Costa Brava & Barcelona

Today begins our holiday to the Costa Brava. Upon arrival to Spain, we will be met on arrival by our friendly local guide and travel to our hotel. Our guide will provide lots of tips and information to help get a great holiday under way. We will then have the rest of the day to settle in to our hotel. This evening, let’s get together with our fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel.  

Join us as we spend the day exploring the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Our day will begin with a panoramic coach tour of this cosmopolitan city seeing sights such the Barceloneta neighbourhood, Montjuic mountain with its panoramic viewing point where you can see the entire city laid out before you, like the Olympic Stadium and Plaza Espana. 

Coming to the centre, let's uncover more of Barcelona with a walking tour of the iconic Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic is the centre of the old city of Barcelona and many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement. The area is made up of a labyrinth of small streets running off the famous Las Ramblas, many of which open up to squares, which contain churches and basilicas.

After your guided tour you have free time for lunch and to discover more of Barcelona at your own pace. You might like to revisit some of the places you saw during your guided tours. 

You can perhaps take a trip to one of the many markets or museums in the city and stop for some refreshments in one of the many bars & restaurants by the port or at La Boqueria, the famous food market off Las Ramblas. You will have a guided transfer back to your hotel this evening.

Let’s see more, as we continue to explore and uncover the beauty of Catalonia as we embark on a full day guided excursion to Montserrat and the local area. Our day will begin with a visit to the mountain top location of Montserrat, home to the beautiful Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat.  Our expert local guide will take us on a cable car towards the abbey and explain the importance of this religious and historic site. You will then be free to visit the Abbey, the on-site museum, or take a funicular to the highest part of the mountain range where you can admire spectacular views towards Barcelona and the coast.

After a morning of discovery in Montserrat, we will continue our journey to the wine region of Penedès. Let’s enjoy a tour of the winery and cellars of Freixanet, followed by a tasting of their famous sparkling Cava wine. 

You will have a today to relax and enjoy the charms of the Costa Brava. Our local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise which highlights are a must-see. Why not stretch your legs with a walk on the seaside promenade or relax beside the pool at the hotel? Or perhaps enjoy an al fresco drink or lunch in the Spanish air. The choice is yours!

Let's uncover more of Barcelona with a walking tour around the Sagrada Familia.

After your guided tour you have free time for lunch and to discover more of Barcelona at your own pace.  You might like to revisit some of the places you saw during your guided tours. 

Why not enter the La Sagrada Familia church and take time to explore the stunning open interior - please note the entrance tickets need to be booked in advance, ask your guide for assistance. Another option is to take the cable car to the top of Montjuic and spend more time enjoying the views and walks. You could also discover the world-famous Parc Guell designed by Antoni Gaudi with its stunning architecture and colourful mosaics. 

Today let’s discover more of this beautiful region with a visit to Girona where we will enjoy a walking tour through the town’s beautifully preserved Jewish Quarter to the Santa Maria Cathedral, an excellent example of Gothic Catalan architecture. We will finish in the town’s main Plaza where we will have some free time to explore more of this medieval city.

This afternoon let’s learn more about the famous figures of Catalonia in the town of Figueres where we will visit the Dalí Museum. Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres and is widely regarded as one of the most influential surrealist artists of his time. This museum, where the young Dali’s first exhibitions were showcased now displays the largest and most diverse collection of his works, including some of his paintings, films, sculptures, and photography.  

Let’s enjoy a final day on the Costa Brava at your own pace. Pick up some last-minute souvenirs in the local town, relax on the beach or enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by in a waterfront café.

On our last day, it’s time to say ‘adios’ to the lovely Costa Brava and set off for home. You will travel from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, with guide assistance with some wonderful holiday memories.