Explore the sun-drenched delights and stunning scenery of Catalonia
Famous for its warm climate, sandy beaches, unique language and culture and, of course, Barcelona – not bad for starters , but our Catalonia tours have so much more to offer…
Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Templars and Napoleonic troops – all have left their mark here. You’ll find fascinating medieval villages and castles, Romanesque churches and, in Tarragona and Empuria Brava, Spain’s most impressive Roman remains sitting aside the azure Mediterranean sea.
Follow the footsteps of Picasso, Gaudí and Dalí and and you’ll find a rich heritage and a thriving modern culture, whether in the museums of Barcelona, or marvelling at the Modernista architecture to be found throughout the region.
Hikers will find their paradise in the high Pyrenees, on the Costa Brava’s wonderful Cami de Ronda coastal path or in the vineyards and rice fields of the far south.
Known internationally for its fine wines and cava, the region boasts fish from the Med, rice from the Delta and olive oil everywhere, making it a pillar of the Mediterranean diet.
Real travel - within easy reach
The popularity of Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada mean that Catalonia is one of the best connected regions in Spain, with numerous flights from many UK airports direct to Barcelona, Girona and Reus every day.
Our tours take advantage of those links to get away from the masses and discover a different side of Catalonia.
Direct flights to Girona in the north and Reus in the south make point-to-point touring in Catalonia easy. Follow the coast, explore the cities or head into the Pyrenees – you’re sure to find adventure.
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need.
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts.
- Fly to Catalonia and we’ll include a hire car.
Practical Information
Catalonia - destination overview
With its warm climate, diverse landscapes and a cultural heritage encompassing ancient and modern, Catalonia is a wonderful region for a touring holiday.
Our touring area covers almost the whole region and can roughly be divided into three main areas:
Northern Catalonia – bordered by the Catalan Pyrenees and the Costa Brava.
The Catalan Pyrenees mountains, rising up to over 3000m at their highest point, stretch from the magnificent Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (Val d’Aran, Vall de Boí and Val d’Aneu) in the west all the way across to the Mediterranean. Breathtaking views are guaranteed but you’ll also find delightful medieval villages and World Heritage Romanesque churches as well as delicious local gastronomy.
The Costa Brava, with its aqualine coves, picture-postcard fishing villages and Cami de Ronda walking trail that reaches down almost to Barcelona. In the interior the city of Girona, the Garrotxa Volcanic Park and the medieval villages of Santa Pau and Besalú are not to be missed and Girona and Dalí’s Figueiras are well worth a visit.
Barcelona and the Centre – Barcelona dominates the central region with its dazzling architecture, beaches, port, Olympic Village, medieval quarter etc etc etc… but there are delights to be found in Montserrat, the spiritual heart of Catalonia, Cardona, with its immense castle (now the Parador), and along the coast in Sitges. The Cava producing region of Penedés is a delight for wine-lovers and hikers alike.
Southern Catalonia – The River Ebro forms Catalonia’s southern border and here in the rice fields of the Ebro Delta you’ll find a unique landscape and an immense diversity of birdlife. Tortosa and Miravet, just upstream among the mountains stand as testament to the historical importance of the river. Further north the Priorat wine region produces some of Spain’s most highly-prized wines in a breathtaking landscapes, and Tarragona offers truly awe-inspiring Roman ruins right by the beach. The Costa Dorada is never far away and though some stretches are over-developed there are still gems to be found in spots like Altafulla or Ametlla de Mar.
Some of our Catalonia holidays concentrate on one region, providing an in-depth experience of that area, whilst others combine regions allowing you to compare and contrast different parts of the country but either way Catalonia’s compact geography means that new and exciting experiences are just around the corner!
Places to visit in Catalonia
Main highlights & cities in Catalonia
- Barcelona – the vibrant capital
- Costa Brava – Catalonia’s ‘wild coast’
- Catalan Pyrenees – rising from the coast to over 3000m
- Bird-watching, sailing or cycling in the Ebro Delta
- La Garrotxa Volcanic Park
- Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
- Tarragona – World Heritage Roman Remains
- The breathtaking Priorat & Montsant
- Girona’s fascinating Jewish Quarter
- Reus – birthplace of Gaudi and home of Vermouth
- Little seaside gems on the Costa Dorada
- Romanesque churches in the Vall de Boi & Aran
Things to do in Catalonia
For the active, curious traveller Catalonia offers endless opportunities under a Mediterranean sun.
The Catalan Pyrenees at the north of the region are a haven for walkers, nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts whilst the Mediterranean coast offers a paradise for water sports.
Take a step in from the coast and you’re in wine country, with wonderful walking and cycling (and maybe a bit of tasting) among the vineyards from Priorat to Penedés and Empordá in the north.
The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is one of the most spectacular in Spain and offers wonderful accessible walking for all ability levels (even wheelchair users!). The Garrotxa Park, just south of the Pyrenees, offers a unique volcanic landscape and there’s fantastic walking throughout the region, right down to the Els Ports mountains in the very south.
The Camí de Ronda, which runs the length of the Costa Brava offers gentler hiking with truly stunning views and the Ebro Delta, most famous for its birdwatching, is also great for walking and cycling among the rice paddies - with flamingos flying overhead!
The region’s warm climate means that you can get out and about or take to the water at almost any time of year – here are some more ideas:
Visit Tarragona’s Roman Amphitheatre – right beside a golden, sandy beach on the Mediterranean.
Explore Girona’s Old Town – walk the city walls, cross colourful bridges, and visit the fascinating Jewish quarter.
Hike a stretch of the Camí de Ronda – stunning coastal path running the length of the Costa Brava
Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – medieval lanes, hidden squares, and lively cafés.
Marvel at the Romanesque churches of Vall de Boí – World Heritage churches set in beautiful alpine scenery.
Discover Montserrat – take the cable car, visit the monastery, and admire dramatic rock formations.
Visit the Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s soaring architecture and colourful stained glass.
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici – follow mountain trails to mirror-like lakes and lofty, jagged peaks.
Taste Catalan seafood by the coast – try suquet de peix or grilled prawns in seaside taverns.
Get trekking in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone – explore forested cones, lava flows, and peaceful rural trails.
Ebro Delta – rich birdlife, cycling through rice fields, tranquil wetlands.
Relax on the Costa Brava – swim in idyllic turquoise coves and explore fishing villages like Calella de Palafrugell.
Dive, sail or kayak in the Medes Islands and nearby – the Costa Brava is a paradise for water sports lovers
Ride the Val de Núria Rack Railway – up the narrow valley to a high-mountain sanctuary and peaceful walking trails.
Enjoy wine tasting in Penedès – visit cava wineries or head down to the Priorat for some of Spain’s finest wines.
Visit Figueres’ Dalí Theatre-Museum – step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí.
Discover the delights of Catalan Modernist architecture - from Parc Güell and Casa Batlló in Barcelona to Casa Navás in Reus and don’t miss the marvellous ‘Cathedrals of Wine’.
When to go to Catalonia
About the weather in Catalonia
The climate in Catalonia is quite varied due to the mountainous landscape, yet the proximity of the Mediterranean ensures benign conditions across most of the region throughout the year.
The Pyrenees have a cooler climate due to their altitude, which tops 3000m in some points. In the winter it often snows, and indeed there are prestigious ski resorts like Baqueira-Beret, but in general the region enjoys a mild climate making it ideal for holidaymakers from March right through to October.
The Costa Brava, warmed by the Mediterranean, is considerably warmer than other parts of Spain which lie on the same latitude. On the other hand, though the weather here is typically Mediterranean, it is milder and enjoys a little more rain and cooling breezes than the Costa Dorada further south. Sun-lovers will find paradise here in July and August whilst hikers will get more out of the visit in the spring and Autumn.
The central region gets progressively warmer as you head south and Barcelona can be quite sweltering in the height of summer – though city beaches, cold beers and cava are never far away!
The south of Catalonia is, as may be expected, the hottest which makes this part of Catalonia ideal for a getaway from March through to late June and again though September and early October when you can witness the wine harvest. The south is perhaps best avoided at the height of summer by all but the keenest sun worshippers when the Costa Dorada is also at its busiest. The Delta de Ebro in particular can be very humid in the summer and mosquitoes can be problematic from mid-July through August. In late October and November the region can be prone to heavy rainfall.
Getting to Catalonia
By Sea - or drive through France
To reach the region by sea the nearest port is Bilbao (or Santander which is an hour further west). Our Costa Brava Run tour is designed to make use of the Brittany Ferries links to enable you to take your own car to Catalonia (and can be adapted to bring in any of the areas we tour in the region instead of or as well as the Costa Brava).
Should you wish to drive down through France we can also adapt any of our Catalan itineraries to fit with that – please call to discuss options.
By Air
Catalonia holiday destinations are extremely well served by air from the UK.
There are three main airports for our Catalonian holidays: Barcelona, Girona (near the Costa Dorada and Pyrenees) and Reus (near Tarragona and the Costa Dorada).
This opens up the possibility for one-way tours, flying into one airport and back from another, particularly by combining Girona in the north and Reus in the south.
More info – check the ‘Travel Options’ tab from within any particular tour for the best options for that trip.
Getting around
A car is essential for getting around and to make the most out of the visit as many of the hotels and attractions are not easily accessed by public transport.
If travelling by air we usually include a hire car (excluding nights spent at the beginning or end in major cities like Barcelona or perhaps Girona) whilst those coming on the ferry (see above) will use their own vehicle. In either case we will provide full driving instructions, GPS co-ords for the accommodation and essential information on driving in Spain and Portugal as well as a touring map of the area.
Please ask us if you wish to travel the Catalonia holidays with your own car.
Eating and drinking in Catalonia
Amazing Catalan Food
The cuisine of Catalonia is wonderfully varied as you might expect from a region which contains the high mountains of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coast as well as several different climate zones and cultures. Add to that ten denominated wine regions (see below) and olive groves everywhere and you really have a recipe to conjure with!
In the coastal areas seafood from the Mediterranean features strongly in local dishes such as Suquet de Peix (a traditional fish stew), or Buñuelos de Bacalao (feather-light salt-cod fritters), and of course delicious paellas, especially when combined with the sumptuous rice from the Ebro Delta. Simple grilled fish – a la plancha – is available everywhere and the Catalans do it better than anyone.
In the mountains you’ll find more hearty fare with a wide range of meat and botifarra sausage dishes like Olla Aranesa or Botifarra amb Monguetes (local suasage and white beans) which is considered the national dish. In season wild mushrooms are a very big deal in Catalunya and feature on special menus throughout the region.
Ubiquitous are the Catalan classics including Pa amb Tomàquet (toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomatoes, with olive oil, maybe garlic, sprinkled with salt), Escalivada (smoky, roasted vegetables, typically including aubergine, red peppers, onions, and tomatoes) and Allioli (a simple garlic sauce made with olive oil – not to be confused with garlic mayonnaise, you’ll get kicked out!).
In autumn Calçots are everywhere – similar to a spring onion but thicker and roasted over wood before serving with a romesco sauce (with tomatoes, roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, vinegar, and garlic). And wherever you go you’ll find Crema Catalana (a local take on crème brulee) so you can have fun comparing and contrasting and preparing your own league table of Cremas…
Fideuá, originally from Valencia but enthusiastically adopted by the Catalans, is also easy to find – cooked like a paella but with short noodles instead of rice and often includes meat as well as fish and is often served with Allioli – delicious!
As you travel around, you’ll discover local produce like the anchovies of L’Escala, the prawns of Palamós or locally caught mussels and oysters in the Delta del Ebro, as well as special dishes defined by the locality – all of which makes a trip around Catalonia endlessly fascinating for food fans.
Wonderful Catalan wines
Altogether there are ten wine growing regions in Catalonia, offering an incredible mix of heritage, flavour, and breathtaking scenery, the main ones being the Penedés, where Cava is produced, Alt Empordá and the tiny Priorat region further south.
The Penedès region is perfect for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Known for Cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine made in towns like Vilafranca del Penedés and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, it’s a great place to sip refreshing bubbles under the Mediterranean sun and you’ll also find fine table wines made with Xarel·lo for example, a local grape that adds a fresh, citrusy taste. Beyond the vineyards, Penedès offers fantastic hiking trails that wind through rolling hills, and the Mediterranean coast is never far away.
South of Tarragona there’s the magical land of the Priorat, a rugged, landscape where vines cling to the steep, rocky hillsides. The wines here are world-renowned for their rich, intense mineral flavours, owing to the slate-rich soils and unique microclimate. Priorat wines are deep and complex, and visiting this area feels like stepping back in time, especially with stops at villages like Siurana, Scala Dei and Gratallops. Like the Penedés the scenery and the hiking are second to none and the coast is just close by should you fancy.
In the north, close to the French border, you’ll find the Alt Empordà region where the Mediterranean breezes shape the wines. Here, the wines are fresh, crisp, and infused with a mineral quality unique to the coastal terroir. Some vineyards overlook stunning Mediterranean scenery, adding a touch of drama to the landscape and the wines alike.
Finally, don’t miss out on Catalonia’s vermouth tradition based around Reus and Tarragona. In Spain, and especially in the Tarragona region, Vermouth is more than a drink, it’s a ritual— ‘la hora del Vermut’ is a moment to pause and socialize, like a French aperitif – but much more fun!
A few favourite tours in Catalonia
Here's a selection of our most popular tours in Catalonia. For a full list please click here
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[name] => Discover Catalonia – The Grand Tour
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[description] => Explore the amazing Roman ruins at Tarragona, Girona’s historic Jewish Quarter and delightful Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees. Discover the fascinating Modernista architecture made famous by Gaudi in Barcelona, Tarragona, and even amongst the vineyards!
Hike the Pyrenees or the Costa Brava’s Camí de Ronda coastal path; see flamingos in the rice paddies of the Delta; sample some of Spain’s finest wines in the stunning landscapes of the pocket-sized Priorat region – and take time out to savour the Mediterranean pace of life…
Starting in Barcelona, Girona or Reus this two-week tour of Catalonia really has it all!
[introduction] => You may be familiar with the charms of Barcelona and the Costa Brava, but our circular tour of Catalonia has so much more to offer! From the snow-clad Pyrenees in the north, down the Mediterranean coast to the Ebro Delta, you’ll find fascinating cities, medieval villages, breathtaking coastal walks as well as some of Spain’s finest food and wine.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 Barcelona City
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[description] => Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's Cathedral, now near completion
Parque Güell - Gaudí again with great views to the city
Cable car to Montjuic - Olympic installations, Joan Miró gallery and fantastic views
Las Ramblas and La Boquería market
Stroll around the Gothic Quarter, get lost in Born
Fishing villages and beach hopping
Walk the Camí de Ronda, all along the Costa Brava
Historic Girona with its profound Jewish Heritage
Dali museum in Figueras
Watersports, cycling & wonderful diving
Take the Rack Railway to Vall de Nuria
Discover the Sanctuary of Nuria
Take the cable car and have a picnic with the nicest views
Visit nearby Queralbs and its early Romanesque church
Explore Ribes de Freser and the numerous hiking trails around
Gateway to the Parc Nacional d’ Aiguestortes i Estany
Unique culture, architecture in the Val d’Aran
Parc Nacional del Alt Pirineu with the highest peaks
Churches – Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque
Mountain gastronomy with local cheeses, honey and even local caviar!
Superb bird watching in the Delta
Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Explore the historic charm of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture and Vermouth
Fly into Girona or Reus, the tour can be tailor-made to suit your time and travel arrangements
Add a stop in Tarragona to explore its fascinating Roman remains
or Alt Penedés - Cava country by the coast
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Barcelona - Catalonia's oh-so-lively capital
Stunning beaches and walks on the Costa Brava
3000m mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees
Wine and scenery of Priorat, Penedés and Empordá
Romanesque churches in Vall de Boí & Aran
Paella and bird watching in the Delta del Ebro
Monumental Roman ruins at Tarragona
Mediterranean diet, climate and pace of life!
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[description] => Experience the Camino de Ronda, or Cami de Ronda. It is a 43km coastal path along the Costa Brava. Head to Spain’s official tourism website for more information on the trail! Explore the many delights of Barcelona and the spectacular Roman remains of Tarragona, savour the Cava in the Penedés, watch the flamingos in the Delta and finish up with the fine wines of Priorat – all without straying far from the sunny Mediterranean and coastal towns!
With frequent flights to Girona and Reus from most UK airports this one-way Catalan road trip packs in so many highlights you may struggle to find time for the beach!
[introduction] => Discover the beauty of north-east Spain with a scenic tour along Catalonia’s stunning coastline. From the rugged Costa Brava down to the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa Dorada, and onwards to the unique eco-system of the Ebro Delta, this coastal tour of Catalonia offers the very best of north-east Spain.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 - Costa Brava
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[description] => Fishing villages and beach hopping
Walk the Camí de Ronda, all along the Costa Brava
Historic Girona with its profound Jewish Heritage
Dali museum in Figueras
Watersports, cycling & wonderful diving
Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's Cathedral, now near completion
Parque Güell - Gaudí again with great views to the city
Cable car to Montjuic - Olympic installations, Joan Miró gallery and fantastic views
Las Ramblas and La Boquería market
Stroll around the Gothic Quarter, get lost in Born
Home of Cava and fine Penedés wines
Visit the Modernista 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Witness the death-defying 'castellers' human towers
Hit the coast at nearby Sitges, or unspoilt Altafulla
Year-round hiking among the vineyards
Spectacular remains of Roman Tarraco - among Spain's finest
Take a walking tour of the medieval old town, set amongst Roman remains
Reus, a treasure trove of Modernist architecture
Join in the local Vermouth culture - see where it's made in Reus
Try the city beaches or head south to Tamait and Altafulla, just nearby
Superb bird watching in the Delta
Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Explore the historic charms of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture and Vermouth
Explore the fantastic Garrotxa Volcanic Park and try its peculiar cuisine
or head further west and discover the amazing Vall de Nuria
Add an extra night in Tarragona and take the opportunity to visit Reus
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Crystal-clear coves on the Costa Brava
Walk the beautiful Camino de Ronda
Barcelona, a city break with infinite possibilities
Cava and Modernist architecture in Alt Penedés
World Heritage Roman Tarragona
Flamingos amongst the rice paddies of the Delta
Priorat - wines & scenery to take your breath away
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[description] => Bring your own car or motorbike to northern Spain (or fly down and rent) and head straight into the magnificent Pyrenees mountains. The glittering Mediterranean will be your prize but along the way you’ll take in awesome mountain scenery, historic towns and cities and some of Spain’s finest wine regions.
The full route takes at least fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Coast to coast, Costa Vasca to Costa Brava, this marvellous adventure offers the very best of the Spanish Pyrenees as you traverse northern Spain from the Atlantic to the Med and back!
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – North West Navarra
[introduction] =>
[description] => Valleys of Baztan & Bidasoa – lost in time
Picture-postcard villages of the French Pais-Basque
Hondarribia, San Sebastian, Biarritz & St Jean de Luz
Ride the train to the peak of La Rhune, stunning views
Head south for vineyards, castles & don’t miss Pamplona
Moorish Alquézar & Christian Ainsa – two charming medieval villages
Ordesa & Monte Perdido – Spain’s first National Park
Sierra de Guara – cut through by dramatic gorges
Delicious local Somontano wines
Superb bird watching – Lammergeyer centre in Ainsa
Fishing villages and beach hopping
Walk the Camí de Ronda, all along the Costa Brava
Historic Girona with its profound Jewish Heritage
Dali museum in Figueras
Watersports, cycling & wonderful diving
Medieval Santa Pau and Besalú’s Jewish quarter
Cuina Volcanica, ingredients grown in the volcanic soil
Visit Santa Margarida – the chapel in the crater
Dali museum in Figueras or hop down to the coast
Cycle, Segway, trek or balloon ride over the Volcanoes
Gateway to the Parc Nacional d’ Aiguestortes i Estany
Unique culture, architecture in the Val d’Aran
Parc Nacional del Alt Pirineu with the highest peaks
Churches – Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque
Mountain gastronomy with local cheeses, honey and even local caviar!
Spaghetti-western desert landscape of Las Bardenas
Romanesque delights of Uncastillo & Sos del Rey Católico
Castillo de Loarre & Mallos de Riglos
Monasterio de Leyre & Castillos de Javier y Olite
Birdwatching, mountain biking, trekking…
Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Take some extra days in the Costa Brava
Add a night or two in Bilbao or San Sebastian at the start
Swap Zaragoza & Las Bardenas for Isaba, for more high-mountain adventures
Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Two spectacular National Parks!
The rugged Costa Brava; pretty fishing villages
Historic Pamplona, Girona and Lleida
World-class wines in Somontano and La Rioja
Early Romanesque architecture in the Pyrenees
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[name] => Discover Northern Catalonia
[slug] => discover-northern-catalonia
[description] => Crystalline Mediterranean coves, spectacular 3000m+ mountains combine with a city break in the region’s capital to make a spectacular itinerary in northern Catalonia.
Lesser known highlights include the volcanic park of La Garrotxa, the magnificent castle of Cardona (where you’ll stay), medieval Girona, Santa Pau and Besalú and the fascinating Romanesque churches of Vall de Boí and Val d’Aran.
Fly into Barcelona or Girona, or combine the two, the trip normally takes two weeks but you can do as much or as little as you like.
[introduction] => Circular tour of north Catalonia – Barcelona, the Catalan Pyrenees and the Costa Brava – all in one marvellous trip!
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 - Barcelona City
[introduction] =>
[description] => Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's Cathedral, now near completion
Parque Güell - Gaudí again with great views to the city
Cable car to Montjuic - Olympic installations, Joan Miró gallery and fantastic views
Las Ramblas and La Boquería market
Stroll around the Gothic Quarter, get lost in Born
Medieval Santa Pau and Besalú’s Jewish quarter
Cuina Volcanica, ingredients grown in the volcanic soil
Visit Santa Margarida – the chapel in the crater
Dali museum in Figueras or hop down to the coast
Cycle, Segway, trek or balloon ride over the Volcanoes
Fly into Girona and reverse the direction of the tour
Add a stop in Ainsa or Zaragoza, further west
Skip Barcelona if you've been before - maybe try the Penedés wine region just to the south
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Magnificent Cardona Castle - now the Parador
Cardona salt mountain & mine - source of vast medieval wealth
Solsona, famous for its carnival traditions
Visit Monserrat with its famous monastery
Try the local Pla de Bages wines
Gateway to the Parc Nacional d’ Aiguestortes i Estany
Unique culture, architecture in the Val d’Aran
Parc Nacional del Alt Pirineu with the highest peaks
Churches – Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque
Mountain gastronomy with local cheeses, honey and even local caviar!
Take the Rack Railway to Vall de Nuria
Discover the Sanctuary of Nuria
Take the cable car and have a picnic with the nicest views
Visit nearby Queralbs and its early Romanesque church
Explore Ribes de Freser and the numerous hiking trails around
Fishing villages and beach hopping
Walk the Camí de Ronda, all along the Costa Brava
Historic Girona with its profound Jewish Heritage
Dali museum in Figueras
Watersports, cycling & wonderful diving
Barcelona - start the trip with a super city break
Stay in the magnificent Castle of Cardona
Hiking in the Aigüestortes National Park
Romanesque churches of Valle de Boí
La Garrotxa Volcanic Park
Visit the unique Dalí museum in Figueras
Finish in style on the glittering Mediterranean bays of the Costa Brava
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[name] => Secrets of Southern Catalonia
[slug] => tarragona-holidays-tour
[description] => Well known for its bucket-and-spade seaside resorts this fascinating corner of Catalonia is laden with secret gems just waiting to be discovered.
In Tarragona, the lively regional capital, you’ll find a city to rival Barcelona but without the tourist crowds – and with spectacular Roman remains. Nearby Reus has some splendid Modernist buildings and a Gaudí museum tracing his roots in the region.
Head north or south and you’re in wine country of Priorat and Cava. Hiking trails among the vines offering stunning scenery to enjoy between tastings.
You’re never far from the coast and here also there are some lesser-known gems such as delightful Altafulla and Ametlla del Mar or elegant Sitges. At the southernmost point awaits the Ebro Delta where a immensely rich birdlife thrives among the rice fields proving a unique eco-system and spectacular views. Head inland and explore medieval Tortosa and Miravet set below the 1500m mountains of Els Ports.
[introduction] => Gastronomic delights, wonderful wines, breathtaking scenery, fascinating heritage… whatever you’re looking for this short trip has it all – plus the Mediterranean climate and never far from the Costa Dorada.
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[title] => Day 7 & 8 - Alt Penedés - Cava Country
[introduction] =>
[description] => Home of Cava and fine Penedés wines
Visit the Modernista 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Witness the death-defying 'castellers' human towers
Hit the coast at nearby Sitges, or unspoilt Altafulla
Year-round hiking among the vineyards
Add a stop in Barcelona, Catalonia's oh-so-lively capital
Stay in a magnificent early-medieval castle - Parador de Cardona
Add an overnight stop at the 4-star Parador de Lleida
Extend your stay at any of the stops - they´re all worth it!
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Explore the historic charms of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture and Vermouth
Superb bird watching in the Delta
Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
Spectacular remains of Roman Tarraco - among Spain's finest
Take a walking tour of the medieval old town, set amongst Roman remains
Reus, a treasure trove of Modernist architecture
Join in the local Vermouth culture - see where it's made in Reus
Try the city beaches or head south to Tamait and Altafulla, just nearby
Roman Tarragona - amazing ruins right by the beach
Cava vineyards in Alt Penedes
Fascinating Modernist architecture in Reus
Priorat - world-class wines in breathtaking scenery
Flamingos - and birds galore - in the Ebro Delta
Historic Tortosa and the Els Ports mountains
Costa Dorada beaches - there are some hidden gems - never far away
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[name] => A Taste of South Catalonia
[slug] => south-catalonia-short-tour
[description] => But it’s not all about the gastronomy, you’ll find spectacular scenery and astonishing birdwatching in the two National Parks of Els Ports and Delta del Ebro as well as wonderful hiking among the vines in the Priorat and the ‘Cava country’ of the Alt Penedés. And the beaches of the Mediterranean Costa Dorada coast are never far away…
Discover Tarragona’s World Heritage Roman remains; explore medieval Tortosa, Miravet and Siurana and trace the fascinating development of Catalan Modernist architecture from Reus to the ‘Cathedrals of Wine’.
The tour is compact and slow-paced and with frequent, low-cost flights to Reus or Barcelona it couldn’t be easier to get to southern Catalonia.
[introduction] => This seven-night short tour south Catalonia will give you a different side of the Costa Dorada and a genuine taste of the south – to begin with, you’ll get the chance to taste the Cava, the fine wines of the Priorat, and the delicious rice dishes of the Delta del Ebro!
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[id] => 01k47kgvag7d3j01hddtwqvykt
[title] => Day 5 to 7 - Priorat & Montsant Wine Region - Costa Dorada
[introduction] =>
[description] => The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Explore the historic charms of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture or Roman Tarragona
Home of Cava and fine Penedés wines
Visit the Modernista 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Witness the death-defying 'castellers' human towers
Hit the coast at nearby Sitges, or unspoilt Altafulla
Year-round hiking among the vineyards
Superb bird watching in the Delta
Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
Add a stop in Tarragona to explore its fascinating Roman remains
Extend your stay in Priorat or Penedés - there's so much to see and do!
Fly into Barcelona and have a night or two in the city
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Paella & bird watching in the Delta del Ebro
Penedés - Cava wines, and so much more...
Tarragona - World Roman remains
Medieval Siurana, Tortosa and Miravet
Sierra de Monstant and Scala Dei
Beaches of the Delta & Costa Dorada
Hiking in the Vineyards of Priorat & Penedés - and Els Ports National Park
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
