The adventure begins in Barcelona, the seaside capital of Catalunya and a dream destination for art lovers, shoppers, foodies and more.
This evening, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group. Stay: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar).
After breakfast, we have a quick tour of Barcelona stopping at: La Rambla, a landmark avenue of stalls and street entertainers; La Boqueria, a sensation for the senses with a multitude of market traders selling fresh produce; the 195ft (60m) tall Christopher Columbus statue; the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral; and the Gothic Quarter. We then take a private transfer to Begur, a medieval town crowned by a hilltop stone castle.
On arrival, we have lunch at one of the many great restaurants near our hotel.
Afterwards, we being our walking with a circular route – a fantastic introduction to the dramatic landscape of the Costa Brava, taking in secluded coves, fishing villages and rugged cliffs. Stay: Hotel Rosa (or similar) (B).
This morning, we walk directly from our hotel to the picturesque town of Pals, where we can admire the restored gothic architecture and the Torre de les Hores, a 50ft (15m) tall stone tower that was once attached to a castle but has now become a symbol of the city. From here, we wander through the winding narrow streets to the small gothic church of Sant Pere (which was built using stones from the old Pals castle) for breath-taking panoramic views.
We also have lunch in Pals, a good chance to sample the local paella recipe. There will be free time this afternoon and we recommend exploring the old quarter in Begur, visiting the medieval castle, the church, the 16th-century defensive towers and the cultural centre. Stay: Hotel Rosa (or similar) (B).
From Begur, we walk south following the coast, taking in the stunning landscape and wandering through a trio of coastal towns: Tamariu, Llafranc, and Calella de Palafrugell. We are greeted by fantastic views of the shore, with turquoise waters and wild scenery. The route today is mostly on undulating coastal paths. From Calella de Palafrugell, we take a private transfer to Finca Bell Lloc, an idyllic vineyard and winery where we enjoy a wine tasting. Relaxed, we take a private transfer back to Begur. Stay: Hotel Rosa (or similar) (B).
This morning, we take a one-hour private transfer to Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, a vital wetland and habitat for a range of animals and plant life. It's home to a large number of reptiles (toad-headed turtles, three-toed skinks, water snakes), amphibians (various frogs, marbled newts), fish, mammals (rabbits, weasels, badgers, fallow deer), and, of course, birds both permeant residents and migratory. After our walk, we take a private 45-minute transfer to the coastal village of Cadaqués, where we stay for the last two nights.
This afternoon, we have free time. We recommend exploring Cadaqués, one of the most charming towns in Catalunya with its seafront promenade, cobblestone streets, and white houses. Alternatively, if weather permits, you can chose to visit one of the beaches near the city centre and enjoy a dip in the sea. Stay: Hotel Octavia (or similar) (B).
Today, we walk directly from our hotel and head to the summer house of artist Salvador Dali, a fascinating building decorated with surrealist artwork and furniture. From here, we can enjoy the olive gardens and fantastic Mediterranean Sea views.
Afterwards, we set off for Cap de Creus and its lighthouse, our last coastal walk. On our way, we discover more pristine coves and wander around the narrow streets and picturesque waterfront of Cadaqués.
In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a sea-view restaurant, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together. Stay: Hotel Octavia (or similar) (B).
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Cadaques to Barcelona Airport. If you've still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Barcelona hotel (B).
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