Barcelona & the Highlights of Catalonia Tour

Overview

These differences were ruthlessly suppressed during the Franco years but since this time, have been allowed to blossom and today Catalonia retains a distinct regional identity which borrows little from the rest of Spain.

Set on a plain rising from the clear blue Mediterranean through a range of wooded hills then to a superb backdrop of high mountains, the scenery is lovely. It is as diverse as any area can be, from tiny medieval villages to one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Barcelona and from classical Renaissance art to Salvador Dali’s avant garde; the list is endless and on this tour we see some of the best it has to offer.

In Roman times Tarragona was one of the Empire’s largest cities with a population of 250,000 and a wealth of buildings to match, many of which are still in evidence today. The delightful city of Girona has been fought over by not only the Romans, but Charlemagne, the Moors and the French all having left their mark, but is now famous as having the most outstanding Jewish Quarter in Europe and surrounded by stunning countryside. Ancient monasteries abound and include some of the most sophisticated ever constructed with many still in use. Lush vineyards sweep off to the horizon and produce that most superb of drinks, the sparkling wine – Cava.

Barcelona, the self confident and progressive capital is a tremendous place to visit. Probably the most prosperous city in the country, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of Spain which is so strong you can feel it just walking around. Boasting the superb contrast between its lovely Gothic centre with its mazelike tiny streets and its modernista (art nouveau) buildings of which there are more here than anywhere else in the world, there is a wealth of things to do and see. There are some superb museums, most notably those dedicated to Picasso who spent his formative years here, and Miró and the striking new contemporary art museum. Barcelona has also evolved a highly individual cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed by the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. But it’s more than that, it’s the confidence of the street theatre and mime artists of the Ramblas –the most famous thoroughfare in the city where the game is to see and be seen, the sheer class of the shops and the obvious sophistication of the Barcelonians themselves.

Catalonia also boasts the best food in Spain, but that is what the Catalans themselves tell you and to be fair they perhaps have a point, but the only real test is to come with us and see for yourself.

Personalise Your Holiday

Escape the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city for a morning soaring peacefully in a hot air balloon over the lush green hills of the Montseny National Park. We take in breath-taking vistas over the coast and the expanse of azure blue Mediterranean sea, and of the stunning city of Barcelona itself. Lush vineyards blend seamlessly into vast plains, pockmarked by volcanic peaks - a truly rich and varied landscape unfurls below us as we sail gracefully where the wind takes us.  On a really clear day you may see all the way to the peaks of Montserrat. What better way to conclude this hour long enchanting flight, than with a Cava toast, and brunch of local delicacies.  

Price from £145 per person.

Weight restrictions may apply. This cannot be booked online, please call us to pre-book this experience.

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