Grand Tour of Catalonia - Self-Drive (Tour code: 13231)

Pick Up your rental car at Barcelona's airport and drive to the hotel, via Tarragona.

Experience a half-day Private Guided visit to Tarragona, known as The Gates of Rome on the way to the Priorat Region. The Tarragona Archaeological Site, once known as Tarraco during the Roman era, has been bestowed the honor of being designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This unique site serves as an invaluable testament to the Romans' influence in the Mediterranean. Tarraco played a pivotal role in shaping the urban planning of the Roman Empire and served as a blueprint for other imperial capitals. Visitors can explore various Roman remnants within the city, including the imposing city walls and remarkable structures such as the amphitheater, the circus, and remnants of the forum. The city is also home to the Roman and Paleo-Christian necropolis, one of the most significant necropolises in Europe, where numerous archaeological findings can be viewed at the Tarragona Archaeological Museum.

The UNESCO site also includes the area for Imperial worship and the provincial forum. The former can be found in the fine archaeological remains in the cathedral cloister. The latter are found in the buildings of the Antigua Audiencia, in Pallol square, in the Forum and the Praetorium. A visit to Tarragona is not walking through a city and admire its monuments, it is to walk through the first city founded by the Romans outside Italy.

Overnight stay in Escaladei at Hotel Terra Dominicata & Winery.

Tarragona

After breakfast, drive with your rental car across Priorat Region.

Today, we will venture into the Priorat region, a serene escape from the bustling crowds. It's a place where you can find tranquility, contemplation, and a deep appreciation for its cultural heritage. Priorat, spanning less than 20,000 hectares, with only 1,600 hectares dedicated to vineyards, boasts a rugged and challenging terrain.

Our journey begins by delving into the region's mystical and religious heritage, focusing on the Cistercian monasteries that date back to the 12th century. We'll visit the Poblet Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the monastic traditions have endured through the centuries. Poblet is a remarkable architectural complex and stands as one of the largest monasteries in Europe.

Following the monastery visit, our journey continues to Siurana, one of the region's most picturesque villages, where we'll enjoy a brief exploration and savor lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Our next destination is the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, a historic gem in Priorat. We'll stroll through the monastery's ruins, exploring its three cloisters, church, and refectory, gaining insights into the purpose of each building.

As the day winds down and we head back to the hotel, we'll make a stop at an Oil Mill for a private olive oil tasting. The Priorat Olive Oil Trail offers a delightful way to experience a fundamental element of Mediterranean cuisine. Undoubtedly, Priorat's olive oil is among the finest of its kind.

Overnight stay in Escaladei at Hotel Terra Dominicata & Winery.

Siurana

After breakfast, drive with your rental car across Penedés Region.

Join us on a journey to explore the private 14th-century country house, where the small cellar in the basement became the birthplace of the first Llopart cava. Step back in time as you visit this charming old winery, savoring tastings of their finest bottles alongside traditional local snacks.

The tour then leads to one of their oldest vineyards, their current cava production facilities, and a panoramic view of the Llopart family's heritage, all enjoyed from a four-wheel vehicle. Experience the beauty of the Penedès landscape and the historical legacy that unfolds sip by sip. Salut!

Overnight stay in Bages at Hotel Mon St Benet.

Vineyards

After breakfast, drive to Montserrat and enjoy a full-day Montserrat with Hiking.

Montserrat is a remarkable destination with a rich history, legends, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Its origins trace back to the 9th century when it began as a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary. Over time, it evolved into a significant pilgrimage site and underwent various transformations, eventually becoming an independent abbey and a cultural icon. The monastery's renowned music school has been documented since the 14th century, and its "Escolania" (children's choir) stands as one of Europe's oldest.

Visitors to Montserrat can experience both spirituality and witness the enigmatic beauty of the Virgin of Montserrat, affectionately known as La Moreneta (the black Virgin). Amid this stunning natural backdrop, travelers can immerse themselves in a cultural, natural, and mystical journey, exploring the mountain's captivating corners, landscapes, and its rich history.

Overnight stay in Bages at Hotel Mon St Benet.

Montserrat

After breakfast, drive your rental car from Hotel Mon Sant Benet to Costa Brava.

Make a stop for an hike at La Fageda de'n Jordà on our way to Costa Brava. Hiking in Catalonia has varied and exhilarating options for all tastes. These old trail walks are, so to speak, a thread of memory, of history, of the past and the many people, animals and stories that these landscapes hold within.

In the Berguedà area, numerous ancient roads have been revived and restored to preserve this valuable heritage and make them accessible for the public to enjoy once again. The most rewarding way to explore the nature and landscapes of Berguedà is undoubtedly by walking. With the guidance of an expert guide, you'll make the most of the chosen route, ensuring the most enjoyable experience in this breathtaking setting. It's a perfect excursion amidst mountains, lush scenery, and tranquil serenity.

In the afternoon, drive to Besalú and enjoy a private guided visit. Besalú is a beautiful medieval village located north of Girona, in the Garrotxa area known for its volcanoes, magic forests, excellent gastronomy, and quaint locals. In Besalú, you can discover one of Catalonia's most charming old Jewish quarters, very well preserved in a small town with extensive history.

This enchanting place, 40km northwest, has one of Catalonia's best-preserved calls, medieval Jewish quarters. Its Pont Vell (old bridge) provides beautiful stone sceneries and views of the river and the mountain surrounding the village, and one of the most beautiful bridge views in the region. Its charming streets take us back to those days when the mikvé and the synagogue were everyday life and coexisted naturally with the rest of the community, and part of the significant Jewish population around medieval Catalonia

Overnight stay in Torrent (Girona) at Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa.

Pont Vell (old bridge)

After breakfast, enjoy a drive to Figueres and Girona.

In the morning, delight in a private visit to Dali Museum in Figueres. Salvador Dalí is without a doubt one of the most relevant artists of the 20th century, and perhaps he's the one that inspires the most curiosity. Dalí’s world was full of imagination, eccentricity and symbolism—he was a character like no other. Today follow his foot steps through some of the life sceneries that were most dear to him.

In the afternoon, drive towards Girona and start your visit with your private guide. The ancient walled city of Girona stands on a fortress-like hill, high above the confluence of the Onyar and Ter rivers, and has a long and distinguished history. Founded by Iberians, the Romans later named it Gerunda and established it as an important stopping point on the Via Augusta, linking Iberia with Rome.

The 15th-century cathedral, featuring the world's widest unsupported Gothic arch, dominates Girona's skyline. Yet, the city's true charm lies in its labyrinthine cobblestone streets, especially in the captivating Jewish quarter. Here, the medieval atmosphere, "Barri Vell" shops, and beautiful corners create a fascinating experience. The Jewish Call maintains its Kabbalistic mystique from the Middle Ages. Known as the city of four rivers or "Little Florence," Girona's journey takes you through Iberian and Roman times, uncovering Romanesque monasteries, Arab Baths, Gothic gems, and charming squares and corners.

Overnight stay in Torrent (Girona) at Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa.

Dali Museum in Figueres

After breakfast, drive with your rental car to Barcelona and drop off rental car.

Stop for an excursion to the Costa Brava on your way to Barcelona. Here, you'll encounter picturesque scenes on one side with lush pine trees and whitewashed façades of old fishermen shacks, while on the other side, you'll be greeted by the endless blue of the sea. Along the Costa Brava, there's no better way to explore the beauty of this coastline than by walking its stunning coastal footpaths, which lead you to enchanting small coves, dramatic cliffs, charming beaches, and other must-see seaside treasures.

The journey begins at Cala de la Fosca near Palamós and takes you to La Cala del Castell. Comfortable shoes are recommended for strolling and enjoying breathtaking views, hearing stories of pirate attacks, exploring an ancient Iberian settlement, and finding a hut owned by Salvador Dalí. The path features renovated fishermen's shacks, pines, thickets, and rocks, with several viewpoints offering stunning Mediterranean panoramas. The route concludes at the Gardens of Cap Roig in Palafrugell, spanning around 7 kilometers.

Drive to Barcelona and drop off your car rental.

Overnight stay in Barcelona at Hotel Majestic & Spa Barcelona in a Privilege City View room.

Bay near Palamós

After breakfast, enjoy a unique Tapas Tour of Barcelona.

Barcelona has earned its reputation as a global culinary hub, renowned for its unique Catalan cuisine that seamlessly blends creativity and tradition. The city's culinary scene is ever-evolving, characterized by vibrant markets, bistrós, wine bars, and bodegas. Join a local expert in gastronomy and history to discover the traditions, stories, recipes, and tantalizing tastes that define Barcelona. This tour also serves as an excellent introduction to the city for newcomers.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Barcelona offers countless unexplored areas with lively venues serving excellent local cuisine. Sample the city's diverse flavors during a walking tour that includes stops at old taverns, bars, restaurants, and various intriguing food and wine establishments. Barcelona embraces its diversity, where you can savor homemade stews and rustic wines alongside the creations of talented chefs. Embrace the best of both worlds as you journey with a knowledgeable local guide.

Overnight stay in Barcelona at Hotel Majestic & Spa Barcelona in a Privilege City View room.

After breakfast, delight in a private half-day (4-hour) guided tour of Barcelona including Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.

On this 4-hour tour, we'll delve into the world of Modernisme, or Catalan Art Nouveau, focusing on the iconic works of master architect Antoni Gaudí. We'll begin with the awe-inspiring Expiatory Temple of Sagrada Família, a masterpiece that combines Gothic and Byzantine cathedral traditions, seamlessly blending form, Christian iconography, and natural inspiration.

Next, we'll explore the magical Park Güell, a testament to Gaudí's imagination and commissioned by Eusebi Güell. This site is a major tourist attraction and features Gaudí's unique designs that harmonize with the space, once used for traditional Catalan dances and social events. We'll also catch a glimpse of Passeig de Gràcia's renowned facades, including Gaudí's iconic houses, such as Casa Milà ("La Pedrera") and Casa Batlló, which contribute to Barcelona's unique character.

Overnight stay in Barcelona at Hotel Majestic & Spa Barcelona in a Privilege City View room.

Casa Milà "La Pedrera"

After breakfast, private transfer from the hotel to Barcelona's airport.