Colorful Houses in Girona
Limited travel these past few months has me reminiscing about some of my best
trips in the past. Barcelona charmed its way back to my trip to memory lane. While Barcelona is a must-see, I recommend getting out of your comfort zone and being mesmerized by the unique region of northeastern Spain – Catalonia!
To a lot of people, when you think of Catalonia, you think of Barcelona. But as I said, there is more to it than meets the eye. If you’ve been to Barcelona before and decided to go back, explore more of the Catalonia region with day trips from Barcelona or stay near Barcelona There is much much more to do in this region than you can ever imagine.
Once an ancient country molded by Iberian, Greek, and Roman cultures, Catalonia today attracts travelers as a distinct autonomous community in northeast Spain, full of regional traditions and stories.
Discover Catalonia through your journey to Barcelona, Tarragona, and Girona.
Make Girona Your Home Base
Located between the coastal Costa Brava region and the Pyrenees Mountains, just over an hour’s drive northeast of Barcelona, the city of Girona and its surroundings make a great introduction to Catalonia’s varied landscapes.
Experience Girona’s cultural crossroads through this 6-hour tour from Barcelona to discover this historically rich city and its impressive cultural impact. This tour will put the social and cultural history of Girona into context, while exploring the pivotal role this city has played in the story of Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Once you pass through the city gate and into the historic center of the fortified city you will begin to trace the religious roots planted in Girona’s cobbled streets. Uncover how the Islamic culture influenced Girona’s 12th-century Moorish bath. Witness how preserved the central pool by a dome, and navigate your way through the ruins of the Bayns Arabs.
Gaze upon Romanesque and modernist buildings in one of the world’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Today it remains well preserved, containing a web of narrow medieval alleyways winding through the ancient Call.
Medieval Quarters of Girona
Explore Catedral de Girona, an impressive structure featuring the hallmarks of varying architectural styles. This Cathedral is home to the sacred chapel of Narcism, Girona’s patron saint, and the magnificent 11th-century Tapestry of the Creation, unanimously considered to be a true masterpiece of medieval artwork.
The Girona Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church that locals first began building in the eleventh century – Getty Images
Reward yourself with a reservation for the hallowed 18-course tasting menu at three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca to end your day.
Tarragona – Takes You Back to Roman, Medieval, Modern and, Modernist Eras
This city will surprise you with discoveries of thousands of years of civilization. Charm yourself with the essence of this medieval city untouched by time.
See the Roman Amphitheatre that held fights between gladiators. It is an oval structure overlooking the magnificent sea.
Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona
Once upon a time, Tarragona’s circus used to hold horse and chariot races. It is considered one of the best-preserved circuses in the West.
A Roman-era tower, Praetorium, once housed the stairs that connected the lower city to the provincial forum through the circus connected by underground passageways! Is it not exciting?
Discover the Wines of Catalunya
For wine lovers, you can take a fantastic 4-day tour to experience the best Catalonian wines. This tour is a perfect escape for any wine aficionado!
On your way to the Priorat, you will pass by another famous Catalonian wine region, The Penedès. The Penedès are associated with innovative vineyards and wineries. Stop at one of Virtuoso’s favorite wineries in the Penedes for an introduction to Spanish Cava. Visit a family-owned winery and learn to distinguish the different types of wine and make your bottles. Stay at the Terra Dominicata Hotel & Winery; a brand-new winery/hotel converted from a monastery nestled in the mountains of Priorat.
Vineyard at Penedès
Another exciting day awaits as you begin your day with a stroll through the ruins of the Carthusian Monastery in Scala Dei. Here you will learn about the origin of wine in the region.
Continue with an exclusive visit to the Scala Dei winery, one of the most historic wineries in the region.
Have lunch at one of Virtuoso’s favorite local restaurants. Lunch will consist of a tasting of 5 excellent dishes, each accompanied by an appropriate Priorat wine, a delight to the eye, the nose, and the palate.
Burn all the calories by strolling around this picturesque cliff-top village. See its Romanesque church and lovely stone buildings. Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in what is now known as Catalonia.
This tour offers so much more! I guarantee that you’d have the memories you won’t forget.
Revisit Barcelona!
Find artistic refuge and a great time in Sitges. Catalan’s character is said to swing between seny and rauxa, which roughly translates to between “good sense” and “fits of madness.” Locals say that the same with Sitges. At first glance, this seemingly quiet seaside town presents itself as a sanctuary of picturesque white houses and delicious seafood. However, Sitges is the birthplace of Catalan modernism and home to a raucous LGBTQ-friendly carnival in February.
Sitges on the Balearic Sea – Getty Images
Have a rum tasting at Casa Bacardi, dedicated to the founder of the famous brand Facundo Bacardi.
An Ode to Art and Architecture Enthusiast
Want the best of Barcelona’s architecture? This day tour includes the best of the best. Indulge yourself in Gaudi’s masterpiece, the impressive but unfinished Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
Visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s most colorful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia to view Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city, the medieval Gothic Quarter. Visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
Sweet treats at La Boqueria Market. Photo Cindy Dykman
The La Boqueria Culinary Experience
Take your taste buds for an experience in Barcelona they will never forget through a mouthwatering tour of La Boqueria Market! La Boqueria Market is Barcelona’s most famous market where even professional chefs get their freshest ingredients.
Explore culinary delights from cured meats to olives. From Ham, edible flowers, salted cod, sweetest treats to delicious ice cream. Discover exquisite flavors of Barcelona that will surely make you crave more. Be sure to have a meal at one of the restaurants in the market. It will be a highlight of your vacation!
Cured Meats at La Boqueria
Need a perfectly designed itinerary to Catalonia? Click here to schedule, and we’ll chat soon!
Produced by Virtuoso with the Catalan Tourist Board and Inspired Travel Designs