Trip Overview
Where artistry shapes daily life and the Mediterranean sharpens the senses, the distinct spirit of Catalonia unfolds
Artistic. Proud. Unmistakable. Catalonia’s unique spirit flows through Gaudí’s dreamlike geometry, the fluid intensity of Dalí’s brushwork, and the shifting dialogue between countryside and coast. Led by your handpicked Signature Guide, this journey shares that spirit with you, from Barcelona’s artistic pulse to the forested calm of Oller del Mas and the whitewashed bays that shaped Dalí’s imagination. Each day brings encounters with the makers and producers who keep Catalan traditions alive, offering a deep connection to a region defined by creativity, heritage, and the clarity of Mediterranean light.
Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.
Signature Experiences:
- Connect with Barcelona’s new wave of pioneering artisans and artists in the creative Gràcia district, tasting local delicacies and creating your own Catalan-style mosaic
- Enjoy exclusive access to two small-batch vineyards in the Penedès, sampling their fine wines, dining on a traditional Catalan lunch, and exploring their vines and cellars
- Join a local chef at a coastal winery overlooking the Mediterranean to prepare seasonal, slow-food dishes, while sipping regional wines and classic aperitifs from the estate
- Immerse yourself in Dalí’s coastal world, exploring his home and the wild, wind-carved headlands of the Costa Brava that shaped his surrealist imagination
Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between e-biking through the Pla de Bages countryside, creating contemporary prints with Catalan artist Lourdes Fisa, tracing Roman and monastic history in Tarragona and Poblet, or hiking to Rupit’s dramatic waterfall followed by a Catalan village lunch
Signature Stay: Experience Catalonia’s countryside calm at Oller del Mas, settling into luxurious, modern cabins on a historic wine estate framed by vineyards, pine forest, and far-reaching views of Montserrat
Signature Guide: Let your handpicked Signature Guide lead you to the region’s soul — sharing their home, heritage, and heart
Is This Trip for You?
We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Driving times: The longest transfer (three hours) takes place on Day 7. Other transfers are 1h 30min or less.
Prebooking activities: An immersive adventure of your choice awaits on the Signature Day. All you need to do is prebook the activity at least 60 days before departure through our Signature Collection travel experts. Additionally, you can book a walking tour in Barcelona on Day 1, priced from €138.
Group
When it comes to unlocking a destination, your Signature Guide is the key holder. Hand-selected for their extensive experience and unrivalled local knowledge, they ensure your experience runs effortlessly thanks to their exceptional organisational skills. Our Signature Guides are named on our website, so you can begin your journey with complete confidence and anticipation of the wonders each day will bring.
Adult min age:
18
Min group size:
4
Max group size:
16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Barcelona
- End City: Barcelona
Land Only Itinerary
Your journey begins in the city of Barcelona, the Catalan capital, where the Mediterranean light illuminates a distinct artistic heritage and culture. Complimentary arrival transfers are provided today, allowing you to settle into your journey with ease.
Those arriving early may join an optional walking tour of the Old Quarter, tracing the city’s history through Roman stones, medieval lanes, and intimate squares with a local expert.
As evening falls, gather for our welcome reception at one of Barcelona’s most privileged creative enclaves: Studio 46. Though this modernist workshop is normally reserved for collectors and industry insiders, our exclusive invitation sets the tone for the days ahead with a guided walk through its remarkable archive of contemporary and Barcelona-inspired works, followed by an elegant tapas dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Pulitzer
Trace the masterpieces of Modernism around Barcelona, discovering works that transformed the city at the turn of the century. Our tour includes a private invitation to explore inside Gaudí’s spectacular unfinished church, La Sagrada Família, and we step inside the Hospital de Sant Pau complex, before pausing along the iconic Block of Discord, home to a string of Modernist façades.
Signature Experience: Later, we meet the next generation of Catalan artisans preserving Barcelona’s creative soul. Venturing into Gràcia − a district defined by makers, community spirit, and independent character − we meet small-scale producers and specialist shops on a curated tasting walk, before a hands-on session in an artist’s studio introduces us to Catalonia’s distinctive trencadís mosaic tradition.
Second night at Hotel Pulitzer
Trade city life for countryside calm today, journeying into the historic wine region of Penedès, known for its small-scale producers specialising in cava.
Signature Experience: Here, we enjoy exclusive access to two small-batch vineyards preserving the distinct traditions and tastes of Penedès. The first offers a guided introduction to local varieties and cellar traditions, followed by a tasting that reflects the area’s distinctive microclimates. Continue to the second for a traditional Catalan lunch, then walk into the fields to learn how generations have cultivated this landscape. The visit concludes in the cool cellar, where the ageing methods and bottling techniques are revealed before a final tasting.
This afternoon, settle into Oller del Mas, your Signature Stay, where luxurious cabins open onto oak and pine forests and frame serene views of Montserrat’s serrated peaks. Dinner follows at Bages 964, the estate’s contemporary restaurant, where seasonal Catalan dishes are paired with wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Overnight at Oller del Mas
Today is your Signature Day, an invitation to experience Catalonia through its landscapes, artistry, and layered heritage. You could:
- Cycle gentle country paths on an e-bike, moving between small forests, open fields and centuries-old farmsteads along the Pla de Bages. Learn how agricultural rhythms and the historic Ignatius Way have shaped this calm rural corridor.
- Work alongside one of Manresa’s most respected visual artists, Lourdes Fisa, in her studio, exploring the textures, colours and techniques of contemporary printmaking as you create a small artwork inspired by the natural and cultural identity of the region.
- Walk through centuries of Roman and monastic history with an expert guide in Tarragona and Poblet, tracing ancient walls, stepping into medieval cloisters, and exploring underground Roman tunnels before a relaxed Catalan lunch in the old quarter.
- Wander the 16th-century stone village of Rupit, pausing for fresh pastries before a gentle two-hour hike to viewpoints overlooking a dramatic waterfall, followed by a generous Catalan meal in a family-run restaurant.
Later, we reunite for dinner at L’Ó, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Món Sant Benet complex. Here, renowned chef Ivan Margalef takes inspiration from his immediate environment − the monastery of Sant Benet, the vegetable gardens, and the picturesque Pla de Bages – to produce an innovative menu deeply rooted in Catalan identity.
Second night at Oller del Mas
Begin the day in Girona, a city shaped by Roman foundations, medieval walls, and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Wander the narrow lanes of the Call, step inside the Cathedral and Arab Baths, and follow a section of the ancient Roman wall, where views open across tiled rooftops and the houses edging the Onyar River.
A relaxed lunch in the old quarter sets an easy rhythm for the afternoon, which unfolds beside Banyoles Lake. Encircled by reed beds, poplars, and distant hills, this glacial lake offers a calm shift of pace, its still waters anchoring a gentle walk enriched by stories of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Continue to the coast and settle into the Park Hotel San Jorge & Spa, a clifftop retreat with pathways down to two secluded coves. Dinner unfolds in the Mediterranean-view dining room, with dishes celebrating the coastal traditions of the Costa Brava.
Overnight at Park Hotel San Jorge & Spa
Begin the morning exploring Pals, a beautifully preserved medieval village of cobbled lanes, honey-coloured stone, and quiet archways overlooking the Empordà plains.
Signature Experience: Continue to a coastal winery, where a panoramic terrace sets the scene for an immersive cooking experience. Under the guidance of a local chef, prepare seasonal dishes, from regional appetisers to a traditional paella, using ingredients rooted in the surrounding farmland and coast. As each course comes together, sip estate wines and settle into the relaxed rhythm of a long Mediterranean lunch.
Return to your Costa Brava retreat, and either follow the coastal Camí de Ronda to hidden coves or simply relax by the sea-facing hotel pool as the Mediterranean light fades.
Second night at Park Hotel San Jorge & Spa
Travel north along the Costa Brava into a region where generations of artists found inspiration in the interplay of sea, rock, and shifting light.
Signature Experience: Explore Dalí’s coastal world on a curated journey through Port Lligat, Cadaqués, and Cap de Creus. Begin at the artist’s intimate house-museum, preserved as he and Gala left it, before continuing to the artistic enclave of Cadaqués for a relaxed seaside lunch and time to wander its narrow lanes. The day builds toward the raw landscapes of Cap de Creus Natural Park, where wind-carved cliffs, elemental light, and far-reaching Mediterranean horizons echo the surreal forms that defined Dalí’s imagination.
In the evening, gather at Bell-Lloc Winery for a farewell dinner to remember. After an introduction to the estate’s landscape-led philosophy and a short walk through its vineyards and cellar, enjoy a curated Catalan menu paired with Bell-Lloc wines — an elegant final reflection of Empordà’s character.
Third night at Park Hotel San Jorge & Spa
Soak in the final moments of calm on the Costa Brava this morning, where pine-framed coves and soft morning light offer a gentle farewell to the coast. A transfer returning you to Barcelona is provided today.
After breakfast, your journey draws to a close, but the impressions linger: the creative spirit of Barcelona, the medieval lanes of Girona, the luminous bays that shaped Dalí’s imagination, and the warmth of the people who brought each place to life.
Alternatively, open a new chapter of discovery by speaking to your Signature Collection travel expert about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Experience the best of Catalan hospitality
Every aspect of the Signature Collection is meticulously planned to take you deeper into the destination. That means your accommodation is a refined showcase of local hospitality, whether you’re staying in a pioneering luxury hotel or enjoying privileged access to a characterful stay designed to fully immerse you in the local culture.
Below are the accommodations we use on this adventure:
Barcelona: Hotel Pulitzer (nights 1-2)
Hotel Pulitzer offers a calm, contemporary base in central Barcelona. Light-filled rooms pair clean design with natural textures, while the rooftop terrace provides an inviting space for evening drinks above the city’s rhythm. The ground-floor restaurant highlights Mediterranean flavours, and the hotel’s location places galleries, architecture, and tree-lined boulevards within easy reach.
Manresa: Oller del Mas (nights 3-4)
Set within a historic wine estate, Oller del Mas is your Signature Stay, where minimalist luxury cabins sit among oak and pine with views toward Montserrat’s serrated peaks. Shaped by the estate’s deep ties to the land, each cabin offers a sense of calm and connection. Paths connect the cabins with the surrounding vineyards, the working cellar that reflects the estate’s organic philosophy, and the contemporary Catalan dining at Bages 964.
Girona: Park Hotel San Jorge & Spa (nights 5-7)
Set above pine-covered cliffs, Park Hotel San Jorge overlooks two sheltered coves reached by paths leading from the hotel. Sea-facing rooms feature private balconies and quiet, coastal-inspired interiors. A full-service spa, cliffside pool, and Mediterranean restaurant create a restorative base for exploring nearby seaside villages and following scenic stretches of the Camí de Ronda.
- Enhance your stay: Personalise your experience with curated room upgrades and additional nights tailored to your travel plans.
Food & Drink
This journey is designed to deepen your connection to the region through its food and drink. Enjoy a tapas welcome in Barcelona, seasonal Catalan dishes shared in family vineyards, and the chance to prepare paella and regional appetisers alongside local chefs on a Mediterranean terrace. Seaside lunches in Cadaqués, estate-grown wines and the region-led cooking at Bell-Lloc Winery together highlight Catalonia’s blend of tradition, landscape and quiet culinary creativity.
Transport
From the moment you land to the moment you depart, all transport is taken care of for you. On this journey, we use a private minibus for all transfers.
Weather & Seasonality
Catalonia’s Mediterranean climate brings warm, sunny days for much of the year. The months either side of summer offer comfortable weather and clear coastal light, making them ideal seasons for exploring vineyards, medieval towns and coastal paths. Summer is warmer and brighter, well-suited to time along the shoreline.
Joining Instructions
As with all adventures in the Signature Collection, we take care of your arrival and departure transfers, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Arrival airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)
- Your adventure begins with a welcome reception at 6pm on Day 1 at our first accommodation.
- Departure airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)
- Your adventure concludes after breakfast on the final day.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Barcelona
What To Take
Essential Equipment
There’s no specialist equipment you need for this trip. For more information on what you might need to pack, please see our packing guide.
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
Tipping
On this adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included and will be taken care of locally by your Signature Guide. Tips for your Signature Guide are not included. We recommend a starting point of €45 to €55 per group member, to be given at the end. This is discretionary and you may wish to tip a different amount, depending on the service you have received.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.
On this journey, you can:
- Support Catalan craftsmanship by learning the trencadís mosaic technique in a Gràcia artist’s studio, helping preserve a defining Modernisme tradition and directly sustaining local creative livelihoods.
- Take part in a printmaking session with renowned artist Lourdes Fisa, where gentle introductions to stamping and composition celebrate inland Catalonia’s graphic heritage and bolster the region’s contemporary arts community.
- Engage with local makers through small-scale creative workshops that centre slow, sustainable artistry, ensuring your visit contributes to the ongoing vitality of Catalonia’s cultural identity and independent craft practices.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How To Book
Speak to our Signature Collection travel experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure. Where complimentary transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
