The Flavours of Catalonia
3 day tour
Catalonia. A world of its own. Impeccable natural beauty, rich cultural flair, and cuisine that will have you ordering another round... this captivating region is waiting for you.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Girona - Wrapped in its medieval walls, this historic city is filled with incredible cuisine and stunning architecture
Montserrat Monastery - Feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain
Sitges - Charming, lively, with great fresh seafood and impeccable sea views... Sitges is hard to beat
Cadaqués - Explore the charming coastal town that has strong links to artist Salvador Dalí
Your journey
There’s something about Spain.
Something about sitting on the terrace of a lively restaurant, staring out at the view of blue water caressing the white sand, a glass of wine raised to the waiter when they bring your first round of tapas out. We adore Spain and think you will too. Whether you’ve yet to have the pleasure or not, this tour showcases one of the most beautiful regions in all of Spain: Catalonia.
From its rich cultural heritage to unique identity, from the patterns of luxurious Moorish architecture to the golden sands of the Costa Brava, your memories of exploring Catalonia will be your most treasured souvenirs from this adventure.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Barcelona Abba Sants Hotel, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona,
18:45 - Barcelona Abba Sants Hotel Do, Barcelona,
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
- Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
- 2 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
- Peñedes wine tasting and tour
- Meals, unless listed above
- Attractions, unless specified above
Itinerary
Day 1
- Calella de Palagrugell is a dream coastal destination for you to discover
- Spot the different kinds of architecture in the town of Pals
- Settle into the ancient and vibrant Girona, your overnight stay for this tour
The adventure begins! We head out of Barcelona towards our first stop: the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. It’s the definition of a beautiful coastal town, with lovely beaches, shimmering water, rocky coves, and rows of white shorefront houses. The scent of freshly cooked fish and sea air lingers in the air. It’s a vacation dream destination, a perfect way to start our trip.
It’s then onto the Middle Age town of Pals, located in the North of Catalonia, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture all found in one neat little package.
Our final stop of the day is Girona, a delightful and colourful town packed with ancient ruins, museums, a Jewish Quarter, a cathedral, and of course... delicious local cuisine waiting to be devoured. An ideal end to day in your overnight stay.
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton or similar, Girona
Day 2
- Get to know surrealist artist Salvador Dalí a bit better in Cadaqués and Figueres
- Be captivated by the medieval town of Besalú
We’re up and out this morning, heading to the charming coastal town of Cadaqués. Oh, but it’s so much more than that. Nestled along the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque and unspoilt coastal setting has a strong connection to surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and his influence can be seen in the community that thrives here. Art lover or not, you’ll adore the artistic and Bohemian atmosphere of Cadaqués.
And in the nearby town of Figueres, the amazing Dalí was born. That’s our next stop, where you have time to check out Rambla, the Dalí theatre and museum, or the castle. The time is yours!
Our final stop of the day is in the charming medieval town of Besalú. With history dating back to the Roman period, as well as a strong medieval flourish, Besalú is a captivating destination for those who visit. Perhaps you’ll wander the narrow alleyways of the Jewish quarter. Or explore the castle that perches on a hill overlooking the town, imagining yourself as ruler. Whatever you choose, it’s a great way to end the day before heading back to Girona.
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton or similar, Girona
Day 3
- Mountain-perched Montserrat Abbey is like a dream... one you get to discover
- Time for a roadtrip through the Peñedes wine route, plus a winery tour and tasting
Here’s one way to start your morning: ascending to the top of a striking rocky mountain range to visit a surreal and impressive monastery... sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Surrounded as you are by otherworldly peaks, you won’t know what to explore first – the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat Abbey or the walks surrounding it.
Montserrat is more than just a natural wonder, it’s a spiritual and cultural destination too. From pilgrims to tourists, and even locals, the religious importance of this centre of worship cannot be denied.
It’s then time for another idyllic Catalonian scenic drive through the Peñedes wine route on our way to Cava Wine for an included tour and tasting. You’re welcome.
It’s nearly time to wrap up but we can’t let you go without one more ‘wow’ moment and that moment is known at Sitges. As vibrant as your coastal towns can get, Sitges is bursting with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars sit across from a stunning sea view. Art galleries, museums and cultural events keep locals and visitors alike busy and entertained. This cool little beach town is the perfect way to end our tour before heading back to Barcelona.
Included Activities
- Peñedes wine tasting and tour
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Girona. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.
How does the accommodation work?
A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.
So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.
Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.
Are there any extra accommodation costs?
The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to take this tour?
You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.
So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email tours@rabbies.com .
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.
To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.
We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.
Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can routes change?
Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.
Do you take children on your tours?
We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?
We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What should I do if I have too much luggage?
It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.
But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.
Should I tip the driver and the guide?
Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com, or check out our full FAQs.