Madrid and Barcelona - Tours

Although its scope was limited, I thought the Barcelona tourist office's Barri Gotic walking tour was very good. I don't know whether it's always the case, but on the early-August day when I took the tour we ran into a few other tour groups ( I think run by the "free" tour operators) that were about twice the size of our group. But I don't think the T.O. tours run very frequently. I paid 16 euros last year for a 2-hour tour.

I do think walking tours are a grest introduction to a city, and you'll often be given useful tips on good restaurant areas, etc.

We are pondering a tour with Runner Bean Tours in Barcelona:

http://runnerbeantours.com/

RS recommends them in his book.

Some Barcelona residents and city councillors take issue with the effects of mass group tourism on the city. There are genuine concerns about the impacts on locals and a sustainable visitor industry going forward. In essence, Barcelona is a victim of its own success.
With 6 nights in the city you have a generous amount of time so I would think a good 'overview' is achieved in your pre trip research, online and in forums such as this. Distill web information so your teens have day to day travel guides.

My recent advice for someone with 4 days...

Day 1
BOOK a first up visit to ...
•Sagrada Familia
Then get lost exploring ...
Eixample (Passeig de Gracia, Casa Mila & Casa Batllo)

Day 2
BOOK a first up visit to ...
•Palau de la Musica Catalana
Then get lost exploring ...
Bari Gotico (Cathedral) and walking the Ramblas (Boqueria markets & Placa Real)

Day 3
BOOK a first up visit to ...
•Picasso Museum
Then get lost exploring ...
El Born (Basilica Santa Maria del Mar), Parc de la Ciutadella & Barceloneta

Day 4
BOOK a first up visit to ...
•Park Guell
Then get lost exploring ...
Montjuic (MNAC & Miro Museum)

teenagers + June = beach
Make time to allow at last a half day at the beach and raise the happiness index of your daughters!
The above recommendation comes from experience of being the Father of daughters.
Next tip, allow them to buy some shoes to take back home for admiration by their girlfriends.
This tip also applies to Mom's
Safe Travels!

THANK YOU for such great advice, including the beach and shoes suggestions. Rest assured that my teens have been very involved with the activity planning and we have plenty of time built in for beach and shopping.

:)

Last summer we took a tour of some smaller towns in Catalunya with the Explore Catalunya company and were very impressed with their professionalism. Our guide was knowledgeable and very personable, also unflappable. They do tours in Barcelona as well as greater Catalunya, which might suit your needs.

Also, the tours start and end at their office just next door to the beautiful Palau de la Música, depending on the timing you could probably work things out to tour the Palau or see a concert when you're done!

I have experience with the tour company Spanish Trails in Barcelona. They specialize in small groups, which makes the tour more interactive. I highly recommend them. I've personally met Filippo and Alexandra and they're phenomenal. Will be heading back to Barcelona in a month and will be using them again. They also offer tours in Madrid, but I cannot personally comment on that location. Check them out!