Sample Itinerary: Grand Tour of Catalonia

Think of this road trip as a “journey full of journeys” – filled with amazing discoveries as you explore Catalonia from north to south and east to west. Each day offers opportunities to engage with the local people and learn about their customs and traditions.
 

• Day 1 ~ Barcelona’s Modernism ~ Begin your journey with the greatest works of Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner, iconic examples of European modernist architecture. Later, swimming in the Mediterranean will be the perfect end to a perfect day.

• Day 2 ~ From Montserrat to Penedès ~ Head up to Montserrat to visit the patron saint of Catalonia and walk around the natural park. Continue your journey through the peaceful Penedès vineyards and end with a toast featuring the perfect glass of Cava.

• Day 3 ~ A Vermouth on the Costa Daurada ~ The modernism of Domènech i Montaner and the vermouth tradition will lead you to Reus. The Roman heritage of Tarragona and its beaches complete this journey along the Costa Daurada.

• Day 4 ~ In the Delta de l’Ebre ~ The charm of the sea and the beautiful coves of L’Ametlla de Mar welcome you to Terres de l’Ebre. In the Delta, you can observe the wildlife of one of the peninsula's most valuable natural spaces between rice paddies and wetlands.

• Day 5 ~ Priorat Wines ~ Your next destination will be Priorat, a land of excellent wines, where you can spend the afternoon soaking up the peace of the Poblet monastery.

• Day 6 ~ The Best Sky in Catalonia ~ Enjoy views of the Plana de Lleida as you head to the spectacular Congost de Mont-rebei under a sky that offers quite the spectacle as night falls. In La Pobla de Segur, you will taste the traditional ratafia.

• Day 7 ~ A National Park and the Boí Romanesque ~ Today you will enjoy both active and cultural experiences. Spend the morning hiking in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. In the afternoon, experience the Romanesque Vall de Boí, a World Heritage site.

• Day 8 ~ The Unique Val d’Aran ~ Explore the little villages, Romanesque churches, and high-altitude landscapes of the Val d’Aran, a place with its own language and hearty cuisine.

• Day 9 ~ Adventure on the Noguera Pallaresa River ~ After rafting on the Noguera Pallaresa River, visit La Seu d’Urgell, where you can taste excellent cheeses and explore the charming stone villages of La Cerdanya.

• Day 10 ~ Dalí’s Inspiration ~ Spend the day exploring some of the landscapes of the Empordà that inspired Salvador Dalí, from Figueres to the Cap de Creus Natural Park, with stops in Portlligat and Cadaqués.

• Day 11 ~ Medieval Village Route ~ A beautiful sunrise over the Bay of Roses will be the prelude to your arrival at the historic Empuries Ruins. A series of medieval villages and Calella de Palafrugell will complete your journey through Empordà.

• Day 12 ~ Flavors of Girona ~  A day with a solid gastronomic theme: Start by walking the streets of Girona guided by its flavors. Try the cuisine of Collsacabra and learn how to make Vic sausages.

• Day 13 ~ Sunset in Barcelona ~ Back in the capital of Catalonia, visit the Crypt at Colonia Güell, one of Gaudi’s lesser-known works, and see contemporary art at the Miró Foundation before ending the trip with a view of the sunset from Montjuïc.

Catalonia Highlights

• Located in the northeastern corner of Spain, Catalonia – with its population of over 7.5 million – boasts a rich culture, a wealth of historical and natural sites, and its own language.

• Favored by travelers year-round, the region enjoys a temperate and mild Mediterranean climate characterized by dry, warm summers and moderately cool winters.

• From the Catalan Pyrenees' towering heights to the Costa Brava's spectacular coastline, Catalonia appeals to everyone from food and wine afficionados to wildlife lovers and sports enthusiasts.