Costa Brava and Barcelona

Arrival in Barcelona, and transfer on own to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

You will have a today to relax and enjoy the charms of the Costa Brava. Your 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!

Today, explore Barcelona, the Catalan capital. Begin with a panoramic coach tour of this cosmopolitan city, passing sights such as Barceloneta, Montjuïc with its scenic viewpoint overlooking the city, the Olympic Stadium, and Plaza España. In the centre, continue with a walking tour of the iconic Gothic Quarter. Known as Barri Gòtic, it forms the heart of the old city, with many buildings dating back to medieval times and even the Roman era. The area is a maze of narrow streets branching off Las Ramblas, often opening into squares with churches and basilicas.

Today continue to explore and uncover the beauty of Catalonia as you embark on a full day guided excursion to Montserrat and the local area. The day will begin with a visit to the mountain top location of Montserrat, home to the beautiful Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. Your expert local guide will take you on a ride up 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, continue our journey to the wine region of Penedès. Enjoy a tour of the winery, followed by a tasting of their famous sparkling Cava wine.

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.

Discover more of this beautiful region with a visit to Girona where you 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. Finish in the town’s main Plaza where you will have some free time to explore more of this medieval city. In the afternoon, learn more about the famous figures of Catalonia in the town of Figueres where you 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.

Discover more of Barcelona with a walking tour around the Sagrada Familia. Start your day with a visit to Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece, still under construction and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The tour includes an exterior walk to admire its two impressive façades. After the guided tour, enjoy free time for lunch and explore Barcelona at your own pace. You may wish to revisit places seen earlier. You can also enter La Sagrada Familia to admire its stunning interior (tickets must be booked in advance - ask your guide for help). Alternatively, take the cable car up Montjuïc to enjoy panoramic views and scenic walks.

After breakfast, it’s time to say “adios” to the lovely Costa Brava and set off for home. End of services.