Catalan Discovery: Mountains
and Coast
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY ONE: Arrive in Barcelona and spend two
nights
Start your Catalan holiday by flying into Barcelona. Take a
taxi to the five-star Grand Hotel Central, a sophisticated property located in Barcelona's Gothic quarter just a short distance from the cathedral, where you will stay for two nights. This
stop on your luxury touring holiday provides just enough time to explore
Barcelona’s several diverse quarters.
DAY TWO: Barcelona
Begin with Montjuïc, famed for its castle,
the tallest landmark in Barcelona. Perhaps also visit the Museu Nacional d’Art
de Catalunya, featuring a vast collection of Romanesque and Gothic art. Also of
interest is the minimalist white building of the Fundació Joan Miró, the
landscaped gardens, and the Poble Espanyol. The Gothic quarter might be next on
your list. This part of the city is characterised by its maze-like medieval
streets, and the beautifully designed buildings. Some of the best shops, and the
most beautiful palaces, churches, and squares are nestled into these streets. In
La Ribera, the former palaces of merchants have been converted into revered
museums, such as the Museu Picasso. This quarter is also home to the
fantastically mesmerising interior of the modernist Palau de la Música Catalana.
You may also wish to visit the historic Santa Maria del Mar, with its cavernous
interior, ochre stone walls, and pillars. El Raval was once one of the most
prolific red light districts in the Mediterranean; but now, this notorious
history is almost lost beside the beauty of the Romanesque monastery of Sant
Pau, and Antoni Gaudi’s enchanting Palau Güell. The Barcelona coast is divided
into six Blue Flag beaches, and serves some of the best seafood in the city –
besides the oysters and street food at La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas. This
is the perfect place to pass a lunchtime or early afternoon before taking in
more of the sights. Barcelona’s most famous quarter is perhaps the Eixample.
Riddled with eclectic Modernista architecture, its streets are imprinted with
the style of architects such as Antoni Gaudi. For a sweeping view of the best
works of this movement, wander down the Passeig de Grácia, and see the Manzana
de la Discòrdia, Le Pedrera, and, of course, the magnificent Sagrada Familia.
Gaudi’s most famous and best-loved work takes the form of Barcelona’s temple.
Its modified gothic architecture fractures the skyline in a series of elegant
spires, while inside the shape of the Sagrada still revolves around the image of
the traditional Latin cross. Contrary to popular belief, however, this temple is
still inferior in height to the Montjuïc Castle, and therefore visiting both
sites is essential to any trip to Barcelona. The Zona Alta, which sits further
away from Barcelona’s centre, is home to Gaudi’s Parc Güell, and Horta’s
labyrinth, and is therefore ideal for passing an afternoon outside. Complete
your stay in Barcelona on Las Ramblas, taking in the lively atmosphere, the
music of the buskers, enjoying the work of the living statues, sampling the
delicacies of the stalls, and seeking the perfect souvenir in the shops.
DAY THREE: Drive northwest to La Seu d’Urgell, and
stay for three nights
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 dominated by a 9th
century fortress. Arrive at your hotel, El Castell de Ciutat, a contemporary
alpine lodge in a rural location with astounding mountain views, where you will
be staying for three nights.
DAYS FOUR AND FIVE: La Seu d'Urgell
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 to the quaint hillside
village of Fontaneda in the Principality of Andorra, or simply relax and enjoy
the outstanding mountain views from the comfort of the hotel. In the centre of
the village of La Seu d’Urgell, sits the 11th century Catedral de Santa Maria.
This austere, but dramatic, cathedral is a testament to the Italian influence on
the Catalan Romanesque style. Its tall central chamber is quite severe, lacking
in natural light; yet, this serves to make the circular window that hangs above
the altar at the end of the hall all the more affecting. Corridors and the
cloister border a beautiful courtyarded garden. Also within the cathedral is a
Diocesan Museum, which displays a collection of mediaeval paintings and
sculptures that pertain to this region of Spain. La Seu d’Urgell has its own
Sagrada Familia, though its charming exterior bears little resemblance to the
temple in Barcelona. You may also wish to wander around the cloister of the
Església de Sant Miquel, a church that continues the austerity of the cathedral,
with tall curved walls and brooding interiors. One part of the church, however,
still bears evidence of a once more colourful building. One of the greatest
pleasures of spending time in La Seu d’Urgell might be a leisurely stroll
through the historic quarter, taking in the picturesque beauty of the arcaded
streets and old mansions, stopping off on your way at the convent of Sant
Domingo.
DAYS SIX: Drive south east to the
Catalan coast and spend three nights in S' Agaro
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. Head
to the Hostal de la Gavina, an elegant hotel in an impressive seaside location,
where you will spend three nights. Located on a peninsula the hotel looks out over sandy cove and rugged cliffs beyond, a haven of relaxation with plenty of activities and excursions
nearby.
DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT: S'Agaro
Visitors can indulge in the spa, enjoy a game of tennis, relax on the
sandy beaches or by one of the two pools, partake in numerous water sports, including windsurfing and
water-skiing, hire a boat to explore the coastline, or discover the local area
by car. The beaches, coves, and rock pools are what gives this area most of its
charm. During the days guests may choose to explore the Camino de Ronda which leads down to Sa Conca beach. Alternatively, recline on the beach, with
the serenity of the Costa Brava as your backdrop, and with the rush of the
lapping sea to help you relax. Guests can enjoy access to the St Pol Beach Club. Just a short drive inland is Girona, a cosmopolitan and
characterful city with a well-preserved mediaeval Jewish quarter as well as
Islamic and Christian monuments. Further north is Figueres, the town which is
known for its popular and eccentrically designed museum dedicated to the work of
Salvador Dalí.
DAY NINE: Return to
Barcelona for your return flight to the UK
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.
Driving times for this touring
holiday:
Barcelona to La Seu d’Urgell: 2 hours 15 minutes
La
Seu d’Urgell to S'Agaro: 2 hours 40 minutes
L'Escala to Barcelona: 1 hour
35 minutes
Click the 'Hotel Information' tab to find out more about
the hotels featured in this touring itinerary.