- Days 1–6Barcelona
- Days 6–10The Costa Brava
- Days 1–6Barcelona
- Days 6–10The Costa Brava
Art and Gastronomy in Catalonia
On this luxury ten-day trip to Spain’s north-eastern corner, you'll imbibe the unique traditions, incredible cuisine and proudly distinct culture of Catalonia. Tasting all manner of local specialities and foods emblematic of the region, and visiting some of the most beautiful towns and villages, you'll journey from Barcelona to the Costa Brava.
- Explore Barcelona’s beautiful and eccentric architecture
- Get under the skin of the city on a cycling tour
- Visit the spectacularly sited monastery at Montserrat
- Taste cava at our favourite vineyards in Penedès
- See the rustic fishing villages that inspired Dali
- Walk the medieval streets of quaint Girona
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–6
Five nights in Barcelona
In Spain’s northwestern corner sits the proudly independent comunidad autónoma of Catalonia, with the charismatic city of Barcelona as its capital.
One of Europe’s greatest cities, Barcelona has a rich history with architectural treasures dating from Roman temples to winding gothic streets, with Gaudí’s uniquely playful modernism cut with stark millennial flashes of glass and steel. There is a tangibly buzzing culture in the streets and squares, an inspiration for some of the 20th century’s greatest artists and writers, that makes exploring tucked-away bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries endlessly captivating.
In the city
Gastronomy
Gaudí
Art
Biking
A gourmet walking tour
Guided by a gastronomic writer and passionate foodie who has spent a decade immersed in Spain’s food and wine culture, you’ll discover Barcelona’s most emblematic dishes. Start at La Boqueria, the most symbolic market in the city, to learn about local products like Iberian hams. You’ll also stop at patisseries, cafes and speciality cheese and wine stores.
A private Gaudí tour
Barcelona is known for its beautiful and often eccentric architecture, and on this tour you will learn about Catalan Modernism that flourished between 1888 and 1906. Discover some of Gaudí’s most famous works including the bright mosaics of Güell Park and La Sagrada Familia, considered his masterpiece and is a real feat of engineering incorporating stone, brick, tiles and glass.
Modern and contemporary galleries
Feel the pulse of Barcelona´s creative art scene by visiting some of the most significant sites such as artistic institutions, landmarks, architecture, theaters, art auctions, galleries, studios, as well as many unexpected buildings with an expert local guide. You will also have the chance of meeting some art collectors, gallery owners, local artists and other contemporary Spanish art players.
A bike tour with tapas
Hop on two wheels and enjoy exploring some of the less well-known areas of the city. Your bike tour takes you off the beaten path and allows you to see the real Barcelona. Wind your way through the streets and squares, visiting the districts of San Antoni, Eixample and Gràcia, passing the Plaça de Espanya, Casa Terrades and Barcelona University. In each district you will stop to visit the market and enjoy some tapas.
Exploring further
Penedès
Montserrat
Tarragona
Tour the Penedès wine region
Some of the world’s finest wines and cava are produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia, located between the plains of the Mediterranean coast and the mountains. You’ll visit the Can Ràfols del Caus winery which has its own cellar carved out of the Dolomitic limestone, totally invisible from above ground. Enjoy a wine tasting and a tapas lunch with cava.
Visit Montserrat monastery
Montserrat’s history dates back to 880 when a small group of shepherd children saw a bright light descend from the sky. At the same time, they heard angels singing and when the town explored the nearby caves they found an image of the Virgin Mary. From that moment it became a holy sanctuary. Enjoy exploring the Benedictine monastery, with its statue of the Black Madonna – patron saint of Catalonia, and the museum. The Escolania boy’s choir perform most days and is a real highlight.
A guided exploration of Tarragona
Tarragona is home to the Tarraco Archaeological Site, filled with impressive Roman ruins including an amphitheatre perched on the rocky coast. The historic centre of the city unfolds between the old city walls and Mediterranean sea and it is easy to see why this was considered the most elegant and cultured city of Roman Spain.
Days 6–10
Four nights on the Costa Brava
Aptly named, the Costa Brava, meaning rugged coast, stretches up Catalonia to the French border, with wild pine-covered cliffs hiding secluded sandy beaches and bays, punctuated by fishing towns such as the beautiful Cadaques, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, and scenic Greek, Roman and Iberian archaeological sites. Of course the food is also fantastic, with a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and a profusion of superb, locally produced wines.
You’ll see the rustic fishing towns and villages that inspired Dalí and visit his museum in Figueres, the building itself being the largest surrealistic object in the world. Walk the medieval streets of quaint Girona, learn the secrets of Catalan cooking at the home of a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and spend a well-earned final day relaxing on the beach, thoroughly nourished culinarily and culturally.
Highlights of the Costa Brava
On the Dalí trail
The last resort on the Costa Brava before the French border, Cadaques is a pretty Mediterranean town that looks out over fishing boats bobbing on the bright blue sea. It is filled with old whitewashed houses and a 16th-century parish up on a hill. Visit Port Lligat, a fishing village where Dalí and his family enjoyed their holidays and whose windswept lunar landscapes inspired his work. Figueres is the beautiful town where the Dalí Theatre and Museum is located.
Exploring Girona
The old centre of Girona has preserved the remains of its long history. Take a private guided walking tour to see its imposing Gothic cathedral, which contain a textile jewel, the medieval Creation Tapestry. You’ll also stroll through El Call, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Arab baths.
The flavours of Catalonia
Welcomed into the wonderful home of a professional chef, well-known in Spanish culinary circles for their Mediterranean cuisine and creative touch, you’ll learn the secrets of the Catalan kitchen. During a lesson lasting between 3 and 4 hours, you’ll prepare four courses before enjoying your meal accompanied by Spanish cava and wine.
