Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Spain – Barcelona – Begur – Cadaques
100% customisable for you
Have your bags packed and sunglasses at the ready: your Catalan road trip begins today. To start your trip, head to the airport, whizz through security and relax in the lounge before flying directly to Barcelona – a journey of around two hours, with no time difference to adjust to.
When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your base on the Passeig de Gracia, where you’ll spend the first three nights. The avenue is one of Europe’s great boulevards, with Gaudi’s most famous facades within easy walking distance. Spend the rest of the day settling in before heading out for your first taste of Catalan cuisine – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
To kick off your first morning in the city, we’ve arranged a visit to the Sagrada Familia (complete with fast-track tickets, of course). Gaudi’s iconic basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is scheduled for completion around 2034, but don’t worry: the basilica’s main structure has been completed, so you’ll be able to see it in its near-final form. The interiors, flooded with coloured light through the stained glass, are as extraordinary as the exterior suggests.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the city, whether you’d rather admire more of Gaudi’s handiwork at Casa Batllo, shop ‘til you drop along Las Ramblas or simply tuck into some tapas and an ice-cold glass of sangria.
Today’s all about exploring the city with a local who knows Barcelona only the way a Barcelonian can. Your guide will tailor your tour to your interests, whether you’d rather stroll the bohemian streets of Gracia, admire the creative energy of Poblenou or browse the market stalls of Sant Antoni. Whatever you choose, the tour gives you the chance to appreciate Barcelona beyond the tourist attractions.
This afternoon is yours for the taking, and you’re spoilt for choice with the Gothic Quarter, the El Born district, Montjuic and Barceloneta beach all nearby.
Come evening, we can arrange for you to have dinner at a local Catalan restaurant – the perfect way to end your stint in the capital.
This morning, pick up your trusty hire car and drive one-and-a-half-hours north to Begur, a pretty town in the heart of the Costa Brava. When you arrive, check into your new hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Sitting pretty on a hill dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle, Begur boasts a tangle of pedestrianised streets and a coastline of pine-covered headlands, rock pools and clear waves a short drive further down. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, so dip your toes into the water or get stuck into your holiday read poolside.
Today, explore Begur at your own pace. The old town is compact and unhurried, and the castle ruins are worth the short climb for the view over the coast. If you’re after a little more history, stroll along the cobbled streets of Esclanya, where Romanesque buildings stand side-by-side with grape and olive trees.
Below, a series of coves – Sa Tuna, Aiguafreda, Fornells – are connected by a coastal path of uneven stone that winds between them at sea level. The walking is easy, the swimming is excellent and the whole stretch feels far from the buzzing city you’ve just left behind.
If you’re keen to get out on the water, we can arrange for you to channel your inner pirate and board a traditional wooden boat with a local guide, following the coastline from the water into sea caves and past headlands that you can’t quite reach on foot.
Today, wave goodbye to Begur and begin the one-and-a-half-hour drive north to Cadaques, a charming, white-washed fishing village. Stop en route in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Theatre-Museum Dali, the largest surrealist object in the world, designed by the artist himself. The building is crowned with a spectacular glass dome and filled with fascinating sculptures, paintings and installations.
Once you’ve been suitably wowed, continue on to Cadaques and check into your final hotel. If you’re tired after the long journey, simply sit back and relax by the pool; if not, we can arrange a walk through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, a scenic gem on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, meet your guide and begin a tour of Cadaques in the footsteps of Salvador Dali himself. Wander through the village, from the statue on the Platja Gran down to the cove of Portlligat, where a humble fisherman’s cabin was gradually transformed into the labyrinthine studio and home where Dali lived and worked for much of his life. The building is as surrealist as the work produced inside it – which is saying something.
Take the rest of the day to explore: an aimless afternoon is best spent wandering the rocky coastline, the tapas bars and the narrow white streets. This evening, enjoy a tasty dinner recommended by your Concierge, toasting to your time in Catalonia.
This morning, drive a couple of hours south along the coast back towards Barcelona, stopping en route at Pubol to visit the Gala Dali Castle. Dali bought this ruined medieval castle and restored it entirely as a gift for his wife and muse Gala. Each room is filled with Dali’s distinctive brand of romantic surrealism, making for an incredible artistic experience.
Back in Barcelona, it’s sadly time to head home. Head to the airport, return your hire car and board the two-hour flight home – just enough time to reminisce on the incredible art and scenery of the Catalan coastline.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
