COSTA BRAVA & MEDIEVAL VILLAGES

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will discover the treasures of the capital of Catalan Art Nouveau where the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, lived and worked. Drive along Paseo de Gracia to see Gaudi’s famous apartment buildings La Pedrera and Casa Batllò, before enjoying a tour of the Sagrada Familia. Overnight in Barcelona. (B)

Savor a buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading out to discover Barcelona at your own pace. Here, history and tradition go hand in hand with emerging fashion and new trends in cuisine, culture and art. Its diverse quarters, famous museums – including the Picasso Museum, virtually unrivaled food scene, and bustling harbor make it a wonderful place to explore at leisure today. (B)

After driving through picturesque villages, you will arrive at the magnificent setting of the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet. Next, visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of the Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin. Next visit two of the major towns in northern Catalunya: Figueres with its landmark Dali Theatre and Museum; and Girona, a monumental city which is home to one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Overnight in Girona. (B)

After breakfast, depart on a full day excursion to explore medieval villages in the province of Girona. Visit Pubol, where the Gala Dali Castle – the house Dali bought for his wife, is situated. Take in the splendors of Peratallada, a village that seems taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its medieval streets and stone houses. Discover Pals with its 3.5 km of beachfront coastline. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own in Begur-Aiguablava, set in the heart of the Costa Brava. Late this afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel home base for the next three nights in Tossa de Mar for check in and dinner. (B,D)

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading out to discover the treasures of Tossa de Mar on your own. Located on the Girona coast, halfway between the city of Barcelona and the French border, Tossa de Mar is an ancient fishermen’s village that has been transformed over the last 50 years. We recommend strolling along the walled fortress’ narrow alleyways and walking up to Tossa’s Lighthouse for magnificent coastal views. Outside the walls, you will find the traditional fishermen’s quarter, known as Sa Roqueta. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

After breakfast, take time at leisure to relax and enjoy Tossa. Consider exploring its beaches or its areas of great natural beauty, with the fragrance of pine trees, rosemary, and thyme. Enjoy a succession of cliffs and lookout points surrounded by beautiful vistas of greens and blues with plenty of beaches and tiny coves. Another pleasant area to discover is the seafront – from the ancient ramparts to Mar Menuda beach. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Savor breakfast at your hotel before your departure transfer to Barcelona Airport for your flight home. (B)