Catalonia Coast & Country

Begin your trip with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Barcelona, you’ll be met at the airport and brought to your city-centre hotel. You might want to relax in the heart of the city, or get out and explore, perhaps sampling some of the famed Catalonian cuisine, with spiced sausages and seafood salads among the highlights. The next day, a private walking tour will introduce you to the charms of the Catalan capital. While its great Gothic cathedral, extravagantly Baroque National Palace and medieval mansions that house Picasso’s masterpieces impress, it’s Gaudí’s icons that most excite. From the Sagrada Família’s twisted verticality to the Park Güell’s wild collection of colours and curves, these are the sites that inspired entire art movements.

Stay: TRYP Apolo Hotel, Barcelona (Superior)

Continue north west to Montserrat – a spectacularly beautiful mountain retreat first founded in 1025 by Benedictine monks, with significant religious importance, but surrounded by natural beauty.  A funicular can take you to the top of the mountain, and from there choose a number of different walks through the rock formations, all with amazing views of the Catalonian countryside. Your historic accommodation for two nights is located at a height of 450m above sea level, and offers a good panoramic view of the surroundings and good views of the mountain of Montserrat from a large outside terrace. 

Stay: Castell de Guardiola, Monserrat (Standard)

After breakfast, make the scenic drive to the Costa Brava and your base for in Girona. A a wonderful city for walking in, with a whole host of heritage sites easily seen even on a day trip - although it's well worth spending longer here if you can. The city's cathedral is a grand building that looks right across the city. Inside is the world's widest gothic nave, stretching 22 metres across, while another city highlight is just down the road from here - the Banys Arabs, public baths that first opened in the 12th Century. Of Girona's numerous museums, the Museu d'Art, which displays a fine collection of Romanesque, Gothic and modern artworks is perhaps the most impressive. It’s all fronted by a spectacular coastline, with the Costa Brava’s white sands dotted with charming seaside towns and hidden coves.  

Stay: Double Tree by Hilton, Girona (Superior)

This morning, head back for your last night in Barcelona. perhaps sampling some of the famed Catalonian cuisine, with spiced sausages and seafood salads among the highlights.

Stay: TRYP Apolo Hotel, Barcelona (Superior)

Dropping your car off at Barcelona, you’ll fly back to the UK. It’s worth noting that this itinerary is also available flying out of Girona enjoying Michelin-standard dining as you explore the city’s Old Quarter where Gothic severity is paired with Romanesque detailing.