catalan discovery : mountains and coast
FLY-DRIVE TOUR 8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
This eight-night fly-drive touring holiday is the ideal way to discover the diversity of Catalonia , taking in the vibrant city of Barcelona , the mountain landscapes of the Pyrenees and the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava . Stay in three luxury hotels which all have a unique character and provide the perfect base for exploring the local area .
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Start your Catalonian holiday by flying into Barcelona , where you will stay for 2 nights . Take a taxi to the five-star Grand Hotel Central Barcelona , a sophisticated property set inthe centre of Barcelona near the Cathedral . Barcelona ’ s key attractions are just a short taxi ride away .
DAY TWO
Spend the day discovering Barcelona ’ s unique architecture and rich culture ; relax on the golden beaches ; wander through the parks and gardens ; and savour the innovative cuisine .
DAY THREE
Pick up your hire car and drive northwards to the town of La Seu d ’ Urgell in the Pyrenees , a journey of just over 100 miles . Your route takes you near the Monastery of Montserrat , a religious complex in a spectacular setting atop craggy mountains with chapels , hermits ’ caves and numerous nature trails . You could also break the journey in Cardona , a picturesque town full of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and dominated by a 9th Century fortress . Arrive at your hotel for three nights , El Castell de Ciutat , a contemporary alpine lodge in a rural location with astounding mountain views .
DAYS FOUR AND FIVE
Spend your time exploring the nearby nature reserves by bicycle or on foot , take part in activities such as horse riding , canoeing and mountain biking , venture over the border into the Principality of Andorra , or simply relax and enjoy the outstanding mountain views from the comfort of the hotel .
DAY SIX
Drive for around three hours south east to the Costa Brava , travelling via the quintessentially Catalan town of Vic , where an excellent market is held in the main square , and Girona . Head to Hostal de la Gavina , an elegant hotel striking seaside views , where you will spend three nights .
DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT
Located in the curve of a golden sandy cove , your hotel is a haven of relaxation with plenty of activities . Visitors can indulge in the spa , relax on the sandy beaches , take part in numerous water sports including windsurfing and water-skiing rental , hire a boat to explore the coastline , or discover the local area by car . Half an hour north is Begur , a colourful hilltop town with stunning mansions , an austere castle , and excellent restaurants . You could also venture inland to Girona , a cosmopolitan and characterful city with a mediaeval Jewish quarter as well as Islamic and Christian monuments , while even further north is Figueres , the town which is known for its popular museum dedicated to the work of Salvador Dalí .
DAY NINE
Drive for about one and a half hours back to
Barcelona , where you will return your hire-car and catch your flight back to the UK .
PRICES Prices from £ 1,890 per person based on two sharing
WHAT ’ S INCLUDED
• Scheduled flights with British Airways , London Heathrow – Barcelona El Prat return ( Flights from other UK airports can be arranged )
• Type C car-hire for seven days
• Accommodation with bed and breakfast at the following hotels , based on two people sharing a
standard double room : Two nights at Hotel Grand Central Barcelona in Barcelona Three nights at El Castell de Ciutat in La Seu d ’ Urgell Three nights at Hostal de la Gavina in S ’ Agaro .
Pyrneees in Catalonia
Sa Tuna beach
Costa Brava
54 For expert advice call our travel consultants on 01392 441276