Beautiful weather, friendly people; and abundant sightseeing describe Barcelona, a cosmopolitan hotspot in Spain. Now, travelers can cross this vibrant destination off their bucket lists with the new and improved seven-day Breathtaking Barcelona tour from Friendly Planet Travel, starting at just $1,299.

Friendly Planet Travel’s seven-day Breathtaking Barcelona package includes round-trip airfare from Newark, N.J. (EWR); fuel surcharges, airline taxes, and fees; arrival and departure transfer with meeting and assistance; accommodations in a first-class hotel, including Barcelona city hotel tax; daily breakfast; and a panoramic city tour of Barcelona with a local guide.

After arriving in the sophisticated city of Barcelona, travelers check-in to their centrally located four-star hotel, Evenia Rossello Hotel, which is a few blocks from several metro stops and the lovely Passeig de Gracia, the city’s most elegant boulevard and one of the best shopping areas. Travelers enjoy a panoramic city tour, beginning with Montjuïc Hill and Castell de Montjuïc where travelers can admire the spectacular views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. Then, visit the Olympic Ring, where some of the 1992 Olympic Games were held, and stroll through the Old Port area and Gothic Quarter. From there, head to the expansive Placa de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia, considered the most expensive street in Spain, lined with celebrated architecture, upscale shops and hotels.

The remainder of time in Barcelona is at leisure for travelers to explore the fascinating sites and nightlife of the city at their own pace. Several optional excursions are available, such as a visit to Barcelona’s most famous monuments, including the Cathedral of Sagrada Família and Park Güell; a paella dinner and flamenco show; a visit to Girona and Figueres, home town of Salvador Dali, and the Dalí Museum, the largest surrealist structure in the world; or a half day tour to nearby Montserrat. An optional full day tour to Collioure, France and Besalú, Spain is also available for travelers interested in the rich archaeological heritage of these sites as well as the spectacular scenery of the Garrotxa Nature Reserves volcanic zone in the eastern Pyrenees.

For travelers interested in taking advantage of the already-included international airfare, and exploring the capital city, an optional post-tour three-day extension to Madrid is also available for $599. Fly to Madrid and stay at the centrally located, well reviewed four-star Hotel AC Carlton. Enjoy a city tour to the most famous sites, including Plaza de España, Casa de Campo, Puerta del Sol, Atocha, Retiro Park, the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium, the Gran Vía, Castilla, and La Cibeles. Optional tours to Toledo, the city of museums that is overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or Escorial, are available.

Friendly Planet’s seven-day Breathtaking Barcelona tour is available on the departure dates of Nov. 24, Jan. 12, and Jan. 26 for $1,299; Feb. 16 and Mar. 9 for $1,399; Mar. 16 for $1,449; Mar. 23 for $1,499; and Mar. 30, Apr. 13 and Apr. 20 for $1,599, if booked by Nov. 6.

Friendly Planet Travel, www.FriendlyPlanet.com