Barcelona, Costa Brava & Pyrenees

Start your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Barcelona. On arrival, head to your city centre hotel, set within an elegant 19th-century building in the modernist Eixample district. With its vintage aesthetic, sophisticated ambience, rooftop pool and gorgeous, plant-filled inner patio, this is the perfect base from which to take in the myriad delights of Barcelona. You’ll find plenty of fabulous places to eat and drink within easy walking distance, but you may well fancy dining in later on, as the on-site Batuar restaurant offers an enticing menu based on local ingredients of the highest quality – complimented, of course, by an extensive selection of expertly mixed cocktails at the bar. 

Stay: Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection, Barcelona (Deluxe)

You have the whole day free to explore Barcelona at leisure. From its extraordinary array of architectural gems and its magnificent food markets to its gorgeous parks and sandy beaches, there’s far more to see and do here than you could possibly fit into a single day – so it’s best to be selective and focus on a few areas of particular interest. Taking a short stroll to the Plaça de Catalunya is a good place to start, as from this central square, you can head off in any direction to numerous points of interest, either on foot or by public transport. You could, for instance, wander down La Rambla, veering off to peruse the bustling, aromatic stalls of La Boqueria before slowly meandering through the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll find numerous ornate churches, leafy squares and buzzing tapas bars. It’s always worth visiting a few Gaudi masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and, if time allows, Park Güell. Or, you might be tempted to take the funicular and the cable car to the top of Montjuïc mountain for magnificent views overlooking the city. 

Stay: Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection, Barcelona (Deluxe)

This morning, collect your hire car and drive north for around an hour-and-a-half to your next stop; a stunning retreat perched on a clifftop overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic coastal scenery, you’ll find inviting terraces with panoramic sea views, a beautiful outdoor pool and stylish interiors that echo the charm of the Costa Brava. As you’ll be based here for a couple of nights, you’ll have time to unwind and soak up the tranquil atmosphere or explore the surrounding area. The picturesque coves and beaches of the Costa Brava are just moments away, perfect for a leisurely swim or a scenic walk along the rugged coastline. Alternatively, venture inland to discover the medieval streets of Begur or the cultural treasures of Girona, a city famed for its historic architecture and vibrant riverside views.

Stay: Parador de Aiguablava

The next section of your Catalan adventure sees you leave the Costa Brava behind as you ascend into the Pyrenees, passing through some rather spectacular mountain scenery en route to La Seu d’Urgell, close to the border with Andorra. Here, you’ll be staying in a Parador (a type of Spanish hotel set within a converted historic building) built around a Renaissance-era cloister and featuring a heated indoor pool. It’s situated right next to the town’s resplendent, 12th-century Catedral Santa Maria d'Urgell, the last remaining Romanesque cathedral in Catalonia. While the town has plenty of charm, it’s only by venturing into the surrounding mountains that you’ll be able to fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, to the east, and Alt Pirineu Natural Park, to the northwest, both offer an abundance of fabulous Alpine hiking trails and are easily accessible as a day trip from La Seu d’Urgell. 

Stay: Parador Vic-Sau (Superior)

Looping back towards the south, you’ll traverse a dramatic landscape of rugged hills, fertile plains and winding river valleys as you make your way to one of Catalonia’s most historic towns. Your next two nights will be spent in an extraordinary setting: a medieval fortress rising high above the surrounding countryside, offering sweeping views of the Cardener River and the rolling terrain beyond. Inside, the atmosphere is steeped in history, with stone walls, vaulted ceilings and warm, rustic interiors that evoke centuries of tradition.

During your stay, you’ll have the chance to explore the castle’s towers and ramparts or wander through the charming streets of the nearby town. For those keen to venture out, the surrounding region offers scenic hiking trails, picturesque villages and opportunities to discover Catalonia’s heritage. Nearby Cardona's historic quarter has been declared a Cultural Site of National Interest, and is best explored on foot. Meander through cobbled streets and plazas, admire medieval architecture, and uncover stories of its strategic role on the frontier with Al Ándalus. Wine lovers will also find themselves in the heart of a region known for its robust reds and sparkling cavas, making this an ideal spot for a tasting experience.

Stay: Parador de Cardona

As you drive back to Barcelona, you might decide to make a stop or two along the way, such as at the Montserrat Monastery and Natural Park or Penedès, the home of Cava. Another option is to head for Tarragona, a port city filled with Roman ruins, before taking the coastal road back to Barcelona. You’ll then drop off your hire car and head to the airport to catch your flight home.