8 Days – Barcelona & Surroundings by car
Spend 2 days discovering the iconic city of Barcelona before renting a car to drive along the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, visit the historic towns of Girona and Tarragona as well as Montserrat mountain. Head north and spend a few nights soaking up the fresh mountain air of the majestic Pyrenees mountains in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park before heading back to the city.
route PROGRAMME
Day 1-2: Barcelona
Arrive at Barcelona El Prat airport. Spend the next 2 days exploring this cosmopolitan city – the Gaudi architecture at the famous Sagrada Familia or Park Guell, strolling along the Las Ramblas or visiting Camp Nou stadium. Not to forget the exciting nightlife in Port Olympic area. Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 3: Full day trip to Montserrat & Tarragona
Today, after picking up the rent a car, head out to the craggy heights of Montserrat mountain known for its unique pink formations, awe-inspiring views and a 1000-year old Bendectine monastery. You can drive all the way up to Montserrat (61.2 kms/1 hr 15 mins) or park at the stations below to enjoy the experience of taking the cable car or the rack railway to the top.
Leave Montserrat and head to the lovely seaside town of Tarragona (107 kms /1 hr 20 mins), filled with Roman ruins. Ramble around the Ramblas Nova full of shops and restaurants, visit the spectacular Roman amphitheatre facing the sea and enjoy the best views of the Mediterranean sea from the Balcon del Mediterraneo. Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 4: Full day excursion to Girona & Costa Brava
Travel through the scenic countryside to visit the colorful Roman city of Girona and discover its atmospheric Old Town. Enroute, visit the coastal region of Costa Brava surrounded by unspoiled beauty. Visit some of the famous coastal villages along the Costa Brava, such as Blanes, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar or the quintessentially Spanish Calella de Palafrugell. Enjoy the beaches, explore the quaint streets or just take in some Mediterranean sun! (Barcelona – Costa Brava: 85 – 145 kms; Costa Brava – Girona: 40-55 kms; Girona – Barcelona: 103 kms/1. 5 hrs). Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 5: Barcelona – Pyrenees (Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park)
Leave the sandy beaches of Barcelona and head to the majestic Pyrenees mountains which runs across the Spanish regions of Catalonia, Aragon and Navarra. The most famous point in the Catalan Pyrenees is the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and you can base yourself in any of the villages surrounding the park.
Barcelona – Vielha: 280 kms/4hrs
Barcelona – Baruerra/Boi/Espot: 260 kms/3 hrs 40 mins
Overnight in Pyrenees.
Day 6: Pyrenees (Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park)
Head to the national park known for its spectacular scenery, beautiful lakes and wildlife. You can enjoy hiking, trekking, biking or any of its walking trails. Overnight in Pyrenees.
Day 7: Pyrenees – La Seu d’Urgell - Barcelona
Leave the Pyrenees for the drive back to Barcelona. Enroute, stop at the lovely mountain town of La Seu d’Urgell (124 kms from Vielha, 80 kms from Espto, 140 kms; 1.5 – 2.5 hrs). Overnight in Barcelona. (La Seu d’Urgell – Barcelona: 175 kms/2.5 hrs). Overnight in Barcelona
Day 8: Barcelona
Drop off the car and take your return flight back home from Barcelona El Prat airport.
