Barcelona, Montserrat & the Pyrenees

The colours & contrasts of Spain

Revel in the excitement of one of Europe's must-see cities, discover its Gaudí masterpieces and journey to Catalonia's spiritual home. Soak up the irrepressible magic of the enthralling, stylish Olympic city of Barcelona. Discover its vitality and heart-stopping sights, and journey to the sacred hill-top monastery of Montserrat, Catalonia's spiritual heart. A delightful scenic tour of the Catalan Pyrenees (including a brief crossing into France) and opportunities to enjoy a guided walk along the shore from Santa Susanna to Malgrat, and to discover historic walled Girona, complete a hugely enjoyable holiday to Spain.

Highlights

A guided tour of wonderful Olympic city Barcelona
See Gaudi's monumental Sagrada Familia
Journey to the mountain-top shrine at Montserrat
Enjoy a scenic journey through the Catalan Pyrenees

Inclusions

Five nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Caprici Verd Hotel, Santa Susanna
A guided tour of Barcelona
Return flights from your chosen airport to Barcelona or Girona
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Tour Manager

Day Day 1

Following your flight to Spain, you'll transfer by coach to Santa Susanna and your hotel. After checking in, you'll have rest of the day free to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings before dinner is served this evening.

Day Day 2

The first of your excursions takes you to the great city of Barcelona. Lavishly refurbished for the spectacular 1992 Olympics, Barcelona has something for everyone. Begin your visit with a guided tour, during which the city will be brought to life by an expert local guide, then spend the rest of the day exploring. Discover the Modernista route, starting with the grand boulevards of the Eixample district, at the heart of the city’s so-called Golden Square. Take in the Passeig de Gràcia and modernista architect Antoni Gaudí’s unforgettable Casa Milà, or La Pedrera, which houses a museum devoted to his life and work. From here, head to his greatest achievement, the awesome, unfinished marvel of La Sagrada Familia, the stupendous church that occupied his last 12 years. Explore the beautiful, medieval Barri Gotic, with its narrow streets and imposing Cathedral, its palm-fringed cloisters and cool fountains. See the Royal Palace, to which Columbus returned from the New World, and the Museu Picasso. Head to the busy central square of Plaza Catalunya, at the northern end of famous La Rambla, the wide, tree-lined pedestrian avenue that is the beating heart of the city. Flower stalls, birds in cages, remarkable mime artists, newsstands, the huge Boqueria market, Gaudí's magnificent Palau Güell and the Liceu Opera House ensure that progress is fascinating and slow. At the foot of La Rambla, the towering statue of Columbus looks out over the busy harbour. Here, out on the wooden walkways, you’ll find several floating restaurants moored, vying for your lunchtime custom. After a day crammed full of highlights, however you decide to spend it, you’ll return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day Day 3

Today's included tour is a leisurely escorted drive through the rolling foothills - and some higher passes - of the Catalan Pyrenees. We will pass through the Cadi Tunnel, then cross the border into France and visit famously sunny Fort-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, the walled town of Villefranche-de-Conflent and Perpignan.

Day Day 4

Make the most of the hotel’s amenities and surroundings, today, or join one or both of our optional excursions. This morning, join your tour manager for a leisurely stroll along the seafront to the neighbouring resort of Malgrat. This gentle, largely level, three-and-a-half-mile walk will include time for a drink in a beach-front café before you return to Santa Susanna by boat. This afternoon’s tour will take you to the historic walled city of Girona. With its historic old town beside the River Onyar, its immense cathedral and its tree-lined main street Rambla, Girona is one of the most typically Catalan of the region’s cities, and a strategic stronghold dating back to Roman times. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the major landmarks, and then have the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Don’t miss the cool cloister of the cathedral, the wonderfully restored Arab baths – the finest example in Spain outside of Granada – or the labyrinth of narrow streets that makes up the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Europe. Alternatively, take a seat in a pavement café to watch the world go by.

Day Day 5

Our last excursion takes you to the stunning mountainside monastery of Montserrat, potent symbol and spiritual centre of Catalonia. A centuries-old place of pilgrimage, the monastery is home to the Black Virgin, a small figure of the Madonna and Child stained dark by the candles lit by countless worshippers. The fortress-like nature of the building – it is only accessible by winding road, rack railway or cable-car – served it well during the Franco regime, when Montserrat became a refuge for Catalan nationalism, and the views from its lofty perch are outstanding.

Day Day 6

Bid "Adéu" to Catalonia, as you transfer back to the airport to board your flight home, at the end of a marvellous few days.

Caprici Verd Hotel, Santa Susanna

The four-star Caprici Verd Hotel is situated on the seafront in the relaxed resort of Santa Susanna on the Costa Brava, and is just a short stroll from the centre of town.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes from Girona Airport and one hour from Barcelona Airport.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Your day in Barcelona

Entry to La Sagrada Familia is not included within the guided tour on Day Two as it can only be booked online in advance. You will have free time in Barcelona between the hours of 1pm and 3pm.

from £563.00

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The colours & contrasts of Spain

Highlights

Inclusions

Day Day 1

Day Day 2

Day Day 3

Day Day 4

Day Day 5

Day Day 6

Caprici Verd Hotel, Santa Susanna

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

Combining hotel transfers

Special requirements

Disabled access

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Your day in Barcelona

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