Barcelona and Girona : 7 Nights – 8 Days
Hotel Options:
3 Nights – Barcelona, Hotel Spain Alma
4 Nights – Girona, Hotel Northern Spain Mas de Torrent
This itinerary allows you to explore two of Catalonia’s most exciting provinces. From the bright lights of Barcelona to the beautiful and historic Girona, you will discover the delights of this region, from world renowned restaurants to iconic art work.
Description
Your trip begins in Barcelona, one of Spain’s most exciting and diverse cities. Art and architecture lovers will not be disappointed Gaudí, Picasso, Miro, Lichtenstein and more all have their stake in Barcelona. Towering Miro sculptures appear from nowhere; Gaudí’s Park Güell offers respite from the summer sun and La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Família are more Gaudí masterpieces not to be missed. Lichtenstein graces the marina while Picasso has his own museum. Food lovers will be in heaven with Barcelona offers more Michelin starred restaurants then any other city in Europe. From local Tapas to a three starred gourmet feast you will not be disappointed.
The Hotel Alma your first stop on this tour, is a real gem located right at the heart of buzzing Barcelona. The rooms are quite French in style – high ceilings, muted colours, wooden shutters and wood floors all lend themselves to creating quite a Gallic feel. The real attraction of this hotel is its sun trap terrace area at the rear, festooned in creepers and decked out with chairs and tables, it makes for a wonderful spot to relax with a glass of Sangria and a good book. Take a private guided tour through the city centre following in the footsteps of Antoni Gaudi, you will learn how this genius thought, how he lived, how he created some of his best works: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera or the great cathedral of Sagrada Familia with a walking tour through these sites.
After three nights in this beautiful city you will be taken by private transfer 2-hours north to the delightful Mas de Torrent.
The hotel your second stop on this journey is situated in the Empordà, one of the most enchanting areas in Catalonia. The area offers beautiful secluded beaches, rolling meadows and plunging pine-clad cliffs. It is the birthplace of the famous artist Salvador Dalí and the place where many intellectuals and artists have settled and contributed to the cosmopolitan and cultured reputation of the region. Close to Mas de Torrent, the family home of the great Empordà writer Josep Pla still stands, and you will also find the castle at Púbol, a gift from Dalí to his wife.
Located 40-minutes form the hotel is Girona, a charming city with plenty to offer and satisfy all tastes. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, visit the museums and historic buildings and wander through the streets and squares and discover some of the small restaurants and cultural hidden gems the city has to offer. Food enthusiasts will be keen to get a much sought after table at the El Celler de Can Roca, number 1 in the worlds top 50 best restaurants. Whilst the restaurant has a year long waiting list for a table the hotel has been known to snap up last minute cancellations so always worth registering interest on arrival. Mas de Torrent offers guests relaxing haven with excellent service and amenities. The hotel has been established in its eighteenth century Catalan farmhouse for about 25 years and is one of the best hotels in the region. The large pool area and stunning spa allows guests to relax and unwind. Cuisine at the hotel is offered from two Mediterranean restaurants and as with all Relais & Chateaux members they strive for the highest quality. Restaurant Mas de Torrent serves local Catalan food from a seasonal menu created by chef Jordi Garrido. The hotel’s location near Spain’s wine country means there is a plentiful wine list of over 400 to choose from. If a less formal atmosphere in the summer is more to your liking, then visit the Restaurant Piscina, overlooking the pool and gardens and where your fantastic breakfast is served.
During your stay at The Relais & Chateaux Mas de Torrent there are a diverse range of activities on offer to keep you amused. If you like exercise, food, beautiful views and relaxing spa treatments then this is the ideal retreat for you. At sunset a hot air balloon ride over this beautiful countryside is a must and the perfect end to this magical itinerary.
When to travel
Catalonia is a year-round destination. Many associate Spain with the summer sun, but August can be a poor choice – both city and countryside broils and swarms with tourists as the locals disappear to more salubrious climes. It is certainly better to come around mid-June or September. If beach time is not a priority, you can easily find sunny (if chilly) weather and fewer crowds in January and February. Rainfall is highest in autumn and winter. During September and into October the city often gets a wash down in cracking thunderstorms.
As Catalonia is downwind from the Pyrenees, cold snaps are always on the cards and the April–May period is particularly changeable. At its best, May can be the most pleasant month of the year – clear and fresh.
September’s Festes de la Mercè, a four-day festival celebrating Barcelona’s co-patron saint, Nostra Senyora de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy) is a particularly good excuse to head to the city. This final burst of pre-winter madness features a swimming race across the harbour, a fun run, outstanding free concerts and a bewildering programme of cultural events. Adding to the local colour are all the ingredients of a major Catalan fiesta: castellers, sardanes (traditional Catalan folk dancing), parades of gegants and capgrossos (giants and big heads), and a huge correfoc (fire run). Events take place throughout much of the year, although there is more activity in the warmer months.
