Itinerary Highlights

  • Enjoy Catalan hospitality at historic countryside hideaways
  • Hike or bike through natural parks in the Pyrenees
  • Spend a day exploring hidden coves along the Costa Brava aboard a private boat
  • Discover Priorat and the region’s award-winning wines
  • Explore Barcelona’s atmospheric streets, top restaurants and art nouveau architectural confections

Follow in Our Footsteps

Editor’s Itinerary

Catalonia
Duration: 10 Days
In the northeast of Spain lies Catalonia, an inviting region of diverse landscapes, medieval villages, a superlative culinary scene and a thriving wine industry, plus the vibrant city of Barcelona. On this 10-day itinerary, you’ll lounge poolside, get your heart pumping on a bike ride or hike in the Pyrenees (or enjoy the mountain scenery on a drive), relax on the golden beaches of the Costa Brava, dine exceptionally well in the wine country of Priorat and get lost in the winding lanes of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. This driving trip will take you through the best of Catalonia.
2 Nights

Pyrenees

STAY

Once you arrive in Barcelona, you’ll transfer two hours north to the town of Bolvir in the Pyrenees. Check into the 24-room Torre del Remei. Accommodations are divided between the historic mansion, designed by architect Calixto Freixa, a disciple of Gaudí’s, and an adjacent annex occupying the property’s former stables. Contemporary rooms in the annex offer more privacy and exclusivity.

DINE

Though the dining room serves delicious Catalan fare, consider leaving the estate for a lunch at the exceptionally friendly Terra de Pics restaurant, just a five-minute drive away.

EXPLORE

Nestled amid an idyllic natural environment composed of lush green hills, imposing mountains and manicured estate gardens, Torre del Remei is a fine base for both outdoor enthusiasts — biking, hiking, skiing and golf opportunities are abundant — and travelers looking to unwind with a book by the beautiful pool.

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Torre del Remei

Two hours north of Barcelona, Torre del Remei stands amid parklike grounds backdropped by the Pyrenees.

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2 Nights

Costa Brava

STAY

Head from the mountains down to the breathtaking Costa Brava, which translates as “wild coast.” Backdropped by the Pyrenees, it features a rugged beauty distinguished by hidden coves, striking cliffs and unspoiled beaches. Situated on the outskirts of the small town of Torrent in a picturesque rural setting, the Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa instantly impresses with its spectacular entrance flanked by mature olive trees and a vineyard. Preferred guest accommodations are housed within a renovated 18th-century masia (Catalan farmhouse). Amenities include several inviting reading rooms; a turquoise-blue outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lemon and palm trees; a tennis court; and a lavish spa with a fitness center, adults-only heated lap pool and water-circuit facilities.

DINE

Exceptional Catalan cuisine is served at the hotel’s restaurant, but if you want to dine where the locals eat, have lunch at El Racó, a delightful eatery at the far end of the Costa Brava’s long, sandy Sant Antoni de Calonge beach. The simple nautical décor of crisp white tablecloths and dark blue place mats provides an ideal setting to enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes. The region’s famed red shrimp, which have an intense bright color and are especially sweet and succulent, are highly recommended.

EXPLORE

Reserve a half-day excursion aboard the hotel’s glamorous private yacht to explore the Costa Brava. We had a fantastic afternoon led by a knowledgeable skipper who took us into dramatic coves to snorkel and paddleboard. The small cities of Girona and Figueras also merit exploration (the latter is home to the colorful Dalí Theatre-Museum).

Stay Overnight

Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa

Set in a picturesque rural setting on the Costa Brava, the Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa on an 18th-century farmstead is located two hours northeast of Barcelona.

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2 Nights

Barcelona

STAY

From the Costa Brava, it’s two hours to Montserrat. After exploring the spectacularly sited Benedictine monastery there, turn south toward Barcelona. Check into Hotel Mirlo, an inviting historic property that’s easily accessible by car on the northwestern edge of the city in the Tibidabo neighborhood.

DINE

Nearby is ABaC, a Michelin three-star restaurant. In the sleek and stylish space housed in a pavilion adjacent to a lush garden, chef Jordi Cruz showcases the bounty of local produce in 19-course tasting menus, including dishes such as fried brioche stuffed with grilled eel, Figueras onion soup with smoked egg and an oyster marinated in pineapple juice and kombucha. Across the street from Hotel Mirlo, Asador Aranda offers a magnificent venue to enjoy traditional Catalan dishes. The specialty here is cochinillo (roast suckling pig), which comes with perfectly juicy meat and crackly, crunchy skin.

EXPLORE

The hotel is within walking distance of the famous Gaudí-designed Parc Güell. We also recommend making an excursion to Colònia Güell, a utopian factory town also designed by Gaudí (but never completed). A guide there is particularly worthwhile and can be arranged by the Travel Office.

Stay Overnight

Hotel Mirlo

Hotel Mirlo is a luxurious wellness retreat housed within an impressive mansion in the upscale residential neighborhood of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.

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2 Nights

Priorat

STAY

Two hours west is the wine region of Priorat, in the province of Tarragona. Spend two nights at Terra Dominicata Hotel & Winery. This family-owned hideaway tucked within Montsant Natural Park encompasses a first-rate restaurant, bohemian-chic rooms, an outdoor wellness area, a pool and, most convenient, a superb on-site winery.

DINE

Consider dining at the restaurant in the Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno, a short drive away. The hotel is not up to Harper standards, but its restaurant’s gastronomic multicourse tasting menus are exemplary.

EXPLORE

With a winemaking history dating at least to Roman times, Priorat attained its prestigious DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) status in 2000 and produces some of the most coveted wines in Spain. Book a tour and tasting at the hotel’s superb on-site winery to sample Domus Aquilae, Dominicata’s rich, full-bodied red made from old-vine Garnacha grapes. The Travel Office can arrange a tour of nearby wineries.

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Terra Dominicata Hotel & Winery

Terra Dominicata Hotel & Winery is a charming family-run hotel located two hours west of Barcelona in the vineyard-covered Priorat wine region.

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3 Nights

Barcelona

STAY

Head back to Barcelona and check into either the Majestic Hotel & Spa, a grand family-owned property built in 1918, or the elegant Mandarin Oriental, which has a rooftop pool and bar with 360-degree views. Both are centrally located on the Passeig de Gràcia in the fashionable Eixample district, near Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló.

DINE

One evening, you might start with a well-crafted cocktail at Dry Martini, an elegant bar with leather banquettes that has one of the world’s best selections of gins. Fine dinner options nearby include Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo for excellent tapas or La Dama, which serves a more formal menu of Italian- and French-inspired cuisine that highlights sustainably sourced local seafood.

EXPLORE

Spend the next few days exploring Spain’s liveliest city, where narrow pedestrianized lanes lace the Gothic Quarter and Gaudí’s modernista (art nouveau) masterpieces dot the city. Stroll down bustling Las Ramblas, explore boutiques and galleries in the stylish Gràcia neighborhood, indulge in local culinary delights at La Boqueria market and/or unwind at Barceloneta Beach. Consider booking a food tour, taking in a flamenco show at the Flamenco City Hall Theatre (dance classes are also offered) and enjoying a concert in the opulent Palau de la Música Catalana.

Stay Overnight

Majestic Hotel & Spa

The grand family-owned Majestic Hotel & Spa was built in 1918 and is near Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló.

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