
October 5:
Flamenco Show in Pablo Espanyol
Much of the attraction of Barcelona is the city’s wide range of sights.
The architect, the designer, the football fan, the art historian, the city planner - there is something for all of them in the most self-assured city on the Mediterranean.
Take today to walk around the city on your own and explore the spaces you fell in love with- or some new sites you may still want to explore.
Around 4pm, make your way to Poble Espanyol.
6pm: Flamenco Show at Table Flamenco de Carmen- inside Poble Espanyol
This evening, enjoy a very special introduction to the country’s most famous traditions. You’ll make your way to an authentic Barcelona flamenco house or ‘tablao‘.
Here professional dancers and musicians will regale you with a sensational display of the art form at its finest. Passionate refrains, intense hand-clapping and foot-stopping and exquisite guitar playing at times caress and at times assault the ears, just as precise dance moves and those swirling dresses hypnotise your eyes.
If you’ve never seen a live flamenco show before, this is an absolute must see.
And, could there be anywhere more appropriate to watch flamenco than in Barcelona’s very own Poble Espanyol, or ‘Spanish Village’? This tablao is named after Carmen Amaya and it introduces its guests to all the most important traditional styles of flamenco, highlighting its different forms of expression: instrumental, vocal and dance.
They put on two shows every evening (at 6pm and 8:30pm), and traditional Spanish tapas are served with the show.
INSIDER TIP: Another great advantage of Tablao Flamenco de Carmen is your ticket also grants you free entry to Poble Espanyol (usually €14) after 4pm, so you can also explore this cultural highlight before the performance. Poble Espanyol is real treasure chest with art by Picasso, Dali and Miro, and so much more.
Confirmation #: 37279874
October 6:
Explore Barcelona
Spend today as a free day to leisurely stroll the ancient streets of Barcelona, or perhaps seek out more new experiences!
Some suggestions may include:
The Picasso Museum
Montserrat
Winery and Cava Tours
Cooking classes (Paella or tapas)
Costa Brava day trip
Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres (and his home and museum in charming seaside Portlligat)
Catalonian Truffle Hunt
Game of Thrones filming sites
Tapas tasting around Barcelona
October 7:
Explore Sitges
Even if you don’t stay in Sitges- you may want to spend a few hours at the beach or exploring a few fun gay bars!
Located just 30 minutes south of Barcelona, Sitges has been described as the Saint-Tropez of Spain thanks to its glitzy beach crowd and lively nightlife. Renowned for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere as well as its world-famous horror film festival, Sitges has plenty to offer visitors.
(The Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia will be going on while you are in town! October 6-16, 2022!)
A seaside town, Sitges boasts some beautiful beaches right on its doorstep. The Platja de Sant Sebastià, located to the east of the town is rather small but family-friendly, whereas the Platja la Bassa Ronda is the main gay-friendly beach and one of the largest and busiest in the summer.
October 8:
Enjoy Tibidabo
This mountaintop fairground is great fun, with notable views and entertaining rides.
While Tibidabo mountain is a fairground, it's also so much more. You’ll first notice it from the city center: high on a summit, the silhouette of a majestic temple makes you curious to go. Officially called the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (or Sacred Heart church, easier on the tongue), its roof is topped with an enormous bronze statue of Jesus that you can take an elevator to. Mind-blown (and a little breeze-blown), you suddenly see the charm of the amusement park next to it—like its retro-styled attractions, such as a Ferris wheel with color-pop seating pods, built for the views as much as the screams.
Adults love the views; kids love the rides.
It’s great fun. The most iconic rides are the Avió plane that flies you, bird-like, around the site, or Talaia, a metal arm that goes 1,800 feet above sea level. Being at that height for a few minutes was once thought to have medical healing powers.
Finish with a gin and tonic on the terrace of Mirablau Bar, near where the blue tram stops. The edge seats rule.
October 9:
Depart for Home
This morning, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport where you will board your plane for home.
TRAVEL DETAILS
TRAIN INFO:
October 1:
Renfe AVE | 9743
2:35pm Depart:
Lyon Part Dieu Train Station
(5 Pl. Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France)
(Direct train, no transfers- but multiple stops)
7:32pm Arrive:
Barcelona-Stants Train Station
(Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain)
Refe AVE Locator: Y98BNS
HOTELS
Barcelona, Spain
October 1 - October 9
Hotel Colonial Barcelona
Vía Laietana, 3 , Barcelona, 08003
Confirmation: 17J91605-510
(Breakfast is included for 2people)
F.A.Q.
Are there any Gay Bars in Barcelona?
Yes!
https://www.travelgay.com/barcelona-gay-bars/
Are there any Gay Saunas in Barcelona?
Yes!
https://www.travelgay.com/barcelona-gay-saunas-spas/
Can I drink the water in Spain?
We recommend drinking bottled water (and brushing your teeth, etc) with bottled water.
How much should I tip the guide and driver?
They worked hard for you- please take care of them appropriately.
Please consider a tip of (at least):
$5/pp for the driver
$10/pp for the guide
Can I pay by Zelle?
Yes!
We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).
Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.
Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.
Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.
The Pros for using Zelle:
It is FREE (no processing fees)!
It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)
The Cons for using Zelle:
Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.
It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.
Can I pay by check?
Yes!
If you would like to avoid the 3%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.
You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”
Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212
Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.
Registration Form
PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR AIRLINE CHANGE FEES.
Pricing details
price Per package:
$2619*
*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE
Train Transportation
Lyon to Barcelona
direct
Hotel accommodations**
8 nights in Barcelona, Spain
Dinners/Tours/Shows/Passes
Flamenco Show at Tablao de Carmen w/dinner
Most taxes and fees
Train taxes and fees
Service fees and commissions
**Most hotel reservations require you to pay taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare (self arranged, self managed)
Train station to hotel transportation
Local taxis
Most meals/beverages (unless included in hotel and/or tour)
Some hotels may require payment of city taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite
Some entrance fees may need to be paid in person and onsite
Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
4% processing fee if paying invoice with credit card
Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING
Basic (starting at $162)
Cancel Anytime (starting at $306)
REGISTRATION
A completed registration form (per person)
Photo copy of picture/information page of each traveler passport emailed to: christian@zone-travel.com
Credit Card Authorization form with copy of credit card
Travel Insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL PASSENGERS - DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING
Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.
Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."
Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.
BASIC PLAN:
Your may think you can't afford both the fun and the insurance to protect it. The Basic Plan is so affordable that you can have it all, while still staying in a budget. The plan offers existing medical condition coverage and 24-hour assistance services, allowing you to purchase your trip with complete confidence.
Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost
Trip Interruption: Trip Cost
Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00
Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00
Baggage Coverage: $500.00
Baggage Delay: $200.00
Travel Delay: $300.00
Travel Delay: $150.00
24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included
CANCEL ANYTIME:
You can enjoy the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of their non-refundable trip cost back in cash. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation, primary emergency medical coverage and 24-hour travel assistance, the Classic with Cancel Anytime plan is there if life throws an unexpected wrench in your travel plans. Plan must be purchased within 10 days of the first payment date and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum).
Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost
Trip Interruption: Trip Cost
Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00
Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00
Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00
Baggage Delay: $300.00
Change Fee Coverage: $250.00
Frequent Flyer Miles Redeposit Fee: $250.00
Travel Delay: $800.00
Missed Connection: $800.00
24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included